New post on the photo blog. Going to have another one up very soon, soon enough that I won't bother posting it here. Oh, I'm in Austria. Yes, I'm dating Vy despite not sharing a primary language.
FYI - I think absolute conviction is a weakness. I hope to never believe in anything so strongly that I'm not willing to accept the possibility of an alternative or that I may be incorrect.
Second point - English is surprisingly difficult.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Thoughts
So, have I made any important discoveries, any wisdom to share with my readers and future self? Of course not, with a preamble like that any shared wisdom would have to be quite overarching and, well, wise sounding. I can't imagine I haven't discussed it before, but I've come to the conclusion that if it sounds wise, it's probably not. Wisdom dispensed never comes out sounding wise, it always comes out sounding plain or obvious...or wrong. And besides, wisdom is fairly relative, because at some level we make decisions about our priorities, and wisdom is only a way to live according to those priorities. Not everyone has the same priorities. Maybe in that short sentence is wisdom…disguised.
It takes a lot to be aware and accepting of that little fact. Not everyone has the same priorities. When we meet someone with different priorities, it's easy to be dismissive or condescending. "The only reason he wants X is because he doesn't yet realize that X is transient/corporeal/stupid. Y is what's truly important." There is no universal set of priorities. People will always disagree on fundamental issues, and people will always want to be understood before trying to understand...or without trying to understand.
One new tenet I've been trying to follow is odd-sounding on the first run. As a matter of fact, I was a bit dismissive when I first heard it. A friend was telling me about some personal problems, and about how her psychologist had told her "Make no decisions." I thought, “Oh God, more psycho babble. That certainly sounds reasonable.”…little known fact – my inner monologue has a Valley Girl accent. The real meaning here is not that we should stay ever undecided, but that we should avoid making statements that we choose to apply over the rest of our lives. Never make a statement that you're not willing to go back on - the stubbornness that comes from a desire to "stay true to who we are" can lead to mistakes. First of all, whatever we do defines who we are - is the worry that we might someday step outside those bounds and become someone else? We are our actions, not our thoughts or decisions. I try to think about whether a decision I've made is a decision I would make again, given the chance today. And of course…I have that chance, every day. Persistence is a virtue and a necessary component of a productive life (for most people), but only when we persist in acts of value and worth.
It takes a lot to be aware and accepting of that little fact. Not everyone has the same priorities. When we meet someone with different priorities, it's easy to be dismissive or condescending. "The only reason he wants X is because he doesn't yet realize that X is transient/corporeal/stupid. Y is what's truly important." There is no universal set of priorities. People will always disagree on fundamental issues, and people will always want to be understood before trying to understand...or without trying to understand.
One new tenet I've been trying to follow is odd-sounding on the first run. As a matter of fact, I was a bit dismissive when I first heard it. A friend was telling me about some personal problems, and about how her psychologist had told her "Make no decisions." I thought, “Oh God, more psycho babble. That certainly sounds reasonable.”…little known fact – my inner monologue has a Valley Girl accent. The real meaning here is not that we should stay ever undecided, but that we should avoid making statements that we choose to apply over the rest of our lives. Never make a statement that you're not willing to go back on - the stubbornness that comes from a desire to "stay true to who we are" can lead to mistakes. First of all, whatever we do defines who we are - is the worry that we might someday step outside those bounds and become someone else? We are our actions, not our thoughts or decisions. I try to think about whether a decision I've made is a decision I would make again, given the chance today. And of course…I have that chance, every day. Persistence is a virtue and a necessary component of a productive life (for most people), but only when we persist in acts of value and worth.
Monday, June 30, 2008
A little Aaron info
Well, my Europe trip is fast approaching. I'll be leaving July 25...less than 4 weeks. I'm staying in Vienna, Austria with a friend I met on a different trip, and while normally someone with my age and education might travel to teach, I'll be a student at the HochschülerInnenschaft an der Universität Wien...but for just one class - Intensive German. I'll be continuing my current work and likely continuing a frugal lifestyle given the horrid exchange rate, despite the fact that work is, for the most part, going very well.
So that's the gist of my agenda. Good times.
My loyal readers might notice a lack of activity on this blog. Sure - I've been busy with work and studying my German (I'm quite happy with where I'm at - I've worked hard at it and I'm seeing good results. I won't have any problems getting around, but I'll be quickly identifiable as a non-native speaker). I don't know though, I'm a firm believer that you do the things you make time for. I guess for me, I've been on a blogging break. It's not over, either. It's unusual, because very often over the last few months I've had ideas I'd have really loved to blog about (since I try to keep things as free as possible of personal updates, like the one above) but the desire wasn't there to write it out. It's unfortunate, because this blog is like an "idea repository" for me, and through it I have a means to store my thoughts for later review and critique (oh, I was so naive!).
So that's the gist of my agenda. Good times.
My loyal readers might notice a lack of activity on this blog. Sure - I've been busy with work and studying my German (I'm quite happy with where I'm at - I've worked hard at it and I'm seeing good results. I won't have any problems getting around, but I'll be quickly identifiable as a non-native speaker). I don't know though, I'm a firm believer that you do the things you make time for. I guess for me, I've been on a blogging break. It's not over, either. It's unusual, because very often over the last few months I've had ideas I'd have really loved to blog about (since I try to keep things as free as possible of personal updates, like the one above) but the desire wasn't there to write it out. It's unfortunate, because this blog is like an "idea repository" for me, and through it I have a means to store my thoughts for later review and critique (oh, I was so naive!).
Friday, March 14, 2008
A little on politics
Below is a video purportedly for Ron Paul, a not-so well-known presidential candidate. I'm posting it because of it's message, and because of the messages from Kennedy and Martin Luther King...and because of it's message. I'm not a Ron Paul supporter, but I'm not so proud that I won't acknowledge what I think is a good point.
My thoughts here:
I sincerely doubt this video was actually removed, I think that's a stunt for publicity.
Particularly poignant points...without debate, without criticism, no administration and no government can succeed...and no civilization can survive. That is why our press is given the first amendment - the only industry with government protection.
Preemptive war is, simply put, a bad thing. It's ridiculous that we're attacking others because they might attack us. We're committing the invasion...
Lastly...the dangers of "excessive and unwarranted concealment of facts far outweigh the dangers that are cited to justify it". "...there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand it's means to the very limits of censorship and concealment." The liberties being taken by our president under the guise of "national security" greatly concern me, but not nearly as much as the eagerness of the public to accept it.
People are different, and I don't begrudge the president his belief that more governmental oversight is the right solution. I worry instead, that so many people willfully accept this, welcome it with open arms. I don't begrudge the president for trying to keep us safe through war - I don't believe that violence prevents violence, but that doesn't make me right. I worry instead about how willingly the American people gloss over the idea.
Anyway, I won't bore you with extended political chat. If you read even this far, thank you, and I hope you can enjoy the video.
My thoughts here:
I sincerely doubt this video was actually removed, I think that's a stunt for publicity.
Particularly poignant points...without debate, without criticism, no administration and no government can succeed...and no civilization can survive. That is why our press is given the first amendment - the only industry with government protection.
Preemptive war is, simply put, a bad thing. It's ridiculous that we're attacking others because they might attack us. We're committing the invasion...
Lastly...the dangers of "excessive and unwarranted concealment of facts far outweigh the dangers that are cited to justify it". "...there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand it's means to the very limits of censorship and concealment." The liberties being taken by our president under the guise of "national security" greatly concern me, but not nearly as much as the eagerness of the public to accept it.
People are different, and I don't begrudge the president his belief that more governmental oversight is the right solution. I worry instead, that so many people willfully accept this, welcome it with open arms. I don't begrudge the president for trying to keep us safe through war - I don't believe that violence prevents violence, but that doesn't make me right. I worry instead about how willingly the American people gloss over the idea.
Anyway, I won't bore you with extended political chat. If you read even this far, thank you, and I hope you can enjoy the video.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Untitled
The only worthwhile competition is life takes place with yourself. On one side is who you are, on the other is what you can be. It's not the kind of competition you can ever win, you can only understand that with effort, with diligence, you can gain ground.
While I'm pitching platitudes - The only truth about life is the truth you make. Consciously or subconsciously we define ourselves and to a lesser extent our reality. There is a real world, but our experience therein is subjective.
Finally...no real wisdom can be transferred. The difference between knowledge and wisdom is knowledge is not subjective - knowledge can be transferred, it is a set of useful facts. Wisdom is the basis for one's decisions, one's actions in life, one's personal philosophy. We can only come to these through experience, through life and the act of living. Wisdom put into words comes out plain, lifeless, dull - trite or nonsensical.
With knowledge, we can be shown new things and come to know them. With wisdom, others can only put into words what we already know, and we can agree or disagree, but never learn. The words we find most wise are merely the words that express a personal belief - personal wisdom - eloquently or cleverly.
EDIT: This post has a conflict with a previous post, "Knowledge vs. Wisdom". I attribute this conflict to the limitations of knowledge and not an actual fundamental change in belief. The wisdom in the previous post was in reference mostly to a kind of "knowledge-enabler", or knowledge foundation. Today, I probably wouldn't use the word wisdom to refer to what I had called wisdom in that post.
While I'm pitching platitudes - The only truth about life is the truth you make. Consciously or subconsciously we define ourselves and to a lesser extent our reality. There is a real world, but our experience therein is subjective.
Finally...no real wisdom can be transferred. The difference between knowledge and wisdom is knowledge is not subjective - knowledge can be transferred, it is a set of useful facts. Wisdom is the basis for one's decisions, one's actions in life, one's personal philosophy. We can only come to these through experience, through life and the act of living. Wisdom put into words comes out plain, lifeless, dull - trite or nonsensical.
With knowledge, we can be shown new things and come to know them. With wisdom, others can only put into words what we already know, and we can agree or disagree, but never learn. The words we find most wise are merely the words that express a personal belief - personal wisdom - eloquently or cleverly.
EDIT: This post has a conflict with a previous post, "Knowledge vs. Wisdom". I attribute this conflict to the limitations of knowledge and not an actual fundamental change in belief. The wisdom in the previous post was in reference mostly to a kind of "knowledge-enabler", or knowledge foundation. Today, I probably wouldn't use the word wisdom to refer to what I had called wisdom in that post.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Lately
It's been a while. No excuses.
Things are different - work is time-consuming, almost more than I can handle. I've been trying to step out into the dating world. One would think the timing wasn't right, given my new roommate, but it seems I'd like the time to be right. I'm making an effort, which is new.
It's funny, as I've been thinking that to truly enjoy relaxation you have to feel that you deserve it - that is, you have to feel you've put out effort worthy of the relaxation. Thus far, it doesn't seem to be the case. It makes me wonder.
My mom thinks my social life is extremely active. I've never thought of it as such...it's interesting to have an outside perspective. I've been a little busier than usual lately - going out with friends, making plans on weeknights, etc. - but really not significantly more so. I suppose when you live out in the country, you're somewhat forced to have a lot more time for yourself. At times, I feel a little bit like maintaining my friendships is almost a burden - that I'd just like to have more time for myself. Having that time to myself isn't as rewarding as you'd think, though. I really don't have as many things that I'd like to accomplish on my own as I sometimes think.
I'm almost childishly excited about my planned Europe trip. The dates are mostly set - August 1-15 with an extra week either at the beginning or the end. My German is getting better, I can speak conversationally if the conversationalist is very patient and forgiving, and willing to wait while I look up the occasional noun/verb. I'll just keep working at it. I bought some poetry by Rainier Maria Rilke as practice/indulgence, and it's very enjoyable. If you like poetry, consider checking the poet out. He's quite well-known.
I've read a lot lately, depending on your definition of a lot. I was looking at my book blog recently and realized I'm averaging about a book every week. That's really not too shabby, especially when you consider some of the books aren't just casual reading.
I'm part of a book club, and this month's book is an aptly-named monster, "The Terror" by Dan Simmons. If I read it, it's going to be one of the longest single pieces of literature I've ever read - on par with Atlas Shrugged or Stephen King's It. If we were to count series I'm sure that'd open up a whole new competition - the Ender's Game series had some length, as does the Harry Potter set. Anyway.
Some friends and I get together to play Rock Band once in a while - I've played 3 times now. It's really a strong idea for a game - it's for 4 players, and everyone takes a different role in a band (guitar, bass, drums, vocals) as you perform songs. My only complaint stems from my experience with the DDR series of games - I wish the timing was a little more strict. The game doesn't grade on timing at all...unless of course you're way off, in which case you get no credit for the note. But it's an all or nothing thing.
I'm writing less music...and reading more. The more I learn though, the more intimidated I am, and the more I feel like my music is just a sort of childish tinkering in comparison with the great composers. It's difficult to come to terms with the fact that realistically, that level of music mastery is out of my reach unless I'm interested in devoting my life to music...and I'm not. It makes the whole practice of composition seem a little inane, though. Maybe it's immature or unwise to think that because I can't be the best at something, I shouldn't bother doing it at all - I just know that I feel a little discouraged.
Well, that sums up this rather apathetic holiday post. I don't know when I'll post again...spending copious amounts of time on the computer every day (work) doesn't exactly motivate me to want to spend my leisure time here as well. I am still thinking though - don't worry, reader.
Things are different - work is time-consuming, almost more than I can handle. I've been trying to step out into the dating world. One would think the timing wasn't right, given my new roommate, but it seems I'd like the time to be right. I'm making an effort, which is new.
It's funny, as I've been thinking that to truly enjoy relaxation you have to feel that you deserve it - that is, you have to feel you've put out effort worthy of the relaxation. Thus far, it doesn't seem to be the case. It makes me wonder.
My mom thinks my social life is extremely active. I've never thought of it as such...it's interesting to have an outside perspective. I've been a little busier than usual lately - going out with friends, making plans on weeknights, etc. - but really not significantly more so. I suppose when you live out in the country, you're somewhat forced to have a lot more time for yourself. At times, I feel a little bit like maintaining my friendships is almost a burden - that I'd just like to have more time for myself. Having that time to myself isn't as rewarding as you'd think, though. I really don't have as many things that I'd like to accomplish on my own as I sometimes think.
I'm almost childishly excited about my planned Europe trip. The dates are mostly set - August 1-15 with an extra week either at the beginning or the end. My German is getting better, I can speak conversationally if the conversationalist is very patient and forgiving, and willing to wait while I look up the occasional noun/verb. I'll just keep working at it. I bought some poetry by Rainier Maria Rilke as practice/indulgence, and it's very enjoyable. If you like poetry, consider checking the poet out. He's quite well-known.
I've read a lot lately, depending on your definition of a lot. I was looking at my book blog recently and realized I'm averaging about a book every week. That's really not too shabby, especially when you consider some of the books aren't just casual reading.
I'm part of a book club, and this month's book is an aptly-named monster, "The Terror" by Dan Simmons. If I read it, it's going to be one of the longest single pieces of literature I've ever read - on par with Atlas Shrugged or Stephen King's It. If we were to count series I'm sure that'd open up a whole new competition - the Ender's Game series had some length, as does the Harry Potter set. Anyway.
Some friends and I get together to play Rock Band once in a while - I've played 3 times now. It's really a strong idea for a game - it's for 4 players, and everyone takes a different role in a band (guitar, bass, drums, vocals) as you perform songs. My only complaint stems from my experience with the DDR series of games - I wish the timing was a little more strict. The game doesn't grade on timing at all...unless of course you're way off, in which case you get no credit for the note. But it's an all or nothing thing.
I'm writing less music...and reading more. The more I learn though, the more intimidated I am, and the more I feel like my music is just a sort of childish tinkering in comparison with the great composers. It's difficult to come to terms with the fact that realistically, that level of music mastery is out of my reach unless I'm interested in devoting my life to music...and I'm not. It makes the whole practice of composition seem a little inane, though. Maybe it's immature or unwise to think that because I can't be the best at something, I shouldn't bother doing it at all - I just know that I feel a little discouraged.
Well, that sums up this rather apathetic holiday post. I don't know when I'll post again...spending copious amounts of time on the computer every day (work) doesn't exactly motivate me to want to spend my leisure time here as well. I am still thinking though - don't worry, reader.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
On Homeopathy
Interesting video debunking homeopathy
For those that don't want to spend the 15 minutes to watch it, the key points:
The basis of homeopathy is that you find slight poisons that cause certain symptoms and give a diluted form to the patient. The more diluted, the stronger the medicine.
Now generally, what happens is homeopathic medicines dilute to the point that there is a small chance of even one atom or molecule remaining in the entire bottle of medicine. The example given is...imagine a single grain of rice crushed down and ground into a sphere of water the size of the solar system - a sphere centered on the sun with a radius ending at Pluto...and then diluted twice more in the same size sphere.
I could say more...the joke after "the more diluted, the stronger the medicine" about how the guy died from an overdose because he didn't take any medicine was pretty funny, and mentioning how he took two bottles of homeopathic pills at once without any concern was also amusing...but that's really all that I need to mention.
For those that don't want to spend the 15 minutes to watch it, the key points:
The basis of homeopathy is that you find slight poisons that cause certain symptoms and give a diluted form to the patient. The more diluted, the stronger the medicine.
Now generally, what happens is homeopathic medicines dilute to the point that there is a small chance of even one atom or molecule remaining in the entire bottle of medicine. The example given is...imagine a single grain of rice crushed down and ground into a sphere of water the size of the solar system - a sphere centered on the sun with a radius ending at Pluto...and then diluted twice more in the same size sphere.
I could say more...the joke after "the more diluted, the stronger the medicine" about how the guy died from an overdose because he didn't take any medicine was pretty funny, and mentioning how he took two bottles of homeopathic pills at once without any concern was also amusing...but that's really all that I need to mention.
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