group of people putting their hands together

Survival of the Friendliest: The Key to Our Species’ Evolution

The book Humankind by the Dutch historian Rutger Bregman is the inspiration for this blog post. The author invites us to explore a different perspective. He argues that people are inherently decent at heart and proposes a new worldview based on the corollaries of this optimistic view of human beings. He explores, among other things, the concept of survival of the friendliest. When it comes … Continue reading Survival of the Friendliest: The Key to Our Species’ Evolution

Marcus Aurelius: What Is a Philosopher?

I think the claim that Marcus Aurelius would not have thought himself a philosopher is incorrect. At the same time, the way it is incorrect is very interesting. Exploring this will show us some important things about what philosophy and philosophers were in the ancient world, what they are perceived to be now, and how we might choose to regard and engage in philosophy going forward. Continue reading Marcus Aurelius: What Is a Philosopher?

diverse women looking at camera

Why We Must Tolerate Intolerance

The Paradox of Tolerance Back in the 1940s, a philosopher named Karl Popper came up with something called “The Paradox of Tolerance.” He said that if everyone tolerates every idea, then intolerant ideas will emerge. Tolerate people, being the soft pushovers they are, will tolerate this intolerance. However, the intolerant will not tolerate tolerant people. So, eventually, the tolerant will get rammed up the backside. … Continue reading Why We Must Tolerate Intolerance

Identity: What’s in a name?

Context The catalyst for this post was my most recent Introductions Over Coffee #10 post. There I discuss why new bloggers should use a name. That got me thinking about the nature of identity. In particular, why we feel its necessary for others to have names, why it might be difficult to pick a name and the likelihood of exclusion as a result. These are … Continue reading Identity: What’s in a name?

traditional asian paper lanterns hanging on street at night

Explore the Ancient Origins of Qi Gong: A Journey Back in Time

Step into the world of Qi Gong, an age-old practice that traces its roots back to the rich world of ancient China, where it first blossomed some 5000 years ago. This holistic discipline has been profoundly shaped by an interweaving of philosophical strands, including the profound wisdom of Taoism, the transformative teachings of Buddhism, and the ethical principles of Confucianism. Initially flourishing within the realm … Continue reading Explore the Ancient Origins of Qi Gong: A Journey Back in Time

Repost: Napping as an Act of Defiance

I’ve been thinking a lot about defiance lately.  Actually, because I’m very much a contrarian at heart, I’m always thinking about ways to defy.  That’s what contrarians do; they defy conventional wisdom (among other things).  (By the way, it seems pretty clear that we need a lot more contrarians in the world.) I guess you could also say that I’m part of the resistance against … Continue reading Repost: Napping as an Act of Defiance

photo of assorted letter board quote hanged on wall

Your Favorite Writer Quotes

After posting My Favorite Writer Quotes last week, I loved the ones submitted in the comments so much that here’s a post of your favorite writer quotes. “People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character.” – Ralph Waldo EmersonSubmitted by the insightful and delightful Vicki Atkinson of the Victoria Ponders blog “One thing that … Continue reading Your Favorite Writer Quotes

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Discover Your Perfect Relaxation Method: Embrace Tranquility in These 5 Ways

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding a way to unwind and relax can feel like a challenge. If you’re unsure about which relaxation method suits you best, look no further – I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorites to help guide you towards inner serenity. So, take a deep breath and explore these rejuvenating techniques to find the one that inspires you … Continue reading Discover Your Perfect Relaxation Method: Embrace Tranquility in These 5 Ways

man in black sweater and blue denim jeans sitting on brown wooden chair

Bad Life Advice I’m Tired Of Hearing

I have a serious beef with some of our tried and true inspirational sayings. It’s bad advice!  In fact, I’ve discarded it for most of my life and  that seems to have worked out pretty well so far.  But, I’m tired of seeing others suffer needlessly as they cling to this nonsense, believing they’re doing the right thing. Continue reading Bad Life Advice I’m Tired Of Hearing

person sitting on wooden chair

My Favorite Writer Quotes

I think it’s safe to say that writing is the subject that I’ve studied longest. Sure, it started with just grasping the pencil with some dexterity and has developed through school essays, technical writing, and now to developing a personal angle with memoir writing, and blogging. But whatever the genre, it feels like an incredibly rich and vast subject of study. So here are five … Continue reading My Favorite Writer Quotes

Feed Your Appetite: An Unintentionally Honest Slogan?

Not that long ago, I found myself stopped at a traffic light, across from a rather pricey development combining shopping and dining. Next to the road was a large sign, advertising for the entire place. What caught my eye was the slogan for this place: “Feed Your Appetite.” I was partly amazed, partly amused, and partly disturbed. Of course, if what “feed your appetite” meant … Continue reading Feed Your Appetite: An Unintentionally Honest Slogan?

gold kettle pouring hot water on cup of tea

Embracing Wabi-Sabi: The Beauty of Imperfection in Japanese Culture

Several centuries ago, during the peak of the Japanese autumn, in one of Kyoto’s splendid gardens, a tea master instructed his apprentice to prepare for a tea ceremony. The young man meticulously trimmed hedges, carefully raked the gravel, plucked dry leaves from the stones, and cleared the mossy path of any twigs. The garden appeared flawless: every blade of grass was perfectly in place. Silently, … Continue reading Embracing Wabi-Sabi: The Beauty of Imperfection in Japanese Culture