Quote of The Day 4/1/13

"I was thrown out of college for cheating on the metaphysics exam; I looked into the soul of the boy next to me."

-Woody Allen

Alright.  It is April Fools Day.  Though I cannot say I enjoy this "holiday" I figured I should keep it nice and light for this day of jest.  This little joke from Woody Allen is brilliant.  It highlights the intangible essence that is metaphysics while also acknowledging the potential absurdity of being taught a subject which is so abstract.

Woody Allen (1935-)  is an American comedian, screenwriter, director, actor, author, playwright, and musician.   Allen began his career in the 50's writing jokes for television and publishing several humorous short stories.  In the 60's Allen performed standup comedy and was unique for his emphasis on story telling in his neurotic stage character.  He advanced to directing films in the mid 60's and has subsequently become one of the most respected writers/directors in the film business.

Quote of The Day 3-31-13

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"Attention is rewarded by a knowledge of reality."

-Iris Murdoch

I place a high premium on awareness.   And I believe that a knowledge of reality is synonymous with awareness.  I also believe that awareness brings us in touch with our neighbors and natural surroundings.  And that I believe is a defining attribute of being a human being.  For we can only improve upon our compassion and love when we are in touch with the reward that is reality.

Iris Murdoch (1919-1999) was an Irish-born British author.  Her novels typically contained subject matter pertaining to the relationship of good and evil, sexuality,  ethics, and the unconscious mind.  In 1987 Murdoch was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and her first novel, Under The Net, was chosen by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century in 1998. 

Quote of The Day 3/30/13

"It does not require many words to speak the truth."

-Chief Joseph

Enough said.

Chief Joseph (1840-1904) was a leader of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa), a sect of the Nez Perce Native American tribe indigenous to the Wallowa Valley in Northeastern Oregon.  The Wallowa were forced from their homeland by the U.S. Government.  Chief Joseph lead resistance against this removal and ultimately was driven to seek political asylum in Canada with Sioux chief Sitting Bull.  Chief Joseph was pursued by the U.S. Army, led by General Oliver O. Howard, for an astonishing 1,170 miles in 1877.  The ensuing battles and pursuit were branded as the Nez Perce war.  Chief Joseph was heralded and admired for his honorable defiance.

Quote of The Day 3/29/13

"Change in all things is sweet."

-Aristotle

A quick sweet one for today.  Some, and possibly many, will disagree with the sentiment provided in today's quote.  But for me, this one rings true.  I enjoy change.  I have a hunger for new perspectives and fresh stimuli.  And change is quite natural.  So few things, if any, stay the same.  I can understand the comfort of constants and reliability.  However, embracing change no matter how great or small can be very liberating.

Aristotle (384-322 BC) was a Greek philosopher.  He is historically well known as the pupil of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great.  One of the most significant founders of Western thought in history, Aristotle is heralded for his wonderful writings on subjects such as politics, logic, theater, music, ethics, and metaphysics amongst many others.  Unfortunately it is believed that as much as two thirds of his vast writings have not survived the ages.

Quote of The Day 3/28/13

"There are years that ask questions and years that answer."

-Zora Neale Hurston

Life is an ongoing challenge, it never stops.  Often we may desire fulfillment that does not present itself as soon as we would like.  And other times we may yearn to know what our purpose is.  These questions and answers do not come in clean, clear cut packages.  Though we may long for a black and white world in which our impulses are satisfied immediately, it just does not happen that way.  Patience, tolerance, and understanding are necessary traits to transcend our unguided impulses.

Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) was an American author.  Hurston was also a folklorist and an anthropologist.   She is associated with the Harlem Renaissance and is best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God.