Psychophant's Rants
28.7.05
Copy Right
Although this has been brought forward by electronic media, it was already raging when I was young and poor, although then it was a matter of photocopies rather than music (probably because tapes had a limited life and quality was inherently poor).
I do believe that the current intellectual property laws are ineffectual and are bound to change dramatically. But I still think that they have to be respected, and that violations of it are theft. A fairly painless theft, but a crime, nevertheless.
This is a moral approach, from the point that someone is the owner of the rights to some product, so I feel bound to respect their decision of how they are used or spread, even if I feel it is stupid. I also feel people who leave empty houses deteriorate slowly are stupid, but squatters are still criminals in my view. The basic principle of property is that you are free to do any legal thing with it. Otherwise it is not yours, you are just an user (as Microsoft does with software).
So as long as you accept the right for a creator to own their own ideas (and if you don't, you are still a criminal in my eyes, but at least you are not breaking your own Morals), intellectual property theft is immoral. You may convince yourself you are not harming anyone, and you may be even right, but from a moral standpoint it is clear.
I will not enter the labyrinth of allegations, losses, criminal cartels and effects, as most of it is manipulation and propaganda. It is purely a moral matter, and it is my conscience what limits me, not fear of any punishment.
But what I really dislike is that many people now believe they have a right to get any media they want, free. Will your life end if you cannot get the last NIN record? Surely not. But I have to have it, and free because I prefer to use my money in other things. So I get it, and then, if I like it, make it available to others. Because the others also have a right to it, I suppose. Why?
People do not even have a right to eat in half the world, and you have the right to enjoy other people's work, without any consideration to their own feelings on that matter? Just because you are moderately rich, have lots of free time and just know enough to be plugged in? That is exploitation, and reoffering the material just spreads the blame among more people. It does not matter if you did not rip the material in the first place, if you know it is stolen, it is like buying stolen products in a street market. The fact that you do not pay for it, or you do not make a profit, does not change the basic moral facts. And without the benefit of being in state of need, as would be a homeless squatter or a hungry shoplifter.
And the reason it appears so unacceptable is that while most people own physical properties, very few do own intellectual ones. So they are not aware of the principle of reciprocity, or do not care.
As well, the proposed punishments by some affected groups are ridiculous, as they defy the limits of reason fitting crime and punishment. When it should be at most a fine, related to the value of the property, it is getting out of hand. And that is seen as a justification by some, as the law is unjust, and should be resisted. But it is not the intellectual property that is unjust, for me, only the laws protecting it. So I will never denounce someone, because I feel the punishment would be a worse moral fault for me that allowing their misdemeanor.
And how do I explain the fact that I may have broken intellectual property, giving away copies of protected material? Because I value the result more highly than the fault I commit. As I would help a friend hide a body and escape the police, it is much easier to give away some copy, specially if I know that will have no economical effect on the property holder. I am a criminal too, but I know I am one. What I cannot bear are those people who are unaware of the morality of their actions because "everybody does it..." ¶ 9:13 AM 0 comments
Although this has been brought forward by electronic media, it was already raging when I was young and poor, although then it was a matter of photocopies rather than music (probably because tapes had a limited life and quality was inherently poor).
I do believe that the current intellectual property laws are ineffectual and are bound to change dramatically. But I still think that they have to be respected, and that violations of it are theft. A fairly painless theft, but a crime, nevertheless.
This is a moral approach, from the point that someone is the owner of the rights to some product, so I feel bound to respect their decision of how they are used or spread, even if I feel it is stupid. I also feel people who leave empty houses deteriorate slowly are stupid, but squatters are still criminals in my view. The basic principle of property is that you are free to do any legal thing with it. Otherwise it is not yours, you are just an user (as Microsoft does with software).
So as long as you accept the right for a creator to own their own ideas (and if you don't, you are still a criminal in my eyes, but at least you are not breaking your own Morals), intellectual property theft is immoral. You may convince yourself you are not harming anyone, and you may be even right, but from a moral standpoint it is clear.
I will not enter the labyrinth of allegations, losses, criminal cartels and effects, as most of it is manipulation and propaganda. It is purely a moral matter, and it is my conscience what limits me, not fear of any punishment.
But what I really dislike is that many people now believe they have a right to get any media they want, free. Will your life end if you cannot get the last NIN record? Surely not. But I have to have it, and free because I prefer to use my money in other things. So I get it, and then, if I like it, make it available to others. Because the others also have a right to it, I suppose. Why?
People do not even have a right to eat in half the world, and you have the right to enjoy other people's work, without any consideration to their own feelings on that matter? Just because you are moderately rich, have lots of free time and just know enough to be plugged in? That is exploitation, and reoffering the material just spreads the blame among more people. It does not matter if you did not rip the material in the first place, if you know it is stolen, it is like buying stolen products in a street market. The fact that you do not pay for it, or you do not make a profit, does not change the basic moral facts. And without the benefit of being in state of need, as would be a homeless squatter or a hungry shoplifter.
And the reason it appears so unacceptable is that while most people own physical properties, very few do own intellectual ones. So they are not aware of the principle of reciprocity, or do not care.
As well, the proposed punishments by some affected groups are ridiculous, as they defy the limits of reason fitting crime and punishment. When it should be at most a fine, related to the value of the property, it is getting out of hand. And that is seen as a justification by some, as the law is unjust, and should be resisted. But it is not the intellectual property that is unjust, for me, only the laws protecting it. So I will never denounce someone, because I feel the punishment would be a worse moral fault for me that allowing their misdemeanor.
And how do I explain the fact that I may have broken intellectual property, giving away copies of protected material? Because I value the result more highly than the fault I commit. As I would help a friend hide a body and escape the police, it is much easier to give away some copy, specially if I know that will have no economical effect on the property holder. I am a criminal too, but I know I am one. What I cannot bear are those people who are unaware of the morality of their actions because "everybody does it..." ¶ 9:13 AM 0 comments
27.7.05
Killing Time
One of the changes I wanted to do to this series was to comment more on external events. But these days I have been too shocked to comment.
First of all, the London bombs are a terrible event, and a menace to all the Western countries. But they are not a qualitative difference, either on the muslim radical strategy, or even in London's terrorism experience.
In that same light, the British police acceptance of the shoot to kill on suspected bombers is a variation on an old theme, too present in the Ulster conflict, but still quite out of place outside that open conflict area.
So, not new, but certainly a practice that was supposed to have ended. That was hoped to be unnecessary, to start with.
Unfortunately for all, Israel provides many of the experts on suicide attack prevention. The other main source, as far as I know, are the Sri Lanka army and the Indian police in Kashmir.
The main point in common in all these antecedents is that the "defendant" places almost no value on the lives of the group who provides the bombers. Indeed, this low value of life is one of the reasons why it is easy to recruit volunteers for martyrdom (few of them deeply religious). Not even as an information source, as that will be also taken into account by the bomber's handlers and the forces cell structure.
But I would like to think that things are different in the West. That life's have value, and even though most bombers in the west will be motivated from religion and hate rather than despair and hate. And nothing is more discouraging to other suicides than a live one.
So, is it true that the only solution to a possible bomber is a shot in the head? I would like to say that no. There are technical and tactical solutions. From tasers to chemical agents, there is paralyzing equipment available, not to the common policeman, but to special antiterrorist forces. Because it was not a common policeman in patrol who will be killing people, it will be the special units. Other alternatives, such as trained dogs, offer a possible solution without endangering police officers.
Because the response used shows that the police fears the opposition, and that is intolerable in a law enforcement group. Because fear will hamper the judgment, either provoking a too mild or a too strong response.
The fight against a terrorist organization is not a conventional one. You have to hamper their resources and stop their recruitment. In both cases a live bomber is much more useful than a dead one. Should we be surprised that those "experts" still have suicide bombers in their home ground?
It is a matter of priorities, I know. But I wonder why did five officers pile up on a prisoner supposed to be carrying explosives? Was one not enough, and maybe an acceptable risk to have only one person endanger his/her life, rather than the whole group?
Or were the agents so eager to get their man that only at the end did the risk count? If he was running while people were around, why not shoot him while he runs?
I would understand the requirement for preventive non-lethal attacks, such as spraying a possible bomber before immobilizing him and detaining him. But only when the method is non-lethal. Because in case of a mistake, that makes all involved walk away from.
Because no matter what the result of the affair, I am sure that the next time a suspect runs away, some agents will hesitate, just because the consequences of a mistake are so great. Which will save some lives but may end up costing more.
We need an effective non-lethal paralyzing system much more than we need a new attack helicopter. And I am sure it will be cheaper. But what do we get? ¶ 9:57 AM 0 comments
One of the changes I wanted to do to this series was to comment more on external events. But these days I have been too shocked to comment.
First of all, the London bombs are a terrible event, and a menace to all the Western countries. But they are not a qualitative difference, either on the muslim radical strategy, or even in London's terrorism experience.
In that same light, the British police acceptance of the shoot to kill on suspected bombers is a variation on an old theme, too present in the Ulster conflict, but still quite out of place outside that open conflict area.
So, not new, but certainly a practice that was supposed to have ended. That was hoped to be unnecessary, to start with.
Unfortunately for all, Israel provides many of the experts on suicide attack prevention. The other main source, as far as I know, are the Sri Lanka army and the Indian police in Kashmir.
The main point in common in all these antecedents is that the "defendant" places almost no value on the lives of the group who provides the bombers. Indeed, this low value of life is one of the reasons why it is easy to recruit volunteers for martyrdom (few of them deeply religious). Not even as an information source, as that will be also taken into account by the bomber's handlers and the forces cell structure.
But I would like to think that things are different in the West. That life's have value, and even though most bombers in the west will be motivated from religion and hate rather than despair and hate. And nothing is more discouraging to other suicides than a live one.
So, is it true that the only solution to a possible bomber is a shot in the head? I would like to say that no. There are technical and tactical solutions. From tasers to chemical agents, there is paralyzing equipment available, not to the common policeman, but to special antiterrorist forces. Because it was not a common policeman in patrol who will be killing people, it will be the special units. Other alternatives, such as trained dogs, offer a possible solution without endangering police officers.
Because the response used shows that the police fears the opposition, and that is intolerable in a law enforcement group. Because fear will hamper the judgment, either provoking a too mild or a too strong response.
The fight against a terrorist organization is not a conventional one. You have to hamper their resources and stop their recruitment. In both cases a live bomber is much more useful than a dead one. Should we be surprised that those "experts" still have suicide bombers in their home ground?
It is a matter of priorities, I know. But I wonder why did five officers pile up on a prisoner supposed to be carrying explosives? Was one not enough, and maybe an acceptable risk to have only one person endanger his/her life, rather than the whole group?
Or were the agents so eager to get their man that only at the end did the risk count? If he was running while people were around, why not shoot him while he runs?
I would understand the requirement for preventive non-lethal attacks, such as spraying a possible bomber before immobilizing him and detaining him. But only when the method is non-lethal. Because in case of a mistake, that makes all involved walk away from.
Because no matter what the result of the affair, I am sure that the next time a suspect runs away, some agents will hesitate, just because the consequences of a mistake are so great. Which will save some lives but may end up costing more.
We need an effective non-lethal paralyzing system much more than we need a new attack helicopter. And I am sure it will be cheaper. But what do we get? ¶ 9:57 AM 0 comments
21.7.05
Cheap flights
I have written before about jadedness travelling. Well, there is a certain vicarious pleasure to be got when you take a cheap flight.
Because even if I am able of missing the take off, just by engrossing myself in a book, many of the people in this flights are still in their first flights. You can feel the fear, the apprehension, the worries at the unintelligible announcements from the pilot. Feel the deja vecu when they watch intently the safety instructions, including the guilty probing under the seat, looking for the life vest. Feel the drawn breath when the plane banks or the applause (that is a lost tradition) when the plane lands.
I would have loved for this to exist when I was younger and poorer. It would have saved me lots of time, going by rail to Geneva or Berlin, or by coach to London or Edinburgh (33 hours travel time, that one). And cheaper. But what I really miss, and what those young travelers (and a few old ones) provide is the magic of travelling, its exceptional character.
That feeling of leaving your old life on hold, of entering some different and marvellous parenthesis. The exit from monotony, up to the point when the airports and the planes themselves become monotonous.
It is a bad sign when an opportunity to travel brings as a first thought that I will read some more than normal. It is even worse when the first feeling when a change in plans gives you some time to do some strolling and sightseeing is annoyance at having to make an effort and spend leisure time.
As you can see I did enjoy my cheap flight experience, mainly because I already suffer the main disconforts already in the "standard" flights, such as narrow seats, no more drinks and snacks, crowded planes.
The contagious spirit made me notice more my surroundings, such as the two air hosts in the flight that were so clearly an item, how impressive dawn is over the Alps, how nervous the girl travelling to meet her Italian boyfriend's family was.
A nice change on the typical business crowd, who are as jaded as I am.
Travelling. Enjoy it while you can. ¶ 12:47 PM 0 comments
I have written before about jadedness travelling. Well, there is a certain vicarious pleasure to be got when you take a cheap flight.
Because even if I am able of missing the take off, just by engrossing myself in a book, many of the people in this flights are still in their first flights. You can feel the fear, the apprehension, the worries at the unintelligible announcements from the pilot. Feel the deja vecu when they watch intently the safety instructions, including the guilty probing under the seat, looking for the life vest. Feel the drawn breath when the plane banks or the applause (that is a lost tradition) when the plane lands.
I would have loved for this to exist when I was younger and poorer. It would have saved me lots of time, going by rail to Geneva or Berlin, or by coach to London or Edinburgh (33 hours travel time, that one). And cheaper. But what I really miss, and what those young travelers (and a few old ones) provide is the magic of travelling, its exceptional character.
That feeling of leaving your old life on hold, of entering some different and marvellous parenthesis. The exit from monotony, up to the point when the airports and the planes themselves become monotonous.
It is a bad sign when an opportunity to travel brings as a first thought that I will read some more than normal. It is even worse when the first feeling when a change in plans gives you some time to do some strolling and sightseeing is annoyance at having to make an effort and spend leisure time.
As you can see I did enjoy my cheap flight experience, mainly because I already suffer the main disconforts already in the "standard" flights, such as narrow seats, no more drinks and snacks, crowded planes.
The contagious spirit made me notice more my surroundings, such as the two air hosts in the flight that were so clearly an item, how impressive dawn is over the Alps, how nervous the girl travelling to meet her Italian boyfriend's family was.
A nice change on the typical business crowd, who are as jaded as I am.
Travelling. Enjoy it while you can. ¶ 12:47 PM 0 comments
14.7.05
Passports
Despite having a few years still remaining in my last passport (1999-2009), I have to get a new one so I am allowed to enter the USA. I do understand the technological, and mostly psychological reasons. But I will still be sad that one has to go.
I got my first passport in 1979, as I started travelling around with my parents (before I was included in my mother's passport), and was discussed I could travel also with my uncles. In 1981 I got an US visa, a multicoloured stamp that filled a whole page, and as this was the times before Schengen, besides my US stamps I got many European ones. It really was a nice experience to leaf through it and see all those countries and dates. A Romantic notion. As well, travelling under twenty has all that Romantic feeling, and all those countries were in a way engraved in my slim green booklet.
In 1989 I had to replace it, with a feeling of loss. This one had a very boring life, even if I travelled around with it (as a duplicate ID, in case of robbery or loss, as there was no need for passports in intra-European travel at this time).
The only stamps were UK, from a distracted inmigration officer, in those times when ID was enough, but they still stamped passports if offered. And one lone US inmigration stamp (business pleasure, to the Utah Rockies). All the other trips in that decade were to Europe, so it was as if I did not travel at all.
The one I am replacing should have lasted till 2009, but will be sacrificed early in the altar of National Security. It only has four stamps in it, but quite significant ones. A couple of trips to the USA, business, but still quite nice, to Savannah and Ft. Lauderdale. And another couple of trips to Japan, one business, one honeymoon. And even the Japanese stamps are old style, multicoloured and nice to look at.
It is a pity I have to exchange one for the other, or pay the passport loss fine of 30 €. I like it but not so much. The new one is nicer, supposedly harder to forge, but is easier to scuff and seems more fragile. Having mistreated passports for years I suspect it is a good thing this one only has four years to go.
I really liked it more when you could register all these things simply in paper.
The new passport does not have, yet ¶ 12:04 PM 0 comments
Despite having a few years still remaining in my last passport (1999-2009), I have to get a new one so I am allowed to enter the USA. I do understand the technological, and mostly psychological reasons. But I will still be sad that one has to go.
I got my first passport in 1979, as I started travelling around with my parents (before I was included in my mother's passport), and was discussed I could travel also with my uncles. In 1981 I got an US visa, a multicoloured stamp that filled a whole page, and as this was the times before Schengen, besides my US stamps I got many European ones. It really was a nice experience to leaf through it and see all those countries and dates. A Romantic notion. As well, travelling under twenty has all that Romantic feeling, and all those countries were in a way engraved in my slim green booklet.
In 1989 I had to replace it, with a feeling of loss. This one had a very boring life, even if I travelled around with it (as a duplicate ID, in case of robbery or loss, as there was no need for passports in intra-European travel at this time).
The only stamps were UK, from a distracted inmigration officer, in those times when ID was enough, but they still stamped passports if offered. And one lone US inmigration stamp (business pleasure, to the Utah Rockies). All the other trips in that decade were to Europe, so it was as if I did not travel at all.
The one I am replacing should have lasted till 2009, but will be sacrificed early in the altar of National Security. It only has four stamps in it, but quite significant ones. A couple of trips to the USA, business, but still quite nice, to Savannah and Ft. Lauderdale. And another couple of trips to Japan, one business, one honeymoon. And even the Japanese stamps are old style, multicoloured and nice to look at.
It is a pity I have to exchange one for the other, or pay the passport loss fine of 30 €. I like it but not so much. The new one is nicer, supposedly harder to forge, but is easier to scuff and seems more fragile. Having mistreated passports for years I suspect it is a good thing this one only has four years to go.
I really liked it more when you could register all these things simply in paper.
The new passport does not have, yet ¶ 12:04 PM 0 comments
11.7.05
After Virtue
Some comments and notes about the Virtues experiment.
First of all, these are the so-called Christian Virtues. I believe that, with one name or other, these are valued as right behaviour by most humans, with some cultures may be missing one or valuing something else. But the set is quite appropiate, in my opinion, for the society I live in, which is after all built on many Christian principles.
Some of the essays fall a bit short of the message on my mind, mainly due to time limitations. As well, my sense of timing improved as the series went on.
The first four were made in one go, then I had a bite and made the second series.
I listened to the piece twice. First to choose the main lines for writing, and where I noted any details for the second descriptive part of the essay. Then a second time on strict writing mode. I just made afterwards a quick reread to check for big mistakes, but I found there were almost none. Working better under pressure. Then I posted them inmediately, to avoid the temptation to revise them, and wait at least till the morning before rereading, as I knew that I would be unable to edit them if someone had read them.
In most of them there were changes, new ideas, concepts rejected, from the first reflective moments. As well, some ideas that were turning around my mind found their way in writing (such as Courage and my friend Melissa's pregnancy).
I will be making some copies available for a few people, so it would be no difficulty to prepare some more.
Now, individual virtues notes:
- Justice. I do not think the Europeans are more Just. Indeed, at the individual level it is the US citizens that I have met who behave with more Justice. But I was talking about governments, and the pretended EU constitution. That a bunch of bureaucrats are more Just than most politicians (and their voters are even worse) ties nicely with Prudence. This was the one I felt more the time pressure so it is for me the weakest. I could not really make a mention of the International Court and Srebrenica, as I intended.
Talking personally now, this is a virtue I actively strive for, in part because it comes naturally to me. So its lack also affects me more than other virtues.
- Prudence. The shortest in text, it looked even shorter when I was writing. I soon realised I had time for one idea, when I wanted to express 2. First that my view of Prudence is more like using both hindsight and foresight to govern your actions, rather than timidity or moderation. And second that it was a virtue we could see in past politicians but was severely lacking in the recent ones. I blame the poll oriented politics we are seeing in most of the Advanced world, which means a return to demagogy and populism rather than the real governing we should have. Linking with the previous one, I also find the professional bureaucracy more Prudent than most politicians, although that does not require much.
I consider myself Prudent most of the time, but at times do suffer my share of impulse of the moment decisions. With time and hindsight, I am finding those spur of the moments were not so bad, so I may be more willing to follow my subconscious. I suspect it is more Prudent than my conscious, just takes less time to evaluate the circumstances.
- Temperance. I did not want to turn environmentalist in this, but that is certainly an undercurrent on that direction. As this is a virtue I felt like redefining, that made me them board it in personal rather than society's terms. But yes, Temperance for me is a virtue of responsibility, rather than just a list of things to avoid.
Probably because I am not really a good example, I redefined the virtue. I still am not a good example, but at least this ideal is something I feel I can accept as a target.
- Courage. Something that has been in my mind for a while, parenthood, and brought home first by the whole gay marriage debate (the adoption rights part of it) and pregnancies among people close to me. This has been quite disputed in feedback, with those with children downplaying it and those without agreeing with me. It must be another divide.
I do not feel courageous usually, understanding Courage as mastering your fears. I am seldom afraid, so I do not require Courage to pass through life. Some people however mistake that with courage, but it is simple obliviousness.
- Humility. This was the environmentalist virtue, but it should not be restricted to Nature. A better name, as I understand it in this modern world, is Respect. Respect the past, as someone suggested. Respect others as well, not because they are great, but because you are not, either.
Another virtue I have troubles with, which is why I focused more on what I really find humbling, such as Nature, rather than those I have trouble with, such as people. Too proud for my own good.
- Faith. A controversial virtue, being anchored as it is in Christian beliefs. However I do think that unless you know everything, and we are still very far from that, we need to have Faith in something. Some unchanging reference that guides us. It may be God, it may be Humankind's innate goodness, it may be that knowledge improves people, as it is for me. There are unknowable aspects that will guide you when nothing else does. Those are the moments when you need Faith.
Despite my affirmation, my Faith, although strong in general terms is shaky when it comes to really live up to it. Because a Faith that does not make demands of you is easy, but when you have to follow it, there is the virtuous way.
- Hope. It has some similarities with Faith in that Hope makes you rely on some force or concept outside ourselves. But Hope is not incompatible with knowledge, and indeed you may find hope in things you know, almost as much as those can make you lose it. So in that it is different from Faith, although Faith is not opposed to knowledge, just out of it. As well, Faith is not inmediate, does not give you solace except on a long term. Hope is short term, instantaneous, and to work as a virtue rather than as fantasy, anchored in reality. Because false hope is based on ignorance, rather than knowledge, and should be avoided as well.
I am a very Hopeful person. I think it is my strongest virtue, which at times may make me appear heartless, as I am hard to feel put down. I do have my blues, but they are short and usually emotional rather than intellectual.
- Charity. This was another example where I did focus in a personal rather than a social example, as Charity as I understand it is only a personal virtue. What is called charity as a social activity would be an interplay of Justice (and Injustice as well, depending on how the benefitted ones are chosen) and Prudence, and personal Temperance in getting rid of the excess for a greater benefit. Charity is something coming from the person, for personal reasons.
I already present my position in the essay, as it is taken at the personal level. This is the Christians particular virtue, and the one I think we need the most, which makes me worry for the loss of meaning associated to it. Specially among Christians.
It has been an enlightening exercise, as a way of finding out what really matters to me in those critical subjects, and I will be using this kind of "pressure writing" in the future. ¶ 4:52 PM 0 comments
Some comments and notes about the Virtues experiment.
First of all, these are the so-called Christian Virtues. I believe that, with one name or other, these are valued as right behaviour by most humans, with some cultures may be missing one or valuing something else. But the set is quite appropiate, in my opinion, for the society I live in, which is after all built on many Christian principles.
Some of the essays fall a bit short of the message on my mind, mainly due to time limitations. As well, my sense of timing improved as the series went on.
The first four were made in one go, then I had a bite and made the second series.
I listened to the piece twice. First to choose the main lines for writing, and where I noted any details for the second descriptive part of the essay. Then a second time on strict writing mode. I just made afterwards a quick reread to check for big mistakes, but I found there were almost none. Working better under pressure. Then I posted them inmediately, to avoid the temptation to revise them, and wait at least till the morning before rereading, as I knew that I would be unable to edit them if someone had read them.
In most of them there were changes, new ideas, concepts rejected, from the first reflective moments. As well, some ideas that were turning around my mind found their way in writing (such as Courage and my friend Melissa's pregnancy).
I will be making some copies available for a few people, so it would be no difficulty to prepare some more.
Now, individual virtues notes:
- Justice. I do not think the Europeans are more Just. Indeed, at the individual level it is the US citizens that I have met who behave with more Justice. But I was talking about governments, and the pretended EU constitution. That a bunch of bureaucrats are more Just than most politicians (and their voters are even worse) ties nicely with Prudence. This was the one I felt more the time pressure so it is for me the weakest. I could not really make a mention of the International Court and Srebrenica, as I intended.
Talking personally now, this is a virtue I actively strive for, in part because it comes naturally to me. So its lack also affects me more than other virtues.
- Prudence. The shortest in text, it looked even shorter when I was writing. I soon realised I had time for one idea, when I wanted to express 2. First that my view of Prudence is more like using both hindsight and foresight to govern your actions, rather than timidity or moderation. And second that it was a virtue we could see in past politicians but was severely lacking in the recent ones. I blame the poll oriented politics we are seeing in most of the Advanced world, which means a return to demagogy and populism rather than the real governing we should have. Linking with the previous one, I also find the professional bureaucracy more Prudent than most politicians, although that does not require much.
I consider myself Prudent most of the time, but at times do suffer my share of impulse of the moment decisions. With time and hindsight, I am finding those spur of the moments were not so bad, so I may be more willing to follow my subconscious. I suspect it is more Prudent than my conscious, just takes less time to evaluate the circumstances.
- Temperance. I did not want to turn environmentalist in this, but that is certainly an undercurrent on that direction. As this is a virtue I felt like redefining, that made me them board it in personal rather than society's terms. But yes, Temperance for me is a virtue of responsibility, rather than just a list of things to avoid.
Probably because I am not really a good example, I redefined the virtue. I still am not a good example, but at least this ideal is something I feel I can accept as a target.
- Courage. Something that has been in my mind for a while, parenthood, and brought home first by the whole gay marriage debate (the adoption rights part of it) and pregnancies among people close to me. This has been quite disputed in feedback, with those with children downplaying it and those without agreeing with me. It must be another divide.
I do not feel courageous usually, understanding Courage as mastering your fears. I am seldom afraid, so I do not require Courage to pass through life. Some people however mistake that with courage, but it is simple obliviousness.
- Humility. This was the environmentalist virtue, but it should not be restricted to Nature. A better name, as I understand it in this modern world, is Respect. Respect the past, as someone suggested. Respect others as well, not because they are great, but because you are not, either.
Another virtue I have troubles with, which is why I focused more on what I really find humbling, such as Nature, rather than those I have trouble with, such as people. Too proud for my own good.
- Faith. A controversial virtue, being anchored as it is in Christian beliefs. However I do think that unless you know everything, and we are still very far from that, we need to have Faith in something. Some unchanging reference that guides us. It may be God, it may be Humankind's innate goodness, it may be that knowledge improves people, as it is for me. There are unknowable aspects that will guide you when nothing else does. Those are the moments when you need Faith.
Despite my affirmation, my Faith, although strong in general terms is shaky when it comes to really live up to it. Because a Faith that does not make demands of you is easy, but when you have to follow it, there is the virtuous way.
- Hope. It has some similarities with Faith in that Hope makes you rely on some force or concept outside ourselves. But Hope is not incompatible with knowledge, and indeed you may find hope in things you know, almost as much as those can make you lose it. So in that it is different from Faith, although Faith is not opposed to knowledge, just out of it. As well, Faith is not inmediate, does not give you solace except on a long term. Hope is short term, instantaneous, and to work as a virtue rather than as fantasy, anchored in reality. Because false hope is based on ignorance, rather than knowledge, and should be avoided as well.
I am a very Hopeful person. I think it is my strongest virtue, which at times may make me appear heartless, as I am hard to feel put down. I do have my blues, but they are short and usually emotional rather than intellectual.
- Charity. This was another example where I did focus in a personal rather than a social example, as Charity as I understand it is only a personal virtue. What is called charity as a social activity would be an interplay of Justice (and Injustice as well, depending on how the benefitted ones are chosen) and Prudence, and personal Temperance in getting rid of the excess for a greater benefit. Charity is something coming from the person, for personal reasons.
I already present my position in the essay, as it is taken at the personal level. This is the Christians particular virtue, and the one I think we need the most, which makes me worry for the loss of meaning associated to it. Specially among Christians.
It has been an enlightening exercise, as a way of finding out what really matters to me in those critical subjects, and I will be using this kind of "pressure writing" in the future. ¶ 4:52 PM 0 comments
8.7.05
Charity
The last one, and one of the shortest, 2:51.
Charity is somewhat devalued as a virtue. Because unlike what people think, Charity is not something you can give away. Charity is something in you, that you share. Because Charity is, at its heart, love.
This will be particular rather than general, because all general ideas start particularly.
So for me Charity is just loving others, sharing you and your life with others. Not one, but all you can. And if Charity starts at oneself, it is because you cannot love others if you do not love yourself. You can have a special someone, but that does not mean you cannot love your friends, your children, your neighbours.
Because the more people we love, the harder it is to want to hurt someone. And the less that love you, it is easier to hurt them.
I am not a saint, I only love those that come close enough. But I try.
******************
A strong start, with the "virtuous" theme opening the way, before evolving and spreading, while still showing parts of itself. It remains in a steady level, with only slight changes in intensity or speed, till it suddenly becomes something else, a call, a repeated call, and then waiting for an answer. Waiting. The last fifteen seconds are silent. ¶ 6:50 PM 0 comments
The last one, and one of the shortest, 2:51.
Charity is somewhat devalued as a virtue. Because unlike what people think, Charity is not something you can give away. Charity is something in you, that you share. Because Charity is, at its heart, love.
This will be particular rather than general, because all general ideas start particularly.
So for me Charity is just loving others, sharing you and your life with others. Not one, but all you can. And if Charity starts at oneself, it is because you cannot love others if you do not love yourself. You can have a special someone, but that does not mean you cannot love your friends, your children, your neighbours.
Because the more people we love, the harder it is to want to hurt someone. And the less that love you, it is easier to hurt them.
I am not a saint, I only love those that come close enough. But I try.
******************
A strong start, with the "virtuous" theme opening the way, before evolving and spreading, while still showing parts of itself. It remains in a steady level, with only slight changes in intensity or speed, till it suddenly becomes something else, a call, a repeated call, and then waiting for an answer. Waiting. The last fifteen seconds are silent. ¶ 6:50 PM 0 comments
Hope
Another long one, 7:28.
Hope as a virtue requires confidence in the world outside. Because no matter how strong the self-confidence is, humans are fallible and mortal, so we are bound to fail, in dying if in nothing else. So Hope has to be supported in something outside ourselves. I have Hope in Humankind. Hope in our ability to survive our own mistakes and to keep improving our lot in the Universe.
That makes me an optimistic when people talk about wars, the impending energy crisis, global warming... Yes, those things will happen. Yes, many will suffer. But we will prevail. We will leave corpses and pain whereever we go, but I have Hope.
And sometimes I see things that show me I have reasons to bolster my Hope, such as the ITER project getting the green light after being deadlocked for one year. Or making friends on the internet. Both are hopeful signs for a better, interconnected future. A future built of information flow and limitless energy. Because once information and energy are free, Humankind will get an opportunity to be free to be whatever it wants.
******************
A sedate melody, but with its own strength, pushing forward. Soon it sprouts a more complex and stronger form, going up, gathering strength. As if it was preparing itself to assault Heaven. And then, it is as if we are there, a relaxed comfortable place, sedate and at the same time unstable, as if perched on a very high place. Then it begins to tilt, and it gathers speed in long rolling sweeps, feeling like waves reaching the shore. We almost guess the voice hiding among the piano, like fishes among the waters. And we retrieve the starting melody, more determinate, and now sharper and stronger, like going up in arms to Heaven again. And once again we fall down to the waves and the sea. And it is in the rolling rythms that we find repose and solace. ¶ 6:33 PM 0 comments
Another long one, 7:28.
Hope as a virtue requires confidence in the world outside. Because no matter how strong the self-confidence is, humans are fallible and mortal, so we are bound to fail, in dying if in nothing else. So Hope has to be supported in something outside ourselves. I have Hope in Humankind. Hope in our ability to survive our own mistakes and to keep improving our lot in the Universe.
That makes me an optimistic when people talk about wars, the impending energy crisis, global warming... Yes, those things will happen. Yes, many will suffer. But we will prevail. We will leave corpses and pain whereever we go, but I have Hope.
And sometimes I see things that show me I have reasons to bolster my Hope, such as the ITER project getting the green light after being deadlocked for one year. Or making friends on the internet. Both are hopeful signs for a better, interconnected future. A future built of information flow and limitless energy. Because once information and energy are free, Humankind will get an opportunity to be free to be whatever it wants.
******************
A sedate melody, but with its own strength, pushing forward. Soon it sprouts a more complex and stronger form, going up, gathering strength. As if it was preparing itself to assault Heaven. And then, it is as if we are there, a relaxed comfortable place, sedate and at the same time unstable, as if perched on a very high place. Then it begins to tilt, and it gathers speed in long rolling sweeps, feeling like waves reaching the shore. We almost guess the voice hiding among the piano, like fishes among the waters. And we retrieve the starting melody, more determinate, and now sharper and stronger, like going up in arms to Heaven again. And once again we fall down to the waves and the sea. And it is in the rolling rythms that we find repose and solace. ¶ 6:33 PM 0 comments
Faith
The longest piece, 8:29
Faith. Usually associated to religious beliefs, how can an atheist have faith? And even more, why should it be a virtue.
The virtue lies in believing in something good that is beyond ourselves, no matter how you call it. Whether it is a moral requirement or an almighty God, it is a way to get us out of ourselves. To stop measuring all things to our own standard, and instead using a higher standard.
For me, that standard, unsurprisingly, is Science. Organized knowledge collection and what is more important, its transmission. A part that is often forgotten nowadays, but still critical, and something I believe we have to do. We need to transmit what we know to those who come after us, because that is the only way to improve our species. And it is Faith in something I cannot prove, but it still pushes me forward. Curiosity may desert me, my other pushing force, but I always feel this urge to educate. And I am a terrible teacher, but that does not stop me.
Because many value knowledge as money, and try to control its movement as they control the economy. Knowledge should be free, and available to all. Because what we know will limit what we do. The more we know, more we can do.
Science has become a servant of power and wealth.
But we individuals can still do our small share to spread what we know around.
*******************
Another piece that starts slowly, disconnectedly, till a thread coalesces and starts to glow on its own. Soon it gets its own personality, brooding but looking upwards at moments. Suddenly a surge of speed and it gallops wildly in tangles, discordantly even, trying to get somewhere. That somewhere is regular, repetitive, calming in its own repetition, even when it gets more agitated, becoming the "virtuous" theme from Justice. This time it is shown more, in all its glory. The piano is transmuted into voice and piano, with Mertens characteristical falsetto. It feels as if we are in a pinnacle of ice in the top of the world. My favorite part of the whole album. And then slowly, carefully, methodically we step down, and down. ¶ 6:15 PM 0 comments
The longest piece, 8:29
Faith. Usually associated to religious beliefs, how can an atheist have faith? And even more, why should it be a virtue.
The virtue lies in believing in something good that is beyond ourselves, no matter how you call it. Whether it is a moral requirement or an almighty God, it is a way to get us out of ourselves. To stop measuring all things to our own standard, and instead using a higher standard.
For me, that standard, unsurprisingly, is Science. Organized knowledge collection and what is more important, its transmission. A part that is often forgotten nowadays, but still critical, and something I believe we have to do. We need to transmit what we know to those who come after us, because that is the only way to improve our species. And it is Faith in something I cannot prove, but it still pushes me forward. Curiosity may desert me, my other pushing force, but I always feel this urge to educate. And I am a terrible teacher, but that does not stop me.
Because many value knowledge as money, and try to control its movement as they control the economy. Knowledge should be free, and available to all. Because what we know will limit what we do. The more we know, more we can do.
Science has become a servant of power and wealth.
But we individuals can still do our small share to spread what we know around.
*******************
Another piece that starts slowly, disconnectedly, till a thread coalesces and starts to glow on its own. Soon it gets its own personality, brooding but looking upwards at moments. Suddenly a surge of speed and it gallops wildly in tangles, discordantly even, trying to get somewhere. That somewhere is regular, repetitive, calming in its own repetition, even when it gets more agitated, becoming the "virtuous" theme from Justice. This time it is shown more, in all its glory. The piano is transmuted into voice and piano, with Mertens characteristical falsetto. It feels as if we are in a pinnacle of ice in the top of the world. My favorite part of the whole album. And then slowly, carefully, methodically we step down, and down. ¶ 6:15 PM 0 comments
Humility
Standard length, 2:54.
A virtue I usually lack. However I feel this virtue should be applied not only to our dealings with other human beings, but to our dealings with the world we live in. We may have power, but that does not require we use it. Dealing humblily with Nature will give it a chance, an opportunity to show, educate and amaze us.
Because we deal with structures and beings that predate us by much, and may not be any longer before we also pass away. It is our duty to show it the respect that is their due. And even if we are the reason they pass away, at least to do it knowing what we are doing.
Looking downwards, not striding forward gazing only upwards.
*****************
This is the most famous of the pieces, the most widely listened. It starts as a marching sequence, slowly evolving the main theme, as it gets wider, more involved, more ambitious. Till it loses itself. A sudden stop, a change, and it reappears, as it was. Taking a different road than the earlier complexity, now it is itself as it goes higher and just disappears. ¶ 6:01 PM 0 comments
Standard length, 2:54.
A virtue I usually lack. However I feel this virtue should be applied not only to our dealings with other human beings, but to our dealings with the world we live in. We may have power, but that does not require we use it. Dealing humblily with Nature will give it a chance, an opportunity to show, educate and amaze us.
Because we deal with structures and beings that predate us by much, and may not be any longer before we also pass away. It is our duty to show it the respect that is their due. And even if we are the reason they pass away, at least to do it knowing what we are doing.
Looking downwards, not striding forward gazing only upwards.
*****************
This is the most famous of the pieces, the most widely listened. It starts as a marching sequence, slowly evolving the main theme, as it gets wider, more involved, more ambitious. Till it loses itself. A sudden stop, a change, and it reappears, as it was. Taking a different road than the earlier complexity, now it is itself as it goes higher and just disappears. ¶ 6:01 PM 0 comments
Courage
Another medium short, 3:13.
Courage now, for me, lies in doing what it has to be done, what is right, without being stopped by the consequences.
What I see as courage now, it is bringing a child up, deliberately, consciously. Giving birth is a biologically determined ability, as it is impregnating a woman. And often done without reflection.
But bringing up a child, putting all other matters aside for the sake of a new life, that takes Courage, in a way that amazes me. And I find so far beyond me. I am not courageous enough.
And then we have people striving so that those courageous people cannot devote their life to other, just because some sexual preference or lifestyle. It horrifies me. They are willing to go further in sacrifice, and some will let both a child's future go to waste, and a person's virtue go to waste.
I do not really care about marriages or unions. But I believe that anyone who is willing to bring up a child should be able to do so. Because just wanting to do it is a better starting premise for an unwanted child than what they have.
******************
Courage starts timidly, inappropiate apparently for its title. A series of note pairs, fading. These pairs get stronger and start to associate, so we get small scales, rising up, till we get a continuous one raising in a spiral upwards, till it seems it cannot go higher. Then we explore then, with decision now, the middle reaches we had left behind earlier. ¶ 5:22 PM 0 comments
Another medium short, 3:13.
Courage now, for me, lies in doing what it has to be done, what is right, without being stopped by the consequences.
What I see as courage now, it is bringing a child up, deliberately, consciously. Giving birth is a biologically determined ability, as it is impregnating a woman. And often done without reflection.
But bringing up a child, putting all other matters aside for the sake of a new life, that takes Courage, in a way that amazes me. And I find so far beyond me. I am not courageous enough.
And then we have people striving so that those courageous people cannot devote their life to other, just because some sexual preference or lifestyle. It horrifies me. They are willing to go further in sacrifice, and some will let both a child's future go to waste, and a person's virtue go to waste.
I do not really care about marriages or unions. But I believe that anyone who is willing to bring up a child should be able to do so. Because just wanting to do it is a better starting premise for an unwanted child than what they have.
******************
Courage starts timidly, inappropiate apparently for its title. A series of note pairs, fading. These pairs get stronger and start to associate, so we get small scales, rising up, till we get a continuous one raising in a spiral upwards, till it seems it cannot go higher. Then we explore then, with decision now, the middle reaches we had left behind earlier. ¶ 5:22 PM 0 comments
Temperance
Some more time, 3:49.
Temperance, in this new world, and in my own godless system does not oppose indulgence in pleasures, it just means you have to be responsible for your own actions, so that your excesses fall only in yourself.
It starts at the obvious do not drink and drive, but goes further for those who want to eat and stay slim, fit without working, educated without effort, buying without money.
So you get the pleasures you can afford, not what you want. Afford physically, emotionally, economically. Because the fact that something is available does not mean you should have it. And yes, in my view that includes intellectual property, so devalued now, without exceptions. Stealing a loaf of bread may be excused in case of hunger, but it is still stealing because there is a harm to others. And yet, as in the case of drink and food, only the person can put his own limits, not society. So face yourself and decide what is your need and what is excess. And then avoid the excess. Because this is another matter where policing and control can come only at the individual level. There will be little limits but your own.
******************
Another piece that starts slowly and hesitating, finding its way, growing in decision and direction, but at the same time exploring darker recesses and wilder tempos. Looking for the beauty of the passions, and yet exerting its control, becoming more serene, more sedate. ¶ 5:08 PM 0 comments
Some more time, 3:49.
Temperance, in this new world, and in my own godless system does not oppose indulgence in pleasures, it just means you have to be responsible for your own actions, so that your excesses fall only in yourself.
It starts at the obvious do not drink and drive, but goes further for those who want to eat and stay slim, fit without working, educated without effort, buying without money.
So you get the pleasures you can afford, not what you want. Afford physically, emotionally, economically. Because the fact that something is available does not mean you should have it. And yes, in my view that includes intellectual property, so devalued now, without exceptions. Stealing a loaf of bread may be excused in case of hunger, but it is still stealing because there is a harm to others. And yet, as in the case of drink and food, only the person can put his own limits, not society. So face yourself and decide what is your need and what is excess. And then avoid the excess. Because this is another matter where policing and control can come only at the individual level. There will be little limits but your own.
******************
Another piece that starts slowly and hesitating, finding its way, growing in decision and direction, but at the same time exploring darker recesses and wilder tempos. Looking for the beauty of the passions, and yet exerting its control, becoming more serene, more sedate. ¶ 5:08 PM 0 comments
Prudence
A short one, 2:46.
Prudence, for me, lies in knowing both what lies in front and behind you, and acting in consequence. It is not caution, nor discretion, because someone prudent may yet be bold when needed, or loud when necessary.
And yet, how lacking in foresight and hindsight seem our rulers. We are in a short attention span century, with short attention span rules. So instead of using their own virtues of Prudence, most politicians let polls and the media govern their actions. So they do not do what is best, just what seems best. Most systems, established in wiser times, give rulers usually four years, so that you can afford to do what you have to for most of the time. But know it is as if every press meeting was a critical test that should not fail.
Do not listen to them, or even me. Listen to your own mind. Because it is you who is up there, and it is your job to take those decisions. Then we can start looking for prudent rulers.
******************
Prudence starts with speed and energy, dispelling images of caution or timidity. It even shows a light headedness, a joy, that soon however shows the way to repetition and a hidden structure. A sudden change and it becomes darker, more menacing, responding to the menace with sharper, clearer notes. And yet the repetition and the hidden structure is the same. The same mind holding it all. ¶ 4:55 PM 0 comments
A short one, 2:46.
Prudence, for me, lies in knowing both what lies in front and behind you, and acting in consequence. It is not caution, nor discretion, because someone prudent may yet be bold when needed, or loud when necessary.
And yet, how lacking in foresight and hindsight seem our rulers. We are in a short attention span century, with short attention span rules. So instead of using their own virtues of Prudence, most politicians let polls and the media govern their actions. So they do not do what is best, just what seems best. Most systems, established in wiser times, give rulers usually four years, so that you can afford to do what you have to for most of the time. But know it is as if every press meeting was a critical test that should not fail.
Do not listen to them, or even me. Listen to your own mind. Because it is you who is up there, and it is your job to take those decisions. Then we can start looking for prudent rulers.
******************
Prudence starts with speed and energy, dispelling images of caution or timidity. It even shows a light headedness, a joy, that soon however shows the way to repetition and a hidden structure. A sudden change and it becomes darker, more menacing, responding to the menace with sharper, clearer notes. And yet the repetition and the hidden structure is the same. The same mind holding it all. ¶ 4:55 PM 0 comments
Justice
Mertens gives me 7:31 to reflect on Justice, and I am bound to require all of it.
Justice does not lie on the Law, but on what is Just. So Justice is something severely lacking in the world today. My own life, as that of most around me, seems unjust to many around me. But that is not what Justice is about. It is not sharing, or giving to those more disfavoured.
It is not a material affair at all. It is a matter of how we deal with people. Because it is a virtue of a person, or people. Do we deal in the same way to all others? There are not unaccountable privileges in what we let others do?
And that brings us to what I really wanted to deal with, the USA, Europe and the International Court.
Because despite their claims for justice, the USA does not deal the same with all the others, and what is worse, they know they are unjust. Which makes them afraid of the judgment of others.
The EU, or to be sincere, its burocracy and some of its governments, believe however in that ideal virtue of Justice. That all shall be dealt in the same way, so that once they do the same things the response will be the same. Whether it is admission, trade or not trade, or even actions against them, it should be ruled by what they do, not what they are, their worship, government or past history. And that is a wonderful idea. If you fulfill this ideal, we will allow you to join. If you do not fulfill this other criteria, we will refuse to deal with you. And ideally, if you are a danger, we will act against you. But a danger with this clear rules, no matter if you are a critical supplier of a minor player. And that was one of the key cornerstones of the European Constitution.
And in a small scale, that would be the role of the International Court. To show that nobody, no matter their nationality or who gave them orders, will be above the laws that are accepted by the nations.
And then, for many reasons, normal people rejected, among other things, the ideal. Because an idea does not feed you, or quench the anger or the hate that many feel. Because most do not feel at heart that they have to be just with everyone.
I just hope that the refusal was for some of the other concepts that were in the same package, and not the bright Justice that was promised to us. A new way of doing things.
*******************
Justice starts slowly, as hesitating, testing its way. However soon it finds itself, gets stronger and surer. And it becomes defined, resonant, firm. And optimistic then, a promise of something better at the end, a growing crescendo as it finds itself in a melody we find for the first time but will appear more times. What I call the "virtuous" theme. Once established he builds a musical building both regular and pleasant, only to end again with the "virtuous" theme and a protracted ending. ¶ 4:04 PM 0 comments
Mertens gives me 7:31 to reflect on Justice, and I am bound to require all of it.
Justice does not lie on the Law, but on what is Just. So Justice is something severely lacking in the world today. My own life, as that of most around me, seems unjust to many around me. But that is not what Justice is about. It is not sharing, or giving to those more disfavoured.
It is not a material affair at all. It is a matter of how we deal with people. Because it is a virtue of a person, or people. Do we deal in the same way to all others? There are not unaccountable privileges in what we let others do?
And that brings us to what I really wanted to deal with, the USA, Europe and the International Court.
Because despite their claims for justice, the USA does not deal the same with all the others, and what is worse, they know they are unjust. Which makes them afraid of the judgment of others.
The EU, or to be sincere, its burocracy and some of its governments, believe however in that ideal virtue of Justice. That all shall be dealt in the same way, so that once they do the same things the response will be the same. Whether it is admission, trade or not trade, or even actions against them, it should be ruled by what they do, not what they are, their worship, government or past history. And that is a wonderful idea. If you fulfill this ideal, we will allow you to join. If you do not fulfill this other criteria, we will refuse to deal with you. And ideally, if you are a danger, we will act against you. But a danger with this clear rules, no matter if you are a critical supplier of a minor player. And that was one of the key cornerstones of the European Constitution.
And in a small scale, that would be the role of the International Court. To show that nobody, no matter their nationality or who gave them orders, will be above the laws that are accepted by the nations.
And then, for many reasons, normal people rejected, among other things, the ideal. Because an idea does not feed you, or quench the anger or the hate that many feel. Because most do not feel at heart that they have to be just with everyone.
I just hope that the refusal was for some of the other concepts that were in the same package, and not the bright Justice that was promised to us. A new way of doing things.
*******************
Justice starts slowly, as hesitating, testing its way. However soon it finds itself, gets stronger and surer. And it becomes defined, resonant, firm. And optimistic then, a promise of something better at the end, a growing crescendo as it finds itself in a melody we find for the first time but will appear more times. What I call the "virtuous" theme. Once established he builds a musical building both regular and pleasant, only to end again with the "virtuous" theme and a protracted ending. ¶ 4:04 PM 0 comments
Virtues
As I mentioned recently, I am at a loss about what to do about this blog. And I feel there is a missing interest in the wide world outside that is also a big part of what I am.
So as some kind of experiment or test, I have decided to try writing a short essay on some aspect of the world in the time that it takes to play each of Wim Merten's After Virtue pieces, which appropiately are titled as each of the virtues, and which I hope to bring out in the piece. Some are two minutes long and some are eight, so there will be a certain spread of results.
As for why I am listening again to Merten's haunting piano, it is a mix of strange mood [Merten's was in heavy rotation (After Virtue, Motives for writing, A man with no fortune, and The belly of the architect) in my walkman after a traumatic break-up more than fifteen years ago], a Shuffle i-pod, laying restless unable to sleep in a big hotel bed, and my own obsessive mind. The pieces from After Virtue were the only ones that brought me some solace, but I was then disturbed because I could not recognize the individual virtues (except for Humility). So I put the i-pod in consecutive mode rather than Shuffle, but the ordering was not obvious. After some songs puzzling what was the order, I realised it was alphabetical according to the titles, which soon had me identifying the songs (around4 am).
Each virtue started to accrete some content in my mind, which is what I aim to express in writing, expressed as some manifestation or lack of it.
The correct listing will be:
1.Justice2.Prudence3.Temperance4.Courage5.Humility6.Faith7.Hope8.Charity
I aim to do all the songs in one seating, so there will be 8 posts in short succesion. For once, feedback will be welcome. As well, if someone wants to check the music drop me a line. If you do not know how to do so, you should not be here. ¶ 12:08 PM 0 comments
As I mentioned recently, I am at a loss about what to do about this blog. And I feel there is a missing interest in the wide world outside that is also a big part of what I am.
So as some kind of experiment or test, I have decided to try writing a short essay on some aspect of the world in the time that it takes to play each of Wim Merten's After Virtue pieces, which appropiately are titled as each of the virtues, and which I hope to bring out in the piece. Some are two minutes long and some are eight, so there will be a certain spread of results.
As for why I am listening again to Merten's haunting piano, it is a mix of strange mood [Merten's was in heavy rotation (After Virtue, Motives for writing, A man with no fortune, and The belly of the architect) in my walkman after a traumatic break-up more than fifteen years ago], a Shuffle i-pod, laying restless unable to sleep in a big hotel bed, and my own obsessive mind. The pieces from After Virtue were the only ones that brought me some solace, but I was then disturbed because I could not recognize the individual virtues (except for Humility). So I put the i-pod in consecutive mode rather than Shuffle, but the ordering was not obvious. After some songs puzzling what was the order, I realised it was alphabetical according to the titles, which soon had me identifying the songs (around4 am).
Each virtue started to accrete some content in my mind, which is what I aim to express in writing, expressed as some manifestation or lack of it.
The correct listing will be:
1.Justice2.Prudence3.Temperance4.Courage5.Humility6.Faith7.Hope8.Charity
I aim to do all the songs in one seating, so there will be 8 posts in short succesion. For once, feedback will be welcome. As well, if someone wants to check the music drop me a line. If you do not know how to do so, you should not be here. ¶ 12:08 PM 0 comments
7.7.05
Traveling in the back seat
I have had a couple of business trips lately by car. And I do not know why our sales agents in different countries tend to have the same cars. Is there always an optimum prize/performance wave that they ride? Or is it a fad? As these people change cars every two years, it gives an opportunity for plenty of car checking. Two years ago it was Audis, the A6 in particular (although I remember fondly a S4 as well). Now it is Mercedes. But not the big ones, no. Why, oh, why does it has to be the CLK, which clearly was built for two, not three or four?
It rides beautifully and it is sportsy enough for a diesel (the 270 CDI, that was what I rode), and both were automatic (good for people who are on the phone half the time they are riding), and I got to drive them both (much better in France than Italy, where drivers seem to take it personally that you overtake them, and half the cars are exceeding the speed limit at any time). But the back seats!
I do not consider myself very big. 1.85 cm, around 95 Kg right now (another business travelling souvenir). But I have an unusually long torso, so I seem taller when seated, have a shorter stride than expected, and longer arms which are a big help in fights, as my brother (who is my exact same height, but whose legs are 10 cm longer) found out in our frequent scuffles.
In most trips that means I am offered the front seat, as I usually brush the car's ceiling with my hair (helped by its tendency to defy gravity and keep going up when long). But in a long trip, specially if the back is clearly less comfortable also for normal sized people, it is necessary to offer the front seat to other travellers (except for my boss, who is quite short and falls asleep anywhere, so I do not have to decide if I am polite or a suckup).
One other consequence of knowing a fair bit about cars and being interested in learning more is that often that means you are offered to take a turn behind the wheel, which generally is well received as that means no SMSing with one hand while driving, or supporting files on the steering wheel while talking about the next scheduled visit.
Driving, however, does not let you see the landscape around you, although you also learn many things about people and riches just watching the cars around you. So I do my duty as a driver, offer more if it would be safer (which does not make me a safe driver, it is them who are unsafe), but I still enjoy more being a passenger. At the front.
Most people worry about the legs, offer to move the front seats forward... As I usually say, there is enough space, or I would be sticking my knees in the small of your back. No, in those cars legspace back is adequate. It is headspace which is limited. All that sporting look and low ride means that I do not rest my head on the ceiling when I am seating in the middle. And that is just not possible (damned curved walls, impossible to set the head against) with the air conditioner firing straight against your groin area (maybe in a mild weather, but usually it is either frozen or baked, and switching it off is not a choice at close to 40ºC in a suit and tie...
I am looking forward to the new iteration in cars, and hoping business keeps going well. One year to go, and the last trip they were talking wonders of the new BMW 530 (always German cars, yes. There is something reassuring in them when you are driving close to 200000 km a year). Big and four doors is enough for me. ¶ 11:32 PM 0 comments
I have had a couple of business trips lately by car. And I do not know why our sales agents in different countries tend to have the same cars. Is there always an optimum prize/performance wave that they ride? Or is it a fad? As these people change cars every two years, it gives an opportunity for plenty of car checking. Two years ago it was Audis, the A6 in particular (although I remember fondly a S4 as well). Now it is Mercedes. But not the big ones, no. Why, oh, why does it has to be the CLK, which clearly was built for two, not three or four?
It rides beautifully and it is sportsy enough for a diesel (the 270 CDI, that was what I rode), and both were automatic (good for people who are on the phone half the time they are riding), and I got to drive them both (much better in France than Italy, where drivers seem to take it personally that you overtake them, and half the cars are exceeding the speed limit at any time). But the back seats!
I do not consider myself very big. 1.85 cm, around 95 Kg right now (another business travelling souvenir). But I have an unusually long torso, so I seem taller when seated, have a shorter stride than expected, and longer arms which are a big help in fights, as my brother (who is my exact same height, but whose legs are 10 cm longer) found out in our frequent scuffles.
In most trips that means I am offered the front seat, as I usually brush the car's ceiling with my hair (helped by its tendency to defy gravity and keep going up when long). But in a long trip, specially if the back is clearly less comfortable also for normal sized people, it is necessary to offer the front seat to other travellers (except for my boss, who is quite short and falls asleep anywhere, so I do not have to decide if I am polite or a suckup).
One other consequence of knowing a fair bit about cars and being interested in learning more is that often that means you are offered to take a turn behind the wheel, which generally is well received as that means no SMSing with one hand while driving, or supporting files on the steering wheel while talking about the next scheduled visit.
Driving, however, does not let you see the landscape around you, although you also learn many things about people and riches just watching the cars around you. So I do my duty as a driver, offer more if it would be safer (which does not make me a safe driver, it is them who are unsafe), but I still enjoy more being a passenger. At the front.
Most people worry about the legs, offer to move the front seats forward... As I usually say, there is enough space, or I would be sticking my knees in the small of your back. No, in those cars legspace back is adequate. It is headspace which is limited. All that sporting look and low ride means that I do not rest my head on the ceiling when I am seating in the middle. And that is just not possible (damned curved walls, impossible to set the head against) with the air conditioner firing straight against your groin area (maybe in a mild weather, but usually it is either frozen or baked, and switching it off is not a choice at close to 40ºC in a suit and tie...
I am looking forward to the new iteration in cars, and hoping business keeps going well. One year to go, and the last trip they were talking wonders of the new BMW 530 (always German cars, yes. There is something reassuring in them when you are driving close to 200000 km a year). Big and four doors is enough for me. ¶ 11:32 PM 0 comments
3.7.05
Drama Queen
A friend told me after some of my last posts that I had become a Drama Queen. Just like that.
Well, I have exhausted the store of incomplete rants so although I had to look up what Drama Queen actually meant, I will run with the ball and see where it takes me.
I have for too long tried to be just the opposite, an Ice Queen, unaffected by outer events, disdainful of manifesting emotions and feelings. Indeed, I felt so affected by the accusation that I took one of those online "Drama Queen" tests, just to check if I had changed. Fortunately I scored 5% in Drama Queenhood, fitting with my expectations. I have been working to change some things, but that would have been excessive.
And yet, why had the accusation, made in jest, affected me so much? Normally I would just ignore the pun, or answer back with another one.
From some time, before I started this blog, I have been trying to kill the Ice Queen in me, or at least to reduce the amount of antifreeze in my veins. Some blog posts point to this, or are even active parts of that fight. So it is not the first attempt to add some drama, to take out some emotion in the open.
However the difference and what brought the comment out is the main requirement for a Drama Queen: a Public.
Instead of my usual carefree approach, ignoring who or what may be reading this, those pieces were clearly oriented to the possible readers of the blog, and even taking into account how they came to be here.
So although I am sure it was not enough to make me a Drama Queen (I hope), it was more than enough to enter into drama, when usually my writing has focused into navel-gazing, an utterly dramaless activity, even if you manage to dig out interesting tidbits out of it.
In a way, the reason I was considering ending the blog was the same that brought the drama out. Its use as a tool for myself is almost over. I have changed, and even know what I should do to change in the right way, even if it is unlikely I will do so. It is no longer a matter of knowledge, it is a matter of will.
So this formerly useful part of me, now feels misplaced, and it is looking for some change as well. Involving the readers may be an approach, true, but I cannot really cater to readers. So this will remain mostly remain a one-way information flow. Even if it uses discussion with others as the starting point, the trigger for the rant.
And as for the distaste, I became an Ice Queen to avoid being hurt, and have been stepping down so that I can also feel other things that were blocked with the hurts. A drama queen uses the opposite approach. Everything is outrageously over the top, so if all hurts the same, it has the same importance. And the background hides the important issues then. Another way to get protection.
I have been trying hard to make out some things that are important for me. To have them mixed up with random noise just would be too painful.
Who knows, I am thinking of starting a series on world policy, now that I am a bit tired of Art. ¶ 6:28 PM 0 comments
A friend told me after some of my last posts that I had become a Drama Queen. Just like that.
Well, I have exhausted the store of incomplete rants so although I had to look up what Drama Queen actually meant, I will run with the ball and see where it takes me.
I have for too long tried to be just the opposite, an Ice Queen, unaffected by outer events, disdainful of manifesting emotions and feelings. Indeed, I felt so affected by the accusation that I took one of those online "Drama Queen" tests, just to check if I had changed. Fortunately I scored 5% in Drama Queenhood, fitting with my expectations. I have been working to change some things, but that would have been excessive.
And yet, why had the accusation, made in jest, affected me so much? Normally I would just ignore the pun, or answer back with another one.
From some time, before I started this blog, I have been trying to kill the Ice Queen in me, or at least to reduce the amount of antifreeze in my veins. Some blog posts point to this, or are even active parts of that fight. So it is not the first attempt to add some drama, to take out some emotion in the open.
However the difference and what brought the comment out is the main requirement for a Drama Queen: a Public.
Instead of my usual carefree approach, ignoring who or what may be reading this, those pieces were clearly oriented to the possible readers of the blog, and even taking into account how they came to be here.
So although I am sure it was not enough to make me a Drama Queen (I hope), it was more than enough to enter into drama, when usually my writing has focused into navel-gazing, an utterly dramaless activity, even if you manage to dig out interesting tidbits out of it.
In a way, the reason I was considering ending the blog was the same that brought the drama out. Its use as a tool for myself is almost over. I have changed, and even know what I should do to change in the right way, even if it is unlikely I will do so. It is no longer a matter of knowledge, it is a matter of will.
So this formerly useful part of me, now feels misplaced, and it is looking for some change as well. Involving the readers may be an approach, true, but I cannot really cater to readers. So this will remain mostly remain a one-way information flow. Even if it uses discussion with others as the starting point, the trigger for the rant.
And as for the distaste, I became an Ice Queen to avoid being hurt, and have been stepping down so that I can also feel other things that were blocked with the hurts. A drama queen uses the opposite approach. Everything is outrageously over the top, so if all hurts the same, it has the same importance. And the background hides the important issues then. Another way to get protection.
I have been trying hard to make out some things that are important for me. To have them mixed up with random noise just would be too painful.
Who knows, I am thinking of starting a series on world policy, now that I am a bit tired of Art. ¶ 6:28 PM 0 comments
1.7.05
Art and No-thought
Lately (that was in late May, but this has been on my mind again recently) I have been thinking about creation, and using Art as an easily controlled form of Creation (easier to track than scientific innovation or philosophy).
The question was how much conscious effort went into creation, and how much unconscious skill/custom/intuition. I know most people would not place those three terms, Skill, Custom and Intuition at the same level. But I was also reflecting on Art from a Zen point of view, and my limited knowledge of Zen drove me to see the three aspects as just the same thing.
Because what is skill but being accustomed to do a task, so that no thought has to be spent on it, intuitively getting the work done? Of course, you can inject conscious intent in the task, and yet skill will help all the auxiliary work to support that intent so that failure or success lies only on the appropiateness of the intent and the interplay between it and reality.
If you are a master, there will not be a need for a conscious step between intent and execution, as you will be accustomed to the task in such a way that no reflection, no doubts, are possible. Acting will be a matter of pure intuition.
But am I talking of creation or Creation? Can something new be created when you are a master? Or is becoming a master (probably just considering yourself one, as I feel possibilities remain limitless) the end of Creation, understood as something that did not exist before, rather than a repetition or combination of existing forms?
I may be trapped by my own definitions, but intuition does not work only in a proactive way, but also in a reactive one. So I may be unable to proactively Creating something new. But I may still do so reactively. The outer world may require me to do something. Or something may be required that I can create, so that void in the Universe will be filled by my own creation.
This may be only a long talk just to arrive to the obvious conclusion that Creation requires skill and external circumstance, but I feel that Creation is, surprisingly, more difficult as you increase your knowledge. You have no limits at start, while knowledge, making creation easier, sets limits so that possibilities diminish. Taking a chemical term, your degrees of freedom diminish as you know more.
Eventually that means that either you do something different, or you will depend on the outside world to provide the differences in your work.
So once you reach the state of No-thought, when action is just a reaction required of you by the external world, you may be enlightened, but you are no longer a creator, an artist, a seeker of facts. When you pitch yourself against the unknown, and refuse mastery by changing the conditions, you still can do something new.
Referring to another old rant I completed recently, I consider you are creating when you are still learning and when you stop learning you just become a craftsman, a robot, you lose your self in the action.
And that may be an aim in Buddhism, but it is not my aim. ¶ 6:27 PM 0 comments
Lately (that was in late May, but this has been on my mind again recently) I have been thinking about creation, and using Art as an easily controlled form of Creation (easier to track than scientific innovation or philosophy).
The question was how much conscious effort went into creation, and how much unconscious skill/custom/intuition. I know most people would not place those three terms, Skill, Custom and Intuition at the same level. But I was also reflecting on Art from a Zen point of view, and my limited knowledge of Zen drove me to see the three aspects as just the same thing.
Because what is skill but being accustomed to do a task, so that no thought has to be spent on it, intuitively getting the work done? Of course, you can inject conscious intent in the task, and yet skill will help all the auxiliary work to support that intent so that failure or success lies only on the appropiateness of the intent and the interplay between it and reality.
If you are a master, there will not be a need for a conscious step between intent and execution, as you will be accustomed to the task in such a way that no reflection, no doubts, are possible. Acting will be a matter of pure intuition.
But am I talking of creation or Creation? Can something new be created when you are a master? Or is becoming a master (probably just considering yourself one, as I feel possibilities remain limitless) the end of Creation, understood as something that did not exist before, rather than a repetition or combination of existing forms?
I may be trapped by my own definitions, but intuition does not work only in a proactive way, but also in a reactive one. So I may be unable to proactively Creating something new. But I may still do so reactively. The outer world may require me to do something. Or something may be required that I can create, so that void in the Universe will be filled by my own creation.
This may be only a long talk just to arrive to the obvious conclusion that Creation requires skill and external circumstance, but I feel that Creation is, surprisingly, more difficult as you increase your knowledge. You have no limits at start, while knowledge, making creation easier, sets limits so that possibilities diminish. Taking a chemical term, your degrees of freedom diminish as you know more.
Eventually that means that either you do something different, or you will depend on the outside world to provide the differences in your work.
So once you reach the state of No-thought, when action is just a reaction required of you by the external world, you may be enlightened, but you are no longer a creator, an artist, a seeker of facts. When you pitch yourself against the unknown, and refuse mastery by changing the conditions, you still can do something new.
Referring to another old rant I completed recently, I consider you are creating when you are still learning and when you stop learning you just become a craftsman, a robot, you lose your self in the action.
And that may be an aim in Buddhism, but it is not my aim. ¶ 6:27 PM 0 comments
