All from:
Smart Question Email Coaching
STOP and THINK for one thoughtful minute per day and you'll CHANGE YOUR LIFE
http://www.smartquestion.com
I have extracted some excerpts for you to read. They're not so bad... although just reading them won't change your life.
Email 1:
*** COACH'S TIP ***
Write your dreams down! Don’t have any dreams? Please care about
yourself enough to go searching for them. It’s bringing our
dreams to life that gives our lives meaning and purpose.
Clearly defining our dreams, setting intention and giving them
attention, moves us towards our goals. And this brings us
excitement, passion and fulfillment.
*** INSPIRATION ***
"The purpose of goals is to focus our attention. The
mind will not reach toward achievement until it has
clear objectives. The magic begins when we set goals.
It is then that the switch is turned on, the current
begins to flow, and the power to accomplish becomes a
reality." -- From The Best of Success, compiled by Wynn
Davis
Email 2:
*** COACH'S TIP ***
All blocks arise when we’re not being authentic, when we’re not
being true to ourselves.
When our thoughts, feelings and actions align with our essence,
we express the qualities of soul. Always trust that your soul
knows what's best for you. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND ACT ON YOUR
IDEAS. Give yourself permission to do what you want with your
life. Take the initiative to set meaningful goals for yourself
and achieve them. Begin to tell yourself why you CAN have what
you want.
*** INSPIRATION ***
"A true knowledge of ourselves is knowledge of our power."
-- Mark Rutherford
Email 3:
*** INSPIRATION ***
"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You
can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." -- David Lloyd George
Email 7:
*** COACH'S TIP ***
We are creatures of habit, of patterns. While initially
the habits may have served us, they may now be limiting
our ability to experience more of life.
What aspect of your life has become routine?
How might you bring new life to it?
Do some outrageous dreaming!
*** INSPIRATION ***
"The most important thing in science is not so much to
obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking
about them." -- Sir William Bragg
Email 16:
*** INSPIRATION ***
"Why has time disappeared in our culture? How is it
that after decades of inventions and new technologies
devoted to saving time and labor, the result is that
there is no time left? We are a time-poor society; we
are temporally impoverished. And there is no issue, no
aspect of human life, that exceeds this in importance.
The destruction of time is literally the destruction of
life." -- Jacob Needleman
Email 22:
*** COACH'S TIP ***
Always trust that you know what's best for you. To move forward
in your life, gather information from the ‘experts,’ consider how
their advice relates to your situation and then act only on what
feels right for you. You are the only expert for your own life.
*** INSPIRATION ***
"If [the teacher] is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the
house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of
your own mind." -- Kahlil Gibran
Email 35:
*** INSPIRATION ***
"Your body is the ground and metaphor of your life, the
expression of your existence. It is your Bible, your
encyclopedia, your life story. Everything that happens to
you is stored and reflected in your body. In the marriage of
flesh and spirit divorce is impossible." -- Gabrielle Roth
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Quoted advice for inner self
Thursday, October 19, 2006
[PTP] A frightening reality
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of
adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Bradstreet, 'Meditations Divine and Moral,' 1655
Are we really that much utilitarian today, that we cannot consider anything absolute? Does EVERYTHING have to be relative? Why? Why why why?
To quote John (actor Peter MacNicol), from the Ally McBeal series, "this troubles me". Being utilitarian is being practical. Saying that the right thing is that which brings the most good to the greatest number of people - extremely practical.
But shockingly unpleasant. Utilitarianism is also hand-in-hand with consequentialism (a.k.a. only the facts matter), so... if a lawyer can show that a murderer had no intention of killing the victim, then the penalty is milder. But, say, what if - there's always the "what if?" - what if he really did intend to?...
Our society is based on the most practical solution, but our mind is (or should be) inclined towards the other one - called deontological. I suddenly had the feeling that every model we have all had while growing up is fake. Yet, the clichees we experience all around us - about happiness, and doing good, and the lonely "saints" that eventually end up happy, with the love of their lives - yes, they are all illusions. We are mere "numbers" to the society. Is the way the judicial (law) system is built now really the best solution we have come up with in thousands of years of inhabiting this planet?
Einstein said it best: "Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
(picture from here)
"Don't think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed." - Dwight D. Eisenhower, speech at Dartmouth College, June 14, 1953 - FALSE, you can concieve thoughts. It's all consequences!
"So far, about morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after." - Ernest Hemingway - You said it! This is utilitarianism in it's most horrific form...
Okay. Where am I getting at? Since today is not a very coherent day for me, I'll just say it: Immanuel Kant
For Kant, the morally important thing is not consequences but the way choosers think when they make choices.
Kant says that only one [kind of] thing is inherently good, and that is the good will.
The will
* found in humans but not nonhuman animals
* not a material thing
* it is our power of rational moral choice
* its presence gives humans their inherent dignity
What makes the will good? The will is good when it acts out of duty, not out of inclination.
What does it mean to act out of inclination? To do something because it makes you feel good or because you hope to gain something from it.
What does it mean to act out of duty? Kant says this means that we should act from respect for the moral law.
How do we do that? We must know what the moral law is.
How do we know that? We use the "Categorical Imperative".
CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE: Act only on those maxims (or rules of action) that you could at the same time will to be a universal law.
Basically, every time you act, you create a universal law. Would you like others to do the same? Would you like to do the same everytime? (Oh, there's a great comedy to illustrate this point - Click (2006) with Adam Sandler:D)
The Categorical Imperative is a rule for testing rules.
Basically it requires the following steps:
* Before you act, consider the maxim or principle on which you are acting.
* Generalize that principle.
* PERFORM TEST ONE.
If, once generalized, it no longer makes any sense because it contradicts itself, then it is wrong to use that maxim as a basis for action.
* IF NECESSARY PERFORM TEST TWO (a.k.a. Reversibility)
If the generalized version makes sense, then ask whether you would choose to live in a world where it was followed by everyone. If not, do not act on that maxim.
(Source for summary on Kant's philosophy here)
Another thing that Kant said, which is equivalent to the Categorical Imperative is "Do not treat others as means to an end (a.k.a. do not use them), rather as ends themselves."
If you wish to read about morality in Kant's vision (and I do recommend the texts, real modern philosophy!), I have gathered a couple of webplaces. Click here for a short writing (the one I've read and commented a bit here). Or follow the links below:
A huge archive of Kant's work
Some texts in various formats, directly linked
So... which are you? Utilitarian? Deontological? I think a part of us are somewhat a bit of both - but most are just... mainly utilitarian. Sad :( Where's the love?
(picture from here)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Little obsessions
What? You've never had them?
So... what makes me weird?
Well, if you're out there on the streets, and we meet, I'll probably look at you. In your eyes. For color? Nay. I like faces... and I love to feel. Faces are the parts of the human body that make me feel most. And, since I'm straight, it works better with girls' faces.
I've listened to two of the Pussycat Dolls' songs today - "Beep", and "Don't cha". There's something funny in them, and something true. In a way, the best way to put this is in Bloodhoung Gang lyrics - "we are nothing but mammals". And, we have to admit that, in a sense, a part of us always desires things that seem strange to the other part. In support of this statement (ooooh, look how fancy I argue) I quote Kierkegaard (funny how every time I feel like writing something, there's a "coincidence" in what I've read to quote from): "Generally speaking, the imperfection in everything human is that its aspirations are achieved only by way of their opposites. I shall not discuss the variety of formations, which can give a psychologist plenty to do (the melancholy have the best sense of the comic, the most opulent often the best sense of the rustic, the dissolute often the best sense of the morel, the doubter often the best sense of the religious), but merely call to mind that it is through sin that one gains a first glimpse of salvation." - No comment. Author: Soren Kierkegaard, Either/Or (chapter "Diapsalmata")
Don't we wish, somehow, that the childhood obsessions about stuff... the impression of the first child we've "made friends" with, or the first peck-kiss, or the first look of a girl/boy, or the first time you combed/brushed your hair. Oh gee! How can you not desire a glimpse of childhood heaven back? Wouldn't you like someone to lift you off your feet, over and over again? We're all lucky if we find that someone - and we probably should hold on tight. The warmth of another, and the memory of that warmth, means more and more, brings you closer to that glimpse of heaven...
I don't know, I'm kinda the company-type, I need someone by my side, with whom to share my feelings. I have people, and I have words. I feel it gives my life a meaning - to be able to feel the way I can/cannot dream of, and have someone else with me to prove it. Maybe, somehow, by myself I'm not sure that the truth is ... real. It's like two truths are better than one.
Yes. Kierkegaard again, same work: "The most beautiful time is the first period of falling in love, when, from every encounter, every glance, one fetches home something new to rejoice over."
I have a quote in one of the polls - it says "To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven" - Karen Sunde
(picture on the left from here)
And again, Kierkegaard: "I have, I believe, the courage to doubt everything; I have, I believe, the courage to fight against everything; but I do not have the courage to acknowledge anything, the courage to possess, to own, anything. Most people complain that the world is so prosaic that things do not go in life as in the novel, where opportunity is always favorable. I complain that in life it is not as in the novel, where one has hardheaded fathers and nisses and trolls to battle, and enchanted princesses to free. What are all such adversaries together compared with the pale, bloodless, tenacious-of-life nocturnal forms with which I battle and to which I myself give life and existence." Indeed, IF ONLY we could imagine the real world!
But, say that we could. Wouldn't it be impossible for things to be as we desire? I think so. We are merely NOT FACING THE WORLD. And, under the pressure of everyday life, I don't blame you. But we have to try, again and again... ah, life is so unfair.
We are strange. Watch Ally McBeal. Think of democracy - it's stupid. It's false for you, whoever you are; but at least it's true for the rest. Another way to say this is ... everyone in power claims it is democracy, everyone undermined claims it is not.
We should know we have strange desires. Read Freud, kiss a tree, watch a raindrop fall, run naked through your house, stare at yourself in the mirror, be surprised by how/who you are, break a glass, jump through fire, open your eyes underwater even if they hurt, rock yourself until you're deaf, make a hat out of a watermelon. What? What? WHAAAT? Maybe I haven't said enough, but you get the point. And if I would have gone on, I probably could say now: "I'm sure there's one thing in this list that you did or thought about doing" - because we are weird! We have to accept that.
I mean, of course, we should also get acquainted with our weird desires, so that we know what to expect, or what to warn others to expect :D. But... part of being is accepting. Or at least understanding... We might all differ at some points, but we are human beings. And, to some extent, we shouldn't be ashamed or trying to hide our ... secrets, from everyone, all the time. Be they fetishes, phobias, or any other kind of obsession... we all have some, one way or the other. And the stressing life we lead helps them increase in number and intensity... we want relief, peace... happiness, each of us in a personal form.
(picture from here)
This excerpt is from my Engl1A course, a free writing based on a single word ("WITNESS"):
"I'm reading a book now, it's called 'London transports', written by Maeve Binchy. I've read another one of hers before, but this one's different. A collection of little stories, all with no real connection to one another, except London. Now, what does this have to do with witness? Well, I always feel like one when I'm reading this book. Every 10-or-so page story has a mind and soul of its own, and makes me think about me, and the characters, and how the reader is a witness to those. I wonder if one day I'll be able to write a short story like that, that'll make other people feel like short-time witnesses of my world. I think a lot about writing, and I witness it in every book. I've started to write because of... well, guess? I guess it's why most people start writing anyhow: it's because I couldn't handle the pressure of my own thoughts. I had to let them out, and after I did, it felt so great that I wanted to do it again. Now, I don't know if I am to become a writer, but I had a revelation about how wonderful it could be, a few years ago. It's really strange, cause I'm a science freak, and a computer one, but I love it more than anything else. Except people."
And this is another one, based on the "KNOWLEDGE":
Sides of truth. One way to think of knowledge is so sad, it makes knowing something not worth it: the more you know, the more you realize there's much more to know. Kind of like climbing a mountain, the higher you are, the smaller you feel, and the more you see...
Another way to think about it is feeling. You can feel knowledge, just because it is comprised of "the outside", and it can be words, images, sounds ... sculptures? No matter, knowledge is felt, and some say the best way to know and learn is to give everything special meaning.
There's a quote on knowledge, by H.R. Pagels: "What we want is knowledge, but what we get is information". This just means that people wish knowledge wasn't so meaningful, in a way." (in another way...)
Okay. Since God's (or whoever/whatever's, as you wish to believe) powers of time are greater than my own, I shall approach the end of what I thought would be a long consistent confession...
... Who/What do you think of before you go to bed?
Friday, October 06, 2006
Journal assignment
Day one
It’s me. Again. But not again again, just… again. I had time today, after a while, to think more. I miss home, but I won’t write about that, again. Not again again…
I actually had a meaningful conversation today, and it’s been a while since that happened. You know, you never actually realize how much it matters to be “at the scene” to actually feel close to a place, part of it. I mean, … my friends are so busy now. And so am
Hey, another thing, I walked home from DeAnza today! Really, I did… for the first time. It took me about half an hour, but it was worth it. I saw a kid riding his bike, he reminded me of Vince I just met in the English course: he likes riding bikes. And I thought I might get some roller skates and get home from school that way. But I prefer a car; I’d be able to go places easier… much easier. There’s no way you can do much here without a car! It’s not like a big city –
I way saying I had time today. What do you think, ey? Well, if I had time for you, I must have had time for lots of other things as well, you think... Cause, diary, although you are you, you are last on the list. That’s why I don’t keep writing every day; but when I do, I fill (actually flood) pages and pages, and pages…
I still don’t feel fully settled in US, you know? I can’t wait to be back on this paper one day and write: “Hey, I love it here! I remember how it all started, but it worked out great. I’ve got new great friends and a place for myself, a ton of dreams and a piece of paper to share these words with, etc”
But there’s time… and time is on my side. Yet.
I like counting days. That’s why I put the day number up here, everyday; maybe because I’m young I like to count them…
So, how was today? Is that what you’re expecting?
Today was great! It might have been the start of a beautiful friendship: I met a guy and I think we get along well. Although he’s American, he didn’t mind me saying that I think American people are cold(er) than Romanians. He said
I even started a new math seminar today (or better said it started and I joined), and it’s a lot about problem solving. I might like it… and it sounds promising.
Even my calculus class went alright. I might have a new friend there, too… She’s from
Tomorrow’s Saturday, and my family and I are probably going somewhere; can’t wait!
Day three
I woke up earlier than expected, for a Saturday, and I washed my face and signed in on Yahoo. I wanted to talk with my friends, like I usually do Saturday morning. And we talked, and talked.
My brother woke up late, and then spent another few hours playing/lying in bed, so we moved slowly. But we decided to go to
Everyday I spend outside home I realize some new think about the
Back to
So, what am I trying to say? I guess this day meant something because I thought about many things all over again.
And I was the driver all the way – all 150 miles both ways; and I loved it! And we saw some interesting places, took some nice pictures… and, that’s the short story. I’m feeling short in writing right now… so… see you tomorrow!
I didn’t do much today, and I think I caught a cold. Damn. Well… since I was kind of sick, I didn’t get out of the house, and I programmed most of the time, instead. I finally got around finishing the software me and my brother started.
And before that I read for my philosophy class – Rene Descartes. Wow! That guy really had a lot to say! I was reading his thoughts, right there on the paper, and how clearly he spoke to himself. He was actually doing something! I enjoy picturing myself in other people’s shoes (and I think most people do, and they do that because sometimes their own life is ‘already known’, not so exciting, or … even worse), so I took my time. I tried to understand what he was saying… about what’s real and what’s not. Reality might not be real, according to him, and many others. Because, he says, we can’t really tell when we’re asleep and when we’re awake, there’s just a vague feeling of that; but some dreams can be so real, and some facts seem so imaginary… “I think, therefore I am”, that’s his famous phrase. So, on the other way around, it would become “I am not, therefore I do not think”, which makes sense too!
I was thinking… how human beings actually fool themselves each day with untruths, and how true it is that we base our lives on things that are mostly made up… concepts, ideas, yeah… few of them are actually supported by facts. But that’s the nature of our mind – enquiring, curious, desiring… a quest, yeah! I like quests, and I like reason… I might be more of an introvert than an extrovert, but I think I socialize all the time… Well, except when I’m not. Ha, what a smart answer! Anyway… enough is enough. I think that, if you wanna clear your mind, you should write, and write a lot. And think about little in many ways… the infinite sides of truth, something like that. I could write a book with that title (if it hasn’t already been written…)
I’ve got some books now, and I’ll probably start reading “Fast food nation” after I finish my own. A clear line, a story, something to put my mind against, always clears my head… makes me feel… capable and coherent. Nice!
My cold is getting better, I think.
We got the math exam back today, and I scored higher than I thought I would…
Gee, I feel great! My dad came back from
Oh boy, long distance is really not that big a deal in days like these… it makes me feel much closer to home. And also cared about. This is another day when I think about my place here, and I’m sure I’ll find one…
I played tennis, and relaxed a bit…
I could say that today was the kind of “one step forward” day, when I get closer to my goals and further from loneliness. I guess I’m afraid of being lonely, to some extent… even though I never actually am, anymore…
Monday, October 02, 2006
Wacky links
Every now and then I will post some link I like or find interesting, so... enjoy! You can post your own, of course, and I'll look into it.
Look to the right (Links) for the last date an entry was added.
