Pensée 55

I believe one of the best things one can hope for, and indeed ought strive towards, is to have had a lasting positive effect in the life of someone else.

Even if this effect is through a kind word, a single conversation or a one time act of kindness.

Alternatively, one ought be grateful for those in one's life who have already had such an effect on oneself.

Pensée 54

Patriotism within Criticism

Within the current political climate of the United States, I find it necessary to underline that political criticism is one of the most patriotic forms of love for one's country.

Simply put, it is loving one's country so much so that one comments on the things that are wrong, the systems that clearly are malfunctioning and elements within the society or political climate than need changing.

Unfortunately the US suffers from a bipartisan system wherein people identify themselves by who they voted for in the last election. This is at least one of the factors that contributes to why political criticism could be mislabel and misconstrued as unpatriotic.

Furthermore, criticism lies at the heart of freedom and democracy. It is by this very criticism that democracy functions as political discussion (which arises from the criticism of one party to another) is the very essence of a liberal democracy (when compared with authoritarianism for example).

Therefore, surely a nation that calls itself the "leaders of the free world" and the "arsenal of democracy" would have some tolerance for criticism within the ideals they claim to believe in and uphold. There is nothing unpatriotic about criticism.

One could of course argue that there is a fine line between justified criticism and unjustified or unjustifiable dissent and the actions that that can lead to. Vandalism, rioting and violent demonstrations are not directly justifiable. This however is dependent on the political climate, the nation, the leadership of the nation in question as well as the political history of that nation.

Pensée 53

The Rousseau-an Machivellian

 I find the concept of a blend between Rousseau-an and Machivellian approaches to be most intriguing. I would describe this combination as such:

The ends justify the means, however it is foolish to pursue means that are proven not to work. Simply because one can justify the use of mass surveillance or torture to extract information, does not mean one must or ought pursue them. I find it is vitally important that the social contract be upheld at all costs. This is not to be confused with puritanical, escapist Kantian absolutism. The most important elements are equality before the law and the relationship between the individual and the State.


Thanks to G. Marshall for the discussion and critique

Pensée 52

I find there are few things finer than a good meal and time well spent with close and trusted friends. The bond created by sharing a meal, sharing stories and enjoying the company of one's friends is to be valued.

Pensée 51

The Necessity of Opposition

 Although it is surely easier and preferable to go through one's life without opposition or facing resistance, I find it is vitally necessary to be challenged, opposed and confronted.

It is opposition and confrontation that makes one better. Any challenge to one's ideas, beliefs, policies and plans act as a refining fire if the criticism is reasonable and justified.

The lack of criticism is potentially a dangerous thing. Although order and efficiency are both necessities, a state that suppresses the voice of criticism, no matter how much it might disagree, runs the risk of totalitarianism.

There is a distinction to be made between opposition and dissent. Dissent implies the situation is so far gone that words and and peaceful challenge are no longer a viable option. the difference lies between reform and revolution.

In recent conversation some of the above used terms have come to be defined more clearly:
- Opposition is to be understood as legitimate resistance through existing channels, including but not exclusive to referendum, debate, petition and peaceful protest/rallies.

-Dissent is the significant disapproval of an existing regime or power structure however not necessarily aligned with legitimate opposition, although not overtly anti-authoritarian. This could include paramilitary wings of political parties, lobbies or special interest groups.

-Revolution is the wholehearted disapproval or hatred for policy resulting in overarching political, social, economic and religious change.

Thanks to G. Marshall for the excellent conversation, critique and collaboration.

Pensée 50

The path of least resistance is not always the best. In an urban environment, the path of least resistance tends to be the gutter. An easy solution might be available, however it is not always advisable. One ought not be afraid of putting the necessary work or effort into the right solution.

Furthermore, knowing when to find a different approach and subsequent solution to a problem is very important. A solution that requires maximum effort for very little return or gain, is a viable option, and the best option when there is no alternative. However far better is a viable solution with the maximum amount of gain or return for the effort spent. That what qualifies as the "right" solutions is dependent on what one wishes or needs to achieve.

In conclusion, it is important to explore and pursue other options when searching for a solution. In general, the more work one is willing to put into a solution, the more one is likely to get out of it. This means that if one only devotes the minimal required effort into an option, one will only get a minimal solution. In addition it is important to work hard, but also work smart, for example: doing something right the first time, so that it need not be repeated further down the line. Finally, it is always better to have a presentable, viable, workable solution on time than a perfect solution too late.

Pensée 49

There is an increasing trend of needing to share everything we, as humanity, see and do. This is mostly done via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media. Though this abundance of sharing our lives and experiences can have its advantages (e.g. the organization and co-ordination of the Arab Spring and the Umbrella Revolt in Hong Kong) I feel we are losing something, missing out on something in our focus & frenzy to tell the world of our experiences.

There are some things, some moments that should not be shared, Instagrammed or re-tweeted. The pictures never do the moment justice. The spoken word loses out on emotion and inflection when it is typed up and shared. We miss the moment, we miss out on that special something in our constant desire to save the experience. One ought stop every once in a while, pause and savor the moment, take it in, and relish it.

There are many things like this, for example, walking up a hill to see a spectacular sunset or sunrise. There is a certain amount of effort required to experience these things, be it getting up early, walking up the hill or even making the journey to the Arctic Circle to see the Aurora Borealis. If one is unwilling to make the effort required to experience these things first hand, one will only ever see just a moment, a glimpse, a fraction of the many marvelous and wondrous things in this world.

One can of course make the argument that there are those who are unable to make the required effort, be it through disability or otherwise. For these, a picture or video is their way to explore & experience the wonders of nature, architecture and civilization. Indeed pictures and videos are great tools with which to learn and explore all the things, both great and terrible, in this world. However, those who are able to get up, get out and explore the world around them, ought do so!

Finally, as we share, capture and tweet about these things, one ought take a minute to enjoy the moment, the experience for what it is, without the distraction of technology & social media.