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Tag: reason

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    retroactive rationality through frivolity

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    1–2 minutes

    To believe in rationality (the empirical process of science) is to establish the virtue of logic. This tends to defend against mythical narratives, such as God/Heaven and cult promises of the super-sensory variety.

    However, to dedicate yourself to a purpose (a grand common task) from which we can achieve more often requires irrational motivations: to go to the moon is silly. Still, the scientific byproduct has been eminently practical.

    Leaving room for inane thick desires is often irrationality, but that does not mean it does not serve a rational purpose retroactively.

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    pernicious pressures

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    1–2 minutes

    The pressures surrounding us (work, economics, social, commerce) attempt to “decode” and disintegrate us under the pretense of giving ourselves back to us.

    That is to say: you can’t find yourself by following the system’s logic (as it dissolves you).
    More clearly, you are already “you” without capitulating to pernicious pressures and duplicitous promises.

    More importantly, you already know what you are here to do (your purpose); you are looking to the system because you have not allowed yourself to embrace it.

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    Capitalist contradiction: conservative defense

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    1–2 minutes

    Capitalism is a revolutionary and destabilizing force.
    So why do conservatives defend it? It maintains a sameness (of inequality) that has become traditional.

    To maintain and stabilize power, destabilize everything else.

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    Psychopathy and schizophrenia is reasonable responses

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    1–2 minutes

    If your society rewards sociopathy (or psychopathy), it is reasonable to become antisocial, nonempathetic, and egotistical.
    Then why are we not all psychopaths? Social or familial values counter the destructive values of mercenary conquest.

    We divide our life, pushing for both worldly success and relational solidarity. If not assimilated (synthesized) the dueling pressure can produce a schizophrenic split, allowing you to be alternately psycho and nurturing.

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    Incurring dumbness

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    1–2 minutes

    I love the dumb feeling of fuzzy openness that slinks up the back of your skull after three drinks.

    The sunset is beyond profound, your troubles are pebbles, and the glee is a fist letting go of your heart.

    You have a glimpse that this single moment is what all life could be.

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    talking about the weather

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    1–2 minutes

    Spoken to me: "A little rain never hurt anyone, but a lot can kill you."

    Of course, all excesses kill, but avoidance of discomfort is a smaller, rationalized death.

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    The stress trap

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    1–2 minutes

    You are obligated to do something unpleasant, so you turn it into a chore or task.
    Your body notices the stress and amplifies it.
    The trap is to remain yourself while under this excessive strain: to be authentic, kind, and empathetic, to be reasonable and open instead of the tight, narrow thing your body wants you to become.

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    Enriching insight by demoting language

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    1–2 minutes

    Language is the dominant form to carry messages, but it is not the only means of communication and understanding.

    Overreliance on words (which can lie in the name of truth) leads to a flattened, abstract understanding.

    Look for ways to enrich insight (and counter language as logic) by considering actions over time, physical comportment, or the circle of influence.

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    Clever you causing pain

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    1–2 minutes

    Your clever flippancy is callous: check your heart before you open your throat or let your fingers fly.
    Always engage sympathy first; always feel before you say.

  • Theme:

    “when you gotta go, you gotta go”

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    1–2 minutes

    An older man said this to me as we peed, side-by-side in the Home Depot bathroom. He then walked over to the sink, slicked back his white hair and mustache without washing his hands, hitched up his pants, and sauntered out.

    This type of interaction is worth consideration: the statement is unnecessary but not meaningless. It is not an apology for biological imperative, but a cool guy’s crass excuse as a means to put forward (and seek affirmation for) a way to move through the world.

    More problematic is posturing for a man who is peeing.