Copyright notice
All text and original images in this blog © 1990-2010 by William P. Coleman. Some rights reserved. You may reuse only as specified in the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License or by written permission.About me
If you'd like to know more about me, please see the About page. My qualifications for the scientific entries are in my CV.
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 an activist, but not in 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. . . . As Allen Ginsberg wrote, "America, I'm putting my queer shoulder to the wheel."
One fact shouldn't require special mention, but it sometimes does: namely that I'm gay. This blog is not primarily about being gay, but the topic sometimes comes up. I'm proud of being gay and do not hide. Muse
Category Archives: Wang Wei
Wang Wei — In the Mountains
In the Mountains Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) In Bramble Stream, white stones jut out; the air’s cold, so red leaves are sparse. The mountain path is clear after rain; It’s the sky-greenery that wets my … Continue reading
Wang Wei — Bird-singing Stream
Bird-singing Stream Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) I’m at leisure. Cassia blossoms fall, and it’s a quiet night, solitary in the mountains. The moon rises — and startles the mountain bird that sings from time to … Continue reading
Wang Wei — Hsin-i Village
Hsin-i Village Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) At the tree top, the hibiscus are in flower; there on the mountain, they put forth red calyxes. There’s a hut by the stream, silent, with no one — … Continue reading
Wang Wei — Living in the Mountains, Autumn Darkness
Living in the Mountains, Autumn Darkness Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) The mountain air is clean after new rain; the evening sky breathes of coming autumn. The moon light clarifies the spaces between the pines; pure … Continue reading
Wang Wei — Wei City Song
Wei City Song Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) Wei City — a morning rain wets the light dust. At the inn the willows are a new color, more green. I invite you, stay to drink another … Continue reading
Wang Wei — An Answer for Vice-Prefect Chung
An Answer for Vice-Prefect Chung Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) In my late years, only quiet seems good. My heart’s not given to ten thousand things. I take care of myself with no serious plan and, … Continue reading
Wang Wei — Chung-nan Mountain
Chung-nan Mountain Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) The second highest is near the celestial capital; a succession of mountains extends to the edge of the sea. The pure clouds, as I look back towards them, close … Continue reading
Wang Wei — My Retreat at Chung-nan Mountain
My Retreat at Chung-nan Mountain Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) In the middle of my life, I was very fond of tao; now my home is in the south, by this mountain. When inspiration comes, I … Continue reading
Wang Wei — The Luan Family’s Rapids
The Luan Family’s Rapids Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) In a blast, the wind drives the autumn rain; the downpour flows, slithering, shallow over rocks. Waves jump up, splashing into each other; an egret startles, white, … Continue reading
Wang Wei — The Bamboo Grove
The Bamboo Grove Wang Wei 701-761 CE (translated by William P. Coleman) Alone I sit, dark, among bamboos; I pluck my qín, or whistle Taoist breathing. Deep in forest, no one can know: the bright moon visits me and shines.
