There was a beginning. There was a beginning before that beginning. There was a beginning previous to that beginning before there was the beginning. There was existence; there had been no existence. There was no existence before the beginning of that no existence. There was no existence previous to the no existence before there…
If the United Auto Workers strike declared against “the big three” auto companies is not on your mind, it should be. Initially the strike is shutting down three plants. It is doubtful the gap between what the Union is asking and what the companies are offering will be narrowed soon. The picketing is likely…
I am taking a course in Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The book was first published in Great Britain in 1954. I’ve read it once before and cannot be sure whether I was in high school, or college. Golding writes a parable, a deft assay of our human condition, of the trajectory…
Today stands to be full. A literature class is scheduled for the afternoon. Consideration of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. later in the afternoon, I am fortunate to participate in a exploration of Artistotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. The day begins at Starbucks, by reading the Taoist text composed by Zhuang Zhou, reported to have…
I obtained a copy of one of the great works of Asian literature to enlarge my appreciation of the Taoist sensibility of life and world. Nowadays, fragmentation, seemingly intractable polarization demands that common ground be found. Is any synthesis upon which enough of us can stand together possible? Drown if you must. Do not…
Today is Labor Day. Monday a day of respite from work. Work is the joint enterprise to sustain ourselves, to build shelter, cultivate, to transport, to prepare food. Also, work is essential to fashion a place of safety, a refuge that is “home.” I am reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I…
“Souls that are unsure” Souls that are unsure and cloying I loathe like their acclaim. All their honors are annoying, All their praise is self-hatred and shame. Since I do not join their dances, Tied to their old rope, I am followed by their glances’ Sweetly poisoned envy without hope. Let them curse me…
The concluding appendix of The Gay Science is a collection of poems. The section is entitled Songs of Prince Bird-free, or “free as a bird.” The German term signifies an outlaw whom anyone can shoot on sight. The reader of The Gay Science likely would not be surprised at the ambiguity of the title. …
Saturday is a quasi holiday for many adults, and for children. A timeout from the usual routine of work, perhaps some chores around the yard or house, followed by a visit to the Farmer’s Market. Certainly that describes a Saturday in late summer for those like myself living in a Fox River Valley community. …
“Who will sing a song for us?” — and that is the question is it not? Who, perhaps you or I will step forward to do our best with the future’s melody! What of concern which you and I are certain to have of being misunderstood? That is none of our business! It is…
