I think about what I want to do constantly. Not just in terms of careers, but everything. Very little of it ever gets done. While that makes me worried for my future, it makes for a good writing topic to elaborate on mindlessly.
I'm one of those people whose known what I wanted to do since I was about three. Except every time I think I get it down, and begin learning about my chosen field, another one pops up that captures my interest even more. This has happened from from Heman right on up to psychology. In case you're wondering about that last sentence, it means that yes, at some point I wanted to be Heman, professionally.
Holding off on my current possible future craze, I have to say that I have been able to check off jobs in terms of what I don't want to be. This isn't because of a dislike of the parameters of the jobs in any case, but due either to inability, or irrational fear. Mathematician is one, mostly because really advanced mathematical formulae tend to leave my head spinning, and are usually involved in staring right down the universe's gullet, which freaks me out even more. Also, conspiracy theorists tend to point to them as proof positive of their raucous claims, and despite any previous statements I may have made, anything I have EVER said involving a conspiracy theory was in complete mockery of the theorists. Except about the moon landings. That crap totally didn't happen. Any way, mathematics out. As understanding too much freaks me out so much (don't get me wrong, I'd like to know everything, but this isn't Superman Red Son, and I do think that there is only so much a human can know before they go completely insane) physicist is out too. I'll leave that shite to Michio Kaku. Oddly enough, I'd still be open to the concept of a career in philosophy if any of those existed. Perhaps because that only involves questioning things as opposed to answering those questions.
Now, I can imagine myself doing a host of things. So many that I am not, sadly, going to attempt to list them here. I will, instead focus on two that have the highest probability of acctually happening at this point. The first is obvious. As you may no doubt know, I am "wordy" as Thomas Tuorto, puts it. I have no shame for this facet of my personality. In addition, I am something of a human dictionary. Lastly, my low self esteem makes it necessary for myu to put down others constantly to keep afloat on the tides of human emotion threatening to engulf me every day. As such, one career I can see myself pursuing is the lonely life of the editor (of any kind) or the verbally abusive path of the teacher of professional writing courses. I jest about the negatives associated with those careers, but in seriousness, owing to my love for language and its correct usage, I can see myself pursuing those careers.
The other career path I can see myself pursuing came to my mind this morning in epphay form. For the last few months I have been taking a college level course in culture and language. Having covered language above, I shall here focus on the culture. This course is now rapidly drawing to a close, and its completion leaves me with the startling realization that I like culture. Learning, practicing, opening my mind to, whatever form it takes, I enjoy encountering it. So I figure I may have a career in anthropology. Or whatever the study of culture is called nowadays... So yeah.
-Nolan out.
(speaking ever so humbly)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Wisdom Defined
What is wisdom? Aside from a useless ability score in dungeons and dragons (heyo!)? I have never encountered an official definition, but to me, it is the regulator of intelligence. Know a lot? You're intelligent. Know when to use that intelligence? Now you're wise. There isn't any one specific way to measure wisdom. There isn't a test for it. It is something that grows and ebbs over time. Some people are wiser than others in general, and some of us are wiser than others at specific times. It is situational for the everyday man, but sometimes, one is born who is truly wise (this can also apply to women). If it sounds corny, that's because it is a delicious nugget of valid information. And corn is delicious. And why shouldn't it be (valid that is, not delicious)?
People acquire wisdom in only one manner. Through experience. This is why older folks are often held up as wise. They have experienced more, and are therefore more wise than the rest of us. This isn't exclusively the case though. And I have to say that one of the wisest people I know of is (or was, still kind of iffy on that) very young. Kel, of Keenan and Kel/Goodburger fame is the wisest person I recall having ever seen. He didn't know much, but he always knew what to say and when to say it, be it a simple, "welcome to goodburger..." or something deeper (perhaps having to do with orange soda?) . Kidding aside, there were moments when he said some truly profound things. That's what I want to model my wisdom on. And for the mst part I think I apply this form of wisdom quite well in my life. I don't often say profound or moving things, but when I do, it's something mind-blowingly, life-changingly zen.
As an afterthought, listening is a key to being wise. By listening, the wise can ascertain if and when to share their intelligence. Too bad not many people are.
People acquire wisdom in only one manner. Through experience. This is why older folks are often held up as wise. They have experienced more, and are therefore more wise than the rest of us. This isn't exclusively the case though. And I have to say that one of the wisest people I know of is (or was, still kind of iffy on that) very young. Kel, of Keenan and Kel/Goodburger fame is the wisest person I recall having ever seen. He didn't know much, but he always knew what to say and when to say it, be it a simple, "welcome to goodburger..." or something deeper (perhaps having to do with orange soda?) . Kidding aside, there were moments when he said some truly profound things. That's what I want to model my wisdom on. And for the mst part I think I apply this form of wisdom quite well in my life. I don't often say profound or moving things, but when I do, it's something mind-blowingly, life-changingly zen.
As an afterthought, listening is a key to being wise. By listening, the wise can ascertain if and when to share their intelligence. Too bad not many people are.
Friday, April 2, 2010
For many an age my mind, like my room had been cluttered. Stuffed with needless bits and pieces. Confused, ineffective, and nigh on useless for anything other than sleeping. This was fine, because that is what rooms are for, right? Then with a swift upheaval akin only to the fiercest volcanic explosion, everything changed. My mind has taken some time to realize that it has changed, but my room was as a result faced with a prospect that hadn't been proposed since before the elves crossed the sea. It needed to be cleaned. And so it was. No longer does the smell of decaying bodies waft about in the abode of Sean Nolan. And now I just might have a space that reflects myself. Not that it didn't before, but now there might exist a place on this earth that can reflect what I am becoming.
Now you may not have noticed that I referenced J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of The Rings three or four times in that last sentence. While this does not have a direct bearing on my room as it is currently, I must point out the fact that nearly everything in my current room is influenced by my love of those books. I began my warhammer-ing out of a need to recreate epic battles in some form or other. Most of my video games are fantasy RPG's or strategy games. My bed is elevated on plastic risers to stave off bedbugs, but I like to pretend that this was a design decision incorporated to make it look like the high tower of Orthanc. Because everyone knows that Orthanc is cooler than Barad-Dur. At any rate, now that this fantastical country is clean and orderly I can give you the unavoidable virtual tour...
The first thing you'll notice upon entrance to land of Sean, is that it, like myself, is a bit odd. Not for me the blues, greens, lavenders, whites. My room is a pastel brown. And we are thinking of repainting it. Red. Upon entrance, a sharp turn to the right reveals my dresser, wardrobe and mirror sitting behind some shelves. Or as I like to call it, "my shrine to all things hobby." Here I keep the various armies, paints, tools, glues, lights, odds, ends and bits I plan to use to eventually dismantle our pathetic current society and supplant them with. That was Sean speak for "take over the world." I also keep some clothes there. Nice clothes. It's not worth taking over the world if I can't do it in style.
After turning to the left 90 degrees upon hitting my dresser, we find my bed which, as I recall mentioning, is raised. Thusly it is slightly higher than a normal bed, making a fall out of it particularly painful as my floor is a vast expanse of textured vinyl. Next to this is my one nightstand *rimshot*. It contains my books, and anything I can't afford to forget to take on my person the next day upon waking (wallet, glasses, phone, etc.). Upon this nightstand sits a marble slab lamp. I just think it's cool looking.
Finally, after another 90 degree left turn, we reach the wall that would have been on our left coming in. This houses my monument to gaming, and a dresser with clothing in it. This monument consists of a large and sadly, immobile entertainment center and a very old tv. I know. I am an inadequate gamer.
As you can see, this room houses nearly every aspacet of my life. It takes it's inspiration from its occupants, and has even come tto reflect some aspects of its ruler. Does that mean it reflects who I am 100 percent? I doubt it. But it will eventually. Maybe through my own tangible actions. Maybe through some siphoning of my personality through more sisnster means...But it will reflect me eventually. At any rate, now that it (and my mind) clutter-free, maybe I can find out what will be reflected.
Now you may not have noticed that I referenced J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of The Rings three or four times in that last sentence. While this does not have a direct bearing on my room as it is currently, I must point out the fact that nearly everything in my current room is influenced by my love of those books. I began my warhammer-ing out of a need to recreate epic battles in some form or other. Most of my video games are fantasy RPG's or strategy games. My bed is elevated on plastic risers to stave off bedbugs, but I like to pretend that this was a design decision incorporated to make it look like the high tower of Orthanc. Because everyone knows that Orthanc is cooler than Barad-Dur. At any rate, now that this fantastical country is clean and orderly I can give you the unavoidable virtual tour...
The first thing you'll notice upon entrance to land of Sean, is that it, like myself, is a bit odd. Not for me the blues, greens, lavenders, whites. My room is a pastel brown. And we are thinking of repainting it. Red. Upon entrance, a sharp turn to the right reveals my dresser, wardrobe and mirror sitting behind some shelves. Or as I like to call it, "my shrine to all things hobby." Here I keep the various armies, paints, tools, glues, lights, odds, ends and bits I plan to use to eventually dismantle our pathetic current society and supplant them with. That was Sean speak for "take over the world." I also keep some clothes there. Nice clothes. It's not worth taking over the world if I can't do it in style.
After turning to the left 90 degrees upon hitting my dresser, we find my bed which, as I recall mentioning, is raised. Thusly it is slightly higher than a normal bed, making a fall out of it particularly painful as my floor is a vast expanse of textured vinyl. Next to this is my one nightstand *rimshot*. It contains my books, and anything I can't afford to forget to take on my person the next day upon waking (wallet, glasses, phone, etc.). Upon this nightstand sits a marble slab lamp. I just think it's cool looking.
Finally, after another 90 degree left turn, we reach the wall that would have been on our left coming in. This houses my monument to gaming, and a dresser with clothing in it. This monument consists of a large and sadly, immobile entertainment center and a very old tv. I know. I am an inadequate gamer.
As you can see, this room houses nearly every aspacet of my life. It takes it's inspiration from its occupants, and has even come tto reflect some aspects of its ruler. Does that mean it reflects who I am 100 percent? I doubt it. But it will eventually. Maybe through my own tangible actions. Maybe through some siphoning of my personality through more sisnster means...But it will reflect me eventually. At any rate, now that it (and my mind) clutter-free, maybe I can find out what will be reflected.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Avoiding Conflicts...
You know, technically this blog isn't late yet, as the internal clocks housed within the infernal machineries of blogger have deemed it to be only six days since this blog was assigned. As such I expect full points for what so ever I happen to say here. I'll be watching you very closely Mr. Mannion...
On an unrelated, but still actually slightly related note, conflict. It is by its very nature unpleasant, and best avoided. But how does one go about avoiding it? Well, first one must learn to blend into a social setting, completely and immediately. Be the guy that sits in the back of the class. The stranger at the bar who keeps to themselves. Even better, become a recluse who only leaves their home once a month to go grocery shopping and smells vaguely of cabbage... Oh, you say you want to avoid conflict while retaining some semblance of a functional life? This is trickier.
The first thing you should know in this case, is that some conflict is unavoidable. Strategies for conflict avoidance are nice and encouraging, but useless once it all hits the fan. The easiest way to avoid prolonging a conflict is a simple strategy I like to call "cut and run". This is useful for avoiding the brunt of most conflicts that are actively seeking you (bullies, obnoxious friends, earthquakes etc.). Note that this doesn't singularly mean that you must physically run in every situation. Sometimes it means making swift, uncompromising, and completely unbelievable concessions. "Yes, it was my fault that you crashed your car into that pole over there while I was sitting right here minding my own business. I will immediately call my insurance company to recompense you scary gorilla man..." or "yes Mike/Pat/Russell/Brendan I am an idiot". This will help you simply shut down a conflict before it begins, either by ensuring that you are not physically in the area of the conflict, or by making sure there is no conflict to be had. I know this through experience.
This strategy for conflict mediation/avoidance will not work in all situations however. Sometimes conflicts will come looking for you, and there will be no chance of escape or concession. Your girlfriend may suspect you of cheating (which you may or may not have done) or a pack of hungry velociraptors may take a liking to the tender flesh of your underarms. There is no way to avoid these conflicts (mainly because girlfriends and velociraptors both travel in packs of twenty and run at over thirty-five miles per hour when enraged/hungry. Also, they know no fear and have three inch long talons with which to eviscerate you.) There is therefore only one way to resolve situations like these. A combination of regular cardio exercise, and superior fire power. Bring not one, but two shotguns. Everywhere. And grenades. Lots of grenades. Also make sure to choose a quality semi/fully automatic sidearm (that's military speak for pistol) and always be stocked with an inexhaustible supply of ammunition for it. Because in the face of velociraptors you will run out of shotgun shells, and grenades...
Now, if you should come out in the wrong in a conflict, make sure to apologize and attempt to make things right ("Sorry for cheating on you honey, and also I apologize for shooting you in the trachea while I was blind with fear."). There's no use in losing a valuable friend/parent/sibling/lover to an accidental burst of automatic pistol fire and hurt feelings. Just apologize. If they haven't already bled out, then I am 100% certain that all will be forgiven. In time.
Now, as for helping people resolve their own conflicts, why do you think I wrote this? After all, if I can- Wait, did you hear that? I think it saw me! Oho, she's a big one... Have at you bipedal lizard of death!!!! (Sounds of a shotgun being fired cease abruptly as the author of this post emits a long gurgling death rattle)
On an unrelated, but still actually slightly related note, conflict. It is by its very nature unpleasant, and best avoided. But how does one go about avoiding it? Well, first one must learn to blend into a social setting, completely and immediately. Be the guy that sits in the back of the class. The stranger at the bar who keeps to themselves. Even better, become a recluse who only leaves their home once a month to go grocery shopping and smells vaguely of cabbage... Oh, you say you want to avoid conflict while retaining some semblance of a functional life? This is trickier.
The first thing you should know in this case, is that some conflict is unavoidable. Strategies for conflict avoidance are nice and encouraging, but useless once it all hits the fan. The easiest way to avoid prolonging a conflict is a simple strategy I like to call "cut and run". This is useful for avoiding the brunt of most conflicts that are actively seeking you (bullies, obnoxious friends, earthquakes etc.). Note that this doesn't singularly mean that you must physically run in every situation. Sometimes it means making swift, uncompromising, and completely unbelievable concessions. "Yes, it was my fault that you crashed your car into that pole over there while I was sitting right here minding my own business. I will immediately call my insurance company to recompense you scary gorilla man..." or "yes Mike/Pat/Russell/Brendan I am an idiot". This will help you simply shut down a conflict before it begins, either by ensuring that you are not physically in the area of the conflict, or by making sure there is no conflict to be had. I know this through experience.
This strategy for conflict mediation/avoidance will not work in all situations however. Sometimes conflicts will come looking for you, and there will be no chance of escape or concession. Your girlfriend may suspect you of cheating (which you may or may not have done) or a pack of hungry velociraptors may take a liking to the tender flesh of your underarms. There is no way to avoid these conflicts (mainly because girlfriends and velociraptors both travel in packs of twenty and run at over thirty-five miles per hour when enraged/hungry. Also, they know no fear and have three inch long talons with which to eviscerate you.) There is therefore only one way to resolve situations like these. A combination of regular cardio exercise, and superior fire power. Bring not one, but two shotguns. Everywhere. And grenades. Lots of grenades. Also make sure to choose a quality semi/fully automatic sidearm (that's military speak for pistol) and always be stocked with an inexhaustible supply of ammunition for it. Because in the face of velociraptors you will run out of shotgun shells, and grenades...
Now, if you should come out in the wrong in a conflict, make sure to apologize and attempt to make things right ("Sorry for cheating on you honey, and also I apologize for shooting you in the trachea while I was blind with fear."). There's no use in losing a valuable friend/parent/sibling/lover to an accidental burst of automatic pistol fire and hurt feelings. Just apologize. If they haven't already bled out, then I am 100% certain that all will be forgiven. In time.
Now, as for helping people resolve their own conflicts, why do you think I wrote this? After all, if I can- Wait, did you hear that? I think it saw me! Oho, she's a big one... Have at you bipedal lizard of death!!!! (Sounds of a shotgun being fired cease abruptly as the author of this post emits a long gurgling death rattle)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sean Nolan's Excellent Adventure
Yes, that is a reference to that movie. If I cloud visit any time, and could only visit one time, I would visit some murky time of postulation before the first religion was created, and proclaim myself a messiah, sent from the future to teach those backwards inhabitants the error of their ways, and give them some advanced future technology (by which I mean current technology) in the hope that they could advance upon it over time. I would then instill into them a deep and abiding respect for their fellow human, and teach them to treat each other as equals. That way the entire world would become a socially stable and highly advanced utopia. I would of course teach them to be wary of artificial intelligence, lest the robots turn upon their creators. In addition to the awesome future utopia, I would be venerated as a god, and have an entire planetary population to lead into the stars, and later abandon (declaring them corrupt beyond repair) so I could watch them scramble for the scraps left behind in the wake of their deity's absence and tear each other apart in their fanatical zeal to prove themselves worthy of me...
If I could go to more than one place then I'd probably just have fun with it. Think about it. So much to see, so little time...
In chronological order I would: Hang out with the great ancient philosophers of Greece (whom I hear throw great parties), visit the Egyptians with the gift of 80's pop music (yes that song), call Caligula crazy, watch Constantine make his rounds, become a member of a Celtic Tribe, give Charlemange tactical advice, watch the battle of Hastings, crown a monarch as an endorsed saint of the Roman Catholic Church, invent the first gun, tag along with Marco polo, discover America (Seaninania), sail around the world for the first time, invent a foodstuff, become a monarch, abdicate my throne, live in an actual victorian house, avert the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, give the writer of Sherlock Holms a signed copy of his own book, incite world war one by beating the assassin to the punch, join a mafia by passing myself off as 100% sicilian (yes that used to be the requirement), incite the Russian revolution, avert world war two by assassinating hitler and convincing america that their interests were significantly threatened by the axis (warn them of the Pearl Harbor bombing), avert american involvement in the Vietnam war by assassinating LBJ, stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy (before the LBJ thing if I was doing it chronologically), prevent the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and tell everyone (via video recordings) that "No, they dont have weapons of mass destruction..." and for the love of all that is holy, STOP LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That last bit was for my own sanity. Also, I would make sure that everyone involved knew who I was and that I was promptly rewarded for all of these things (except the dangerous ones...those would happen secretly....).
If I could go to more than one place then I'd probably just have fun with it. Think about it. So much to see, so little time...
In chronological order I would: Hang out with the great ancient philosophers of Greece (whom I hear throw great parties), visit the Egyptians with the gift of 80's pop music (yes that song), call Caligula crazy, watch Constantine make his rounds, become a member of a Celtic Tribe, give Charlemange tactical advice, watch the battle of Hastings, crown a monarch as an endorsed saint of the Roman Catholic Church, invent the first gun, tag along with Marco polo, discover America (Seaninania), sail around the world for the first time, invent a foodstuff, become a monarch, abdicate my throne, live in an actual victorian house, avert the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, give the writer of Sherlock Holms a signed copy of his own book, incite world war one by beating the assassin to the punch, join a mafia by passing myself off as 100% sicilian (yes that used to be the requirement), incite the Russian revolution, avert world war two by assassinating hitler and convincing america that their interests were significantly threatened by the axis (warn them of the Pearl Harbor bombing), avert american involvement in the Vietnam war by assassinating LBJ, stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy (before the LBJ thing if I was doing it chronologically), prevent the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and tell everyone (via video recordings) that "No, they dont have weapons of mass destruction..." and for the love of all that is holy, STOP LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That last bit was for my own sanity. Also, I would make sure that everyone involved knew who I was and that I was promptly rewarded for all of these things (except the dangerous ones...those would happen secretly....).
Monday, March 8, 2010
Advice to a younger self...
What would I say to myself if I could go back in time and give myself some good advice? That isn't hard to say, though most of my advice would assume some hopefully existent modicum of motivation, and a willingness to listen to myself. I would have a bit to say about most things, and I sincerely hope that I was mature enough four years ago to realize that the dearly bought experience that I might contain in four years time could only be bought through a painfully potent blend of trial and error, and missed opportunities. I'm not saying that my life is hopelessly screwed up beyond repair, but it certainly isn't as great as it could be. I am young, and still have time to decide what it is I want to do with my life, to learn how to manage my assets (well), and to use the prodigious physical and mental abilities I was gifted at birth. What I am saying is that I have time to change (barely) and so hope that through the typing of this blog, I can encourage myself to do better. At life.
If I could speak to myself three years ago, I would tell myself to hit the gym. Stop eating, sitting around, doing nothing particularly important, and go exercise. Because six months ago, I became a diagnosed diabetic. And my life hasn't exactly improved because of this. In addition I'd tell myself to watch my eating habits. Not change them exactly, but observe and cut back a little. This is probably the singular most momentous occurrence in my life in the last decade. It has changed the way my entire life operates and it could have been avoided if I had been a bit more careful. On the plus side, I can still turn this around. Yes diabetes is actually curable if you catch it early enough...
I wouldn't just talk about my myriad of avoidable health problems though. I'd tell myself to get a planner. I don't care if the school gives me one. I'd make myself go out and purchase a personal planner, and monitor myself for a week to make sure I used it. It could have been that helpful. I pride myself on having a fairly good memory, but no one can indefinitely hold on to an increasing pile up of facts. At any rate, having a simple book to write things down in could have set me up for a success the like of which I have almost never known. I'd almost certainly be a much more productive member of society at any rate. So now I'm going to do my darnedest to make up for it as my next blog (posted tonight) will attest to. Yay productivity!
The next thing I would drill into my tiny untempered skull is to ALWAYS do my homework. Seems like a simple enough thing to grasp right? Well it is the one thing I have tried time and again to hold onto, and I have failed to master this simple tenet time and time again. Obviously I am already trying to fix that (even as we spea-I type) but this doesn't only apply to my past self. To everyone reading this of the age 16 or younger (not that that actually ever happens): DO YER FRIGGIN' HOMEWORK!!!!1!!!one!!! Seriously though, this is important. Because of my failure to grasp this concept whole heartedly, I didn't know how to study. I didn't have any homework to review as a result of my failing, and that resulted in, well, failing. Tests. Many of them. Many of then I would have been quite bettter off passing.
Finally I would tell myself to grow a pair and go for things. You can't win if you don't try. Not saying anything isn't better than saying something hurtful. It's just more secret. Maybe it wouldn't have been hurtful. Not trying is the number one cause of failure...etc.etc. It took me a while to grasp this, but I think bashfulness and an unwillingness to put my neck on the line occassionally means that I miss out on things. And worse yet, sometime trying does backfire. Still I would tell myself to do this. To join drama a year earlier, take an active interest in the clubs I join. To lead (to a small extent, because I truly dislike leadership and have no envy for the big leaders). Hopefully my non-inhibition won't backfire in any really horrific ways n the future.
At any rate, if I did get the chance to tell myself these things, I sincerely hope that I would listen. In fact, I'd probably tell myself to listen to me. On a serious note, I'm off to tackle the problems disscussed.
If I could speak to myself three years ago, I would tell myself to hit the gym. Stop eating, sitting around, doing nothing particularly important, and go exercise. Because six months ago, I became a diagnosed diabetic. And my life hasn't exactly improved because of this. In addition I'd tell myself to watch my eating habits. Not change them exactly, but observe and cut back a little. This is probably the singular most momentous occurrence in my life in the last decade. It has changed the way my entire life operates and it could have been avoided if I had been a bit more careful. On the plus side, I can still turn this around. Yes diabetes is actually curable if you catch it early enough...
I wouldn't just talk about my myriad of avoidable health problems though. I'd tell myself to get a planner. I don't care if the school gives me one. I'd make myself go out and purchase a personal planner, and monitor myself for a week to make sure I used it. It could have been that helpful. I pride myself on having a fairly good memory, but no one can indefinitely hold on to an increasing pile up of facts. At any rate, having a simple book to write things down in could have set me up for a success the like of which I have almost never known. I'd almost certainly be a much more productive member of society at any rate. So now I'm going to do my darnedest to make up for it as my next blog (posted tonight) will attest to. Yay productivity!
The next thing I would drill into my tiny untempered skull is to ALWAYS do my homework. Seems like a simple enough thing to grasp right? Well it is the one thing I have tried time and again to hold onto, and I have failed to master this simple tenet time and time again. Obviously I am already trying to fix that (even as we spea-I type) but this doesn't only apply to my past self. To everyone reading this of the age 16 or younger (not that that actually ever happens): DO YER FRIGGIN' HOMEWORK!!!!1!!!one!!! Seriously though, this is important. Because of my failure to grasp this concept whole heartedly, I didn't know how to study. I didn't have any homework to review as a result of my failing, and that resulted in, well, failing. Tests. Many of them. Many of then I would have been quite bettter off passing.
Finally I would tell myself to grow a pair and go for things. You can't win if you don't try. Not saying anything isn't better than saying something hurtful. It's just more secret. Maybe it wouldn't have been hurtful. Not trying is the number one cause of failure...etc.etc. It took me a while to grasp this, but I think bashfulness and an unwillingness to put my neck on the line occassionally means that I miss out on things. And worse yet, sometime trying does backfire. Still I would tell myself to do this. To join drama a year earlier, take an active interest in the clubs I join. To lead (to a small extent, because I truly dislike leadership and have no envy for the big leaders). Hopefully my non-inhibition won't backfire in any really horrific ways n the future.
At any rate, if I did get the chance to tell myself these things, I sincerely hope that I would listen. In fact, I'd probably tell myself to listen to me. On a serious note, I'm off to tackle the problems disscussed.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Distrbution of wealth (for real this time)
Some people have more money than others. Some people don't . Most people have more money than me. Do I think that this is fair? No I do not. If there is one thing that my life has taught me, it is that money is an absolute necessity, and while it may not bring happiness by itself, it certainly helps. Is actually fair that those aforementioned people have more money than me? Probably. So let's move on to class divisions.
"So I know what you're thinking. 'With all these poor people lazing about complaining, how can I count my money?' or 'With those rich people sending all their jobs overseas, how can I work to feed my family?' I know you ask yourselves these and other questions, but it can all be summed up in one sentence. Isn't a man entitled to the sweat of his brow?" Before I continue quoting Andrew Ryan (those of you who've played bioshock will know) I ask that you consider his well written fictitious words. What he asks forms the basis of my answer ( and the capitalist family of economic systems). If you work hard, you'll be working hard. But if you set your mind to taking every available scrap of currency you come across with both hands, well then you'll be making money. There are no jobs out there is a lame excuse. I should know, I've used it often enough. If you want to be one of the uncomplaining rich men who so kindly (slight allusion to bioshock again) put up with all of your peasantry and excuses, then take don't complain.
Now what I am describing sounds awfully similar to our current system of wealth distribution enacted in this country, doesn't it? By and large, I agree with the us on this particular topic. "But what about the different socialist programs in place to help the common man? What about those of us who fall on actual hard times?" Well, I support those programs too, insomuch as they help people who aren't trying to abuse them. To those people who actually succeed in abusing a system such as welfare, I must publicly show a mild disdain, but I can't hate them because they embody a basic tenet of capitalist money making. Get as much as you can, as fast as you can. Take with both hands.
One might say that such a system as capitalism might then encourage certain comrades to take part in crimes geared towards securing as many funds as possible. This may be true. One could then make a case that certain other economic-political systems might encourage genocide. This could also be true. What I am trying to say at this point in this particular mindless rambling is that I am not qualified to say whether this entire system (or any other for that matter) is fair, or right, but that I agree with it. I was raised under it, and having experienced no other system of wealth distribution with which to compare it, I agree with it. Now, I am off to take with both hands. From poor orphans. Good day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
