Many people believe that bureaucracies are filled with minions, addled by boring and repetitive tasks, simply filling in time, and living mundane and pitiful lives. In this view, bureaucracy, or government, is therefore a nonsensical blight on mankind and must be reduced, if not stopped altogether, though this is probably impossible. The anarchist, (1) Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) is an exciting to read in this area. If we adopt this view, then we must realize that its sycophants are not elected but wield enormous power.
Continue reading I must be willing to change
The family
The family has been at the core of human development since time immemorial. The first man, according to Judea-Christian tradition, even after the Fall, (1) was allowed to form a family. Though problems did occur, with God eventually deciding to cleanse the world with the Flood, (2) he still allowed Noah and his relations to survive and build a civilization.
Continue reading The family
Virtual reality
What is wrong with the concept of virtual reality? Nothing, but it is, well, virtual — not authentic! This is analogous to reading about a country, but never visiting it. You are left with an impression, but you do not experience the true sights and smells. I often think of young people today, for example. Very few have ever had a part-time job. They are then suddenly thrust into the real world of employment — the early-morning hours, the office politics, and the stress. It is totally understandable why so many want to escape and “lie flat.” (1)
Continue reading Virtual reality
Friendship
This is a topic that is fraught with undue amounts of pain and frustration. When we gain consciousness at 20 or so, we realize, fundamentally, that we are alone. — at least all thoughtful people do. Life then becomes an attempt to bridge the distance between other beings in our society and meet people who are like me
Continue reading Friendship
The explorer within
I am a very conservative man. But, like most of us, I harbor a deep affection for the renegade, the bon vivant, the explorer, and the adventurer — the person who breaks conventional norms and steps into something unique, something different. That said, the true quest, I maintain, is to embark on the great crusade that is within me. Where can I go with my life? What undiscovered territories and lands reside inside of me?
Continue reading The explorer within
Our personal temple
The body is our private sanctuary, is it not? That said, over the decades, there seems to be a remarkable explosion of tattoos littering the corporeal landscape. The ones I greatly enjoy are those to be seen in the most frigid of weather. Their display is only amplified by the dearth of clothing which should be covering an exposed piece of flesh. Why do we deem it necessary to mutilate our temple – our own piece of God’s gift of life? This is because we are subject to an overabundance of displays and ideas.
Continue reading Our personal temple
Real success
We live in a world of success, have you ever noticed? If you go to the Internet, you would think that the human race is peopled with gorgeous women and Adonis-like (1) men. We are all charming and elegant and, most importantly of all, rich!
Continue reading Real success
The great joy in discovering that I am alive!
At 20 or so, the awareness that I am alive and conscious is a startling realization, for most. It comes with a host of additional revelations — the capacity to think freely, the ability to make plans, and the acceptance of myself as a being in the world are but a few. I then, abruptly, comprehend that I may be cognizant, but I am undeveloped, unsophisticated, and lacking in a sense of direction.
Continue reading The great joy in discovering that I am alive!
I don’t get it!
There is so much in life that I just don’t understand. Things to me that are self-evident, appear at times, to not be the same to other people. I ask, is this because of culture or ethnicity, or age? Why do I remark on events that others simply do not notice?
Continue reading I don’t get it!
The path forward
It would be fair to say that until very recently, in terms of world history, life was relatively simple. My path forward at birth was, virtually, predetermined. If my father were of the working class, I usually found employment in some aspect of the industrial sector.
Continue reading The path forward