“Moral Values”

Be wary of those who insist that they are simply acting from “moral values,” when the results of their values include pain and heartbreak, for either they are masking evil behind that façade, or their morals are dark and dire.

Probably both.

In either case, they are poisonous bedfellows.

Idols and Heroes

I think it’s always worth being cautious, to avoid thinking in terms of “heroes.”

Pedestals are for vast and trunkless legs in the desert.

Make Your Own Window

Starting with Much Madness is Divinest Sense by Emily Dickenson:

Much madness is divinest sense
To a discerning eye;
Much sense the starkest madness.
’Tis the majority
In this, as all, prevails.
Assent, and you are sane;
Demur, — you’re straightaway dangerous,
And handled with a chain.

I recently learned of the term “Overton Window,” which is a concept that totally made sense as I was reading about it. In brief, it’s the “socially acceptable” range of discourse allowed. Topics outside the Overton Window often cause discomfort to folks who are used to whatever is in the Overton Window.

Continue reading “Make Your Own Window”

Bounties. Sure.

When I was a little kid, I was in the hospital. It was serious, and I kinda understood that. I was just glad that doctors and nurses were trying to help. I always thanked them.

One day, a new kid was put into my shared room. He nonstop bragged about how he knew all about hospitals and all about doctors and this was all no problem for him and he wasn’t afraid of anything.

Continue reading “Bounties. Sure.”

Sea Change

If we want to live in a technological world that contains millions or billions of people who may depend upon us, and upon whom we may depend, then we must execute a sea change in our relationships with our species, our environment, our philosophies, and our purposes for existence.

“Fool me once…”

I always figured that any supernatural creature that can be fooled by the application of Pascal’s Wager really isn’t deserving of worship from a thoughtful being.

“For Warmth”

I think we can all agree that burning a confederate flag is perfectly acceptable as an act of protest, or to keep warm, or because you have a match, the name of the day ends with “y,” whatever. 

Tongue Beatings

You can learn so much by licking cake batter from the tines of an egg beater.

For example, how to unplug appliances.

Froggy Reconsiders

It has been said that if you have to eat a frog, then do it in the morning.

I’m not sure frogs have been consulted on this.

Minnows

Shallow seas breed little fish.

Think deeply and act with intention, compassion, and vision.