The mind can be trained to do almost anything. It can be trained, for example, to get used to any situation, like sitting in silence for a long time, or concentrating on a task. However, usually we’re training our minds to do what we don’t want: be distracted, give in to cravings and urges, complain, avoid discomfort, procrastinate.
Tag: control
Bullying and Free Association
One of the biggest problems with discussions on “school bullying” is that we define bullying differently than we would in other situations. It makes it so we analyse it from a different perspective, a perspective that fundamentally disrespects the pain of children. Bullying in the adult world is called; battery, assault, robbery, harassment, kidnapping, false imprisonment, etc. In the child world we call it, bullying … do you see a problem?
You Don’t Have The Right to Violate Others
Your rights never include violating the equal and identical rights of others. I don’t have the right to violate your rights on my property, so you don’t have that right, either. That right can’t exist, by the nature of rights. You have the responsibility to not violate other people’s rights while exercising your rights.
Arbitrary Lines and Borders
I used to live near an Orthodox Synagogue. Because of their religious belief, Orthodox Jews do not drive on the Sabbath; they walk to services every Friday night; therefore, they strongly prefer to live in close proximity to their Synagogue.
Usability
In earlier days, as a software engineer in Academia, I focused my research inquiries on usability. The most important thing I learned is that “users” are very seldom guilty of user error; they are rather victims of systematic error.
Redeem the Evil Days
Have you ever wondered how our time will be remembered? You start to ask this question a lot if you’ve read a lot of history. The passage of time can either paint a positive or negative picture of how you and your fellow humans spent your time and your lives.
Skool vs Education
For a sizeable percentage of people, school doesn’t “work”. Not if you expect it to result in education, anyway. I’ve mentioned before that many of my relatives work at government schools. One has recently retired, but has shifted into being a “substitute teacher”. His recent experiences are enlightening.
On Gun Policy II
Alright, I’m calling it: homicides, suicides, and other such negative acts where a gun is used is not a “cost” of liberal gun policy. Are you familiar with the logical fallacy known as a non sequitur?
Your Rights End Where the Rights of Others Begin
The ONLY responsibility others have with regards to your rights is to not violate them. To not ban books, to not declare a War on Politically Incorrect Drugs, or establish medical licensing or an FDA, to respect private property, and to not make up anti-gun “laws” of any kind. If they are doing something which actually interferes with your rights, they are the bad guys.
Government Should Be a Servant
Government is simply people coming together, under unanimously consensual rules, to get things done. It is never mandatory. Government, if done right, might even help protect the life, liberty, and property of the individuals who voluntarily join together. The state, on the other hand, is always anti-social; the more powerful it becomes, the weaker society gets.