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 18
After the great way had been forgotten,
there was benevolence and rectitude.
Intelligence and knowledge appeared,
and there was great falseness.
The six relationships fell out of harmony,
and there was love and filial piety.
Families lost the nation to confusion,
and there were loyal ministers.
| <– Chapter 17 |
Chapter 19 –> |
my comments:
For comparison, I’m including the translation by Lin Yutang, which I always love and respect, even when I disagree:
18. The Decline of TaoOn the decline of the great Tao,
When knowledge and cleverness appeared,
When the six relationships no longer lived at peace,
When a country fell into chaos and misrule,
Tags: Ancient China, Lao Tzu, life, Lin Yutang, Tai Chi, Tao Te Ching, Taoism, thoughts, translation
