It's pretty much been a running theme throughout my life that I've noticed a lot of people doing some very silly things because of their ego. They might want to get someone to do something, or communicate something to someone, but then they're frustrated by their own responses to the situation - responses that come from their own self pride. So, they say something insulting in response to having their ego hurt and it causes reactions that are unfortunate for them.
For some reason, I don't think I've ever had much of an ego in that sense. I have a good conception of myself so I don't mean I have low self esteem, but people saying things about me and to me never really rile me up. I don't feel a natural response to go into a huff if someone insults me. I just tend to think, "That's odd, I wonder why they said that? What effect did they intend it to have and what does that tell me about their feelings, motives, or intentions?" So, I've always been a proponent of the complete abandonment of egotism.
But one thing occurred to me yesterday that inspired me to write this entry. That is that, very often, a person with no ego can seem very similar to someone with an inflated ego. As you know, both this site and my philosophy site are filled with all sorts of my views on a number of things. I do this because I enjoy thinking about these things, and hearing what others think of these concepts. Furthermore, if someone might find enjoyment or come to think of something they hadn't from reading, then all the better.
But some people react to all of this as thinking that I'm full of myself or something. I can see how it may seem that way. After all, a guy who thinks he's the greatest in the world will go on all day about all sorts of things. Meanwhile, take a person with a moderate ego. They might say a little here and there, but not a huge amount perhaps (for some) because of concern about what people may think. If others were not to like what they wrote or said, then it would hurt their ego to hear a negative response, so some limit themselves.
However, a person with no ego whatsoever, has no fear of embarrassment and isn't hurt when others insult him. Therefore, if he happens to be interested in exploring ideas and learning what others think of ideas, he will throw out all sorts of things to see how they resonate with people, without restraint. It's all about the ideas being discussed and learning about other points in response.
So, both the inflated ego, and the ego-less will have a lot to say, and one may often be mistaken for the other. At least that's a crude concept I was thinking of recently. Like everything I write, it could be complete garbage. So, if you like, feel free to tear it apart and teach me something - I have no ego to bruise :)
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
The 20 Greatest Scenes in Star Trek
by DT Strain
20) After being convinced by Lwaxana Troi not to go forward with his planet's ritual of submitting ones self to be killed on the 60th birthday, Dr. Timicin tells his daughter, who reacts with shame and, turning the tables on our perception of the practice, scolds Lwaxana saying, "how dare you". The scene is highly emotional and philosophically charged, thanks in no small part to Michelle Forbes acting (no doubt contributing to her return as Ro Laren). [Half a Life, TNG]
19) After years of being a more stand-offish Captain, Picard finally feels close enough to his crew to join their poker game. The crew is impressed saying, "you were always welcome". As the camera pulls back on TNGs final scene from overhead, Picard deals saying, "the sky's the limit". [All Good Things, TNG]
18) In his first set of encounters with the nonlinear wormhole entities, Sisko is made to realize that he too is nonlinear. The entities refer to the moment where he was forced to leave his wife behind in a burning ship. They take him to that place in his mind, answering his explanation of linear time by telling him, "but you do not move on - you live here." [Emissary part 2, DS9]
17) Archer appears badly injured in what seems to be a World War II Nazi camp, when out of the shadows walks... [Zero Hour, ENT]
16) At the dinner table, Kirk and Kahn discuss Kahn's past. Kahn plays a keen verbal game of cat and mouse. When Kirk manipulates Kahn's sense of self pride by suggesting he cowardly left Earth, Kahn is riled into making the revealing statement, "We offered the world order!" Kahn, seeing that he has been bested in the game, recognizes the manipulation and gives Kirk a salutation by nodding and saying, "excellent". The tension could be cut with a knife. [Space Seed, TOS]
15) Spock's mother admonishes him for not leaving his post to save his father while Spock defends his Vulcan way of life. She says, "I'll hate you the rest of my life" and leaves. Spock places his hand upon the door. [Journey to Babel, TOS]
14) Having recently been bickering to the point of getting deeply personal and hateful in the event of their Captain's apparent death, Spock and McCoy watch Kirk's last orders to them both. What he says in his message to them humbles them and makes each realize what they've been doing. The scene is a touching capsule of the triad's relationship. [The Tholian Web, TOS]
13) Ridden with guild, the crushed Commodore Decker explains to Kirk, "They say there's no hell, but there is." After telling Decker that the planet he placed his crew on was gone, Decker responds in one of TOS' greatest acting moments, "Don't you think I know that?" [The Doomsday Machine, TOS]
12) The EMH Doctor, attempts to learn about family life by creating a simulated family but shuts the program down when his daughter is about to die. Convinced by Paris that he must face all life has to offer to understand it, he reactivates the program and goes to see his dieing daughter. [Real Life, VGR]
11) Science fiction author Benny Russell (Sisko) gives an impassioned monologue on his deeply personal relationship with his work (his acting in the "it's real to me" speech was truly one of the greatest moments on television). [Far Beyond the Stars, DS9]
10) Sisko must say goodbye to an alternate version of his grown son Jake, who has just failed to bring his father back after years of obsession. [The Visitor, DS9]
9) McCoy in a flashback, allowing his father to die, only to find out that a cure was to be developed soon after. [Star Trek V: The Final Frontier]
8) After the end of a long life, Picard discovers that his entire experience has been an implanted message from a people long since extinct. He sees the probe launch that will one day implant his experiences and he is left with the gift of knowledge of these people and the wisdom of a lifetime. [The Inner Light, TNG]
7) After Spock and Kirk's violent combat is over. Spock reports to T'Pau and she tells him, "Live long and prosper, Spock". He responds, "I shall do neither, I have killed my Captain." [Amok Time, TOS]
6) There are FOUR lights! [Chain of Command part 2, TNG]
5) An end of an era is marked as Kirk and crew stand on the cliffs of the planet Genesis, looking up at the legendary starship Enterprise burning as it descends across the sky. Kirk asks, "My God Bones, what have I done." to which he replies, "What you had to do, what you always do. Turn death into a fighting chance to live." McCoy's words invert and recall Kirks admonishment of himself to David after his loss of Spock. [Star Trek III: The Search for Spock]
4) Having developed the weapon that is to destroy the Borg cube, the crew discovers that their captain is now a Borg aboard that very cube. Riker commands, "Mr. Worf, fire." and the screen goes black for an entire summer. [The Best of Both Worlds part 1, TNG]
3) Kirk holds McCoy back from saving Edith Keeler from being hit by a car. His eyes shut, unable to watch the death he had to allow. McCoy asks, "Jim, do you know what you just did?" Spock replies, "He knows, Doctor. He knows." [City on the Edge of Forever, TOS]
2) Kirk, falling to the floor of the bridge in front of his captain's chair after hearing his son is dead. His friends and shipmates can only watch the breakdown speechless. [Star Trek III: The Search for Spock]
1) After heroically taking fatal doses of radiation to repair the ship's engines so his shipmates could escape death, Kirk and Spock, separated by the transparent barrier, have moments left to exchange words. Spock tells Kirk not to grieve because Spock's sacrifice was "logical". He says "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one". Then he says he "has been and always shall be" Kirk's friend. As he slides to the floor, up against the barrier, Kirk slides down with him. Spock dies and Kirk turns and sits on the floor in utter despair as the camera pulls back showing the two back to back on the floor. When considered in the context of its first showing, after a lifetime of watching Kirk and Spock as friends on the show, the scene was iconic and intense. [Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn]
20) After being convinced by Lwaxana Troi not to go forward with his planet's ritual of submitting ones self to be killed on the 60th birthday, Dr. Timicin tells his daughter, who reacts with shame and, turning the tables on our perception of the practice, scolds Lwaxana saying, "how dare you". The scene is highly emotional and philosophically charged, thanks in no small part to Michelle Forbes acting (no doubt contributing to her return as Ro Laren). [Half a Life, TNG]
19) After years of being a more stand-offish Captain, Picard finally feels close enough to his crew to join their poker game. The crew is impressed saying, "you were always welcome". As the camera pulls back on TNGs final scene from overhead, Picard deals saying, "the sky's the limit". [All Good Things, TNG]
18) In his first set of encounters with the nonlinear wormhole entities, Sisko is made to realize that he too is nonlinear. The entities refer to the moment where he was forced to leave his wife behind in a burning ship. They take him to that place in his mind, answering his explanation of linear time by telling him, "but you do not move on - you live here." [Emissary part 2, DS9]
17) Archer appears badly injured in what seems to be a World War II Nazi camp, when out of the shadows walks... [Zero Hour, ENT]
16) At the dinner table, Kirk and Kahn discuss Kahn's past. Kahn plays a keen verbal game of cat and mouse. When Kirk manipulates Kahn's sense of self pride by suggesting he cowardly left Earth, Kahn is riled into making the revealing statement, "We offered the world order!" Kahn, seeing that he has been bested in the game, recognizes the manipulation and gives Kirk a salutation by nodding and saying, "excellent". The tension could be cut with a knife. [Space Seed, TOS]
15) Spock's mother admonishes him for not leaving his post to save his father while Spock defends his Vulcan way of life. She says, "I'll hate you the rest of my life" and leaves. Spock places his hand upon the door. [Journey to Babel, TOS]
14) Having recently been bickering to the point of getting deeply personal and hateful in the event of their Captain's apparent death, Spock and McCoy watch Kirk's last orders to them both. What he says in his message to them humbles them and makes each realize what they've been doing. The scene is a touching capsule of the triad's relationship. [The Tholian Web, TOS]
13) Ridden with guild, the crushed Commodore Decker explains to Kirk, "They say there's no hell, but there is." After telling Decker that the planet he placed his crew on was gone, Decker responds in one of TOS' greatest acting moments, "Don't you think I know that?" [The Doomsday Machine, TOS]
12) The EMH Doctor, attempts to learn about family life by creating a simulated family but shuts the program down when his daughter is about to die. Convinced by Paris that he must face all life has to offer to understand it, he reactivates the program and goes to see his dieing daughter. [Real Life, VGR]
11) Science fiction author Benny Russell (Sisko) gives an impassioned monologue on his deeply personal relationship with his work (his acting in the "it's real to me" speech was truly one of the greatest moments on television). [Far Beyond the Stars, DS9]
10) Sisko must say goodbye to an alternate version of his grown son Jake, who has just failed to bring his father back after years of obsession. [The Visitor, DS9]
9) McCoy in a flashback, allowing his father to die, only to find out that a cure was to be developed soon after. [Star Trek V: The Final Frontier]
8) After the end of a long life, Picard discovers that his entire experience has been an implanted message from a people long since extinct. He sees the probe launch that will one day implant his experiences and he is left with the gift of knowledge of these people and the wisdom of a lifetime. [The Inner Light, TNG]
7) After Spock and Kirk's violent combat is over. Spock reports to T'Pau and she tells him, "Live long and prosper, Spock". He responds, "I shall do neither, I have killed my Captain." [Amok Time, TOS]
6) There are FOUR lights! [Chain of Command part 2, TNG]
5) An end of an era is marked as Kirk and crew stand on the cliffs of the planet Genesis, looking up at the legendary starship Enterprise burning as it descends across the sky. Kirk asks, "My God Bones, what have I done." to which he replies, "What you had to do, what you always do. Turn death into a fighting chance to live." McCoy's words invert and recall Kirks admonishment of himself to David after his loss of Spock. [Star Trek III: The Search for Spock]
4) Having developed the weapon that is to destroy the Borg cube, the crew discovers that their captain is now a Borg aboard that very cube. Riker commands, "Mr. Worf, fire." and the screen goes black for an entire summer. [The Best of Both Worlds part 1, TNG]
3) Kirk holds McCoy back from saving Edith Keeler from being hit by a car. His eyes shut, unable to watch the death he had to allow. McCoy asks, "Jim, do you know what you just did?" Spock replies, "He knows, Doctor. He knows." [City on the Edge of Forever, TOS]
2) Kirk, falling to the floor of the bridge in front of his captain's chair after hearing his son is dead. His friends and shipmates can only watch the breakdown speechless. [Star Trek III: The Search for Spock]
1) After heroically taking fatal doses of radiation to repair the ship's engines so his shipmates could escape death, Kirk and Spock, separated by the transparent barrier, have moments left to exchange words. Spock tells Kirk not to grieve because Spock's sacrifice was "logical". He says "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one". Then he says he "has been and always shall be" Kirk's friend. As he slides to the floor, up against the barrier, Kirk slides down with him. Spock dies and Kirk turns and sits on the floor in utter despair as the camera pulls back showing the two back to back on the floor. When considered in the context of its first showing, after a lifetime of watching Kirk and Spock as friends on the show, the scene was iconic and intense. [Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn]
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Now you must DIE!
I've been having a hair-pullingly maddening debate with someone on a message board about my paper on "Natural-Objective Ethics" (see my philosophy site). Normally, if someone is just too far out of whack, using completely nonsensical logic or using insulting tones, I simply ignore them. This guy started out fairly reasonable, but now it's getting to the point of repetition, and he just doesn't "get it". He keeps firing back instantly, restating things as if I haven't answered them, instead of addressing my answers to them. What's worse is that I think his emotional attachment to ethical relativism is clouding his ability to think logically. But he's staying just on the cusp of that borderline where I will or won't start to ignore someone!
I have been so temped to retort with smartass remarks or Ad Homonym, but I keep reminding myself to try and stay civil. Nothing will be accomplished by being aggressive or insulting. That will just raise his "defenses" and then no real communication will be possible. It's quite hard, but it's the right way to behave so I will continue trying.
Still, he's starting to get to a point where he's just trying to trap me into using phrases he can turn against me, rather than truly trying to communicate anything or reach mutual understanding, so I'm about ready to cut it off. When I do, though, I'll try to stay nice. Errrrrrr!
Edit: On a side note, I should probably mention that he may be pulling his hair with me too, and to his credit, he's been civil as well.
I have been so temped to retort with smartass remarks or Ad Homonym, but I keep reminding myself to try and stay civil. Nothing will be accomplished by being aggressive or insulting. That will just raise his "defenses" and then no real communication will be possible. It's quite hard, but it's the right way to behave so I will continue trying.
Still, he's starting to get to a point where he's just trying to trap me into using phrases he can turn against me, rather than truly trying to communicate anything or reach mutual understanding, so I'm about ready to cut it off. When I do, though, I'll try to stay nice. Errrrrrr!
Edit: On a side note, I should probably mention that he may be pulling his hair with me too, and to his credit, he's been civil as well.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
The Matrix
I wrote my interpretation of the Matrix trilogy a while back, after the final film (Revolutions) came out in theaters. I decided today to add it to my philosophy site for those who have seen the films and who'd like to take a look (major spoilers). I haven't had a chance to read the line of philosophy books that focus on the Matrix yet, but I did read a little on the website back when the first film came out.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Star Wars and Philosophy
I'm reading this new book called, "Star Wars and Philosophy" and it is incredible. Not only is it bringing up whole new concepts I had never considered about the Star Wars films before, (connecting things in the saga which I never realized were connected) but it's also a wonderful collection of samples from among the greatest philosophers. A real eye-opener, it's already inspired me to break out some of my older philosophy books again, and learn more about a few philosophers I was sorely lacking knowledge in. I highly recommend this book, especially for Star Wars fans.
Friday, April 22, 2005
New Sites Up!
Well, it's been well over 2 months now, but finally my new and refurbished sites are up. I have now brought together a lot of various sites I had sprawling all over the place into two sister-sites.
The first is the DT Strain Philosophy site, which looks similar to this one, but has a lot of my philosophy essays in it. The second is this site, the DT Strain Philosophy Blog site. Here is where I'll make more blog-like day-to-day entries about all sorts of things. I probably won't be able to make entries EVERY day, but I'll try to at least make them once/week from this point on, so please bookmark me and pick a day of the week to check back!
Also, feel free to tell me what you think of the new sites and new layout :)
The first is the DT Strain Philosophy site, which looks similar to this one, but has a lot of my philosophy essays in it. The second is this site, the DT Strain Philosophy Blog site. Here is where I'll make more blog-like day-to-day entries about all sorts of things. I probably won't be able to make entries EVERY day, but I'll try to at least make them once/week from this point on, so please bookmark me and pick a day of the week to check back!
Also, feel free to tell me what you think of the new sites and new layout :)
Friday, February 4, 2005
The Many Faces of an Ethic
Love your enemies, and do not return evil with evil, but with goodness. Sound familiar? Here are some of the many sources for these widespread ethics...
Buddhism
"He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me!" In those who harbor such thoughts hatred is not appeased.
"He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me!" In those who do not harbor such thoughts hatred is appeased.
Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; through love alone they cease. This is an eternal law." -- Dhammapada 3-5
"Conquer anger by love. Conquer evil by good. Conquer the stingy by giving. Conquer the liar by truth." -- Dhammapada 223
Christianity
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -- Matthew 5.43-48
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." -- Romans 12.21
Confucianism
"Of the adage, Only a good man knows how to like people, knows how to dislike them, Confucius said, "He whose heart is in the smallest degree set upon Goodness will dislike no one." -- Analects 4.3-4
Islam
"It may be that God will ordain love between you and those whom you hold as enemies. For God has power over all things; and God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." -- Qur'an 60.7
"The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo!, he between whom and you there was enmity shall become as though he were a bosom friend. But none is granted it save those who are steadfast, and none is granted it save a person of great good fortune." -- Qur'an 41.34-35
Jainism
"My Lord! Others have fallen back in showing compassion to their benefactors as you have shown compassion even to your malefactors. All this is unparalleled." -- Vitaragastava 14.5
Sikhism
"What kind of love is this that to another can shift? Says Nanak, True lovers are those who are forever absorbed in the Beloved. Whoever discriminates between treatment held good or bad, Is not a true lover--he rather is caught in calculations." -- Adi Granth, Asa-ki-Var, M.2, p. 474
Taoism
"The sage has no fixed [personal] ideas.He regards the people's ideas as his own.I treat those who are good with goodness,And I also treat those who are not good with goodness.Thus goodness is attained. I am honest with those who are honest,And I am also honest with those who are dishonest.Thus honesty is attained." -- Tao Te Ching 49
"Do good to him who has done you an injury." -- Tao Te Ching 63
Friday, January 28, 2005
About Voting
There is a lot to be cynical about in our democracy in the United States. Corporations have huge amounts of undue influence because of the way our system is set up. Meanwhile, because of the way the party system works, our realistic choice seems to be limited to two polar extremes in every election, with neither being very appealing. In this sort of situation, voting can seem irrelevant. It can seem like whoever spends the most money is going to win, and whoever wins it won't be that great a choice anyway.
But I doubt there is outright fraud happening on a routine basis. There are simply too many competing interests and too much incompetence to believe that such a conspiracy theory could remain secret for very long. Given that, surely our voting efforts must be seeping in here and there, making changes in subtle ways. If one issue gets to be a big problem, it really can and does effect lawmakers' careers. In my State of California, we have a referendum system that makes use of the voter to an even greater degree. I've seen first hand the recent affect of voting in the Governors recall vote and in several ballot initiatives in the short time I've lived in the State. Add to that the closeness of the last two presidential elections and it seems our individuals votes really do effect things.
If this is so, even in some small way through the filter of corporate influence and two-party domination, then we have to keep trying. Over time, as corporate influence and two-party rule grows and people are more and more put off by it, then lawmakers can be voted in who will try to deal with the issue. It will be a slow and long-term process, and the problem may have to get much worse before it gets better, but American history has shown for over 200 years that changes for the better can and do happen in this democracy. As long as there is even a chance that voting can make a difference then we have to try.
The upcoming vote in Iraq is a good reminder. Here we see a people who have never known a real democracy. Their choice isn't even to elect legislators, but to elect those who will write a constitution. They know very little about any of the parties or candidates they'll be voting for and, with the political influence of the United States an uncertainty, no real guaranty of the efficacy of their vote. Whatever challenges and frustrations face our democracy in the United States, their political predicament is a thousand times more uncertain. This alone might discourage many an American from coming out to the polls, but add to that the fact that these people face the fear of death at the hands of terrorists for voting.
Regardless of what the turnout levels will be in Iraq this Sunday, all indications are that millions of people will risk the lives of themselves and their families to cast an uncertain vote in a system of questionable political influence. Why would they do this? It seems to me they do so for one reason - hope. A hope that springs from a desire to better themselves, to be more than they are, and to provide a better world for their children than the one they experienced - the same hope that lives in every human being. Even in the face of uncertainty, suspicion, and fear of death millions of them will act on hope alone this Sunday.
But when we don't bother voting and are asked why, we complain about a check some politician got from some corporation we don't like. Perhaps we complain about how the candidates aren't very different and we don't know anything about them. Meanwhile media attention goes to questions about boxers or briefs, soundbites of politicians making speaking flubs, and pundits outyelling one another in what amounts to little more than the Jerry Springer Show with a jacket and tie.
Yet these Iraqis are the same people who some here said weren't ready for democracy, or would never be able to handle democracy. One thing is for sure - in my next election I'm going to the polls rain or shine, and I'll be thinking of the heroic people who voted in Iraq this Sunday when I do.
Edit, January 30, 2005:
While it is still early, it seems that the elections have gone off rather well in Iraq. Preliminary turnout estimates seem solid and although there was violence (regrettable at any level), it was not to the enormous amount feared.
What was especially inspiring was a report by the Associated Press which mentioned the bravery of the Iraqi people in the face of terror...
Rumors of impending violence were rife. When an unexplained boom sounded near one Baghdad voting station, some women put their hands to their mouths and whispered prayers. Others continued walking calmly to the voting stations. Several shouted in unison: "We have no fear."
But I doubt there is outright fraud happening on a routine basis. There are simply too many competing interests and too much incompetence to believe that such a conspiracy theory could remain secret for very long. Given that, surely our voting efforts must be seeping in here and there, making changes in subtle ways. If one issue gets to be a big problem, it really can and does effect lawmakers' careers. In my State of California, we have a referendum system that makes use of the voter to an even greater degree. I've seen first hand the recent affect of voting in the Governors recall vote and in several ballot initiatives in the short time I've lived in the State. Add to that the closeness of the last two presidential elections and it seems our individuals votes really do effect things.
If this is so, even in some small way through the filter of corporate influence and two-party domination, then we have to keep trying. Over time, as corporate influence and two-party rule grows and people are more and more put off by it, then lawmakers can be voted in who will try to deal with the issue. It will be a slow and long-term process, and the problem may have to get much worse before it gets better, but American history has shown for over 200 years that changes for the better can and do happen in this democracy. As long as there is even a chance that voting can make a difference then we have to try.
The upcoming vote in Iraq is a good reminder. Here we see a people who have never known a real democracy. Their choice isn't even to elect legislators, but to elect those who will write a constitution. They know very little about any of the parties or candidates they'll be voting for and, with the political influence of the United States an uncertainty, no real guaranty of the efficacy of their vote. Whatever challenges and frustrations face our democracy in the United States, their political predicament is a thousand times more uncertain. This alone might discourage many an American from coming out to the polls, but add to that the fact that these people face the fear of death at the hands of terrorists for voting.
Regardless of what the turnout levels will be in Iraq this Sunday, all indications are that millions of people will risk the lives of themselves and their families to cast an uncertain vote in a system of questionable political influence. Why would they do this? It seems to me they do so for one reason - hope. A hope that springs from a desire to better themselves, to be more than they are, and to provide a better world for their children than the one they experienced - the same hope that lives in every human being. Even in the face of uncertainty, suspicion, and fear of death millions of them will act on hope alone this Sunday.
But when we don't bother voting and are asked why, we complain about a check some politician got from some corporation we don't like. Perhaps we complain about how the candidates aren't very different and we don't know anything about them. Meanwhile media attention goes to questions about boxers or briefs, soundbites of politicians making speaking flubs, and pundits outyelling one another in what amounts to little more than the Jerry Springer Show with a jacket and tie.
Yet these Iraqis are the same people who some here said weren't ready for democracy, or would never be able to handle democracy. One thing is for sure - in my next election I'm going to the polls rain or shine, and I'll be thinking of the heroic people who voted in Iraq this Sunday when I do.
Edit, January 30, 2005:
While it is still early, it seems that the elections have gone off rather well in Iraq. Preliminary turnout estimates seem solid and although there was violence (regrettable at any level), it was not to the enormous amount feared.
What was especially inspiring was a report by the Associated Press which mentioned the bravery of the Iraqi people in the face of terror...
Rumors of impending violence were rife. When an unexplained boom sounded near one Baghdad voting station, some women put their hands to their mouths and whispered prayers. Others continued walking calmly to the voting stations. Several shouted in unison: "We have no fear."
Friday, January 21, 2005
Working on Self Discipline
Discipline has always been one of my most challenging areas. More specifically I mean spending my time wisely, keeping focused and finishing tasks, and so on. I tend to drift around or bounce from project to project and maintaining a reasonable diet is also tough as I gain weight extremely easy. I've recently been thinking of and realizing a few strategies that seem to be helpful in improving self discipline...
Daily Reflection
By taking some time at the start of each day to think about discipline goals and where greatest your challenges are, you can help to get your mindset straight. After identifying challenges and weaknesses, recite commitments for the day to yourself.
Set Your Self Up For Success
Take note of the conditions under which you are more tempted to give in to your urges. Don't place yourself in tempting situations. In other words, don't be a "hero" by thinking you'll expose yourself to temptation so you can prove to yourself that you can resist it, presumably strengthening your resolve. That is reckless and, since none of us are perfect, you're setting yourself up for failure with that approach. Instead, part of being disciplined is in good planning, acknowledging your weaknesses, and avoiding temptations in the first place.
Stubborn Affirmation
Throughout the day, if you start to get temptations say to yourself, "I am in control of my actions!" (or think this to yourself if others are around - you don't want the men in the white suits to come to your door). This may seem silly, but it seems to have a good effect for me. This is probably because it strokes my stubbornness and desire to control - two tendencies we all have. These are often traits that we are taught to suppress, but in the case of self control, nurturing them can be helpful. It's like saying to your emotions, your sloth, or other impulses, "Sorry, but I'm the boss here - not you." So, inside your skull you (your intellect) are the supreme ruler. Don't let other aspects of your psyche usurp control - have fun putting them in their place!
Appreciate the Subtle
Things we take for granted now can become "treats" to us if we regulate the frequency we enjoy them. Appreciating those things as treats is part of gaining contentment while being disciplined. Also, taking note of the small things and appreciating them is a similar idea. For example, when we smell good food we often want to eat it. But lately I have begun learning to enjoying smells as a thing to enjoy for their own sakes, and not some indication of another thing to be had. I then experience the aroma and feel contented as if I've enjoyed something, rather than it leaving me in desire. Another example would be with soft drinks. In my father's day, a coke used to be a "treat"; something you'd get for being good or after saving up all week for the trip to the local malt shop. Today we drink soft drinks like water - correction, breath them like air. As part of my own diet for a time, I was drinking only water. After a while, if I tried to drink a soft drink it felt intensely sweet, like a treat. If we learn to enjoy the subtle for its own sake, we can begin to get more out of less and/or appreciate what we have more.
Physical-Mental Connection
Something I've come to realize lately is the connection between physical and mental discipline. I suppose that the connection in military training methods and the eastern martial arts should have been a clue to me, but I always thought the connection was merely metaphoric. What I've noticed, however, is that I tend to be more disciplined in general when I am being disciplined with my body. I think that your brain must think, "hey this guy's serious" when it feels the body undergoing stress (the good kind). No doubt, spiritual exercises concerning fasting and other physical feats also play into this connection. The point is, it's not merely a metaphor. For some reason, physical discipline really does help discipline in just about every other area.
One Step At A Time
This one's an oldie but a goodie. Don't think about having to do x, y, or z your entire life or all at once. Take each day or challenge one at a time. After a while you'll look back and see what you've done and be surprised. Where resisting temptation is concerned, just keep your focus on the challenge at hand and let the big picture take care of itself.
Build Habits
This seems like a no-brainer, but what's important is that you think of your habits as a house of cards. You build them deliberately and carefully, and don't mess around with them or the whole thing will come tumbling down. You might take one card out and think, well that's not so bad. Then the next thing you know you're taking out another. Before long all the work you put into building a habit is collapsed. And it takes only a tiny fraction of missteps to undo a long period of patient work in building a habit. So, don't think that because you've got good habits that you are somehow ok to make a few exceptions. The presence of a good habit is no protection against occasional actions to the opposite. In fact, those actions (even a few) are kryptonite to your habit!
Anyway, these notions seem to be working for me but I'm still working on them. Just figured I'd share.
Daily Reflection
By taking some time at the start of each day to think about discipline goals and where greatest your challenges are, you can help to get your mindset straight. After identifying challenges and weaknesses, recite commitments for the day to yourself.
Set Your Self Up For Success
Take note of the conditions under which you are more tempted to give in to your urges. Don't place yourself in tempting situations. In other words, don't be a "hero" by thinking you'll expose yourself to temptation so you can prove to yourself that you can resist it, presumably strengthening your resolve. That is reckless and, since none of us are perfect, you're setting yourself up for failure with that approach. Instead, part of being disciplined is in good planning, acknowledging your weaknesses, and avoiding temptations in the first place.
Stubborn Affirmation
Throughout the day, if you start to get temptations say to yourself, "I am in control of my actions!" (or think this to yourself if others are around - you don't want the men in the white suits to come to your door). This may seem silly, but it seems to have a good effect for me. This is probably because it strokes my stubbornness and desire to control - two tendencies we all have. These are often traits that we are taught to suppress, but in the case of self control, nurturing them can be helpful. It's like saying to your emotions, your sloth, or other impulses, "Sorry, but I'm the boss here - not you." So, inside your skull you (your intellect) are the supreme ruler. Don't let other aspects of your psyche usurp control - have fun putting them in their place!
Appreciate the Subtle
Things we take for granted now can become "treats" to us if we regulate the frequency we enjoy them. Appreciating those things as treats is part of gaining contentment while being disciplined. Also, taking note of the small things and appreciating them is a similar idea. For example, when we smell good food we often want to eat it. But lately I have begun learning to enjoying smells as a thing to enjoy for their own sakes, and not some indication of another thing to be had. I then experience the aroma and feel contented as if I've enjoyed something, rather than it leaving me in desire. Another example would be with soft drinks. In my father's day, a coke used to be a "treat"; something you'd get for being good or after saving up all week for the trip to the local malt shop. Today we drink soft drinks like water - correction, breath them like air. As part of my own diet for a time, I was drinking only water. After a while, if I tried to drink a soft drink it felt intensely sweet, like a treat. If we learn to enjoy the subtle for its own sake, we can begin to get more out of less and/or appreciate what we have more.
Physical-Mental Connection
Something I've come to realize lately is the connection between physical and mental discipline. I suppose that the connection in military training methods and the eastern martial arts should have been a clue to me, but I always thought the connection was merely metaphoric. What I've noticed, however, is that I tend to be more disciplined in general when I am being disciplined with my body. I think that your brain must think, "hey this guy's serious" when it feels the body undergoing stress (the good kind). No doubt, spiritual exercises concerning fasting and other physical feats also play into this connection. The point is, it's not merely a metaphor. For some reason, physical discipline really does help discipline in just about every other area.
One Step At A Time
This one's an oldie but a goodie. Don't think about having to do x, y, or z your entire life or all at once. Take each day or challenge one at a time. After a while you'll look back and see what you've done and be surprised. Where resisting temptation is concerned, just keep your focus on the challenge at hand and let the big picture take care of itself.
Build Habits
This seems like a no-brainer, but what's important is that you think of your habits as a house of cards. You build them deliberately and carefully, and don't mess around with them or the whole thing will come tumbling down. You might take one card out and think, well that's not so bad. Then the next thing you know you're taking out another. Before long all the work you put into building a habit is collapsed. And it takes only a tiny fraction of missteps to undo a long period of patient work in building a habit. So, don't think that because you've got good habits that you are somehow ok to make a few exceptions. The presence of a good habit is no protection against occasional actions to the opposite. In fact, those actions (even a few) are kryptonite to your habit!
Anyway, these notions seem to be working for me but I'm still working on them. Just figured I'd share.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Losing Weight: the REAL Plan (part 2 of 2)
A continuation of last week's entry...
3) You Must Suffer:
Accept it, deep down inside. If you want to lose weight, you will and must suffer. Anyone who tells you you can lose weight easy, without pain, is trying to sell you something or lying to you for some other nefarious reason. If you are not suffering, take it as a sign that you are doing something wrong. Once you fully accept this, you will bear your suffering as a mark that you are accomplishing something, and you won't wince out because it's too hard - you'll expect it. But fortunately, the suffering doesn't last. If you get into the habit of eating less, your stomach will adjust and before long you'll get full on things that would never satisfy you before.
4) No Non-Meal Eating
Somehow, the tradition of breakfast, lunch, and dinner has become all but history. Now people just grab food at random and eat it whenever. At home people just run to the fridge at any old time. Many work places have a community table area where food just mysteriously appears and everyone grazes off of it like a salt lick. Even getting gas you're expected to just grab something to munch on. What meal is beef jerky supposed to be eaten with? Is everyone going for survival hikes in the wilderness on the weekends or something?
If you want to do the health thing where you eat tiny bits of healthy foods, strewn throughout the day, which add up to a reasonable amount, then that's great. But that's not the sort of unrestricted munching I'm talking about here, and many people don't have time for that. So, in general, you have to say to yourself, "I'm only going to eat at meal times" and if offered food (which you will be) simply tell them you've already eaten. They may look at you funny, as if to wonder, "Are you mad?"
5) No Fast Food - Ever
Fast food companies will tell you that they exist as an occasional outing, to be a part of an overall balanced diet. Baloney - It's pure garbage. Don't eat it. That includes the "healthy" menu items like fried chicken patties and lard-drenched salads, and it certainly includes anything in a convenience store. There are a sizeable number of nutritionists that will say not only that fast food should rarely be eaten, but that it should never be eaten. In general, I've found that it's best not to eat something if a caveman wouldn't recognize it as food.
There are some restaurants that may be technically fast food, but serve decent natural foods that aren't fried, fake, or fatty. But even here you have to be careful to select the right items. It's best to stay away from such places and adjust your lifestyle if needed to avoid them. Instead, try eating at traditional restaurants if you eat out, but even there, watch the portions and content. Share or eat only half your food because nearly all of them give you way too much.
6) Accept Being an Outcast
As mentioned, the American culture is based almost entirely around food (and other consumerisms). Companies that sell food want you to buy 2 gallon colas and drink them in one sitting. They want you to order an appetizer, meal, and desert - each one large enough to be a meal in its own right. Basically, they want your stomach and appetite stretched as far as it will go because that will make you buy more. It doesn't matter to them much that you'll die in your forties because your kids will eat as much or more than you do.
So, all of the commercials, films, TV shows, and music videos have been custom tailored to promote a lifestyle of maximum consumption. As a result, our social lives are based around "going out to eat" and we find ourselves forced into fast food out of convenience, cost, or cool. The American lifestyle is not healthy. That means that to be a healthy person, you've got to accept the fact that you'll be a bit of an outcast in your own culture. You'll be the one who has to say, "I can't eat anything there" when everyone in the car wants to go to Tubocrapy's Burger Bar. You'll have to be the one who stops eating half way through the meal. You'll have to be the evil one at work who never eats the brownies poor Ms. Boothby makes for the office. Accept it, and accept it now, because you live in fatville and the only way to not be is to be a rebel.
7) Exercise
Fortunately, it doesn't have to be a lot but, especially if you work behind a desk like I do, then it's essential. Start out low and slowly work your way up to a level you can live with. Pick something physical that you will be okay with doing (or might even enjoy), but it also needs to be something you can do conveniently. If it's a lot of trouble, like driving somewhere, forget it. You'll do it a few days, maybe weeks, then stop. I also recommend doing it in the morning since I'm lazy after working all day, but that's just me. So there's the cold hard truth about weight loss. Everyone else is too scared to sound so harsh because they're afraid you won't buy their books. But after you've tried all the other nonsense out there, you'll eventually work your way back to this - that is, if you ever really want to lose weight and keep it off.
So, that's it. It's not pretty, but unless one is preparred to accept some cold hard fact, I don't think one is truly willing to do what's necessary to lose weight and keep it off. I've gained a bit back over the holidays, which in the long run I don't think will be too bad, as long as I get back into my good habits again. Now to DO it...
Please Note: One thing in trying to lose weight I would NOT do, is EVER click on or visit www.nulife-weightloss.com. This company likes to spam comments on people's blogs repeatedly (the reason comments have been disabled on this post). This shows they have no scruples and thus can't be trusted for any other service. Please do not go to that site or do business with them. Thanks.
3) You Must Suffer:
Accept it, deep down inside. If you want to lose weight, you will and must suffer. Anyone who tells you you can lose weight easy, without pain, is trying to sell you something or lying to you for some other nefarious reason. If you are not suffering, take it as a sign that you are doing something wrong. Once you fully accept this, you will bear your suffering as a mark that you are accomplishing something, and you won't wince out because it's too hard - you'll expect it. But fortunately, the suffering doesn't last. If you get into the habit of eating less, your stomach will adjust and before long you'll get full on things that would never satisfy you before.
4) No Non-Meal Eating
Somehow, the tradition of breakfast, lunch, and dinner has become all but history. Now people just grab food at random and eat it whenever. At home people just run to the fridge at any old time. Many work places have a community table area where food just mysteriously appears and everyone grazes off of it like a salt lick. Even getting gas you're expected to just grab something to munch on. What meal is beef jerky supposed to be eaten with? Is everyone going for survival hikes in the wilderness on the weekends or something?
If you want to do the health thing where you eat tiny bits of healthy foods, strewn throughout the day, which add up to a reasonable amount, then that's great. But that's not the sort of unrestricted munching I'm talking about here, and many people don't have time for that. So, in general, you have to say to yourself, "I'm only going to eat at meal times" and if offered food (which you will be) simply tell them you've already eaten. They may look at you funny, as if to wonder, "Are you mad?"
5) No Fast Food - Ever
Fast food companies will tell you that they exist as an occasional outing, to be a part of an overall balanced diet. Baloney - It's pure garbage. Don't eat it. That includes the "healthy" menu items like fried chicken patties and lard-drenched salads, and it certainly includes anything in a convenience store. There are a sizeable number of nutritionists that will say not only that fast food should rarely be eaten, but that it should never be eaten. In general, I've found that it's best not to eat something if a caveman wouldn't recognize it as food.
There are some restaurants that may be technically fast food, but serve decent natural foods that aren't fried, fake, or fatty. But even here you have to be careful to select the right items. It's best to stay away from such places and adjust your lifestyle if needed to avoid them. Instead, try eating at traditional restaurants if you eat out, but even there, watch the portions and content. Share or eat only half your food because nearly all of them give you way too much.
6) Accept Being an Outcast
As mentioned, the American culture is based almost entirely around food (and other consumerisms). Companies that sell food want you to buy 2 gallon colas and drink them in one sitting. They want you to order an appetizer, meal, and desert - each one large enough to be a meal in its own right. Basically, they want your stomach and appetite stretched as far as it will go because that will make you buy more. It doesn't matter to them much that you'll die in your forties because your kids will eat as much or more than you do.
So, all of the commercials, films, TV shows, and music videos have been custom tailored to promote a lifestyle of maximum consumption. As a result, our social lives are based around "going out to eat" and we find ourselves forced into fast food out of convenience, cost, or cool. The American lifestyle is not healthy. That means that to be a healthy person, you've got to accept the fact that you'll be a bit of an outcast in your own culture. You'll be the one who has to say, "I can't eat anything there" when everyone in the car wants to go to Tubocrapy's Burger Bar. You'll have to be the one who stops eating half way through the meal. You'll have to be the evil one at work who never eats the brownies poor Ms. Boothby makes for the office. Accept it, and accept it now, because you live in fatville and the only way to not be is to be a rebel.
7) Exercise
Fortunately, it doesn't have to be a lot but, especially if you work behind a desk like I do, then it's essential. Start out low and slowly work your way up to a level you can live with. Pick something physical that you will be okay with doing (or might even enjoy), but it also needs to be something you can do conveniently. If it's a lot of trouble, like driving somewhere, forget it. You'll do it a few days, maybe weeks, then stop. I also recommend doing it in the morning since I'm lazy after working all day, but that's just me. So there's the cold hard truth about weight loss. Everyone else is too scared to sound so harsh because they're afraid you won't buy their books. But after you've tried all the other nonsense out there, you'll eventually work your way back to this - that is, if you ever really want to lose weight and keep it off.
So, that's it. It's not pretty, but unless one is preparred to accept some cold hard fact, I don't think one is truly willing to do what's necessary to lose weight and keep it off. I've gained a bit back over the holidays, which in the long run I don't think will be too bad, as long as I get back into my good habits again. Now to DO it...
Please Note: One thing in trying to lose weight I would NOT do, is EVER click on or visit www.nulife-weightloss.com. This company likes to spam comments on people's blogs repeatedly (the reason comments have been disabled on this post). This shows they have no scruples and thus can't be trusted for any other service. Please do not go to that site or do business with them. Thanks.
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