I joined an online book club at the beginning of the year. I was motivated by the accountability entailed. At the end of each month a zoom session, moderated by Jared Henderson, a philosopher-convener is offered to members. I figured this was sure to motivate me to read each of the monthly assigned books…
The death of a child of any age is an unspeakable grief for a parent. Death is a change that upends our wishes. What I desire one way or another does not effect the circumstance or the timing of the death of those dearest to me. Alex Pretti was murdered a few days ago…
What the world valuesare riches, honor, long life, and recognition.What it finds pleasurable is repose for the body,rich flavors, fine clothes, beautiful colors and good music. What it dislikes are poverty, low status, short life,and dishonor. The rich are burdened with accumulating possessions,piling up more than they can use.Those who pursue honordeliberate about their…
I’ll say it again, to write again something that cannot be said enough… We ought not to pride ourselves in possessing carriages and coronets or because of difficulties and poverty resort to crude means. Who among us doesn’t feel a flush of pride to own a new vehicle, especially one which is widely admired…
think of it by Charles Bukowski think of it, there were fellows like Kierkegaard and Sartre who found existence absurd, who battled against anxiety and anguish, nothingness, nausea, and death hanging over them like a Damocles sword while there are other men now -so empty of concern that their first thought of the day…
This is a poem written by Renee Nicole Good. She is dead. She was a mother. She was many things… Renee left these words behind. They are for you and I to consider: what manner of person would choose these words, express this description of life. Also for you and I to consider: what…
It is Saturday, raining and the sky hints of snow to come. I do not mind rain in wintertime, or any time. Trees need water, a subsurface soaking. Lately rain seems to come less frequently, sometimes weeks pass with little to no moisture. Like it or not we (humans) belong to Nature, we are…
Those who hold wealth as their life cannot give up their revenues. Those who seek recognition cannot give up fame. Those who crave power cannot yield to others. While they possess, they are afraid of losing them. When they must let them go, they are desperate and will not reflect upon…
Duke Huan sat in his hall reading a book. The wheelwright Bian was making a wheel in the courtyard below the hall. Putting down his hammer and chisel, Bian went up the steps and said, “I venture to ask your Grace what words are you reading.” “The words of the sages,” replied the duke….
Serendipity is coincidence of circumstance that is unexpected. Perhaps occasionally that happens to everybody. Earlier in the day preparing for a session later in the week I composed several questions related to the relationship between life and death. Then, when turning to consider this post was this ancient account of a funeral. The funeral…
