“We all are going to die,” at least according to a prominent senator. This observation leads to two conclusions, both of which are unsatisfying. One is that religion (Christianity, according to the senator) will provide “salvation” in the next life, so we don’t need to fix things in this life. The other is that no … Continue reading What’s the Point?
Author: mmwordsmith
Who Am I? Why am I here? Why are any of us here? These are first-class essential questions. The kind of questions many people laughed about when Admiral James Bond Stockdale posed them in a vice-presidential debate in 1992. Who wants a politician to wax philosophical when he could act like he knows all the answers? Apparently, people like me. The need to question and reflect seems to be part of my personality - an inextricable part. I believe I need to take these kinds of questions seriously, but while doing so, try not to take my answers or myself too seriously. My guess is as good as anyone else’s, after all. Maybe the lesson, if there is one, is to struggle with questions like these, to stretch my capacity for understanding, to challenge my ability to tolerate divergent views, to look at life creatively, to remain unafraid to cling to old ideas when they are good and move on to new ideas when they are constructive. The great moral philosopher, Red Skelton, once said he believed we are put on earth “to create and not to destroy.” I sincerely hope my stories and musings will somehow help others grapple with their own questions and follow their best impulses towards creating a better world.
Constants
In the middle of winter, someone crashed into one of the low brick walls that mark the entrance to the neighborhood. Significant damage was done, but nobody seemed to know anything about the accident. For a few months, I suspected that a snowplow had hit the wall, but the county office couldn’t confirm my conjecture. … Continue reading Constants
Bookends
We recently returned from a tour that included several cities in Hungary, Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands. We began in Budapest, where we visited the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial to 800 Jewish people who were forced to give up their shoes before being shot and thrown into the river. Seeing the pairs of … Continue reading Bookends
Of Colleges and Kings
A family member used to say things like, “If he’s not guilty, why did they arrest him?” or “He’s guilty. What do they mean, ‘alleged’?” When I mentioned that the prosecution must provide evidence to prove the charges in court, their answer was, “Why bother? Everybody knows he did it.” Yet, accusations are not enough. … Continue reading Of Colleges and Kings
Kids’ Stuff
Let’s review a few rules many of us used to learn. Most of these are in the tradition of my parents and fellow Pennsylvanians. I’m concerned that the instant gratification and solipsism of our time might have already taken their toll on what was once considered common knowledge. I also worry about what might happen … Continue reading Kids’ Stuff
Justice
Fear has value. The fight or flight reflex has helped our species survive for millennia. In ancient times, we needed to know what to fear – packs of wolves, lions, tigers, bears – and take up weapons or run away. It’s also to our advantage to know friend from foe, to stop “them” from conquering … Continue reading Justice
Bullies
I was bullied in the ninth grade. Mostly shoving, poking, “colliding” in the hall, taunting, name-calling – typical stuff. My bully did this for months. I kept cool until one morning when we gathered for class. He decided to try one more time. I simply reacted. I admit it wasn’t my finest moment. I literally … Continue reading Bullies
Profit
We have been the parents of two Great Pyrenees dogs. Both were wonderful companions and although they sometimes intimidated people, they were friendly, especially to children. The Great Pyrenees is an offshoot of the Tibetan Mastiff line, traditionally a guardian of livestock and palaces, such as Versailles. They were also employed by the French Resistance … Continue reading Profit
Efficiency 2.0
Efficiency as an area of expertise did not exist until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The quest for greater efficiency is therefore a product of the industrial revolution. I’m not convinced the concept even applies to anything beyond assembly lines, shipping, and certain types of office work. In my last post, I questioned … Continue reading Efficiency 2.0
Efficiency
I’ve had an earworm for several days. I looked it up, thinking that knowing the title would make it go away. I found that it’s from the march, “King Cotton,” by John Philip Sousa. Once upon a time, I played this march. Contrary to my expectations, the earworm did not go away. It strikes me … Continue reading Efficiency
MurrayWorks 