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Empty fields move me so much more then rooms filled up with friends.
The way the trees look dead
reminds me that there's more to life then living.
Maybe giving up's not bad, but part of letting go of you.
If I surrender to this feeling maybe all the aches and pains will go and I can close my eyes,
never again to have them open till I bleed out all I've been.
I don't want to be alone no more, no more
Take this razor, sign your name across my wrists
so everyone will know who left me like this
Empty fields move me so much more then rooms filled up with friends.
The way the trees look dead
reminds that there's more to life then living.
Maybe giving up's not bad, but part of letting go of you.
So take this razor, sign your name across my wrists
so everyone will know who left me like this.
Sew me up, my scars run deep
A reminder not to forget the times that we've had.
I'll never waste another second. I have wasted so much time
and I have wasted, wasted so much time
so much time
Take this razor, sign your name across my wrists
so everyone will know who left me like this.
Sew me up, my scars run deep
A reminder not to forget the times that we've had. | | |
| While reading a recent Alternet article written by University of Texas at Austin journalism professor Robert Jensen concerning the necessity of theology in Christianity (a rather curious topic in my opinion), he discussed the idea that most of the world's religious and philosophical traditions can be traced back to one maxim: treat others as you would like to be treated. For example, Jensen cites:
- None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself (Islam).
- Do unto others as you have them do unto you (Christianity).
- Act only on that maxim that you can will a universal law (Kant).
Leaving aside the question of whether any sort of universal law or truth can truly be derived by human beings, this maxim appears to provide an excellent basis for human interaction. In many respects, its beauty lies in its simplicity. We all learn the principles of fairness and respect, which are at the heart of such thinking, in kindergarten. They govern the way we interact with others throughout our early lives.
The problem, however, lies in the fact that we soon forget these values or begin to view them as less important than others. We discover the concept of power, the idea that we can gain personally by dominating other people. Thus, the principles of fairness and equality become of a little concern, because we are also taught that looking out for one's self is virtuous. Our worldview comes to be dominated by the idea that inequality isn't a problem, because we have not done anything to perpetuate it. That is, we have worked for what we have; our position in the world is just and to require us to give up the benefits of that work is to take away its incentive.
The counter argument, of course, suggests that these two values are not in conflict as I have suggested. Surely, we are not wishing inequality on anyone. We are merely resisting the use of a coercive force (i.e., government) to achieve the desired ends. Certainly, we wish everyone material prosperity and all the things we have; we merely resist the idea that the government should have a role in bringing about that social situation.
This argument, however, relies on the belief that government ought to be amoral. Personally, I am skeptical of the notion that morality has no place in politics. The left has its issues (poverty), as does the right (abortion). I would even go as far as to suggest that Libertarians must deal with the question of morality in politics, despite their belief it should not be there. That is to say, the choice for an amoral government is in itself a moral choice.
The question then becomes, to what extent do our politics mirror our most fundamental values? In this respect, I believe America has a great deal of work to do. Regardless of political affiliation, many Americans believe that it is possible to separate the political from the personal, or that it is possible to have a governmental sphere not influenced by our most fundamental values. I argue otherwise. Our most fundamental values, wether they are religious, secular, a combination of the two, or anything else, shape our worldviews and influence the way we interact with others. For me, it is impossible to separate my personal values (what I would like to see society value) from the action I think government should take.
While this maxim is incredibly simple, it is extremely radical in many respects. I also understand that the world's power structure is currently not conducive to the application of this maxim. Given what the world stands to gain from the broader acceptance of such a philosophy, the work necessary to make it a success is the least we can do. In the end, the way we treat one another has the potential to change the way others see the world. Through the application of this maxim, others are likely to see its benefits and begin to apply it in their own lives.
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| The following passage is taken from John Stuart Mill's "Autobiography." I think it sums up what I've been coming to terms with as of late.
"'Suppose that all your objects in life were realized; that all the changes in institutions and opinions which you are looking forward to, could be completely effected at this very instant: would this be a great joy and happiness to you?' And an irrepressible self consciousness distinctly answered, 'No!' At this my heart sank within me: the whole foundation on which my life was constructed fell down. All my happiness was to have been found in the continual pursuit of this end. The end had ceased to charm, and how could there ever again be any interest in the means? I seemed to have nothing left to live for."
Later in same work, Mill writes about the psychological awakening that occurred after his realization.
"I, for the first time, gave it its proper place among the prime necessities of human well-being, to the internal culture of the individual. I ceased to attach almost exclusive importance to the ordering of outward circumstances, and the training of the human being for speculation and action. I had now learnt by experience that passive susceptibilities need to be cultivated as well as the active capacities, and required to be nourished and enriched as well as guided."
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| My previous (now deleted) post came across as far more depressed/desperate than I intended. The comments and concerns are appreciated, but unnecessary. I was merely thinking through the fact death does not have to be this fear inspiring incident. If we live our lives to the fullest, death shouldn't be frightening, but our culture insists that it is necessary to have a phobia of death. In short, I was thinking out loud about what happens when we die without clarifying the point. I still think that if death leads to enlightenment, it can't be an entirely negative experience. I don't, however, have any desire to find out if this true in the near future, no matter how uncertain my intellectual pursuits may be.
Peace, love, and understanding | | |
| My mood right now could only be described as ecstatic. It appears as if spring is here to stay, which I could not be happier about. Walking back from the Freethinkers' meeting tonight (which I enjoyed a great deal), was incredibly relaxing. It has rained the past few days so it was cool and a light breeze was blowing. It was truly one of the moments that make me appreciate spring so much. It also reminded me of how much I love San Francisco. The only thing that could have made it more enjoyable would have been sharing it with Katie. It's hard to believe that we have been dating almost three years. In some ways, it feels like forever and in others it doesn't. It's truly the most amazing feeling in the entire world.
On my way home, I stopped by the library and picked two books to read over break. They both deal with political psychology (a topic in which I am becoming increasingly interested), although one ties it to political theory, which should be an incredibly interesting and enjoyable read.
I'm also looking forward to using break to clear my head. This semester has been passing by so quickly that, in many respects, I feel as if I have been caught up in a whirlwind. Hopefully I will come back re energized and ready to devote myself to studying for the next few months.
Also, I recently discovered the band Bleed the Dream. It has been years since I have been so excited about discovering a new band. It's reminding me why I loved music so much.
Honestly, I feel better right now than I have in months. I don't know if it's the weather, but I feel like an entirely different person than I did at the beginning of the week. If only I could find a way to keep this feeling all the time. | | |
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