In order to get underway, we do have to set out. This is meant in a double sense: for one thing, we have to open ourselves¹ to the emerging prospect and direction of the way itself; and then, we must get on the way, that is, must take the steps by which alone the…
Over the past few days I have discussed with two good friends Nietzsche’s notion of the Superman. Both friends, who are extraordinarily well informed, were of the opinion that the hypothetical, infamous individual proposed by the German philosopher was an ego-driven, imperious, and intoxicated with will-to-power. I disagreed with their opinion though such a…
What is most thought-provoking, then, could be something lofty, perhaps even the highest thing there is for man, provided man still is the being who is insofar as he thinks, thinks in that thought appeals to him because his essential nature consists in memory, the gathering of thought. And what is most thought-provoking —…
Friday afternoon. I took the malaise of today to a meeting this morning. One does what one must, feelings aside. To this felt heaviness, as if gravity were double or tripled, even thinking moved as if in molasses, – perhaps you also find it impossible be certain of the cause(s) of such a funk?…
Today is Sunday. I am writing in the afternoon because I “slept in” this morning rather than my 6AM customary hour. Yesterday was spent at Cordova Dragway, a “stone’s throw” from the Mississippi River. Most of the day was spent on my feet, but happy to be among racers, and fast cars. To be…
The mornings are less warm, less humid now. I take that as a sign that Fall is at hand. Starbucks is more busy around 7AM since the beginning of the school term dictates a universal scheduling of the day, for everyone two years old (pre-shool) and upward. Some of us, even in retirement remain…
A feeling pulled me into the lyric of this song, that mellow precussion backbeat. The note anchoring the harmony of the orchestration and the singer’s voice was as if the “heartbeat” of the universe. That I am composed of elemental substances, vivified by the fortunate “gift” of star energy at our edge of the…
Friday by convention marks an end of the work week. As to reality – contemporary societies depend upon labor 24×7, with no general “half-time”, otherwise known as the day-of-rest in traditional Christian cultures. The religious label is borrowed from the Jewish practice of the sabbath. Christians rebranded by asserting that Sunday was the day…
Thursday, presents as an idealized summer’s day. Rainfall has been sufficient here, though late summer is often dry. As is my custom the last hour or so I’ve been situated at Starbucks. Several cups of flavorful, hot coffee, reading, and satisfying conversation filled the time. I continue to read Rediscovery of Awe by Kirk…
Perhaps you’ve not had occasion to read one of the translations of the Odyssey. I have not. Perhaps a suitable on-ramp for reading the text is a viewing of Christopher Nolan’s film, which features Matt Damon as Odysseus. Odysseus in Homer’s tale is the king of legendary Ithaca, an island kingdom in the Ionian…
