The joys of religion. I'm not sure where I stand on this one, as I would probably classify myself as an atheist. However, should the proof ever arise of any form of deity or spiritual belief to be true, then I would happily convert. The idea of religion itself is a fairly basic one - give people something to root for. Give them a all-powerful being that gives meaning to the lives of those who have no purpose and hope to the hopeless. It has been a little corrupted mind you; as always, people in power grasp at any straw to keep the masses in line, and religion is a large a part of that as it has always been.
Simply put, there are 2 types of religious people - those which preach, and those which teach. Preachers enjoy shouting about their beliefs from the rooftops, condemning all others for not following the way that is so clearly laid out to them, in some cases resulting in a more serious outcome - a nice example here is the religious opposing abortion due to it being "murder". These people are not to be approached, and should be avoided if possible. See the man who went into an abortion clinic and murdered most of the people there. Pro-life my ass. But I digress.
The second - teachers - are much more reasonable; instead of forcefully shouting their way into your head, they accept the fact that humans are different, (What a Twist!) and so will naturally have differing beliefs. They may also preach their opinions, but will actually listen to counter-points and are all around reasonable folk. That is not to say they are any less devoted to their way of life - I don't think there's a person alive that could convince some of these people to change.
The key difference here is respect. Respect of other people and the differences they hold to you. It's not an easy thing to manage, and in many ways religion can give those who lack it the strength to gain patience and respect for others. Sadly, not everyone has managed it. There still remain a large percentage of our society who struggle to attain this achievement - this is excusable. However, what isn't is those who don't bother to try. The ones who decide that they're always correct, that they always have the moral high grounds and most importantly, the "correct" beliefs. But here's the actual twist; there is no "correct" belief - that's the beauty of beliefs, they don't have to be justifiable. You just have to believe in them.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Thursday, 31 December 2015
New Year
So then, it's New Years. Gregorian, that is. Time for most of us to make false promises about the many interesting ways that we will improve our own lives and mentality for the coming cycle; be it diets, being more spiritual or just being generally nicer to the people around us, this is a time for change.
After the parties die down and hangovers pick up however, we tell ourselves "No, I'll start tomorrow" or next week even - we give ourselves time to adjust to the change we endeavor to make because we are too lazy, too apathetic to even try, (for more than a couple of days anyway). Why? Because we are scared of change, of what it will bring to our lives, of how it will affect us not just as a person but as an image; are your peers going to approve of your new choices? Perhaps not. But that's not the point. You're not doing this for them, you're doing it for YOU. And the sooner you realize that, the sooner you can get up off your ass and actually do something about your problems with life. Good luck.
For those of you still reading, I assume you are part of the minority that actually stick to their resolutions and are feeling a little smug. So to you, I propose a question that goes a little something like this:
Why just new years? Do you really have to wait for one day a year to have a reason to motivate yourself, or could you not just do it at any time when you feel the need for a change? Food for thought.
Oh, and Happy New Year.
After the parties die down and hangovers pick up however, we tell ourselves "No, I'll start tomorrow" or next week even - we give ourselves time to adjust to the change we endeavor to make because we are too lazy, too apathetic to even try, (for more than a couple of days anyway). Why? Because we are scared of change, of what it will bring to our lives, of how it will affect us not just as a person but as an image; are your peers going to approve of your new choices? Perhaps not. But that's not the point. You're not doing this for them, you're doing it for YOU. And the sooner you realize that, the sooner you can get up off your ass and actually do something about your problems with life. Good luck.
For those of you still reading, I assume you are part of the minority that actually stick to their resolutions and are feeling a little smug. So to you, I propose a question that goes a little something like this:
Why just new years? Do you really have to wait for one day a year to have a reason to motivate yourself, or could you not just do it at any time when you feel the need for a change? Food for thought.
Oh, and Happy New Year.
Monday, 21 December 2015
Trump.
So then, the elections are happening in the States. Great. Another demonstration of the stupidity of humanity. I am of course talking about our dear friend Donald Trump. The racist, bigoted tool that's running for president of what is quite possibly the most powerful country in the world. Should he win, we shall all be utterly boned. The fact that there are a great many people who agree with his insane suggestions is quite terrifying. We need to stop humoring him and call him out on all the crap he spouts. The longer we leave it, the more people see him as a viable candidate."But wait!", I hear you cry, what about Bernie Sanders? Surely there is still hope? Well, technically yes. He does indeed provide a glint of bright in a world being consumed by the shadows of capitalism, consumerism and fossil fuels. All fueled by the most disgusting trait of mankind. Greed.
But my friends, it isn't the end of the road just yet; there is a chance - however small - that Bernie snatches the election from under Trump's ridiculous nose, the power that corporations wield is heavily limited, and green energy is handed out to all. Frankly though, I don't see that being a very likely reality.
Still, you never know. After all, if there ever was a time for miracles, it'd be Christmas.
But my friends, it isn't the end of the road just yet; there is a chance - however small - that Bernie snatches the election from under Trump's ridiculous nose, the power that corporations wield is heavily limited, and green energy is handed out to all. Frankly though, I don't see that being a very likely reality.
Still, you never know. After all, if there ever was a time for miracles, it'd be Christmas.
Monday, 6 October 2014
Fear and Dreams
So the other day, this friend of mine showed me a video about fear and how we can let it consume us and our dreams. I don't mean that spiderweb in the corner you haven't touched since you got to the house, or that one person you see in a trench coat that you steer clear of on your morning route, but the fear of failing, of not achieving our dreams.
You see, most people let their fear of failure stop them from achieving or even attempting to reach for your dreams. Whether it's to become a renowned author or a bodyguard or perhaps a ballerina, (even though you're 6"2 and built like a mountain) we each have a dream that we keep in the corner of our minds whenever we daydream or fantasize. Now I'm not here to tell you how to live your life. I'm simply here to offer advice on your path. We all need reminding once in a while that we are special, that we do matter; no one can sing the way you can, can write the way you can - hell, no one can twirl in a pink tutu the way you do - and once you remember that, once you find your feet and your own style, then that fear, that big, scary fear, suddenly isn't so big and scary anymore.
I'm not saying that it's easy to do, no sir, it's not easy by any means, but what I can say that it is possible. After all, there is a reason they're called dreams and not say, 'realities'. The road will be hard and lonely at times - there are things that you must face alone; success can be a lonely path, and they will seem like impassable mountains in your way. There will be failures along that path; failure is inevitable in this road that is life, but 'I failed' is infinitely better than 'what if', because 'what if' never went to the arena, never lost, but never won either. And it's when you're down, when you fall from the path towards your dream, when you collapse from exhaustion, when you have nothing left, when you find that you want this dream as bad as life itself, that's when you cannot give in; when you find motivation that you didn't have, when you use energy that didn't exist, when you get back up on that path, and when you reach that dream, and you look back, that's when you realize that you are strong, and you are capable, and that you can rise and have risen above your fears, that you can do anything, because its not over, it's never over, not until you win.
Dedicated to Tim, for motivating me like no one else had done before.
"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer
You see, most people let their fear of failure stop them from achieving or even attempting to reach for your dreams. Whether it's to become a renowned author or a bodyguard or perhaps a ballerina, (even though you're 6"2 and built like a mountain) we each have a dream that we keep in the corner of our minds whenever we daydream or fantasize. Now I'm not here to tell you how to live your life. I'm simply here to offer advice on your path. We all need reminding once in a while that we are special, that we do matter; no one can sing the way you can, can write the way you can - hell, no one can twirl in a pink tutu the way you do - and once you remember that, once you find your feet and your own style, then that fear, that big, scary fear, suddenly isn't so big and scary anymore.
I'm not saying that it's easy to do, no sir, it's not easy by any means, but what I can say that it is possible. After all, there is a reason they're called dreams and not say, 'realities'. The road will be hard and lonely at times - there are things that you must face alone; success can be a lonely path, and they will seem like impassable mountains in your way. There will be failures along that path; failure is inevitable in this road that is life, but 'I failed' is infinitely better than 'what if', because 'what if' never went to the arena, never lost, but never won either. And it's when you're down, when you fall from the path towards your dream, when you collapse from exhaustion, when you have nothing left, when you find that you want this dream as bad as life itself, that's when you cannot give in; when you find motivation that you didn't have, when you use energy that didn't exist, when you get back up on that path, and when you reach that dream, and you look back, that's when you realize that you are strong, and you are capable, and that you can rise and have risen above your fears, that you can do anything, because its not over, it's never over, not until you win.
Dedicated to Tim, for motivating me like no one else had done before.
"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer
Saturday, 9 August 2014
The Meaning of Life
So hey I saw a few posts the other day of an argument about the meaning of life, ie. What it is, if there even is a meaning. The sciencey side suggested reproduction and expanding the human race, since people said there wasn't a purpose and of course a religious person went all "God is the only one who can decide our purpose". Please, if he was meant to then why the hell hasn't he key us all know yet? And time erases all civilizations eventually, so what is the point in building out to the stars or creating more humans to occupy and destroy everything out there?
No my friends/nonexistent readers, I believe that the true purpose in our lives is to find happiness in the things we do and the people we surround ourselves with. Think about it. Since we'll die anyway, we might as well enjoy the time we have here, and everyone enjoys enjoying themselves. Confuddling. And for the religious argument, don't you think God would want us to enjoy the existence he created for us, in the same way a parent wishes their children happiness in their lives? Oh and for those who say we have no purpose? Perfect. That leaves you plenty of space to create a purpose for yourself. So live life to the fullest and do whatever you want to do, no matter what other people say, (unless what mashes you happy involves the torture and death of other humans, in which case how about trying to find something else, like sewing or muffin baking?). Another much simpler view is that the purpose of the life, the universe and everything is of course, 42.
No my friends/nonexistent readers, I believe that the true purpose in our lives is to find happiness in the things we do and the people we surround ourselves with. Think about it. Since we'll die anyway, we might as well enjoy the time we have here, and everyone enjoys enjoying themselves. Confuddling. And for the religious argument, don't you think God would want us to enjoy the existence he created for us, in the same way a parent wishes their children happiness in their lives? Oh and for those who say we have no purpose? Perfect. That leaves you plenty of space to create a purpose for yourself. So live life to the fullest and do whatever you want to do, no matter what other people say, (unless what mashes you happy involves the torture and death of other humans, in which case how about trying to find something else, like sewing or muffin baking?). Another much simpler view is that the purpose of the life, the universe and everything is of course, 42.
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Probability
So hey the other day I was thinking about the random chain of events that led to my creation, and how miniscule those chances were of ever getting there, let alone getting to you. Y'know, like, your parents meeting, getting together, deciding to have a baby or having a split condom or whatever, then that one sperm that was you making it faster than all the others. The chances of all those things happening in that order and then all the coincidences and experiences you've had in your life since then to make you the person that you are now. That had such a low chance of ever happening, so you know what? It shows that you are unique and original products of a chain of events that you had no to some control over. But don't despair, because although some of our lives are decided by chance, there are plenty of other opportunities in everyday life to improve and alter your life to improve it, enjoy it to its fullest. So always remember that you are pretty freaking awesome to have made it this far, and there is no reason for you to stop or slow down now.
Monday, 4 August 2014
Post-Death Scores?
So hey you ever start to wonder random figures, like how many books you've read, or how many steps you've taken, or how many cups of coffee you've had, yknow? I'm sure NSA has this information and more to boot, but that's inaccessible to us normal folk. I just think it'd be cool. Like, imagine if when you die, an angel appears and is all like "right so you saved 2 kittens, talked 14 people out of suicide, helped 3 find love, didn't kill or damage anyone severely and weren't too 'x'-cist to people, so you get to go to heaven." I'd love to sit there watching all the people who bullied and hurt others get their cummupence and sent to hell. (I'm not Christian it's just easier to picture that)
Or alternatively, you get a massive list of stats starting with "x breaths, y steps, etc." I'd like to know how many words, then sentences, then paragraphs, then chapters, then books, then book series, then authors I had read. It'd be really fun to read them all :) What sort of stats would you want to know?
Or alternatively, you get a massive list of stats starting with "x breaths, y steps, etc." I'd like to know how many words, then sentences, then paragraphs, then chapters, then books, then book series, then authors I had read. It'd be really fun to read them all :) What sort of stats would you want to know?
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