Jul 2010
A Few Words on Words Chapter 2
July 20, 2010 01:37 PM Filed in: Philosophy
Continuing our tour of the strange properties of
words, we curiously turn our attention to images,
specifically, early imaging software for the
Macintosh computer.
Because it was these early graphics programs that provided me with a great insight into the way language works. So bear with me as I take you on a quick tour of the first two graphics programs for the Mac, MacPaint and MacDraw. Read More...
Because it was these early graphics programs that provided me with a great insight into the way language works. So bear with me as I take you on a quick tour of the first two graphics programs for the Mac, MacPaint and MacDraw. Read More...
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July Update
July 06, 2010 09:06 PM
Well it seems like lately I’ve been keeping up with
my Facebook updates, but neglecting my poor blog.
This is naturally due to Facebook’s accomodating more
incidental information while my blog is reserved for
more ponderous ramblings. And lately, my life seems
to be composed of more incidental information.
I’m told I am in a dire situation healthwise. I don’t doubt it, but there is also something that makes it hard to fully grasp. I don’t know how to fill my days.
On Friday, I had my first round of chemo. There will be more rounds every three weeks. At least, that is the plan if the first round actually gives me some benefit. And then there is the hope that maybe, just maybe, another kind of treatment can be explored if only the chemo and radiation can push this bastard back a little more.
The following two days sucked, but I seem to be doing better now.
Last Wednesday was Oliver’s 9th birthday, and I’m grateful that I’ve lived to see it. I just don’t know what else I’m going to be able to see or how much, or for how long.
As you might have guessed, this very peculiar situation has caused me to be even more contemplative and philosophical than I usually am, and that is saying something. I’ve come to some singluar conclusions and I thought I would share some of them here.
The first thing I know is that human cruelty to other humans is the first and greatest evil. Consequently the elimination of cruelty from the world should be the objective of every civilized person.
The second thing I know is that dogmatism is the second evil. The idea that anyone has a “correct” position that is correct by definition and immutable has caused enormous suffering in the world and, consequently also needs to be abolished.
To the degree that people can direct their lives, I think they should be directed by a vision of a future where there is less suffering in the world. My concept of hope is bound to this idea.
I think religious feeling is an inextricable part of the human experience. But I believe in a firm separation between its expression in private life and its role in public life. There should be no deference to religious ideas in our shared public life, even if it is part of our shared heritage. A freer more secular society should always be our goal.
I’m told I am in a dire situation healthwise. I don’t doubt it, but there is also something that makes it hard to fully grasp. I don’t know how to fill my days.
On Friday, I had my first round of chemo. There will be more rounds every three weeks. At least, that is the plan if the first round actually gives me some benefit. And then there is the hope that maybe, just maybe, another kind of treatment can be explored if only the chemo and radiation can push this bastard back a little more.
The following two days sucked, but I seem to be doing better now.
Last Wednesday was Oliver’s 9th birthday, and I’m grateful that I’ve lived to see it. I just don’t know what else I’m going to be able to see or how much, or for how long.
As you might have guessed, this very peculiar situation has caused me to be even more contemplative and philosophical than I usually am, and that is saying something. I’ve come to some singluar conclusions and I thought I would share some of them here.
The first thing I know is that human cruelty to other humans is the first and greatest evil. Consequently the elimination of cruelty from the world should be the objective of every civilized person.
The second thing I know is that dogmatism is the second evil. The idea that anyone has a “correct” position that is correct by definition and immutable has caused enormous suffering in the world and, consequently also needs to be abolished.
To the degree that people can direct their lives, I think they should be directed by a vision of a future where there is less suffering in the world. My concept of hope is bound to this idea.
I think religious feeling is an inextricable part of the human experience. But I believe in a firm separation between its expression in private life and its role in public life. There should be no deference to religious ideas in our shared public life, even if it is part of our shared heritage. A freer more secular society should always be our goal.