We can all learn the lessons of Spider-Man in the quote from his uncle: "With great power, comes great responsibility." I believe that this quote is applicable to modern society with the rise of internet and advances in technological power/capabilities.
The individual's sociological responsibility should also increase as technologies become more sophisticated.
An advanced society should imply 'advanced' in every way. The internet and all forms of communication require increased and 'advanced' accountability by the individual user. It is more critical to say what you mean and mean what you say. The chances of misinterpretation, however, are also drastically increased with decreased word count and more importantly decreasing 'face-time' where key voice intonation, eye contact and other non-verbal cues are disappearing all too quickly. The internet and other advancements are a call for increased personal accountability and responsibility rather than a refuge for anonymity. It is not the invention and use of these tools that are 'evil' but it is the corrupt user who makes them so.
Some days it can seem more difficult to see the now hidden beauty of life's simplicity with an ever advancing society. It is healthy and natural to advance and progress when basic values and principles and responsibilities remain intact.
It can be said that many people have an 'IRL' (in real life) identity as well as a cyber identity. The former should be more active than the latter, but personal responsibility and morality apply to both. The two should not be confused.
For example, do we have a sociological responsibility to appoint someone to delete our Facebook profile upon our death? Or is the 'Facebook profile' a subconscious submission to narcissistic immortality...?
As a reminder of simplicity, I think of HDT and I agree with his sentiments... I would like to go to the woods to live deliberately and find all that is not life and not when I come to die find that I have not lived...
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Medals for mediocrity?
In a race, there is only one true winner.
When the Greeks started the tradition of their Olympic competitions only one person was recognized as the winner. There was no medal for 2nd and 3rd and the competitors fought to their death to win, literally in some cases. In the modern Olympic Games, I like that there is gold, silver, bronze. It makes it more fun and encourages camaraderie with everybody of all the countries around the world.
In this modern day though where obesity has been said to be the fastest rising epidemic medals and trophies should still be reserved for the winner only. This should make the rest of the participants more admiring of the winner and their deserved reward. The loss should also encourage them to work harder, train harder for next time.
If everyone is given a medal or rewarded then it diminishes the effort and accomplishment of the winner. No we are not all equal in this case and rightly so it should be that way.
Children are not made stronger people by saying "you're all winners." In fact, ironically, I think in the long run this attitude makes them less likely to work hard, weak people without drive and ambition as well as sore losers.
When the Greeks started the tradition of their Olympic competitions only one person was recognized as the winner. There was no medal for 2nd and 3rd and the competitors fought to their death to win, literally in some cases. In the modern Olympic Games, I like that there is gold, silver, bronze. It makes it more fun and encourages camaraderie with everybody of all the countries around the world.
In this modern day though where obesity has been said to be the fastest rising epidemic medals and trophies should still be reserved for the winner only. This should make the rest of the participants more admiring of the winner and their deserved reward. The loss should also encourage them to work harder, train harder for next time.
If everyone is given a medal or rewarded then it diminishes the effort and accomplishment of the winner. No we are not all equal in this case and rightly so it should be that way.
Children are not made stronger people by saying "you're all winners." In fact, ironically, I think in the long run this attitude makes them less likely to work hard, weak people without drive and ambition as well as sore losers.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
another 'old' favourite...
The Most Alive Moment
The most living moment comes when
those who love each other meet each
other's eyes and in what flows
between them then. To see your face
in a crowd of others, or alone on a
frightening street, I weep for that.
Our tears improve the earth. The
time you scolded me, your gratitude,
you laughing, always your qualities
increase the soul. Seeing you is a
wine that does not muddle or numb.
We sit inside the cypress shadow
Where amazement and clear thought
twine their slow growth into us.
-- Rumi
The most living moment comes when
those who love each other meet each
other's eyes and in what flows
between them then. To see your face
in a crowd of others, or alone on a
frightening street, I weep for that.
Our tears improve the earth. The
time you scolded me, your gratitude,
you laughing, always your qualities
increase the soul. Seeing you is a
wine that does not muddle or numb.
We sit inside the cypress shadow
Where amazement and clear thought
twine their slow growth into us.
-- Rumi
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Striving for 'No Regrets'
Recently, this (below) came to mind. Found in one of my 'original' journals from much 'earlier' days circa 1994. It was given to me by one of my first rowing coaches/ chemistry teachers.
If I had to live my life over again, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax.
I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter than I have.
I would start barefoot earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.
-- Nadine Stair
With similar sentiments, this (below) is on the wall in the 'guest' bathroom. It makes me think of an 'old' rowing friend from university days. She had it on her dresser mirror in her bedroom.
Dance like there's nobody watching...
Sing like there's nobody listening...
Love like you'll never get hurt...
Live like there's heaven on Earth.
-- Mark Twain
If I had to live my life over again, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax.
I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter than I have.
I would start barefoot earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.
-- Nadine Stair
With similar sentiments, this (below) is on the wall in the 'guest' bathroom. It makes me think of an 'old' rowing friend from university days. She had it on her dresser mirror in her bedroom.
Dance like there's nobody watching...
Sing like there's nobody listening...
Love like you'll never get hurt...
Live like there's heaven on Earth.
-- Mark Twain
Vive Le Tour!
July is the month of Le Tour de France!! Vive le 'biking'... Vive le Tour! ;-)
Interesting to note that not only is Lance riding again and not only is he 'already' in 2nd place overall, but his entire Astana team has a commanding hold on the entire field!... umm, hmmm- definitely one of those things that makes you go: 'Hmmm...!?!"
Also, interesting to note is that semi-veteran Levi is on the same team this year as Lance... Veteran Aussie Cadel Evans quite far back sooo far, yet heard some disconcerting poor sportsmanship 'rumours' about him the other day...
Good to keep an eye out for good performances from the other Aussie Stuart O'Grady as well as U.S David Zabriskie...
Although, George Hincapie will always be a 'big' favourite to watch for me. A long-standing Tour veteran with model sportsmanship, dedication, grit (aka good work ethic), and integrity.
Welllll, as Red Sox fans are known to say in their season: 'it's still waaaay early!'... anything can happen, SportsFans! ;-)
Interesting to note that not only is Lance riding again and not only is he 'already' in 2nd place overall, but his entire Astana team has a commanding hold on the entire field!... umm, hmmm- definitely one of those things that makes you go: 'Hmmm...!?!"
Also, interesting to note is that semi-veteran Levi is on the same team this year as Lance... Veteran Aussie Cadel Evans quite far back sooo far, yet heard some disconcerting poor sportsmanship 'rumours' about him the other day...
Good to keep an eye out for good performances from the other Aussie Stuart O'Grady as well as U.S David Zabriskie...
Although, George Hincapie will always be a 'big' favourite to watch for me. A long-standing Tour veteran with model sportsmanship, dedication, grit (aka good work ethic), and integrity.
Welllll, as Red Sox fans are known to say in their season: 'it's still waaaay early!'... anything can happen, SportsFans! ;-)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Other writing favourites...
Below is a small sample of some of my favourite quotes. They have influenced my thinking in some way and I often reflect back on them.
In some ways, I define myself by my interpretation of some of these quotes. Philosophy, quotes, and introspective thought can help to gain a strong grasp on who I am and how I'd like to be.
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing." -Adidas ad campaign
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." -Groucho Marx
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour."
-H.D Thoreau
"Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions."
-Benjamin Disraeli
"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking."
-Nietzsche
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Seuss(1904-1991)
"There is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on."
-William Blake
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change things - build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
-Buckminster Fuller
"Nothing is ever achieved without enthusiasm."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
-John Wooden
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself"
-Anthony Rapp
"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs."
-John Wooden
"The power of your example is far greater than what you say."
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." -President Theodore Roosevelt
In some ways, I define myself by my interpretation of some of these quotes. Philosophy, quotes, and introspective thought can help to gain a strong grasp on who I am and how I'd like to be.
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing." -Adidas ad campaign
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." -Groucho Marx
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour."
-H.D Thoreau
"Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions."
-Benjamin Disraeli
"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking."
-Nietzsche
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Seuss(1904-1991)
"There is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on."
-William Blake
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change things - build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
-Buckminster Fuller
"Nothing is ever achieved without enthusiasm."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
-John Wooden
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself"
-Anthony Rapp
"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs."
-John Wooden
"The power of your example is far greater than what you say."
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." -President Theodore Roosevelt
An 'old' favourite
Below is one of my favourite pieces of writing. It was authored by Max Ehrmann who wrote it as a personal message to his son. 'Desiderata' is Latin for 'desired things'- plural of 'desideratum'. Some reproductions of this famous work merely state 'founded in Old St. Paul's Church' without attributing credit to the author.
A beautiful message from a father to his son and definitely words to live by for me too.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive of Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Max Ehrmann, 1872-1945
copyright 1927
A beautiful message from a father to his son and definitely words to live by for me too.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive of Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Max Ehrmann, 1872-1945
copyright 1927
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
