When choosing a career one is influenced by society to pick a career that will benefit one economically and that will make one important. One’s close and true friends and family tells one to pick a career that will enrich one’s life, making work a good experience, doing what you truly enjoy. One would always want to choose what one likes but is forced by temptation to sometimes pick what is beneficial and lucrative. There is also the whole question of the connection between one’s innate talents, abilities, intelligence and aptitudes resonating with one’s passions and the whole issue of being useful to one’s particular society and historical moment or following the historical professions of one’s family…
Accepting, surrendering, loving, caring, going slow, letting go, are not used frequently in occidental society to make big decisions yet many times that is exactly what is needed to get to the deepest, wisest answer in one’s life.
“Accept disgrace willingly. Accept misfortune as the human condition. What do you mean by “Accept disgrace willingly”? Accept being unimportant. Do not be concerned with loss or gain. This is called “accepting disgrace willingly.” What do you mean by “Accept misfortune as the human condition.”? Misfortune comes from having a body. Without a body, how could there be misfortune? Surrender yourself humbly; then you can be trusted to care for all things. Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things.” (13 Pg. 15)
Life will always be a source of great despair and exaltation for all schools of philosophy and especially for those adepts looking for the true masters, depositories of the deepest truths. “The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive. The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable. Because it is unfathomable, all we can do is describe their appearance.” (15 Pg. 17) I believe we can only begin to describe borders of the grand tapestry which is life and true wisdom. Mystery is a necessity to empower the path and fuel the seeker’s journey to unravel and at the same time create each unrepeatable and unique human life.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Name: Mystery
It is human nature to try to name things in order to create meaning and understanding of what the world is. Because we are not able to name things that created heaven or earth and the solution to the mysteries of life we are obliged to limit them. Tao Te Ching brings the idea that we shouldn’t name things that have no limits because they lose their mystery and majesty. “The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. The named is the mother of ten thousand things. Even desireless, one can see the mystery.” (1 Pg. 3) Reaching eternity is sometimes referred to as the actions that we make which influence our society and are a breakthrough to the teachings of our time, it is not the name they carry because this limits our goals and actions. The questions we should arouse in our communities isn’t the name of our creator but the teachings and majesty underlying the mere existence of such unfathomable power and intelligence in our lives.
Opposites are similar in topic but contrary in position. They limit us to extremes in the world. Because there are opposites we can describe and limit things or else we would be unable to communicate our thoughts and positions on topics. Because we limit ourselves to words, our uniqueness becomes a mathematical question. “Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good because there is evil. Therefore having and not having arises together.” (2 Pg. 4) Because we have different traits we are described with words but that that can’t be limited and integrates all opposites, is what we all should look for.
Tao talks about our perspective and how we need it, to not loose our nerve in life and how we shouldn’t trust what is obvious to the senses but think before it is too late to act upon what was brought to you. “The five colors blind the eye. The five tones deafen the ear. The five flavors dull the taste. Racing and hunting madden the mind. Precious things lead one astray. Therefore the sage is guided by what he feels and not by what he sees. He lets of that and chooses this.” (12 Pg. 14) Being able to sacrifice or neglect certain senses in order to follow one’s intuitive mind to find the truth and not trusting a limited and possibly fallible sensorial world is the way to a better decision.
Opposites are similar in topic but contrary in position. They limit us to extremes in the world. Because there are opposites we can describe and limit things or else we would be unable to communicate our thoughts and positions on topics. Because we limit ourselves to words, our uniqueness becomes a mathematical question. “Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good because there is evil. Therefore having and not having arises together.” (2 Pg. 4) Because we have different traits we are described with words but that that can’t be limited and integrates all opposites, is what we all should look for.
Tao talks about our perspective and how we need it, to not loose our nerve in life and how we shouldn’t trust what is obvious to the senses but think before it is too late to act upon what was brought to you. “The five colors blind the eye. The five tones deafen the ear. The five flavors dull the taste. Racing and hunting madden the mind. Precious things lead one astray. Therefore the sage is guided by what he feels and not by what he sees. He lets of that and chooses this.” (12 Pg. 14) Being able to sacrifice or neglect certain senses in order to follow one’s intuitive mind to find the truth and not trusting a limited and possibly fallible sensorial world is the way to a better decision.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Count and Noncount Exercises
1.
world C
textbook C
acid D
smoking N
poetry N
applause N
thought D
banana C
conduct N
progress N
biology N
essay C
crystal N
shopping N
2.
defense X
beauty ___
garbage ___
experience X
baggage ___
rain X
rug ___
nature ___
bag ___
emotion X
3.
Diabetes: Beyond the Basics
Because diabetes can cause devastating damage to virtually all body systems, people with diabetes should not underrate the seriousness of their disease. Learning to live with a chronic illness such as diabetes must be an ongoing process.
The Hospital's Center for Family Life Education is sponsoring a five-part educational series on diabetes. The series will begin on April 30 and continue through May 29. The program will be held in the second floor classroom of the Education Center from 7-9 p.m.
The diabetes series is free and open to the public and will be of specific interest to people who have diabetes and their families and friends.
4.
a table
X these person
this furniture
that assignment
a boy
the poetry
a difficulty
a research
X this eggs
X those argument
5.
The Computer Jungle
Though you can make the decision on purely economic grounds, buying a computer is often more like joining a religious cult. Buy an Apple, for example, and almost by default you join Apple chairman Steve Jobs in his crusade against IBM. Every machine has its "users' groups" and a band of loyal enthusiasts who tout its merits. That makes it all the more difficult for the uninitiated to decide what machine to buy. Students have a huge advantage, however. The computer companies are so eager for students' business (it builds "brand loyalty") that many offer huge discounts.
In the past six months, IBM, Apple, and others have brought out new computers, and the fierce competition has forced prices down. Also, time is on your side: next year at this time you'll have even more choice and more computing power and features for the same price. On the other hand, this will probably be true for many years. So for those who need or want a computer now, it's a great time to buy one.
6.
1. Quite a few students have trouble with economics.
2. It requires quite a little reading.
3. Few advisors spend as much time with their students.
4. He has little hope of passing his exams.
5. George's advisor spends quite a little or quite a bit of time with him.
6. He knows few people in the class.
7. Bill spends little money on clothes.
8. She spends quite a little or quite a bit of money on CDs.
9. He has few suits.
10. He understands little of the reading.
world C
textbook C
acid D
smoking N
poetry N
applause N
thought D
banana C
conduct N
progress N
biology N
essay C
crystal N
shopping N
2.
defense X
beauty ___
garbage ___
experience X
baggage ___
rain X
rug ___
nature ___
bag ___
emotion X
3.
Diabetes: Beyond the Basics
Because diabetes can cause devastating damage to virtually all body systems, people with diabetes should not underrate the seriousness of their disease. Learning to live with a chronic illness such as diabetes must be an ongoing process.
The Hospital's Center for Family Life Education is sponsoring a five-part educational series on diabetes. The series will begin on April 30 and continue through May 29. The program will be held in the second floor classroom of the Education Center from 7-9 p.m.
The diabetes series is free and open to the public and will be of specific interest to people who have diabetes and their families and friends.
4.
a table
X these person
this furniture
that assignment
a boy
the poetry
a difficulty
a research
X this eggs
X those argument
5.
The Computer Jungle
Though you can make the decision on purely economic grounds, buying a computer is often more like joining a religious cult. Buy an Apple, for example, and almost by default you join Apple chairman Steve Jobs in his crusade against IBM. Every machine has its "users' groups" and a band of loyal enthusiasts who tout its merits. That makes it all the more difficult for the uninitiated to decide what machine to buy. Students have a huge advantage, however. The computer companies are so eager for students' business (it builds "brand loyalty") that many offer huge discounts.
In the past six months, IBM, Apple, and others have brought out new computers, and the fierce competition has forced prices down. Also, time is on your side: next year at this time you'll have even more choice and more computing power and features for the same price. On the other hand, this will probably be true for many years. So for those who need or want a computer now, it's a great time to buy one.
6.
1. Quite a few students have trouble with economics.
2. It requires quite a little reading.
3. Few advisors spend as much time with their students.
4. He has little hope of passing his exams.
5. George's advisor spends quite a little or quite a bit of time with him.
6. He knows few people in the class.
7. Bill spends little money on clothes.
8. She spends quite a little or quite a bit of money on CDs.
9. He has few suits.
10. He understands little of the reading.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Way To Live, A Way To Understand
Over the weekend I’ve read several entries, one of them was Daniel Toro’s “Universal Community” in which I could see several similarities between his ideas and mine. I could clearly understand where he got those ideas about how Confucius addresses women in comparison to slaves, misogyny could even be seen today in the treatment received by Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. It is amazing to see the reality that where most people talk about macho behavior, i.e. Latin America there are already two female presidents: Kirchner in Argentina and Bachelet in Chile. The U.S. has yet to create an even playing field for women. Also Europe has yet to give anyone from a different race or religion any top position of power.
As far as Toro’s insights on ‘the right path’: I think what Confucius is getting to, is the idea that we should learn from experience in order to not repeat the same mistake, in this way taking us to the right way through our day-to-day conscious and wise response to events. “To make a mistake and yet to not change your ways - this is what is called truly making a mistake.” (Pg. 45 15.30) Being able to apply each piece of newly found knowledge to our daily life is the way to not make of our mistakes habits.
I also saw connections with Thomas Wiesner’s “Never Too Late” entry which explains how the mentality of a group has and will always have greater effects over the individual’s as well as the important idea that the community’s benefit is of greater importance than that of the individual’s. “To avoid public service is to be without a sense of what is right… The gentleman takes office in order to do what is right even though he already knows that the way will not be realized (Pg. 53 18.7).” I also think Confucius is talking about how people have to be able to stand up for what they believe in and how we as a group have a responsibility of being able to work for our common goals even if they seem impossible. Education has to promote the idea of public selfless service in all countries as a necessity for creating a real healthy family out of society and linking us all together globally through our shared humanity and planet. There is also the fact that group mentality starts from an individual’s idea or rebellion from the large majority that then becomes a truth for many or the group majority. The idea that the brute majority always having the right or best idea because of quantity can be a mistake. For example: Hitler was voted for by overwhelming majorities in Germany and look what the price was for the whole world. I think there should be a world council of the wisest and brightest humans (not politicians) who create a think tank to solve world problems and that their work has the power to be implemented through strong world finance and cooperation. The United Nations is the closest living model we have but it is really run by the most powerful nations and is imbedded with political and economical agendas and twisted power plays.
We still have a lot of work to do.
As far as Toro’s insights on ‘the right path’: I think what Confucius is getting to, is the idea that we should learn from experience in order to not repeat the same mistake, in this way taking us to the right way through our day-to-day conscious and wise response to events. “To make a mistake and yet to not change your ways - this is what is called truly making a mistake.” (Pg. 45 15.30) Being able to apply each piece of newly found knowledge to our daily life is the way to not make of our mistakes habits.
I also saw connections with Thomas Wiesner’s “Never Too Late” entry which explains how the mentality of a group has and will always have greater effects over the individual’s as well as the important idea that the community’s benefit is of greater importance than that of the individual’s. “To avoid public service is to be without a sense of what is right… The gentleman takes office in order to do what is right even though he already knows that the way will not be realized (Pg. 53 18.7).” I also think Confucius is talking about how people have to be able to stand up for what they believe in and how we as a group have a responsibility of being able to work for our common goals even if they seem impossible. Education has to promote the idea of public selfless service in all countries as a necessity for creating a real healthy family out of society and linking us all together globally through our shared humanity and planet. There is also the fact that group mentality starts from an individual’s idea or rebellion from the large majority that then becomes a truth for many or the group majority. The idea that the brute majority always having the right or best idea because of quantity can be a mistake. For example: Hitler was voted for by overwhelming majorities in Germany and look what the price was for the whole world. I think there should be a world council of the wisest and brightest humans (not politicians) who create a think tank to solve world problems and that their work has the power to be implemented through strong world finance and cooperation. The United Nations is the closest living model we have but it is really run by the most powerful nations and is imbedded with political and economical agendas and twisted power plays.
We still have a lot of work to do.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Conservative Rightness
Something I hadn’t picked on in my blogs was the conservativeness and the societal structure Confucius proposes. We can clearly see that Confucius includes old concepts in his teachings to preserve the old as a way to create boundaries making our lives balanced and secure. “If you are respectful but lack ritual you will become exasperating; if you are careful but lack ritual you will become timid; if you are courageous but lack ritual you will become unruly; and if you are upright but lack ritual you will become inflexible.” (Pg. 23 8.2) In a way Confucius is able to include customs as critical variables to the development of our lives. We can see how he works with limits and fears to convince the reader into preserving ancient rituals to maintain order and harmony in society, instead of innovating in what has to do with how we manage, maintain and support certain eternal values such as respect, honesty, honoring our elders, carefulness, courage and honesty.
Rituals are used as empowering cultural teaching devices so that values are instilled in all members of society and that all actions have certain form and flow and history, understood and acknowledged and shared by all. Rituals are the threads that tie our relationships together as a school, a university, a social club, a family, a nation, a religious organization, a sport, a political party, a fraternity. Rituals have to have a certain history and mystique to empower the ties that bind us all in one form or another.
We can also see how Confucius thinks we should act based on age, relationship and with a sense of leaving a good legacy for future generations. “To bring comfort to the aged, to inspire trust in my friends, and be cherished by the youth.” (Pg. 15 5.26) We should always consider that every action is creating not only our personal history but also society’s. We are thus held responsible in a way to ourselves and to others
to maintain the roots of our connections healthy and fertilized through balanced, healthy actions based on the ancestral rituals of our societies and groups.
Rituals are used as empowering cultural teaching devices so that values are instilled in all members of society and that all actions have certain form and flow and history, understood and acknowledged and shared by all. Rituals are the threads that tie our relationships together as a school, a university, a social club, a family, a nation, a religious organization, a sport, a political party, a fraternity. Rituals have to have a certain history and mystique to empower the ties that bind us all in one form or another.
We can also see how Confucius thinks we should act based on age, relationship and with a sense of leaving a good legacy for future generations. “To bring comfort to the aged, to inspire trust in my friends, and be cherished by the youth.” (Pg. 15 5.26) We should always consider that every action is creating not only our personal history but also society’s. We are thus held responsible in a way to ourselves and to others
to maintain the roots of our connections healthy and fertilized through balanced, healthy actions based on the ancestral rituals of our societies and groups.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Words that Sound Alike Practice
1. Where is my jacket? I wanted to wear it today, and if I can't find it, we’re going to be late.
2. Jane wanted to go on the school trip, but her mother said that two hundred dollars was too much for the family budget.
3. As she waited for Rodney to become conscious, Selma was seized with an attack of conscience-- was there anything she could have done to prevent the accident?
4. The map led the intrepid treasure hunters to a lead box of precious stones.
5. Have you seen their coats? They’re going to need them; it's cold outside. I last saw the coats over there.
6. After conducting careful research, Shufang had a brilliant idea; she'd write a paper on Thomas More's ideal concept of the society in Utopia.
7. Even though Bob would rather play video games than study, he decided to hit the books and then play some Halo.
8. It’s easy to admire a business that puts so much effort into creating its signs and window displays.
9. You’re fortunate to have survived the car crash without a scratch; it must have been because you were wearing your seat belt.
10. I would advise you to seek qualified legal advice about how to handle this situation.
2. Jane wanted to go on the school trip, but her mother said that two hundred dollars was too much for the family budget.
3. As she waited for Rodney to become conscious, Selma was seized with an attack of conscience-- was there anything she could have done to prevent the accident?
4. The map led the intrepid treasure hunters to a lead box of precious stones.
5. Have you seen their coats? They’re going to need them; it's cold outside. I last saw the coats over there.
6. After conducting careful research, Shufang had a brilliant idea; she'd write a paper on Thomas More's ideal concept of the society in Utopia.
7. Even though Bob would rather play video games than study, he decided to hit the books and then play some Halo.
8. It’s easy to admire a business that puts so much effort into creating its signs and window displays.
9. You’re fortunate to have survived the car crash without a scratch; it must have been because you were wearing your seat belt.
10. I would advise you to seek qualified legal advice about how to handle this situation.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Right Path
Accepting that we will be in problematic situations and will have varied difficulties during our lifetime is the first step to being able to overcoming our troubles. Then acting based on what you believe in, makes you loyal and hardworking towards your decisions. “Of course the gentleman encounters hardship. The difference is that the petty man, encountering hardship, is overwhelmed by it.” (Pg. 44 15.2) Something interesting about this maxim is that it accepts human feelings as part of the process to finding a solution to problems, instead of just denying them. Encouraging trust in one’s own god-like abilities to solve with intelligent ethical actions one’s problems. Confucius introduces the idea that it isn’t how we are affected by an event but how we are able to overcome the barriers of life.
Being able to learn from oneself and others’ mistakes makes us great listeners and more aware of the true reality of our environment. Through conscious choices we are able to take knowledge and apply it in our day to day lives. “To make a mistake and yet to not change your ways - this is what is called truly making a mistake.” (Pg. 45 15.30) In a way if we aren’t using this learned information in our lives the most important part of the process is lost and we will make our mistake a habit. Doing right even if we know we won’t win is part of being ethical and moral. All the men of the Titanic chose to leave the lifeboats for the women and children. The men were all physically stronger than the women and children, as was the male captain and the male musicians, but they all chose to take the higher road and protect the weaker passengers. They all drowned with the ship. Those amazing actions are what really differentiate us from the animal kingdom, were the fittest and strongest will always be the survivor.
If we are able to stand up each time for what we believe is right by not only word but action, we will enhance our beliefs and become an example for all because as applying the knowledge learned from our mistakes, we are applying our beliefs for a greater life and so making better decisions through the course of our lives. This is the only way to truly teach and leave a viable legacy, through our character based on our action during distress.
“The gentleman takes office in order to do what is right, even though he knows that the Way will not be realized.” (Pg. 53 18.7) Having the opportunity and freedom to stand up for what we believe in should be something we should cherish and always protect for ourselves and for all human beings. As long as my rights/beliefs don’t infringe on others lives; because after all, why have beliefs if they aren’t worth fighting for?
Being able to learn from oneself and others’ mistakes makes us great listeners and more aware of the true reality of our environment. Through conscious choices we are able to take knowledge and apply it in our day to day lives. “To make a mistake and yet to not change your ways - this is what is called truly making a mistake.” (Pg. 45 15.30) In a way if we aren’t using this learned information in our lives the most important part of the process is lost and we will make our mistake a habit. Doing right even if we know we won’t win is part of being ethical and moral. All the men of the Titanic chose to leave the lifeboats for the women and children. The men were all physically stronger than the women and children, as was the male captain and the male musicians, but they all chose to take the higher road and protect the weaker passengers. They all drowned with the ship. Those amazing actions are what really differentiate us from the animal kingdom, were the fittest and strongest will always be the survivor.
If we are able to stand up each time for what we believe is right by not only word but action, we will enhance our beliefs and become an example for all because as applying the knowledge learned from our mistakes, we are applying our beliefs for a greater life and so making better decisions through the course of our lives. This is the only way to truly teach and leave a viable legacy, through our character based on our action during distress.
“The gentleman takes office in order to do what is right, even though he knows that the Way will not be realized.” (Pg. 53 18.7) Having the opportunity and freedom to stand up for what we believe in should be something we should cherish and always protect for ourselves and for all human beings. As long as my rights/beliefs don’t infringe on others lives; because after all, why have beliefs if they aren’t worth fighting for?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Loving What You Wish For
When we accomplish our goals, we sometimes feel we enjoyed the process more than accomplishing the actual dream. Confucius brings us the idea that the dreams we really want aren’t for the economical benefit
they may bestow but more the process of following one’s passions, one’s loves. “If wealth were something worth pursuing, then I would pursue it, even if it meant serving as an officer holding a whip at the entrance to a marketplace. Since it is not worth pursuing, however, I prefer to follow that which I love.” (Pg. 20 7.12) People who really feel accomplished and joyful are probably those who not only enjoy the benefits they gain through their work (their paycheck, bonuses, healthcare benefits, vacations, discounts, other economical benefits) but doing the work they truly enjoy itself. If you do what you truly love, you will be probably become successful and happy.
The next problem would be choosing what we really love, especially if we love many things.
Optimism and a positive attitude is something that you acquire through life. I believe it comes from being able to listen and understand each event in your life and being able to extract something positive from it so you can apply it to your life. “When walking with two other people, I will always find a teacher among them. I focus on those who are good and seek to emulate them, and focus on those whom are bad in order of being reminded of what needs to be changed in myself.” (Pg. 21 7.22) Instead of prohibiting contact with evil, or just condemning it, Confucius teaches us to acquire the ability to extract all positive lesson from each life experience, even from evil. Having good judgment on what affects yours and other’s lives is something that will save one from a lot of pain and repetition. It will also help make your presence in others lives and your own more enjoyable and profound. If one is able to differentiate good from evil, one will be able to live an enriching life which will gain experience from each event and person. One will truly understand that we are all students and teachers of life for ourselves and for each other on a daily, minute by minute basis. We will then treat life, ourselves and each other with more intelligence, appreciation, gentle humor and kindness.
they may bestow but more the process of following one’s passions, one’s loves. “If wealth were something worth pursuing, then I would pursue it, even if it meant serving as an officer holding a whip at the entrance to a marketplace. Since it is not worth pursuing, however, I prefer to follow that which I love.” (Pg. 20 7.12) People who really feel accomplished and joyful are probably those who not only enjoy the benefits they gain through their work (their paycheck, bonuses, healthcare benefits, vacations, discounts, other economical benefits) but doing the work they truly enjoy itself. If you do what you truly love, you will be probably become successful and happy.
The next problem would be choosing what we really love, especially if we love many things.
Optimism and a positive attitude is something that you acquire through life. I believe it comes from being able to listen and understand each event in your life and being able to extract something positive from it so you can apply it to your life. “When walking with two other people, I will always find a teacher among them. I focus on those who are good and seek to emulate them, and focus on those whom are bad in order of being reminded of what needs to be changed in myself.” (Pg. 21 7.22) Instead of prohibiting contact with evil, or just condemning it, Confucius teaches us to acquire the ability to extract all positive lesson from each life experience, even from evil. Having good judgment on what affects yours and other’s lives is something that will save one from a lot of pain and repetition. It will also help make your presence in others lives and your own more enjoyable and profound. If one is able to differentiate good from evil, one will be able to live an enriching life which will gain experience from each event and person. One will truly understand that we are all students and teachers of life for ourselves and for each other on a daily, minute by minute basis. We will then treat life, ourselves and each other with more intelligence, appreciation, gentle humor and kindness.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Fear, The Motor Of Evolution
Fear is born and belief is made by every human being who passes through the planet. Because we are not sure about what science can’t prove, we as humans have an innate tendency to create beliefs to fill in the holes in our understanding of life and it’s sometimes unfathomable events. There is also the reality that repeating these beliefs in all kinds of forms somehow makes them become truth or somewhat believable. If we critically think about what el ‘Ave Maria’ or ‘Padre Nuestro’ is about, we can see that they repeat the stories from the biblical events in order to come up with strong conclusions to assure people about God’s mind and existence. We can also see that it becomes a ritual for people to use these when at Church or Synagogue in order to show that they are doing their ‘jobs’ as true believers correctly. This also happens in political parties and extremist political views that have religious fervor.
We can also notice that most of the time as ‘believers’ we really don’t want to be there. As other sources, “The Secret” or “An Elegant Universe”, state as universal laws that what we intentionally imagine through focused thought, imagery and emotions will come true and they both emphasize the idea that repetition is vitally important. We are thus assured by ‘cosmic energy’ laws to get what we want. In a way this makes us think that doubting (using critical thinking) makes it impossible for things to happen. Back to religion… we see that in a way, repeating is an assurance where science falls short and beliefs start in human beings. We can witness this in action when in church ceremonies most of the talking is done by the priest and by saying ‘Amen’ we are agreeing or signing that we accept that prayer and believe these words. There is something a bit amazing how we accept these ideas so readily. All forms of modern media also use this fact to sell us soaps, deodorants (fear of being smelly and non-attractive) to political figures like Obama (fear of another 4 years of Bush policies).
We have always admired great ideas and inventions that have been stimulated into creation by our fears. For example, we invented electricity due to our fear of darkness, religion due to our fear of death and chaos ruling our life, zoos to be close to fierce animals that we are afraid of, space rockets that go to the moon and beyond in case the earth is destroyed by us or natural events. Fear is something that causes the best and the worst in us to flourish.
We can also notice that most of the time as ‘believers’ we really don’t want to be there. As other sources, “The Secret” or “An Elegant Universe”, state as universal laws that what we intentionally imagine through focused thought, imagery and emotions will come true and they both emphasize the idea that repetition is vitally important. We are thus assured by ‘cosmic energy’ laws to get what we want. In a way this makes us think that doubting (using critical thinking) makes it impossible for things to happen. Back to religion… we see that in a way, repeating is an assurance where science falls short and beliefs start in human beings. We can witness this in action when in church ceremonies most of the talking is done by the priest and by saying ‘Amen’ we are agreeing or signing that we accept that prayer and believe these words. There is something a bit amazing how we accept these ideas so readily. All forms of modern media also use this fact to sell us soaps, deodorants (fear of being smelly and non-attractive) to political figures like Obama (fear of another 4 years of Bush policies).
We have always admired great ideas and inventions that have been stimulated into creation by our fears. For example, we invented electricity due to our fear of darkness, religion due to our fear of death and chaos ruling our life, zoos to be close to fierce animals that we are afraid of, space rockets that go to the moon and beyond in case the earth is destroyed by us or natural events. Fear is something that causes the best and the worst in us to flourish.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Balancing It All Out
If our community understands that we all have common interests, why do we keep self-imposing ideas that poor people are wrong and that they haven’t worked enough to be rich and why do we say that rich people are good and that they have accomplished everything they desired for their lives in order to reach happiness? Maybe it is because we all desire similar material well-being, to be economically solvent and prosperous and independent but some think that they should do whatever it takes to reach that goal and others prefer to be people who live their life ethically and who understand that to reach that goal of self-sufficiency and wealth they will only be willing to do what is morally right. “ The Master said, “Wealth and social eminence are things that all people desire, and yet unless they are acquired in the proper way I will not abide them. Poverty and disgrace are things that all people hate, and yet unless they are avoided in the proper way I will not despise them.”” (Pg. 10 4.5) I think that not only each of us want similar well-being in all areas of life but that we should also cultivate through education a wanting similar basic well-being for every living person which will mean that we have to watch out for each other and limit some of our own personal hungers. Something interesting about how Confucius explains this idea is that he accepts the concept that we all have personal yearnings and that we all are willing to sacrifice in order to satisfy these wants for ourselves but what he really stresses is the moral guidance to what would be right and wrong in the methods used to satisfy these personal desires instead he insists he would not even reject poverty and disgrace if they were not avoided in the correct way. We can also see that he tries to give us guidance in what and how to wish for and the results don’t matter as much as what we did or didn’t do to get there.
He tries to make us understand that profoundly a person cannot be judged only by his accomplishments but by what he did to get them, what motivated him and what was his purpose when he reached his goals. “Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather become a person worthy of being known.” (Pg. 12 4.14) One shouldn’t look for being accomplished or famous but to accomplish things that make us feel proud of the process by which we accomplished. The Master clearly shows us that we should wish and look for things that make us valuable as people of a community and not for things that make us powerful. “To bring comfort to the aged, to inspire trust in my friends, and to be cherished by the youth.” (Pg. 15 5.26) By sharing what he wants to accomplish in his life, what he truly values and what he wants to really be remembered for, makes one take a deep reflection about what is truly lasting and valuable for any human life. Great deep thinking in every phrase.
He tries to make us understand that profoundly a person cannot be judged only by his accomplishments but by what he did to get them, what motivated him and what was his purpose when he reached his goals. “Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather become a person worthy of being known.” (Pg. 12 4.14) One shouldn’t look for being accomplished or famous but to accomplish things that make us feel proud of the process by which we accomplished. The Master clearly shows us that we should wish and look for things that make us valuable as people of a community and not for things that make us powerful. “To bring comfort to the aged, to inspire trust in my friends, and to be cherished by the youth.” (Pg. 15 5.26) By sharing what he wants to accomplish in his life, what he truly values and what he wants to really be remembered for, makes one take a deep reflection about what is truly lasting and valuable for any human life. Great deep thinking in every phrase.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Charisma, Assertiveness And Fluency
Barack Obama’s overwhelming victory is clearly due to his incredible communication skills, charisma and rhetoric use which I think he probably gained in his vast experience and career as a Harvard lawyer. As he speaks to groups of people he tries to connect and mesmerize the whole instead of a specific individual or the cameras. This gives the feeling that he is interested in knowing all of the people’s opinions and talking to us as a whole. Obama also uses his hands to stress the points he is making, giving us hints on what he is getting to. In parts of his speech he uses the forensic tense to back his opinion on facts and to thank the people who made his dream possible but it is mainly composed in the demonstrative tense to show what he, on this day, conquered. “This is your victory. And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.” Yet, he then in one clean sweep, congratulates each and every person in the audience informing them that in fact, the victory is really theirs. Through the deliberative tense president elect also talks about the problems that he sees ahead and the needed help for his presidency to help and stay in American History.
Unlike other speeches Obama uses Pathos to conquer American hearts through subjects as hope, opportunity, change, union, and history. We clearly see that Ann Nixon Cooper’s example is used as a pathos to support those who voted for him and to make those who didn’t reconsider their vote. “This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.” It also serves to make Americans consider this day as a historic milestone , a day which changed the lives of many Americans who never thought they would see an African-American being elected as a U.S. president during their lifetime. A mere 40 years ago, on the morning of April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, a brave, modern, African-American prophet, who had a huge dream for America, had been murdered. This seemingly impossible dream is now becoming reality.
We have won more than a unique president but a fluent, bright and assertive rhetorician which I look forward seeing in office. I sincerely hope Barack Obama surrounds himself with the best men and women the United States has in both parties and completes an outstanding presidency and leadership for the nation and for the world. That is my dream for this presidency.
Unlike other speeches Obama uses Pathos to conquer American hearts through subjects as hope, opportunity, change, union, and history. We clearly see that Ann Nixon Cooper’s example is used as a pathos to support those who voted for him and to make those who didn’t reconsider their vote. “This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.” It also serves to make Americans consider this day as a historic milestone , a day which changed the lives of many Americans who never thought they would see an African-American being elected as a U.S. president during their lifetime. A mere 40 years ago, on the morning of April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, a brave, modern, African-American prophet, who had a huge dream for America, had been murdered. This seemingly impossible dream is now becoming reality.
We have won more than a unique president but a fluent, bright and assertive rhetorician which I look forward seeing in office. I sincerely hope Barack Obama surrounds himself with the best men and women the United States has in both parties and completes an outstanding presidency and leadership for the nation and for the world. That is my dream for this presidency.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Two Sides To Suffering
In some moment of our lives, probably in a moment of chaos and difficulties, we doubt God’s power, justice, fairness and most of all his love for his people. When the sun keeps shining over the disasters that have happened in history we ask ourselves, does He really exist, is there really an intelligent overseeing power that rules everything and even destroys our lives? That is what unites Job’s and Elie’s lives, their suffering and their never-ending consternation and doubting of God’s traits. “Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God himself. Never.” –Pg. 32 Our self- importance, desire to live, common sense and knowledge of good and evil makes us sit down and consider our beliefs in a distant way which comes back to the same question. Does God really exist?
Elie’s narration even talks about Job’s example which really makes us consider what we would think about God’s rightfulness in their case. “How I sympathized with Job! I did not deny God’s existence, but I doubted His absolute justice.” –Pg. 42 Elie’s great life and believer traits perfectly match up to those of Job in different contexts. We can even consider the similarities between the opposing forces to their truthful lives: the Nazis and Satan! We can also see how each of the characters act upon the horrible events in their lives. Elie is completely disappointed by God’s word, instead Job still considers God’s existence and power. We can see how each of their lives completely changed after these events. Job was favored and he received back what he had lost but on the other hand we see Elie as the only survivor and witness of his family’s suffering. This makes us ask ourselves, is the Old Testament’s promise of giving us back our lives after the dark tunnel true and does it apply to modern society? After such intense, dark suffering, such as the kidnap victims in Colombia by the FARC, one can never be the same but the spiritual thread seems to tie all these nefarious events together.
People come out of these hells battered and changed, many times even more gentle, wiser, vulnerable, appreciative and spiritually stronger then when they walked or were forcefully taken into Hades.
Elie’s narration even talks about Job’s example which really makes us consider what we would think about God’s rightfulness in their case. “How I sympathized with Job! I did not deny God’s existence, but I doubted His absolute justice.” –Pg. 42 Elie’s great life and believer traits perfectly match up to those of Job in different contexts. We can even consider the similarities between the opposing forces to their truthful lives: the Nazis and Satan! We can also see how each of the characters act upon the horrible events in their lives. Elie is completely disappointed by God’s word, instead Job still considers God’s existence and power. We can see how each of their lives completely changed after these events. Job was favored and he received back what he had lost but on the other hand we see Elie as the only survivor and witness of his family’s suffering. This makes us ask ourselves, is the Old Testament’s promise of giving us back our lives after the dark tunnel true and does it apply to modern society? After such intense, dark suffering, such as the kidnap victims in Colombia by the FARC, one can never be the same but the spiritual thread seems to tie all these nefarious events together.
People come out of these hells battered and changed, many times even more gentle, wiser, vulnerable, appreciative and spiritually stronger then when they walked or were forcefully taken into Hades.
The Truth Of Suffering
When we surpass our suffering tasks we will be loving of God’s words and considerate of his message. If in one moment we trusted him blindly we will finally take our blindfold off our eyes and see God’s message and creation as a whole and divine miracle that brought us life. This is what God’s words bring us in the last part of Job’s life which answers all questions about our actions and rightfulness in God’s eyes. “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” -42:5 We see that the truthful believers will prevail over the mediocre believers who blame and give up. Those who consider their actions and have perspective over the whole picture and consider other’s actions as part of the divine comedy each of us lives each day, will see the truth in God’s words and creation which will finally bring pleasure and joy to those who search happiness.
Those who brought suffering to the faithful and pure individual will face consequences that God’s overseeing power and justice will met out. Those who bring help to other’s lives will be rewarded by God’s almighty power in a final word which makes those true believers of a supreme lord and justice. “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” -42:10 After the dark and unmerciful tunnel of suffering, immediate love and reward will come to the faithful.
Some people believe that the idea of a justice in the afterlife or in God’s hands is a fallacy to manipulate the poor into accepting their dire circumstances now and that way the rich and powerful can manipulate and dominate everything. Yet, I believe that the biggest themes of the human experience: love, friendship, work, loyalty, managing resources, honor, honesty, learning, spirituality, nature, trust, loss, death, illness are shared by one and all during a lifetime.
Those who brought suffering to the faithful and pure individual will face consequences that God’s overseeing power and justice will met out. Those who bring help to other’s lives will be rewarded by God’s almighty power in a final word which makes those true believers of a supreme lord and justice. “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” -42:10 After the dark and unmerciful tunnel of suffering, immediate love and reward will come to the faithful.
Some people believe that the idea of a justice in the afterlife or in God’s hands is a fallacy to manipulate the poor into accepting their dire circumstances now and that way the rich and powerful can manipulate and dominate everything. Yet, I believe that the biggest themes of the human experience: love, friendship, work, loyalty, managing resources, honor, honesty, learning, spirituality, nature, trust, loss, death, illness are shared by one and all during a lifetime.
The Individual Task
We are all composed of individual traits which affect our actions. We all have different faces for different problems and people. We are a mixture of ourselves and others and what and where we have lived and because of this we have trouble when deciding something in our lives. When we are going to decide what to do in the future each part is pulling to it’s side. This is what I find interesting about this passage of Job’s life. Each of his friends had something to say and each one made Job think about why he was punished, maybe it wasn’t so much of a punishment for the ‘great sin’ he had committed, maybe it was his turn to suffer, or maybe it was his own children’s sins which made them face the final consequence. Finally, Job arrives at the conclusion that he has to remain being faithful, ignoring all of his friend or individual trait decide for him. “But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” -13:4 Job starts asking himself how could he be able to understand God’s strange punishments if no man can, because he is not God. He asks himself what can he do to please God but doesn’t find any answer and asks for a mediator to give his word to God.
At this point Elihu enters the conversation and he brings him to a conclusion. Elihu is sort of a mediator between all of Job’s thoughts. In a way I think he is the representation of our heart. That who unites all of our thoughts into one deep voice of understanding. Elihu accepts what God has done and finds a meaning that he isn’t really punishing Job but forgiving him for his actions and that in a final point, God is the only one who really understands his actions which are truthful and just. “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.” -37:23 The message that I extract from this is that we should seek this final point of view which understands God’s power and accepts it for what it is and is not trying to change it for the individual’s small ego’s benefit. Usually, when that truth or real knowledge is reached one becomes calm, centered and whole.
At this point Elihu enters the conversation and he brings him to a conclusion. Elihu is sort of a mediator between all of Job’s thoughts. In a way I think he is the representation of our heart. That who unites all of our thoughts into one deep voice of understanding. Elihu accepts what God has done and finds a meaning that he isn’t really punishing Job but forgiving him for his actions and that in a final point, God is the only one who really understands his actions which are truthful and just. “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.” -37:23 The message that I extract from this is that we should seek this final point of view which understands God’s power and accepts it for what it is and is not trying to change it for the individual’s small ego’s benefit. Usually, when that truth or real knowledge is reached one becomes calm, centered and whole.
Testing the Delicate
Knowing that if we have faith in God we will have great lives, the bible introduces another element, suffering in God’s name. By showing evil and all that God will do to test his children he gives the example of a faithful and productive person, Job. “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” -1:1 As we have seen in other parts of the bible, God is an entity that tests the faithfulness of his people. Bringing evil to the picture, God admires the faithful tested through horrible event/impossible choices. By testing Job he shows us that he will test our faith in him and by our blind faith in him we will prove if we are real believers and worthy of all his love and protection.
By attacking Job’s weak points, his family and greatness, we find ourselves analyzing Job’s true character, courage and faith. One wonders if one has been tested or what would one do in the face of such a test? In moments of trouble one sees who is the real person, he who accepts what is happening and acts upon it instead of blaming God for his suffering, he is the true believer. “A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.” -10:22 When one even considers that life isn’t for one any more and that light will never appear in one’s life we see that the glass broke because of the tight hand and that there is no going back, life isn’t worth it any more and we decide that it is God’s fault that we are even alive. This is what God’s testing finally brought to one of his believers. In a way the tested and the tester are one,
because it all depends on one’s perceptions and judgments and world views about what is really going on.
By attacking Job’s weak points, his family and greatness, we find ourselves analyzing Job’s true character, courage and faith. One wonders if one has been tested or what would one do in the face of such a test? In moments of trouble one sees who is the real person, he who accepts what is happening and acts upon it instead of blaming God for his suffering, he is the true believer. “A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.” -10:22 When one even considers that life isn’t for one any more and that light will never appear in one’s life we see that the glass broke because of the tight hand and that there is no going back, life isn’t worth it any more and we decide that it is God’s fault that we are even alive. This is what God’s testing finally brought to one of his believers. In a way the tested and the tester are one,
because it all depends on one’s perceptions and judgments and world views about what is really going on.
Fallacies In The Race To The White House
False Cause: “I think everybody knows now we are in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. And a lot of you I think are worried about your jobs, your pensions, your retirement accounts, your ability to send your child or your grandchild to college. And I believe this is a final verdict on the failed economic policies of the last eight years, strongly promoted by President Bush and supported by Sen. McCain, that essentially said that we should strip away regulations, consumer protections, let the market run wild, and prosperity would rain down on all of us.”
Straw Man Argument: “Now, I've got to correct a little bit of Sen. McCain's history, not surprisingly. Let's, first of all, understand that the biggest problem in this whole process was the deregulation of the financial system. Sen. McCain, as recently as March, bragged about the fact that he is a deregulator. On the other hand, two years ago, I said that we've got a sub-prime lending crisis that has to be dealt with.”
Straw Man Argument: “Do you know that Sen. Obama has voted for -- is proposing $860 billion of new spending now? New spending. Do you know that he voted for every increase in spending that I saw come across the floor of the United States Senate while we were working to eliminate these pork barrel earmarks? He voted for nearly a billion dollars in pork barrel earmark projects, including, by the way, $3 million for an overhead projector at a planetarium in Chicago, Illinois. My friends, do we need to spend that kind of money?”
Straw Man Argument: “I've got some news, Sen. Obama, the news is bad. So let's not raise anybody's taxes, my friends, and make it be very clear to you I am not in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy. I am in favor of leaving the tax rates alone and reducing the tax burden on middle-income Americans by doubling your tax exemption for every child from $3,500 to $7,000.”
Straw Man Argument: “Now, I've got to correct a little bit of Sen. McCain's history, not surprisingly. Let's, first of all, understand that the biggest problem in this whole process was the deregulation of the financial system. Sen. McCain, as recently as March, bragged about the fact that he is a deregulator. On the other hand, two years ago, I said that we've got a sub-prime lending crisis that has to be dealt with.”
Straw Man Argument: “Do you know that Sen. Obama has voted for -- is proposing $860 billion of new spending now? New spending. Do you know that he voted for every increase in spending that I saw come across the floor of the United States Senate while we were working to eliminate these pork barrel earmarks? He voted for nearly a billion dollars in pork barrel earmark projects, including, by the way, $3 million for an overhead projector at a planetarium in Chicago, Illinois. My friends, do we need to spend that kind of money?”
Straw Man Argument: “I've got some news, Sen. Obama, the news is bad. So let's not raise anybody's taxes, my friends, and make it be very clear to you I am not in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy. I am in favor of leaving the tax rates alone and reducing the tax burden on middle-income Americans by doubling your tax exemption for every child from $3,500 to $7,000.”
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