I see no reason to segregate scientific and technical posts from humanistic ones. In my life, scientific concerns mix with ethical ones, and they shade into a philosophical interest in the nature of cognition and the nature of people. Doing science is as creative as writing fiction, and I get inspiration for both from the same gods.
You will find little here on current politics. I'm activist, but in causes not symptoms. Experience in martial arts shows me that the sure way to lose is reactivity; but if you stay cool and remember your training and what you're there for then you achieve goals and, when conflict is unavoidable, you fight and win. The idea of the liberal arts I was brought up in is that broad understanding of cultures and ideas gives you deeper, better goals -- making success more likely and more satisfying. Negatively, the hysteria since 9/11 shows how a country frightened and reactive can destroy itself more than an enemy can. I'm trying to contribute by changing the terms of discourse. See 
One fact shouldn't require special mention; but -- given the nature of the society in which I've grown up and lived -- it often does: namely that I'm gay. You'll see it in some posts and in some links below. I'm proud of being gay and do not hide; more about this on the 
Tao Te Ching —
The Classic about Ways And Instances
Lao Tzu
(Translated, with comments, by William P. Coleman)
Chapter 17
The best ruler?
His people know he exists.
The next best?
They love and praise him.
The next,
they are afraid of.
The next,
they despise.
If his belief is not enough,
he will not find enough belief.
But at ease, he values words.
His accomplishment is to complete his work simply;
each of the hundred families says,
“We follow ourselves.”
| <– Chapter 16 |
Chapter 18 –> |
my comments:
For comparison, I’m including the translation by Lin Yutang, which I always love and respect, even when I disagree:
17. Rulers
Of the best rulers
The next best they love and praise;
The next they fear;
And the next they revile.
But (of the best) when their task is accomplished,
The people all remark, “We have done it ourselves.”
Tags: Ancient China, Lao Tzu, life, Lin Yutang, Tai Chi, Tao Te Ching, Taoism, thoughts, translation
