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 19
If holiness disappears and wisdom is thrown away,
people benefit a hundred ways.
If benevolence disappears and righteousness is thrown away,
people return to filial gentleness.
If cleverness disappears and profit is thrown away,
there are no thieves stealing.
But acting on these three sayings is not enough to make one civilized —
for this reason, let there be a place where they can live:
Present yourself plainly;
embrace your nature;
lack selfishness;
Have few desires.
| <– Chapter 18 |
Chapter 20 –> |
my comments:
For comparison, I’m including the translation by Lin Yutang, which I always love and respect, even when I disagree:
19. Realize the Simple Self
Banish wisdom, discard knowledge,
Banish “humanity,” discard “justice,”
Banish cunning, discard “utility,”
As these three touch the externals and are inadequate,
Tags: Ancient China, Lao Tzu, life, Lin Yutang, Tai Chi, Tao Te Ching, Taoism, thoughts, translation
