Normal service will resume shortly.
Quick shout out to Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser whose show, “PTI”, provided the inspiration for this week’s title.
So, yes, pardon the interruption, but I’m back! Thank you for your patience, kindness, understanding, empathy and general well…oh there’s no one here.
In the spirit of retired Navy Seal, David Goggins, it’s time to get back to work!
The first article is always a struggle, much like the first day back after any break. I’ve been easing myself back in with my usual weekly activities – don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, stand on your head, pray for sun or rain – but writing this has been real challenge, and look at it, it’s nothing special (so far).
Now, I’m not going to get all artist on you and be like “you wouldn’t understand, creativity is not something you can turn on and off like a tap nor bottle up in times of need.”, but there’s elements of truth in that. I mean, that’s not the only reason I’ve been away, but I don’t really wish to elaborate on right now.
I try and keep this site, within reason, about universal philosophical and psychological wisdom and knowledge – taking into account yearly themes I set myself – interwoven with my own personal learning and life experiences. However, it’s becoming difficult – let’s be honest, it’s always been difficult – to not talk about certain subjects or call out certain wrongdoings or nonsense. Is it time to draw a line in the sand? Maybe. I find myself self-censoring which isn’t really ideal.
I’ve never wanted to be that guy constantly going around saying this is wrong or bullshit because a) who likes that kind of person anyway b) how about some goddamn humility, and c) I have a lot of doubts and I’m constantly challenging what I know. Having said that, I know things and I’m good at things, and I can help people, but I haven’t been able to succeed where even apparent fools have.
I deeply care about the direction of society, I internalise a lot of the pain. We’re losing, and in some cases, lost, our ability for civility and humility – one-way “discussions/arguments” form part of the reason why so many issues remain unsolved. Things aren’t what they used to be, but we cannot return to there anyway, the conditions and people have fundamentally changed. Yeah sure there’s traces of nostalgia blinding us in our rose-coloured glasses, but in terms of general pervasive feelings there was a lot more hope, optimism, fun and enjoyment. I have to admit I do get a laugh out of some of the variants of the “we used to be a country, a proper country” meme.
People are seeking a lot of answers, but the important thing is to be asking the right questions. This is where philosophy is great and dare I say at its most important. Philosophy has kind of degenerated in modern times due to people’s antagonism towards thinking and undertaking its arduous journey. I hope and aim to build a road to a better future with my articles/website and what I’m doing here so we don’t end up in the “Fallout”, “Idiocracy” or “The Terminator” timelines. Social media facilitates narcissism and groupthink (amongst other things), so I know I'm pushing the proverbial uphill, but I feel I have to keep trying.
There is a difference between talking because you have something to say and because you have to say something. To use an analogy, it’s a bit like how a messy person doesn’t care that they’re messy, but it’ll drive a clean and tidy person insane. Those who are loud and loquacious don’t really care that they’re such, but it annoys the shit out of everybody else especially quiet people. The irony being these people will protest that they must be heard and allowed to say what they want when they want, but they will not return the favour nor respect someone’s peace. One will feel hemmed in while the other crowded out. So, no one will get their needs met and we’re all destined to suffer for eternity, thank and good night haha!
We must continue to have hope in spite of the tragic beings that we are, to keep searching for the light at the end of the tunnel even if said light is, as Slavoj Zizek would say, most likely the headlight of a train coming the other way.
Welcome back!
I agree wholeheartedly with what you are saying.... I feel that you can always use your own opinions in measured argument.
Whether anyone who needs to listen to it will do so, that is another matter.
Here (UK) it feels like problems are for the news channels to cover for 3 days as 'entertainment', not for anyone who can make a difference to act on.