Just a quick heads-up that I've updated the Life's Guide site. It continues to grow little by little. Someday it may be a book. But for now, it's just for us.
I'm very open to comments, so I've added comments to the site. Please, feel free to comment. I'm looking for input and suggestions.
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Sunday, April 23, 2006
I Felt My Chi!
I did. It was really very moving. I guess I can do it too. Now, it wasn't like The Force in Star Wars or anything, but I've been studying, learning about the sources of external chi, and the major meridians in which the flow within the body. And during the description of the Universal Chi, I could feel it running down my spine. It's a slightly warm feeling, with waves, not tingling, but waves. Gentle waves moving down my spine. Now I'm trying to work on a cct that brings it back up my front, but I haven't been able to feel that yet.
Studying a bit of Tai Chi on my own (working on basic forms), but I haven't been able to feel my chi since that first time. I'm going to keep at it, but at least I know it's there!
Studying a bit of Tai Chi on my own (working on basic forms), but I haven't been able to feel my chi since that first time. I'm going to keep at it, but at least I know it's there!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
More on Conscious Robots
Here's what my dear Auntie Sheila had to say about the Conscious Robots article....looking for opinions. Her response was far too good to leave in the comments page. BTW the original link I followed stated "$10,000 to whomever can disprove this theory"...maybe there's some money in it!
NEways, I haven't the time at the moment to really analyze the article (or her counter argument) since I'm immersed in a research project in Chi, as well as doing a bunch of rewiring at Duke St.! Oh, and this was for Matt because he's in a degree program in Artifical Intelligence at SFU.
"This article may have been mostly for Matt, but I have a few comments on this fascinating topic.
First of all, it is certainly true, as you say, that if we don't have free will, there's no point in pondering it.
But what if we do? In that event, our own free choices are a prime factor in determining the quality and the eventual outcome of our lives. If we admit, then, that we may have free will (and it certainly can't be established that we don't), it follows that we need to ponder this question, along with all of our choices, very carefully indeed.
Secondly, I would like to comment on some of the statements made in the article.
The following quote is attributed to Stephen Hawking: "The initial configuration of the universe may have been chosen by God, or it may itself have been determined by the laws of science. In either case, it would seem that everything in the universe would then be determined by evolution according to the laws of science, so it is difficult to see how we can be masters of our fate."
There is an assumption being made here that I find improbable. If we are going to postulate God as a First Cause, why assume that he would start everything in motion and then leave creation entirely to the laws of science? (Trust a scientist to see no alternative!) Is it not more probable that he would have some purpose in mind in going to all that bother? And if so, then isn't it likely that he would continue to be involved with creation, guiding its evolution?
One of the contentions of Christian theology is that human beings consist of something more than a material body -- that at the right moment (in creation or evolution) for the emergence of human beings, God was actively involved in giving them a soul.
Postulating the existence of the soul gives us a way around the question of whether the human brain can be "the only structure in the known universe that has the ability to gain control of the chemical reactions that make it up," since the brain wouldn't be the source of our freedom to choose; free will would presumably arise from the soul rather than the physical brain.
This soul, being immaterial, could not be studied in the way that science studies the material world; and its existence could not be proven or disproven by science. This fact gives us an answer to the observation that "we've never measured this freedom scientifically, never proven it." If the soul, which we cannot study directly, is the source of our free will, then it follows logically that we would have great difficulty measuring free will or proving its existence with the tools available to science.
Finally, an important consideration in this whole debate is the strong temptation many might feel to believe that we have no control over our choices. How comfortable to imagine that all of our undesirable behaviour is something we really can't help! Such thinking certainly allows us to evade responsibility for change -- and I suspect that is the primary reason why there is any debate at all.
What do the rest of you think?"
First of all, it is certainly true, as you say, that if we don't have free will, there's no point in pondering it.
But what if we do? In that event, our own free choices are a prime factor in determining the quality and the eventual outcome of our lives. If we admit, then, that we may have free will (and it certainly can't be established that we don't), it follows that we need to ponder this question, along with all of our choices, very carefully indeed.
Secondly, I would like to comment on some of the statements made in the article.
The following quote is attributed to Stephen Hawking: "The initial configuration of the universe may have been chosen by God, or it may itself have been determined by the laws of science. In either case, it would seem that everything in the universe would then be determined by evolution according to the laws of science, so it is difficult to see how we can be masters of our fate."
There is an assumption being made here that I find improbable. If we are going to postulate God as a First Cause, why assume that he would start everything in motion and then leave creation entirely to the laws of science? (Trust a scientist to see no alternative!) Is it not more probable that he would have some purpose in mind in going to all that bother? And if so, then isn't it likely that he would continue to be involved with creation, guiding its evolution?
One of the contentions of Christian theology is that human beings consist of something more than a material body -- that at the right moment (in creation or evolution) for the emergence of human beings, God was actively involved in giving them a soul.
Postulating the existence of the soul gives us a way around the question of whether the human brain can be "the only structure in the known universe that has the ability to gain control of the chemical reactions that make it up," since the brain wouldn't be the source of our freedom to choose; free will would presumably arise from the soul rather than the physical brain.
This soul, being immaterial, could not be studied in the way that science studies the material world; and its existence could not be proven or disproven by science. This fact gives us an answer to the observation that "we've never measured this freedom scientifically, never proven it." If the soul, which we cannot study directly, is the source of our free will, then it follows logically that we would have great difficulty measuring free will or proving its existence with the tools available to science.
Finally, an important consideration in this whole debate is the strong temptation many might feel to believe that we have no control over our choices. How comfortable to imagine that all of our undesirable behaviour is something we really can't help! Such thinking certainly allows us to evade responsibility for change -- and I suspect that is the primary reason why there is any debate at all.
What do the rest of you think?"
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Conscious Robots
Conscious Robots
This one's mostly for Matt. Not something I think about too much (wonderful paradox, free will is, cause if I've got it, then what's the point of pondering it, and if I don't, then I don't have to)
This one's mostly for Matt. Not something I think about too much (wonderful paradox, free will is, cause if I've got it, then what's the point of pondering it, and if I don't, then I don't have to)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
More on Chi
Chi (or Qi) is the life force running through our bodies, according to Chinese medicine. It's called Ki in Japanese. Most people would be most familar with it through its cultivation in Tai Chi. It is also the basis of theory for Acupuncture.
Really, there is still a great debate around it, but I'm more insterested in results, regardless of their nature. There is so much science is still unable to explain, although String Theory might be able to provide a suitable method of action for such a force (amongst a million other things, including Time Travel, which I believe we will see in a practical application within my lifetime.
NEways, the point is, I need to learn more about this. I think I'm going to begin studying two forms of Martial Arts, traditional Tai Chi Chuan (Chinese), and Ki-Aikido (Japanese) once I'm overseas. Actually, I've sort of begun Tai Chi now, but there's only so much Danielle and I can do on our own.
For Alyson, I've come across this in a number of different ways, however, the main one was through a BBC Series which had a Western-Taught Kung Fu Master travel the Orient exploring many types of Martial Arts.
Really, there is still a great debate around it, but I'm more insterested in results, regardless of their nature. There is so much science is still unable to explain, although String Theory might be able to provide a suitable method of action for such a force (amongst a million other things, including Time Travel, which I believe we will see in a practical application within my lifetime.
NEways, the point is, I need to learn more about this. I think I'm going to begin studying two forms of Martial Arts, traditional Tai Chi Chuan (Chinese), and Ki-Aikido (Japanese) once I'm overseas. Actually, I've sort of begun Tai Chi now, but there's only so much Danielle and I can do on our own.
For Alyson, I've come across this in a number of different ways, however, the main one was through a BBC Series which had a Western-Taught Kung Fu Master travel the Orient exploring many types of Martial Arts.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Crazy Martial Arts stuff!
Who knows about Chi?
I've been watching and reading about some things...and I don't know what to say. I watched a man knock another man down with the power of his voice. No fooling. No tricks. No hocus-pocus. He was able to ring a cauldron with his voice, as if he were hitting it with a hammer. He could concentrate his yells, and focus them, at a specific point, to use his power against an opponent.
I've read about Chi before, but how real is this stuff? How does one find the power and strength to absorb blows from a wrestler, or maintain balance against 5 people pushing, or focus the power to push away an opponent without ever touching them....
This is obviously something I need to learn about
I've been watching and reading about some things...and I don't know what to say. I watched a man knock another man down with the power of his voice. No fooling. No tricks. No hocus-pocus. He was able to ring a cauldron with his voice, as if he were hitting it with a hammer. He could concentrate his yells, and focus them, at a specific point, to use his power against an opponent.
I've read about Chi before, but how real is this stuff? How does one find the power and strength to absorb blows from a wrestler, or maintain balance against 5 people pushing, or focus the power to push away an opponent without ever touching them....
This is obviously something I need to learn about
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Why blog?
First off, if anybody knows how to set Trebuchet and small font sizes as default, let me know ASAP!
Why do we blog? This blog has gone all crooked. I was supposed to document all my goals and successes. I have no idea what I'm doing. Rambling, I suppose.
I've been reading my sister's blog (hi Aly) and I've come to the conclusion that I've become old and outdated. Her writing is so much more sophisticated than mine, and yet cooler too. Something about being a grad student...she's left me in the dust, intellectually. I can barely get up in the morning anymore, and she's kicking ass....good for you kid!
However, I feel so stagnant. Perhaps Taiwan might help, but I suspect that after the novelty wears off, it'll be more of the same for me (anger, frustration, and an assortment of other negative emotions about the state of the world these days). Don't believe me? Just check out global dimming, GM foods and the current debate around asparatame, and the fact that Danielle quit what should have been a perfectly good job that turned out to be shit on all fronts.
North America is sick, and it's getting sicker. The Malaise of Modernity indeed. Maybe I should try and actually FINISH my philosophy degree in earnest. With my properties, I could AFFORD grad school. Maybe I'm just jealous of Alyson. I think leaving the continent for an extended period of time will be good for me. Get rid of my car and most of my lowly possessions. Rethink the way I view my life and the world, maybe actually get back to my Buddhist roots....
Ironically, it's the longing and the anger and frustration that have moved me from my center. Just as North America is sick (and getting sicker), so am I.
Why do we blog? This blog has gone all crooked. I was supposed to document all my goals and successes. I have no idea what I'm doing. Rambling, I suppose.
I've been reading my sister's blog (hi Aly) and I've come to the conclusion that I've become old and outdated. Her writing is so much more sophisticated than mine, and yet cooler too. Something about being a grad student...she's left me in the dust, intellectually. I can barely get up in the morning anymore, and she's kicking ass....good for you kid!
However, I feel so stagnant. Perhaps Taiwan might help, but I suspect that after the novelty wears off, it'll be more of the same for me (anger, frustration, and an assortment of other negative emotions about the state of the world these days). Don't believe me? Just check out global dimming, GM foods and the current debate around asparatame, and the fact that Danielle quit what should have been a perfectly good job that turned out to be shit on all fronts.
North America is sick, and it's getting sicker. The Malaise of Modernity indeed. Maybe I should try and actually FINISH my philosophy degree in earnest. With my properties, I could AFFORD grad school. Maybe I'm just jealous of Alyson. I think leaving the continent for an extended period of time will be good for me. Get rid of my car and most of my lowly possessions. Rethink the way I view my life and the world, maybe actually get back to my Buddhist roots....
Ironically, it's the longing and the anger and frustration that have moved me from my center. Just as North America is sick (and getting sicker), so am I.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Liars
Why do people lie?
I've got a guy who plows my driveways for me. He's good, he's quick, he's a family friend. About a month ago, my 'neighbor' who lives across the street comes to see me. He says he wants my guy to plow his driveway. However, he wanted to complain about piling snow up on his side of the street.
You know, if he had a problem, why didn't he just tell me, instead of lying to my face? Why do people lie? It just makes life so much more difficult.
Oh, and speaking of lying. Why hasn't my stove shown up yet? Two weeks ago, I bought a stove, and it has yet to be delivered. First it was supposed to be Monday, then Thursday, then the next Monday, now the next Thursday. Why does life have to be like this? This is what is destroying humanity....
I've got a guy who plows my driveways for me. He's good, he's quick, he's a family friend. About a month ago, my 'neighbor' who lives across the street comes to see me. He says he wants my guy to plow his driveway. However, he wanted to complain about piling snow up on his side of the street.
You know, if he had a problem, why didn't he just tell me, instead of lying to my face? Why do people lie? It just makes life so much more difficult.
Oh, and speaking of lying. Why hasn't my stove shown up yet? Two weeks ago, I bought a stove, and it has yet to be delivered. First it was supposed to be Monday, then Thursday, then the next Monday, now the next Thursday. Why does life have to be like this? This is what is destroying humanity....
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Introductory Post
Here it is.
Since I just sent out a mass email to most people on my list, I'll briefly update my situation.
Living back in North Bay, working at the music store (D is teaching at Widdifield), trying to figure out how to really do what we want to do (or as the books all say: "retire rich, retire early"). So I'm busy taking care of a couple of houses (3 apartments, plus where we're living). Part of this blog's purpose is to let people know what the plans are, to help light a fire under my ass, and keep me moving; part is to keep those people I don't regularly communicate with informed about what I'm doing (and maybe help me increase my correspondence with my friends); part is to document my progress towards my goals (I've never been much of an effective goal setter).
So, working, landlording (yes, it is now a verb!), trying to find some sort of balance in my life (with all my so-called education, I'm still seriously lacking in the sort of knowledge that brings actual happiness) although things are outstanding between D and I (nothing but blind luck there!) so at least something is working for me.
Two important goals for me are to gain control over my weight and my bipolar states. I need to find some middle ground instead of constantly swinging between mania and depression, without the aid of medication or psychiatric intervention. Also, D and I are looking for a way to earn a living without selling our lives (beginning with apartments and ending with total passive income, but what's in between). Oh, and if you don't know what I mean about passive income, you need to email me!!
Again, with my so-called education, I never actually learned how to take care of myself, either emotionally, or financially. Well, the last year has been eye-opening, in terms of gaining some competence concerning financial matters. Current projections put us at retirement (from having to work) at 5 years, and millionaire status in about 10 (not that really matters--it's just a number), but I'm stating here and now, for the record, that these are our timelines, and they're entirely realistic.
Emotionally, I've been working for a long time, and Buddhism (as some of you know) has been my method of investigation. I'm continuing down that path (one that had become somewhat of a blur to me over the last few years) but with a more modern tilt to it. Living authentically and holistically is my main goal, hence the new focus on financial issues, which was until recently, the most neglected element of my life.
NEways, I hope this brief introduction helped give perspective to things, and I hope to hear from many of you whom I haven't had much contact with in awhile. Send me the links to your blog, and I'll post them here. Hope everyone's doing well in the new year, and here's to a fantastic and productive 2006!
~James~
Since I just sent out a mass email to most people on my list, I'll briefly update my situation.
Living back in North Bay, working at the music store (D is teaching at Widdifield), trying to figure out how to really do what we want to do (or as the books all say: "retire rich, retire early"). So I'm busy taking care of a couple of houses (3 apartments, plus where we're living). Part of this blog's purpose is to let people know what the plans are, to help light a fire under my ass, and keep me moving; part is to keep those people I don't regularly communicate with informed about what I'm doing (and maybe help me increase my correspondence with my friends); part is to document my progress towards my goals (I've never been much of an effective goal setter).
So, working, landlording (yes, it is now a verb!), trying to find some sort of balance in my life (with all my so-called education, I'm still seriously lacking in the sort of knowledge that brings actual happiness) although things are outstanding between D and I (nothing but blind luck there!) so at least something is working for me.
Two important goals for me are to gain control over my weight and my bipolar states. I need to find some middle ground instead of constantly swinging between mania and depression, without the aid of medication or psychiatric intervention. Also, D and I are looking for a way to earn a living without selling our lives (beginning with apartments and ending with total passive income, but what's in between). Oh, and if you don't know what I mean about passive income, you need to email me!!
Again, with my so-called education, I never actually learned how to take care of myself, either emotionally, or financially. Well, the last year has been eye-opening, in terms of gaining some competence concerning financial matters. Current projections put us at retirement (from having to work) at 5 years, and millionaire status in about 10 (not that really matters--it's just a number), but I'm stating here and now, for the record, that these are our timelines, and they're entirely realistic.
Emotionally, I've been working for a long time, and Buddhism (as some of you know) has been my method of investigation. I'm continuing down that path (one that had become somewhat of a blur to me over the last few years) but with a more modern tilt to it. Living authentically and holistically is my main goal, hence the new focus on financial issues, which was until recently, the most neglected element of my life.
NEways, I hope this brief introduction helped give perspective to things, and I hope to hear from many of you whom I haven't had much contact with in awhile. Send me the links to your blog, and I'll post them here. Hope everyone's doing well in the new year, and here's to a fantastic and productive 2006!
~James~
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Manifesto 2006
Merry Christmas and all that shit....
The word I couldn't think of last night was manifesto. I'll be stating my manifesto here in the next few days, as the plan is for me and Danielle to work on our long-term business plan over new year's eve. We will most definitely have a long-term plan for wealth worked out in a greater level of detail than ever.
Further, my plan for health is in the works, and will involve a greater involvement in Buddhist teachings, and elementary meditative techniques. I'm currently investigating breathing techniques for improving health. I'll keep everyone (or anyone who's actually reading this) posted.
The word I couldn't think of last night was manifesto. I'll be stating my manifesto here in the next few days, as the plan is for me and Danielle to work on our long-term business plan over new year's eve. We will most definitely have a long-term plan for wealth worked out in a greater level of detail than ever.
Further, my plan for health is in the works, and will involve a greater involvement in Buddhist teachings, and elementary meditative techniques. I'm currently investigating breathing techniques for improving health. I'll keep everyone (or anyone who's actually reading this) posted.
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