Part 1
This is the introduction for a series intended to explore some of the different viewpoints that I often encounter when talking with friends of mine. Recently I was engaged in a conversation about how meaningless life is… if it’s lived without a purpose. The question that never seems to go away is “Why am I here?” This was also the driving force behind the "hippie movement"… and to be more specific every generation since the beginning of time.
The human tendency is to always desire “more.” This is why people who are given power often abuse it. The idea that we can create our own destiny is so alluring. I absolutely agree that words carry creative power. When God created the world, he “spoke the word.” The Bible says that we were created in God’s image; therefore our words also contain creative power. However, that does not supersede the sovereignty of God… God cannot do anything that is contrary to His nature. He has to work within those parameters. We can only expect to receive that which we believe for will happen if it is aligned with God’s will.
It becomes clear that there is a certain level of personal abandonment that must be constantly evaluated and monitored if we are to find our rightful place. There is a tendency to surmise that acts of Christian service are only carried out in hopes of receiving God’s blessing in exchange. I’m persuaded that in many cases this has indeed occurred, and it has derailed many people from reaching their spiritual potential. I’m not saying that God doesn’t want to bless his children, but I am compelled to believe this statement: God is interested in the long term vision for your life, but our happiness and comfort aren’t his highest goals – Andy Park
In life you can either have God’s vision or your default self-centered/ survival vision. A survival vision says that I’ll only do what is necessary to get along in the world; I will only do what brings me happiness and satisfaction. A vision birthed of the spirit of God comes from hearing God speak. It will be impossible for you to do on your own… and it will force you to trust God absolutely. It will require an act of faith on your part to put it into motion.
There are several verses that tie in with what I have talked about… I won’t expound upon them, but I do think they need to be considered.
Proverbs 30: 8-9 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God.
Proverbs 22:4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Proverbs 28: 27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Paul who is an apostle/ pastor is writing to the Church in Corinth:
I Corinthians 2 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 9: 7-19 and 24-27
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn't the Law say the same thing? 9For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. ... Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Equality: Lost in Translation
I’ve grown quite accustomed to first addressing my audience before I begin a new essay. I find that it’s easier to write about an unknown topic when I’m not starting with a blank page. This winter I took a creative writing course, which is part of the reason as to why I haven’t had the chance to post anything recently. If you’re interested in reading the stories I wrote for the course you can visit: http://life-beautiful-dream.deviantart.com/
*****
Have you ever had a thought that seems at first to be out of place, but isn’t given any attention? Whenever that happens, it immediately sets into motion a brewing of exploratory speculation. This always results in what other people may call a burst of spontaneous creativity, but my thought process isn’t so easily defined. Today I would like to discuss a rather controversial matter, without bias or favouritism towards one side over the other. Unfortunately, writing as a Caucasian male destroys most of my credibility; it’s all Oprah’s fault.
People are very quick to say things like “I wish that everyone in the world had food to eat each day.” There is nothing wrong with feeling compassionate towards those who are less fortunate, but at the same time if the wish were to come true, chaos would very quickly ensue. The cost of food would go through the roof and an increased population would very rapidly deplete the world food supply. I’m not trying to sound cruel, nor argue that death by starvation is pleasant or right. The truth is that it’s often very difficult to determine the best solution for a particular problem without amassing casualties.
I will follow that same logic, but now apply it in relation to gender stereotypes and equality. Society tends to be clueless as to the sex based roles that must be in place in order to maintain a healthy community. There is nothing about marginalizing the rights of women that is worthy of accolade. Women haven’t always received the compensation they deserve in the workplace, and there is no excuse for that. However, there are an increasing number of single parent families or even married couples who don’t spend time teaching their kids life skills. You can’t tell me that taking a mother away from her kids will make life better for them. These kids have become virtual Crown Wards and the subjects of unwarranted social experimentation.
We can look at society and say that it is more advanced than it’s ever been,but it would also be very foolish to ignore the signs of decay. Every great civilization that has been brought to ruin made several fatal decisions. If we are wise, we will measure our current state of affairs by comparing ourselves with them. History isn’t an idealist; it’s just the most commonly agreed upon interpretation of reality. Edward Gibbon’s wrote a book titled The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” He placed the blame squarely on the loss of civic virtue. Similar conclusions were made by Jim N. Black in his book “When Nations Die.”
o Economic reasons
- Loss of economic discipline
- Riches brought an insatiable desire for luxury and carnal indulgences.
- Widespread gambling on the chariot races and gladiatorial combats.
o Social reasons
- Homosexuality and bestiality were openly practiced.
- Children were seen as a needless burden and abortion
and infanticide became commonplace
- It was convenient and cost effective to hire or buy a slave tutor
- Increase in materialism.
o Political reasons
- Division between the Senate and Emperor
- Rhetoric became combative and intolerant
- New thinkers argued for “fundamental change”
- Over a span of 100 years, Rome had 37 different emperors - 25 of whom were
removed from office by assassination.
o Military reasons
- Thirst of fame and military glory
- Law and order were destroyed from within.
- Rich young men no longer wanted to serve in the military so they hired
mercenaries to do their fighting.
- Men from conquered nations were allowed to join the Roman army
o Summary
- Life became cheap - bloodshed led to more bloodshed and extreme cruelty. The values, the ideals, customs, traditions and institutions, of the Romans declined. The basic principles, standards and judgments about what was valuable or important in life also declined. The total disregard for human and animal life resulted in a lack of ethics - a perverted view of what was right and wrong, good and bad, desirable and undesirable. There was no conformity to acceptable rules or standards of human behaviour.
The parallels are striking, and I’m sobered by the ignorant majority who would say that everything is ok. That is the equivalent of saying that rust will go away by itself, or that there is just a little bit of cancer. Sometimes it’s easy to think that progress always bends in positive direction. We are so often blinded by indifference, and would be shocked if we could see just how fragmented and fragile everything really is.
I’m not generally a gloom and doom type of person; my hope is that we are stirred to do things that strengthen our communities and ultimately the nation. I would simply suggest that you take time to evaluate life… and be reminded that every decision you make, directly or indirectly, affects the life of somebody else.
*****
Have you ever had a thought that seems at first to be out of place, but isn’t given any attention? Whenever that happens, it immediately sets into motion a brewing of exploratory speculation. This always results in what other people may call a burst of spontaneous creativity, but my thought process isn’t so easily defined. Today I would like to discuss a rather controversial matter, without bias or favouritism towards one side over the other. Unfortunately, writing as a Caucasian male destroys most of my credibility; it’s all Oprah’s fault.
People are very quick to say things like “I wish that everyone in the world had food to eat each day.” There is nothing wrong with feeling compassionate towards those who are less fortunate, but at the same time if the wish were to come true, chaos would very quickly ensue. The cost of food would go through the roof and an increased population would very rapidly deplete the world food supply. I’m not trying to sound cruel, nor argue that death by starvation is pleasant or right. The truth is that it’s often very difficult to determine the best solution for a particular problem without amassing casualties.
I will follow that same logic, but now apply it in relation to gender stereotypes and equality. Society tends to be clueless as to the sex based roles that must be in place in order to maintain a healthy community. There is nothing about marginalizing the rights of women that is worthy of accolade. Women haven’t always received the compensation they deserve in the workplace, and there is no excuse for that. However, there are an increasing number of single parent families or even married couples who don’t spend time teaching their kids life skills. You can’t tell me that taking a mother away from her kids will make life better for them. These kids have become virtual Crown Wards and the subjects of unwarranted social experimentation.
We can look at society and say that it is more advanced than it’s ever been,but it would also be very foolish to ignore the signs of decay. Every great civilization that has been brought to ruin made several fatal decisions. If we are wise, we will measure our current state of affairs by comparing ourselves with them. History isn’t an idealist; it’s just the most commonly agreed upon interpretation of reality. Edward Gibbon’s wrote a book titled The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” He placed the blame squarely on the loss of civic virtue. Similar conclusions were made by Jim N. Black in his book “When Nations Die.”
o Economic reasons
- Loss of economic discipline
- Riches brought an insatiable desire for luxury and carnal indulgences.
- Widespread gambling on the chariot races and gladiatorial combats.
o Social reasons
- Homosexuality and bestiality were openly practiced.
- Children were seen as a needless burden and abortion
and infanticide became commonplace
- It was convenient and cost effective to hire or buy a slave tutor
- Increase in materialism.
o Political reasons
- Division between the Senate and Emperor
- Rhetoric became combative and intolerant
- New thinkers argued for “fundamental change”
- Over a span of 100 years, Rome had 37 different emperors - 25 of whom were
removed from office by assassination.
o Military reasons
- Thirst of fame and military glory
- Law and order were destroyed from within.
- Rich young men no longer wanted to serve in the military so they hired
mercenaries to do their fighting.
- Men from conquered nations were allowed to join the Roman army
o Summary
- Life became cheap - bloodshed led to more bloodshed and extreme cruelty. The values, the ideals, customs, traditions and institutions, of the Romans declined. The basic principles, standards and judgments about what was valuable or important in life also declined. The total disregard for human and animal life resulted in a lack of ethics - a perverted view of what was right and wrong, good and bad, desirable and undesirable. There was no conformity to acceptable rules or standards of human behaviour.
The parallels are striking, and I’m sobered by the ignorant majority who would say that everything is ok. That is the equivalent of saying that rust will go away by itself, or that there is just a little bit of cancer. Sometimes it’s easy to think that progress always bends in positive direction. We are so often blinded by indifference, and would be shocked if we could see just how fragmented and fragile everything really is.
I’m not generally a gloom and doom type of person; my hope is that we are stirred to do things that strengthen our communities and ultimately the nation. I would simply suggest that you take time to evaluate life… and be reminded that every decision you make, directly or indirectly, affects the life of somebody else.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Holiday Musings
In recent days I have felt more cynical and pessimistic than I have at any point in my life. I don’t believe that it’s a place in which I can allow myself to stay. I would be foolish not to acknowledge that there are depths of humanity that shouldn't be pondered or dismissed as insignificant.
The Christmas Holidays are among the most difficult for me to summarize in regards to an overall sense of happiness. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the exchanging of gifts, or enjoy spending time with my family. Even if I cringe by the tenth time I’ve heard the same carol, I am glad to be reminded of the Christmas story. The thing that causes me the most frustration is this; if the whole thing is really about celebrating the birth of our Saviour, then we have failed in every single way.
Some of my closest friends (geographically speaking) have long since ceased to measure time by hours and minutes, but instead by how long it takes to empty a Texas Mickey. Obviously this is not an occurrence that exclusively manifests itself at Christmas time, but it does become their excuse to consume alcohol without restraint. Society as a whole can’t rightfully be grouped with those who partake in frivolous rituals for no other purpose than self gratification, but neither would it be considered unrealistic to do so. We have become quite adept at understanding cause and effect when the results are instantaneous. I would suggest that not only are we unable to fully comprehend the relevance our actions have in regards to eternity, but we also have a tendency to believe that our actions are perfectly justifiable.
People generally describe things as they would like it to have been, but not at all as it really was. –Leo Tolstoy
This creates an almost flawless projection of reality. I’m not one to preach about the ability of an individual to interpret reality in such a way that they only experience positivity. I am persuaded that an ideal that can’t possibly be fulfilled is by definition a fantasy. How then, do we view the world in light of all its suffering and injustice? Personally I don’t think we need to look any further than events such as the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994. The world turned a blind eye. Indifference has become our default vantage point. The question is what are we going to do about it? We spend billions of dollars to save baby seals, but simultaneously force thousands of people to file for bankruptcy. The truth is that the proper response to the issue is really quite trivial in relationship to the role in which each person plays in history.
My basic presupposition is that I must do everything in my power to do the things that appear to be most right. Certainly there are parameters whereby that preoccupation must abide or else the world would be perpetual anarchy. Some would say that compromises should be made for the benefit of the whole. The concept is genius, but the premise is flawed. If it wasn’t for the conscience discernment between moral absolutes the separation of the rational from the irrational is essentially an exercise in futility. We could debate theoretical and historical scenarios wherein men were either judged as righteous or condemned for their actions, but King Solomon said it best:
“Fear God. Do what He tells you. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
The Christmas Holidays are among the most difficult for me to summarize in regards to an overall sense of happiness. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the exchanging of gifts, or enjoy spending time with my family. Even if I cringe by the tenth time I’ve heard the same carol, I am glad to be reminded of the Christmas story. The thing that causes me the most frustration is this; if the whole thing is really about celebrating the birth of our Saviour, then we have failed in every single way.
Some of my closest friends (geographically speaking) have long since ceased to measure time by hours and minutes, but instead by how long it takes to empty a Texas Mickey. Obviously this is not an occurrence that exclusively manifests itself at Christmas time, but it does become their excuse to consume alcohol without restraint. Society as a whole can’t rightfully be grouped with those who partake in frivolous rituals for no other purpose than self gratification, but neither would it be considered unrealistic to do so. We have become quite adept at understanding cause and effect when the results are instantaneous. I would suggest that not only are we unable to fully comprehend the relevance our actions have in regards to eternity, but we also have a tendency to believe that our actions are perfectly justifiable.
People generally describe things as they would like it to have been, but not at all as it really was. –Leo Tolstoy
This creates an almost flawless projection of reality. I’m not one to preach about the ability of an individual to interpret reality in such a way that they only experience positivity. I am persuaded that an ideal that can’t possibly be fulfilled is by definition a fantasy. How then, do we view the world in light of all its suffering and injustice? Personally I don’t think we need to look any further than events such as the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994. The world turned a blind eye. Indifference has become our default vantage point. The question is what are we going to do about it? We spend billions of dollars to save baby seals, but simultaneously force thousands of people to file for bankruptcy. The truth is that the proper response to the issue is really quite trivial in relationship to the role in which each person plays in history.
My basic presupposition is that I must do everything in my power to do the things that appear to be most right. Certainly there are parameters whereby that preoccupation must abide or else the world would be perpetual anarchy. Some would say that compromises should be made for the benefit of the whole. The concept is genius, but the premise is flawed. If it wasn’t for the conscience discernment between moral absolutes the separation of the rational from the irrational is essentially an exercise in futility. We could debate theoretical and historical scenarios wherein men were either judged as righteous or condemned for their actions, but King Solomon said it best:
“Fear God. Do what He tells you. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Saturday, December 4, 2010
If A=B and B=C, then A=C
The other day it occurred to me that I had been greatly inspired to write, which is significant due to the recent absence of said inspiration. However, that doesn’t mean that I’m exactly sure what it is that I’ve become so passionate to talk about. By means of comparison the movie “Rudy” sticks out in my mind as being one of the most inspirational success stories. The little scrawny kid scores the game winning touchdown, not because he’s good but because the team felt sorry for him. Upon watching the movie I went for a jog and it felt like I could conquer the world. The point is that I’m never compelled to make an emotive response to that which could be readily duplicated.
Obscurity alone isn’t enough to invoke the intangible sense of corporeity that is essential to effectual communication. All sorts of questions arise in regards to content being fully understood by the audience. We are conditioned to be temperate, inclusive and non-partisan, but at the same time it would be heretical to suggest that a disconnect between artist and audience is nothing more than a disparity of enlightenment. The only way in which my views are shaped is when an element of sagaciousness is woven into the presentation of an idea, image, or concept. If you follow this thought process a little bit farther you begin to see the unattractive nature of folly, the simple appeal of symmetry, and the repulsive state of chaos in which humanity participates; whether willingly or unwillingly.
We are forced to evaluate our own ineptitude to abide in what we would imagine to be an idealistic sanctuary. Sanctuary being defined as the place in which all of our best personal attributes are collectively gathered and used for the mutual betterment of our peers. It makes us stop and ponder about the possibility that just maybe there is a God who set this thing into motion in a logical and orderly fashion. Does it not seem rather odd that there would be such an undeniable sense of self worth that is only experienced when there is evidence indicating that all is well? The concept itself isn’t even limited to Christianity, for there is much talk about alignment of one’s self to “the source.” What I’m trying to establish is that affirmation, purpose and a fixed direction are integral not only to an individual’s role in society, but also his/her responsibility to fulfill their role in history.
Perhaps more than anything else, we as humans struggle with maintaining the proper perspective, in relation to the significance of our lives. State of mind isn’t static. The information we receive is manipulated greatly by a myriad of factors. One of those factors being the presence of emotions that can range from elation to depression. The point is that despite making a concerted effort to reach a target audience there is always a measure of unpredictability. I’m persuaded that truth resounds more resolutely than anything else, as elusive as it may seem to be, it will always present itself in a way that can’t be substituted by anything else.
I will close with by reiterating that which I have previously discussed with a quote made by Professor Hector in -The History Boys, 2006.
“The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.”
Obscurity alone isn’t enough to invoke the intangible sense of corporeity that is essential to effectual communication. All sorts of questions arise in regards to content being fully understood by the audience. We are conditioned to be temperate, inclusive and non-partisan, but at the same time it would be heretical to suggest that a disconnect between artist and audience is nothing more than a disparity of enlightenment. The only way in which my views are shaped is when an element of sagaciousness is woven into the presentation of an idea, image, or concept. If you follow this thought process a little bit farther you begin to see the unattractive nature of folly, the simple appeal of symmetry, and the repulsive state of chaos in which humanity participates; whether willingly or unwillingly.
We are forced to evaluate our own ineptitude to abide in what we would imagine to be an idealistic sanctuary. Sanctuary being defined as the place in which all of our best personal attributes are collectively gathered and used for the mutual betterment of our peers. It makes us stop and ponder about the possibility that just maybe there is a God who set this thing into motion in a logical and orderly fashion. Does it not seem rather odd that there would be such an undeniable sense of self worth that is only experienced when there is evidence indicating that all is well? The concept itself isn’t even limited to Christianity, for there is much talk about alignment of one’s self to “the source.” What I’m trying to establish is that affirmation, purpose and a fixed direction are integral not only to an individual’s role in society, but also his/her responsibility to fulfill their role in history.
Perhaps more than anything else, we as humans struggle with maintaining the proper perspective, in relation to the significance of our lives. State of mind isn’t static. The information we receive is manipulated greatly by a myriad of factors. One of those factors being the presence of emotions that can range from elation to depression. The point is that despite making a concerted effort to reach a target audience there is always a measure of unpredictability. I’m persuaded that truth resounds more resolutely than anything else, as elusive as it may seem to be, it will always present itself in a way that can’t be substituted by anything else.
I will close with by reiterating that which I have previously discussed with a quote made by Professor Hector in -The History Boys, 2006.
“The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.”
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Of Men and Wizards
This article might only be significant because it is the first one that I’ve written on my new computer. I’m using a fairly legitimate version of Microsoft Word 2007, which also means that the default text isn’t Times New Romans!
In many ways starting a new piece of work is exciting, challenging, and limitless in terms of choosing a specific topic. However, as the author I sometimes feel like the confinements of my own life experience hinder my ability to express feelings and summations that are readily identifiable with those who read them. Perhaps that is why fantasy lands are so easy to manufacture, and temporary residence there becomes a welcome alternative to reality.
Recently I’ve had the peculiar pleasure of having conversation with someone who catches most of the derogatory comments I make in reference to other people. It’s almost a relief to know that someone else finds humour in the subtle jabs which would otherwise go unnoticed. The reason that this is important, is really beyond the comprehension of those individuals who are the frequent causalities of what can only be described as the Massacre of the Dim Witted. I truthfully don’t consider myself to be intellectually superior to anyone; to be amused by something lesser would be counterintuitive, right? My cognitive satisfaction is derived entirely from the ineptitude of perfectly sane individuals who simply don’t comprehend the frailness of the spherical object directly behind their nostrils.
Camaraderie is really the only distinctive element that separates the ignorant from the learned. What good is knowledge if it can’t be accessed on a community based network? Simple things like increasing the size of one’s vocabulary and using correct grammar are fundamental in the conveyance of useable data. The logical conclusion, then, is that the mastery of the rules of comprehensible communication could significantly narrow the gap between a laggard and an intellectual; on that principle alone.
Genius and insanity are inseparable; at least from the view point of the self proclaimed “sane folk.” I don’t believe that people can be too smart for their own good, or that inventions can be ahead of their time. I’m very concerned with the erosion of infrastructure and the careless manner in which it is being handed off to the next generation. Plurality of religion, relationships, and cultural traditions has all but delineated any semblance of a super grid. The information highway is subsequently nothing more than a highly laudable fantasy… rendered indefinitely as nothing more than a secondary highway where upon I’m condemned to travel. It’s really not all that bad I guess; My Masarati vs. the Duncemobile. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
To confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with my brother wizards.
-The Wizard of Oz
In many ways starting a new piece of work is exciting, challenging, and limitless in terms of choosing a specific topic. However, as the author I sometimes feel like the confinements of my own life experience hinder my ability to express feelings and summations that are readily identifiable with those who read them. Perhaps that is why fantasy lands are so easy to manufacture, and temporary residence there becomes a welcome alternative to reality.
Recently I’ve had the peculiar pleasure of having conversation with someone who catches most of the derogatory comments I make in reference to other people. It’s almost a relief to know that someone else finds humour in the subtle jabs which would otherwise go unnoticed. The reason that this is important, is really beyond the comprehension of those individuals who are the frequent causalities of what can only be described as the Massacre of the Dim Witted. I truthfully don’t consider myself to be intellectually superior to anyone; to be amused by something lesser would be counterintuitive, right? My cognitive satisfaction is derived entirely from the ineptitude of perfectly sane individuals who simply don’t comprehend the frailness of the spherical object directly behind their nostrils.
Camaraderie is really the only distinctive element that separates the ignorant from the learned. What good is knowledge if it can’t be accessed on a community based network? Simple things like increasing the size of one’s vocabulary and using correct grammar are fundamental in the conveyance of useable data. The logical conclusion, then, is that the mastery of the rules of comprehensible communication could significantly narrow the gap between a laggard and an intellectual; on that principle alone.
Genius and insanity are inseparable; at least from the view point of the self proclaimed “sane folk.” I don’t believe that people can be too smart for their own good, or that inventions can be ahead of their time. I’m very concerned with the erosion of infrastructure and the careless manner in which it is being handed off to the next generation. Plurality of religion, relationships, and cultural traditions has all but delineated any semblance of a super grid. The information highway is subsequently nothing more than a highly laudable fantasy… rendered indefinitely as nothing more than a secondary highway where upon I’m condemned to travel. It’s really not all that bad I guess; My Masarati vs. the Duncemobile. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
To confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with my brother wizards.
-The Wizard of Oz
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Parallels and Silly Games
I’ve heard it said that the pen is mightier than the sword. It’s a notion that I can appreciate and find solace in. When I take a closer look, the implication seems to be that an idea spelt out on paper is worth more than slaying dragons in one decisive encounter with a sharpened blade. The problem is that even a dull sword can do substantial damage, but a pen that runs dry is rendered completely useless. Dealing with an irritating inconvenience, such as the one at hand, is rather laborious, but ultimately a battle that I refuse to concede.
It starts out so innocuously, when the purpose is to expand ones thoughts. Every attempt to verbalize a new concept or revelation is painfully futile. Such is the ubiquitous reality of being burdened by familiarity. Nothing is more disconcerting than being held prisoner within the stifling parameters of “life experience.” It is logical to presume that to increase in knowledge will alleviate the stranglehold of intellectual stagnation. However, if that belief is erroneous, it would be detrimental to the functional understanding of life’s purpose.
There are not many things that have altered my perception of social interaction more than the residual marriages of convenience. What is truly astounding is how incredibly predictable things become; when they are understood in this context. Conceptually it is easy to pin-point, because culture teaches us that having choice equals empowerment. Freedom of choice is a well known moniker, but it is nothing more than a directionless delineation from an individuals intended destination. Having the ability to choose between something that will benefit you and something that won’t makes the second choice obsolete. Instead there are decisions that need to be made that aren’t based on convenience alone. My objective is to bring awareness to an ideal that is quite often relegated, but the myriad of benefits, associated with mutual altruism, are too valuable to ignore.
As with any type of belief system, it is a very sobering day when you discover that everything you stood for was only a veiled lie. Like it or not most people live their entire lives obsequiously. They unashamedly succumb to selfish gratifications and escalating ambitions. Investing in other people for the sole purpose of personal gain is morally unacceptable and reveals a lack of character. The natural tendency is to elevate ourselves above our peers. We forget that we are all insignificant on our own merit. Social hierarchy is simply a temporary arrangement; it all changes in the world that extends beyond the terra firma.
There is a realm of common ground that can be rightfully celebrated. Certainly many battles have been won and lost on account of able swordsmen, but the celebration of victory is closely linked to the painful anguish of defeat. I’ve weighed the evidence… and it is fair to say, that left to our own devices we are prone to decay. There is an obligation to cultivate investment in the greater good. An idea put into motion can’t be destroyed, even if the ink dries and the parchment rots away.
It starts out so innocuously, when the purpose is to expand ones thoughts. Every attempt to verbalize a new concept or revelation is painfully futile. Such is the ubiquitous reality of being burdened by familiarity. Nothing is more disconcerting than being held prisoner within the stifling parameters of “life experience.” It is logical to presume that to increase in knowledge will alleviate the stranglehold of intellectual stagnation. However, if that belief is erroneous, it would be detrimental to the functional understanding of life’s purpose.
There are not many things that have altered my perception of social interaction more than the residual marriages of convenience. What is truly astounding is how incredibly predictable things become; when they are understood in this context. Conceptually it is easy to pin-point, because culture teaches us that having choice equals empowerment. Freedom of choice is a well known moniker, but it is nothing more than a directionless delineation from an individuals intended destination. Having the ability to choose between something that will benefit you and something that won’t makes the second choice obsolete. Instead there are decisions that need to be made that aren’t based on convenience alone. My objective is to bring awareness to an ideal that is quite often relegated, but the myriad of benefits, associated with mutual altruism, are too valuable to ignore.
As with any type of belief system, it is a very sobering day when you discover that everything you stood for was only a veiled lie. Like it or not most people live their entire lives obsequiously. They unashamedly succumb to selfish gratifications and escalating ambitions. Investing in other people for the sole purpose of personal gain is morally unacceptable and reveals a lack of character. The natural tendency is to elevate ourselves above our peers. We forget that we are all insignificant on our own merit. Social hierarchy is simply a temporary arrangement; it all changes in the world that extends beyond the terra firma.
There is a realm of common ground that can be rightfully celebrated. Certainly many battles have been won and lost on account of able swordsmen, but the celebration of victory is closely linked to the painful anguish of defeat. I’ve weighed the evidence… and it is fair to say, that left to our own devices we are prone to decay. There is an obligation to cultivate investment in the greater good. An idea put into motion can’t be destroyed, even if the ink dries and the parchment rots away.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Essence of Being
I am about to write a few verses of prose that will be among the most compelling poetry of soul, ever to be inscribed on a figuratively majestic sepulchre. There is an incipient comprehension of eloquence that reaches beyond descriptive limits. Breath is shortened, eyes glaze over; enchanted. Overwhelmed by the resonating harmony, a rhythm starts pounding on a hollow chest. Awakening in a land where everything is bright and colourful, you find yourself content in the moment, you softly whisper; I’m free.
Spatial relations are suddenly askew… you can’t help but suspect you’ve joined Alice and crew. Pinching yourself, you find that you’re still you. Your ashen face reflects off the polished mirror. Something is different, though nothing has changed. In the moments that follow you stumble upon revelation after revelation. Visionary introspection, fleeting though it be, has left a deposit of insight so prolific that it explains this sudden onset of cerebellitis.
There is a plethora of viable theories based on our existential philosophies that would indicate that there is a personal responsibility to find the meaning of life. To argue such a basic premise would be somewhat ludicrous, but at the same time it would be psychotic to place complete faith in an outlook formed by general consensus, rather than examine the inherent elements from which we build community. It is not a matter of becoming a self-fulfilled individual among a myriad of lives stymied by ignorance.
Perhaps the science of thought is a shot in the dark. The path, upon which psychological theories are illumined, is quite well beaten. Continued observation has revealed the astonishingly predictable behaviour of mankind in general. This reality suggests that individuality can and only be significant when it is entwined within the overall progression of society. The implication is that a sense of acceptance in terms of emotional, spiritual, and intellectual ascent becomes the pinnacle factor in accurately deciphering personal significance.
In a perfect world I would have been appointed Poet Laureate; with monarchial backing and public accolades. It would be a special honour, which would be burdensome to wear. If that were the case though, I fear that my thirst for glory and respect would always starve for more, even if I had it all. Unsightly and broken we project an illusion of greatness that we forget is transparent. Purist contentment and assurance of place are indeed desirable and attainable, yet so equally weighted, within and without.
Spatial relations are suddenly askew… you can’t help but suspect you’ve joined Alice and crew. Pinching yourself, you find that you’re still you. Your ashen face reflects off the polished mirror. Something is different, though nothing has changed. In the moments that follow you stumble upon revelation after revelation. Visionary introspection, fleeting though it be, has left a deposit of insight so prolific that it explains this sudden onset of cerebellitis.
There is a plethora of viable theories based on our existential philosophies that would indicate that there is a personal responsibility to find the meaning of life. To argue such a basic premise would be somewhat ludicrous, but at the same time it would be psychotic to place complete faith in an outlook formed by general consensus, rather than examine the inherent elements from which we build community. It is not a matter of becoming a self-fulfilled individual among a myriad of lives stymied by ignorance.
Perhaps the science of thought is a shot in the dark. The path, upon which psychological theories are illumined, is quite well beaten. Continued observation has revealed the astonishingly predictable behaviour of mankind in general. This reality suggests that individuality can and only be significant when it is entwined within the overall progression of society. The implication is that a sense of acceptance in terms of emotional, spiritual, and intellectual ascent becomes the pinnacle factor in accurately deciphering personal significance.
In a perfect world I would have been appointed Poet Laureate; with monarchial backing and public accolades. It would be a special honour, which would be burdensome to wear. If that were the case though, I fear that my thirst for glory and respect would always starve for more, even if I had it all. Unsightly and broken we project an illusion of greatness that we forget is transparent. Purist contentment and assurance of place are indeed desirable and attainable, yet so equally weighted, within and without.
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