For this topic, which appropriately enough comes after exposure to a group of parents and children on "play day", the focus was on whether or not violence results from a lack of love. All three articles/sources seem to touch on the subject, and thus I have prepared a short list of bullet points from the youtube video and two articles that will summarize the key aspects of violence and touch.
Key points:
It seems as if close contact and affection are closely related to peace. While there is violence galore in unstable households and cities, a foreign tribe that focuses on physical contact, love, and affection have little to no violence in there community.
Physical contact helps develop an indescribable bond that seems vital for proper and healthy development.
There is an inverse nature between affection and violence.
Ferocious tribes were characterized by repressive sexual taboos.
Brain development can be impaired when a mother is not present to show the necessary affection.
Breast feeding is supposed to go on for at least two point five years to ensure proper development.
Infliction of pain must be eliminated for proper growth and development.
There are seven B's of parrenting attachment: Bonding, breast feeding, babywearing, bedding close to baby, belief in crying, beware of baby trainers, balance.
Based on my reading and comprehension of these three articles/sources, the emotions that I feel are that of happiness towards the prospect of parenthood. It seems that if you take the right steps and make the right preparations, you can ensure that your child will live in environment of peace, have an aversion to violence, and feel nurtured. The youtube video was sad, because to showed that A. there are plenty of people out there living perfectly peaceful lives and B. We live in a society where violence is everywhere. Accordingly, it is depressing to think that our own lack of love, our own lack of affection, and our own lack of contact has caused some of the atrocities that have occured. I am not putting it all on our parenting and affection, but the death and murder rates may be lower if we all just learned a little bit about love and affection.
The connection I see here is to the mothers that came in to share their children with us. It seemed as if they were perfectly functioning kids, probably because their mother had shown them an adequate amount of love and affection. It helps that their mothers were all psychology professors and thus had prevalent access to this information. These articles also bring up topics addressed by Jensen. Would he have been different if his father hadn't beat him. It seems clear from all sorts of class material that affection is vital for the proper development of kids.
According to these recent and long term discoveries I have made about love and affection, I intend to be as loving and affectionate as I can from now until I die. If my physical contact and emotional connection with children can foster a society of peace and discourage violence, I intend to do so with all of my heart. It is amazing to here how isolated tribes live so differently and thus have different levels of emotional and physical well being. From now on I intend to foster optimal emotional and physical well being in my kids and all of the children around me.
Questions:
What if kids turned out ok regardless of physical touch and emotional care? Is there some way kids can overcome terrible parents?
Is a mother intrinsically more connected to her kids than the father is?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Playing By Heart, Ch 1,2,3
In order to briefly summarize what was stated in "Playing By the Heart", I will state three key points from each of the chapters:
Ch.1
Children and adults have different perception of reality
Mystic contact with the earth is available all around us. In other words, we can connect with the earth in varying ways.
Play brings us close to the substance of the universe.
Ch. 2
Play is intrinsic to creation, not something created by culture
Kindness from play transcends "sociocultural motivations" and deals with life
Our existence is embedded in the universe, and play brings us closer to that
Ch. 3
Play is not forced, it is in the nature of things just like gravity
Adults cannot be taught to play, but they can be untaught their nature in order more effectively absorb the play of kids
Play emphasizes the community of "we" or "you and I"
As expected, this article brought about emotions of joy and happiness in me. I love play, and it is refreshing to hear about the positive things that come from it. What was most surprising was the intrinsic nature of play. It came as a surprise to me that play was not be created by modern or past cultures, play has been embedded in the earth since its inception. Thus, it is natural for us to play and unnatural for us to behave in a way that condemns or stunts play. Accordingly, I was overjoyed to heart that my tendency towards play is a positive and sustainable thing.
The connection I see with this article and other class activities, is the time where we played in class. It was a magical day in my college career, and I will never forget that hour and fifteen minutes of pure joy I felt. What we experience is really backed up by the information found in this article. Although the 16 of us aren't necessarily best friends or used to socializing with each other, we were able to interact in a play setting without a single hitch. It was as if we had all grown up together and played on the playground in a group everyday since we were five. This proved to me that play is not cultural, but natural. That it is intrinsic with life.
What I will take from this is a greater desire to play. That doesn't necessarily mean that I will gather friends for red rover ever chance I get, but it does mean that I will seize every opportunity I can to play. Here's a great example. Ever since I was a young child I have loved swimming pools. Something about them makes me feel free, weightless, and unstoppable. I never really understand why I felt so at home swimming for leisure, but I now understand that this tendency is closely ingrained with my intrinsic desire to play. So, instead of shying away from my affinity from pools as a I grow old, I intend to embrace this watery infatuation by playing in and under the water every chance I get.
Questions:
If play is so natural, what brings us away from it as we get older? And when does the decline begin?
Are there ways that adults play that kids don't? Like are poker nights play?
Ch.1
Children and adults have different perception of reality
Mystic contact with the earth is available all around us. In other words, we can connect with the earth in varying ways.
Play brings us close to the substance of the universe.
Ch. 2
Play is intrinsic to creation, not something created by culture
Kindness from play transcends "sociocultural motivations" and deals with life
Our existence is embedded in the universe, and play brings us closer to that
Ch. 3
Play is not forced, it is in the nature of things just like gravity
Adults cannot be taught to play, but they can be untaught their nature in order more effectively absorb the play of kids
Play emphasizes the community of "we" or "you and I"
As expected, this article brought about emotions of joy and happiness in me. I love play, and it is refreshing to hear about the positive things that come from it. What was most surprising was the intrinsic nature of play. It came as a surprise to me that play was not be created by modern or past cultures, play has been embedded in the earth since its inception. Thus, it is natural for us to play and unnatural for us to behave in a way that condemns or stunts play. Accordingly, I was overjoyed to heart that my tendency towards play is a positive and sustainable thing.
The connection I see with this article and other class activities, is the time where we played in class. It was a magical day in my college career, and I will never forget that hour and fifteen minutes of pure joy I felt. What we experience is really backed up by the information found in this article. Although the 16 of us aren't necessarily best friends or used to socializing with each other, we were able to interact in a play setting without a single hitch. It was as if we had all grown up together and played on the playground in a group everyday since we were five. This proved to me that play is not cultural, but natural. That it is intrinsic with life.
What I will take from this is a greater desire to play. That doesn't necessarily mean that I will gather friends for red rover ever chance I get, but it does mean that I will seize every opportunity I can to play. Here's a great example. Ever since I was a young child I have loved swimming pools. Something about them makes me feel free, weightless, and unstoppable. I never really understand why I felt so at home swimming for leisure, but I now understand that this tendency is closely ingrained with my intrinsic desire to play. So, instead of shying away from my affinity from pools as a I grow old, I intend to embrace this watery infatuation by playing in and under the water every chance I get.
Questions:
If play is so natural, what brings us away from it as we get older? And when does the decline begin?
Are there ways that adults play that kids don't? Like are poker nights play?
A Language Older than Words 27, 28, 29
Jensens last three chapters are as powerful as ever. He closes of the book strong, but maintains his anecdotal style.
Chapter "out of Mourning, Play" touches on the idea of our relationship with the forests around us. We have been forced into this relationship, and must respect the fact that we need to have extended vision and concern. "Forest, too, have been playing with us."
Trauma and Recovery talks about just that, trauma and recovery. It first touches on appalling attrocities, and then goes on to talk about how the symptoms of trauma are thing like "sutting down feelings, a constrictions of emotions, intellect, and behavior." The ultimate conclusion though is that if we are wrong in thought, then our actions will be wrong and follow accordingly. Also, it is important to not that after trauma, the recovery process is communal and not solitary.
Some key points from the final chapter of "A Language Older Than Words" include ideas like production value over life, and that cooperation overcoems atrocities. We must band together to get rid of poor practices. Failing to do so is suicide for ourselves and our societies.
After finishing the book, I feel overwhelmed. Jensen suggests that to survive we must band together and overcome attrocities. I see two problems with that. A. it is going to be extremely difficult to organize and B. overcoming atrocity is very hard because attrocity is fueled by greed and power. Somehow though, the sane and the brave must cooperate for change...either that or it is suicide.
The connection I see her is to the rest of Jensen's book. Everything has sort of been building to this call for cooperation. He leaves us on an optimistic yet scary quote. "God's speed" as if we are only going to be able to accomplish this with a miracle. Everything seems to come together alright though. Early stuff about schools stunting growth, about the environment having feelings, and about using violence if necessary. It all boils down to change.
I have learned quite a lot from Jensen overall, but it is tough to put my finger on all of it. Here is the message that I will take away from the last three chapters and the book as a whole. I can no longer sit back and watch injustice. Ignorance can no longer be bliss. I must work hard, suffer, struggle, and maybe even approach death in order to band together for change. Cooperation is the key.
Questions:
I really want to know what your five other books are about? You fill this thing with some pretty heavy stuff. What do you have left to write about?
Chapter "out of Mourning, Play" touches on the idea of our relationship with the forests around us. We have been forced into this relationship, and must respect the fact that we need to have extended vision and concern. "Forest, too, have been playing with us."
Trauma and Recovery talks about just that, trauma and recovery. It first touches on appalling attrocities, and then goes on to talk about how the symptoms of trauma are thing like "sutting down feelings, a constrictions of emotions, intellect, and behavior." The ultimate conclusion though is that if we are wrong in thought, then our actions will be wrong and follow accordingly. Also, it is important to not that after trauma, the recovery process is communal and not solitary.
Some key points from the final chapter of "A Language Older Than Words" include ideas like production value over life, and that cooperation overcoems atrocities. We must band together to get rid of poor practices. Failing to do so is suicide for ourselves and our societies.
After finishing the book, I feel overwhelmed. Jensen suggests that to survive we must band together and overcome attrocities. I see two problems with that. A. it is going to be extremely difficult to organize and B. overcoming atrocity is very hard because attrocity is fueled by greed and power. Somehow though, the sane and the brave must cooperate for change...either that or it is suicide.
The connection I see her is to the rest of Jensen's book. Everything has sort of been building to this call for cooperation. He leaves us on an optimistic yet scary quote. "God's speed" as if we are only going to be able to accomplish this with a miracle. Everything seems to come together alright though. Early stuff about schools stunting growth, about the environment having feelings, and about using violence if necessary. It all boils down to change.
I have learned quite a lot from Jensen overall, but it is tough to put my finger on all of it. Here is the message that I will take away from the last three chapters and the book as a whole. I can no longer sit back and watch injustice. Ignorance can no longer be bliss. I must work hard, suffer, struggle, and maybe even approach death in order to band together for change. Cooperation is the key.
Questions:
I really want to know what your five other books are about? You fill this thing with some pretty heavy stuff. What do you have left to write about?
Friday, April 30, 2010
A Language Older Than Words 23,24,25
It just so happens that I had the pleasure of presenting on these three chapters. As a result, I have a pretty good grasp of the topics they address. Hopefully what I can do in this blog is take a right brained approach to discussing them From what I can tell, the majority of my blogs have been very left brained. Analysis in its essence is a left brained activity, so its not surprising that detailed analysis of every chapter turned into something left brained. Hopefully in discussing these three chapters, I can flex my right brained muscles seeing as I have an especially good
understanding of what I need to talk about.
The first chapter in this section, chapter 23, is entitled "The Plants Respond." Of all the chapters I have read up until this point, this one is the most thought provoking. No though provoking in a traditional sense (like what is the meaning of life) but thought provoking in this sense: can plants feel? Jensen discusses an encounter he had with a man named Cleve Backster. Backster's life changed on February 2, 1966 when he came to the conclusion that a plant felt pain. As a result, he has lived his life according to this finding day in and day out. The emotions and notions that Jensen introduced early on this book are directly supported by Backster's claims: "the world is alive and sentient." The applications are endless. If Backster can prove that plants have feelings for humans, for plants, and for other living creatures, then Jensen can utilize his research to support his own claims of talking coyotes and fowl. One more point I would like to touch on is the fact that Backsters research is not thought of as scientifically valid because he cannot validate it with repeatable research. The plant emotions are unpredictable and cannot be tracked. Tracking them would ruin them.
The next chapter deals with Jensen's horrific experience with Crohn's disease. As he opens the chapter with, "Not only did the bees die, but I died." His body was absolutely ravaged by the disease, but what it teaches is that Jensen needed to be taken to the edge to be reborn. This collapse leads to growth.
A few key themes from chapter twenty five are these: "Every creature on the planet must be hoping that our cultures awakening comes soon," and "waiting for kairos and the need for action." Essentially Jensen is trying to convey that all of the earth's populations are eager for death and rebirth, or maybe more accurately stated: change. This comes from self learning.
The emotions that these chapters bring about in me are that of sorrow, hope, and concern. First, I feel sorrow over the fact that Jensen and others have to come so close to death to change. Second, I feel hope over the fact that change seems ineviatable. We can't continue on like this, at some point we will learn from our mistakes and grow: our society has to be taken to the edge. Last, concern is for when this is going to happen. I am doomed? are my children doomed? Will change be too little too late.
The connection I see between this article and other class readings is from "Becoming a Vegetarian." The connection I see is that, both Jensen and this article discuss practices that humans partake in that are not sustainable. In the vegetarian article, we refuse to feed billions so that we can feed the cows that provide us meat. Likewise, Jensen brings up unsustainable practices. It seems as if we will have to come very close to societal death in order to see dramatic change.
These chapters have taught me three important things. First, that there are other beings that feel besides humans. Second, that I need to imbrace adversatey and stare death in the face if it ever approaches. Third, that the only way to bring about change for myself and society is through self learning.
Question:
How can someone who seems so devoted and correct in his analysis (the plant guy) be rejected by professionals?
What was almost dying like in terms of your mental health? Did you go crazy?
understanding of what I need to talk about.
The first chapter in this section, chapter 23, is entitled "The Plants Respond." Of all the chapters I have read up until this point, this one is the most thought provoking. No though provoking in a traditional sense (like what is the meaning of life) but thought provoking in this sense: can plants feel? Jensen discusses an encounter he had with a man named Cleve Backster. Backster's life changed on February 2, 1966 when he came to the conclusion that a plant felt pain. As a result, he has lived his life according to this finding day in and day out. The emotions and notions that Jensen introduced early on this book are directly supported by Backster's claims: "the world is alive and sentient." The applications are endless. If Backster can prove that plants have feelings for humans, for plants, and for other living creatures, then Jensen can utilize his research to support his own claims of talking coyotes and fowl. One more point I would like to touch on is the fact that Backsters research is not thought of as scientifically valid because he cannot validate it with repeatable research. The plant emotions are unpredictable and cannot be tracked. Tracking them would ruin them.
The next chapter deals with Jensen's horrific experience with Crohn's disease. As he opens the chapter with, "Not only did the bees die, but I died." His body was absolutely ravaged by the disease, but what it teaches is that Jensen needed to be taken to the edge to be reborn. This collapse leads to growth.
A few key themes from chapter twenty five are these: "Every creature on the planet must be hoping that our cultures awakening comes soon," and "waiting for kairos and the need for action." Essentially Jensen is trying to convey that all of the earth's populations are eager for death and rebirth, or maybe more accurately stated: change. This comes from self learning.
The emotions that these chapters bring about in me are that of sorrow, hope, and concern. First, I feel sorrow over the fact that Jensen and others have to come so close to death to change. Second, I feel hope over the fact that change seems ineviatable. We can't continue on like this, at some point we will learn from our mistakes and grow: our society has to be taken to the edge. Last, concern is for when this is going to happen. I am doomed? are my children doomed? Will change be too little too late.
The connection I see between this article and other class readings is from "Becoming a Vegetarian." The connection I see is that, both Jensen and this article discuss practices that humans partake in that are not sustainable. In the vegetarian article, we refuse to feed billions so that we can feed the cows that provide us meat. Likewise, Jensen brings up unsustainable practices. It seems as if we will have to come very close to societal death in order to see dramatic change.
These chapters have taught me three important things. First, that there are other beings that feel besides humans. Second, that I need to imbrace adversatey and stare death in the face if it ever approaches. Third, that the only way to bring about change for myself and society is through self learning.
Question:
How can someone who seems so devoted and correct in his analysis (the plant guy) be rejected by professionals?
What was almost dying like in terms of your mental health? Did you go crazy?
A Language Older Than Words Ch. 20, 21, 22
The following chapter from A Language Older Than Words, 20 - 22, are powerful as always. They reiterate the ideas about how change is painful and at times impossible. Regardless, Jensen intends to provide insight that will hopefully spark a positive and effective revolution.
Chapter 20, "A Turning Over", opens with a story about Jensen's discontent friend. He works three jobs, his wife works one, and their marriage is falling apart. Consequently, he sees no escape from the miserable cycle of a failing marriage. Jensen uses this as a springboard into a discussion about how apparent change is usually just the same old injustice masked by new leadership. The reason we are able to adapt to such injustice is the "major reason revolutions fail." Because as it is, "Amnesia, that most adaptable of all forms of adaptation" causes humans to live with atrocities: they work hard to forget instead of working hard for change. The most powerful example he brings up is of Jews in the courtyard of a Warsaw stadium. They sat in silence as they watched their brother-en machine gunned to death in front of their eyes. The ultimate problem is that we can't expect much different from the same society.
A life of my own is short and sweet, and so is this summary. Jensen talks about how liberating and experience it was to be a bee-keeper. He loved working for himself and he loved bees; accordingly it was the best of both worlds. Everything about the time he spent with the bees living out of his car was rewarding, enlightening and positive especially the dog that was truly impacted his life: "I can't imagine a better teacher."
Interconnection is a complex chapter, and in order to simplify things I will reference one story that sums it all up from chapter 22. Jensen talks about his Vietnamese dinner with George. The two of them went out to dinner and ordered lemon grass chicken, chile, and steamed vegetables. It seems simple enough, but here is where the interconnection comes in. Chicken that spans 5 states, oil that spans 5 countries, vegetables fused with ingredients from all over the world, and 10,000 chemicals. The ultimate conclusion that Jensen, and consequently the readers draw, is that there is something not right about "the complexity of the modern economy's web but also its destructiveness." In other words, this interconnection is not only amazing but also troubling.
The emotion these chapters instill in me is sorrow. Sorrow over the fact that our revolutions seem trivial, that the complexity of the world economy is a big problem, and all the while...we just need a job we love and a wise dog to keep us happy. I think that Jensen includes the short 21st chapter as a break from all of the heavy stuff he has been hitting us with and intends to continue to hit us with. The chapter preceding it discusses the murder of Jews while there peers remain silent, and the following chapter shows that even the simplest and genuine of meals contains disgusting combinations of unnatural ingredients. Its refreshing to hear that contentment is achievable if we remove ourselves from complex webs and fight troubling injustice. With that being said, the other two chapter were eye opening. The fact that revolutions may never have a significant impact because they are simply recycled means that we need to come up with a new form of change. Will that be possible though with the interconnectedness of the world economy?
The best intra-class connection to be made is from chapter 22, "Interconnection", and the article "Going Vegetarian". The article essentially makes this claim: simplify our diet and benefit the world. The stats it uses to back this up are as follows: if we all stopped eating meat, the grain that we saved could feed every person in the world with 3 pounds of grain per day (more than enough to survive) and everyone turning vegetarian would save 70 million gallons of gas (greenhouse gas prevention would be equal to that of France's total pollution). Those numbers are huge. I realize that Jensen doesn't necessarily condone turning vegetarian, but I think he would buy into this concept that we could save lives by changing our habits. Its also important to note that if we were eating natural vegetables, we would be reducing the interconnected economic web that plagues our society.
The application to may life is simple, and applicable by chapter. Ch. 20 teaches me to revolt in ways that are nontraditional. We can't just keep recycling the same ideals, because then the injustice just cycles through different leadership and never actually improves. At the heart of this is killing the silence that holds us down. Ch. 21 is lighthearted, telling me to follow my professional dreams, enjoy work that is fulfilling, and be aware of teachers that come in all forms (dogs in particular). The last chapter, 23, brings it home by condemning the interconnectedness of society. This ties in aspects from the first two (injustice, and happiness) and implies that if we can break away from the injustice of interconnectedness, it is then that we will be happy. All of these lessons will remain with me as attempt to break away from the contemporary economic practice and work to have my voice heard above the silence.
Questions
What is it about bees the Jensen finds so attractive? How do they help him develop so much that he references them every few chapters?
I'm confused what the difference between silence and pride is?
Chapter 20, "A Turning Over", opens with a story about Jensen's discontent friend. He works three jobs, his wife works one, and their marriage is falling apart. Consequently, he sees no escape from the miserable cycle of a failing marriage. Jensen uses this as a springboard into a discussion about how apparent change is usually just the same old injustice masked by new leadership. The reason we are able to adapt to such injustice is the "major reason revolutions fail." Because as it is, "Amnesia, that most adaptable of all forms of adaptation" causes humans to live with atrocities: they work hard to forget instead of working hard for change. The most powerful example he brings up is of Jews in the courtyard of a Warsaw stadium. They sat in silence as they watched their brother-en machine gunned to death in front of their eyes. The ultimate problem is that we can't expect much different from the same society.
A life of my own is short and sweet, and so is this summary. Jensen talks about how liberating and experience it was to be a bee-keeper. He loved working for himself and he loved bees; accordingly it was the best of both worlds. Everything about the time he spent with the bees living out of his car was rewarding, enlightening and positive especially the dog that was truly impacted his life: "I can't imagine a better teacher."
Interconnection is a complex chapter, and in order to simplify things I will reference one story that sums it all up from chapter 22. Jensen talks about his Vietnamese dinner with George. The two of them went out to dinner and ordered lemon grass chicken, chile, and steamed vegetables. It seems simple enough, but here is where the interconnection comes in. Chicken that spans 5 states, oil that spans 5 countries, vegetables fused with ingredients from all over the world, and 10,000 chemicals. The ultimate conclusion that Jensen, and consequently the readers draw, is that there is something not right about "the complexity of the modern economy's web but also its destructiveness." In other words, this interconnection is not only amazing but also troubling.
The emotion these chapters instill in me is sorrow. Sorrow over the fact that our revolutions seem trivial, that the complexity of the world economy is a big problem, and all the while...we just need a job we love and a wise dog to keep us happy. I think that Jensen includes the short 21st chapter as a break from all of the heavy stuff he has been hitting us with and intends to continue to hit us with. The chapter preceding it discusses the murder of Jews while there peers remain silent, and the following chapter shows that even the simplest and genuine of meals contains disgusting combinations of unnatural ingredients. Its refreshing to hear that contentment is achievable if we remove ourselves from complex webs and fight troubling injustice. With that being said, the other two chapter were eye opening. The fact that revolutions may never have a significant impact because they are simply recycled means that we need to come up with a new form of change. Will that be possible though with the interconnectedness of the world economy?
The best intra-class connection to be made is from chapter 22, "Interconnection", and the article "Going Vegetarian". The article essentially makes this claim: simplify our diet and benefit the world. The stats it uses to back this up are as follows: if we all stopped eating meat, the grain that we saved could feed every person in the world with 3 pounds of grain per day (more than enough to survive) and everyone turning vegetarian would save 70 million gallons of gas (greenhouse gas prevention would be equal to that of France's total pollution). Those numbers are huge. I realize that Jensen doesn't necessarily condone turning vegetarian, but I think he would buy into this concept that we could save lives by changing our habits. Its also important to note that if we were eating natural vegetables, we would be reducing the interconnected economic web that plagues our society.
The application to may life is simple, and applicable by chapter. Ch. 20 teaches me to revolt in ways that are nontraditional. We can't just keep recycling the same ideals, because then the injustice just cycles through different leadership and never actually improves. At the heart of this is killing the silence that holds us down. Ch. 21 is lighthearted, telling me to follow my professional dreams, enjoy work that is fulfilling, and be aware of teachers that come in all forms (dogs in particular). The last chapter, 23, brings it home by condemning the interconnectedness of society. This ties in aspects from the first two (injustice, and happiness) and implies that if we can break away from the injustice of interconnectedness, it is then that we will be happy. All of these lessons will remain with me as attempt to break away from the contemporary economic practice and work to have my voice heard above the silence.
Questions
What is it about bees the Jensen finds so attractive? How do they help him develop so much that he references them every few chapters?
I'm confused what the difference between silence and pride is?
A Language Older Than Words Ch. 13-15
Metamorphosis, Insatiability, and Violence are the one world titles of the next three chapters; all concise and all to the point. These chapters continue on with Jensen's style of anecdotes, stories, and bold climbs, each of which is effectively combined to drive his point across that the state of the world is in shambles. The main point that he continues to drive home though is that on an individual level we can continue to strive for change. Hopefully this change will help us revolutionize societal conventions and help us to work towards harmony.
Metamorphosis is mostly a discussion of plants, animals, and change. The first conclusion he draws is that we are often oblivious to the nature that surrounds us. The second story he tells is in reference to a swarm of lady bugs killing trees and aphids. Jensen talks about how he contemplates the various members of this interaction. Do the trees feel pain? Do the ladybugs feel growing pain? The conclusion that he comes to is that transitions by definitions invovle "pain. loss, sorrow, and even death." If we can survive this hardship we are given new life/vitality.
Insatiability is a word I had to look up in the dictionary. Turns out it means "unable to be satisfied". Hahaha, I guess I should have picked up on that from the root "satiable". Anways, this chapter addresses the fact that we cannot just keep refusing to acknowledge humanity's desire for more and more: "I don't know how much longer we can keep running." Our society as a whole uses money to fabricate truth and deny the pressing truth of our destruction. The word that Jensen repeatedly goes back to is "silencing". Silencing the natives to steal their land, silencing the voices that offer up dissent. The last aspect of this chapter deals with the "central question of our time: what are sane and appropriate responses to insanely destructive behavior." Writing letters doesn't seem to do the trick; it didn't work for Gandhi trying to stop Hitler so why would it work for Jensen? He boldly admits that if he could have killed his father....he would have. This proves that he condones extreme behavior if it brings about the desired ends.
Violence is a word that I do no the definition of, unlike insatiable. The words meaning is almost as straightforward as the chapter it describes: its about violence and murder. Right off the bat he puts forth the idea that "life feeds off life, and because every action causes a killing, the purpose of existence cannot be to simply avoid taking lives. All of the stories that follow are centered around the claim that those who destroy mus be stopped. The stories that he supports this with are all about taking "up the rifle" which makes it blatantly obvious that Jensen's solution is offensive. I don't think he necessarily condones murder, but is vehemently against continuing to be on the defensive: "we must struggle."
The first of these chapters was a light transition into the violence and pain that the other two encompass. Metamorphosis touches on pain, transition, and struggle but the subsequent two really bring it home with talk of murder and violence. It makes sense, and definitely ties with other claims that Jensen has made. From the beginning it has been his assertion that we must come close to the edge and make a triumphant return. There isn't much closer to the edge than murder and violence. Accordingly, it makes sense that Jensen would make these assertions about what how to stop those who destroy. I learned that extreme action needs to be taken to spark change, a fact that I have mixed emotions about.
The connection that I intend to make here is to the article entitled "Ten, Count'em Ten Uses for Parents". It might sound sick or cynical, but here are Jensen's "Two, Count'em Two Reasons for Violence." First off, it establishes that you mean business. Someone who has resorted to violence is not messing around. Although murder and other forms of action are not necessarily ideal, those whose attention you are seeking will undoubtedly take you seriously. The second reason is that it puts you on the offensive as opposed to the defensive. Without being on offense, you are much more vulnerable and susceptible to the attacks of your opponent.
I'm a little torn about what I should take from these three chapters. There is no situation in my life as of right now that constitutes violence in my opinion. What I can take from it though is that when there does come a time that I am passionate enough about something to step and take violent action in defense of it, I'll be ready. Perhaps one day I will be in a situation where are friend is being raped or assaulted. I will not sit back on the defensive, and attempt to never let it happen again. I will take up arms (metaphorically that is) and take offensive actions against my opposition. The difficult thing is that while Jensen is livid about enough injustices to take violent action in many situations, there is not that much that I feel strongly enough about to physical harm others. Because of that, I need to develop stronger ideals so that I do have something to fight for.
Questions
Is there a reason why children don't comprehend murder? If he had of killed his father, he would have gone to jail and never developed in the same way he did?
Is it wrong to identify the fact that transition and growing pains is a positive thing? Is it possible you could turn into a masochist because of it?
Metamorphosis is mostly a discussion of plants, animals, and change. The first conclusion he draws is that we are often oblivious to the nature that surrounds us. The second story he tells is in reference to a swarm of lady bugs killing trees and aphids. Jensen talks about how he contemplates the various members of this interaction. Do the trees feel pain? Do the ladybugs feel growing pain? The conclusion that he comes to is that transitions by definitions invovle "pain. loss, sorrow, and even death." If we can survive this hardship we are given new life/vitality.
Insatiability is a word I had to look up in the dictionary. Turns out it means "unable to be satisfied". Hahaha, I guess I should have picked up on that from the root "satiable". Anways, this chapter addresses the fact that we cannot just keep refusing to acknowledge humanity's desire for more and more: "I don't know how much longer we can keep running." Our society as a whole uses money to fabricate truth and deny the pressing truth of our destruction. The word that Jensen repeatedly goes back to is "silencing". Silencing the natives to steal their land, silencing the voices that offer up dissent. The last aspect of this chapter deals with the "central question of our time: what are sane and appropriate responses to insanely destructive behavior." Writing letters doesn't seem to do the trick; it didn't work for Gandhi trying to stop Hitler so why would it work for Jensen? He boldly admits that if he could have killed his father....he would have. This proves that he condones extreme behavior if it brings about the desired ends.
Violence is a word that I do no the definition of, unlike insatiable. The words meaning is almost as straightforward as the chapter it describes: its about violence and murder. Right off the bat he puts forth the idea that "life feeds off life, and because every action causes a killing, the purpose of existence cannot be to simply avoid taking lives. All of the stories that follow are centered around the claim that those who destroy mus be stopped. The stories that he supports this with are all about taking "up the rifle" which makes it blatantly obvious that Jensen's solution is offensive. I don't think he necessarily condones murder, but is vehemently against continuing to be on the defensive: "we must struggle."
The first of these chapters was a light transition into the violence and pain that the other two encompass. Metamorphosis touches on pain, transition, and struggle but the subsequent two really bring it home with talk of murder and violence. It makes sense, and definitely ties with other claims that Jensen has made. From the beginning it has been his assertion that we must come close to the edge and make a triumphant return. There isn't much closer to the edge than murder and violence. Accordingly, it makes sense that Jensen would make these assertions about what how to stop those who destroy. I learned that extreme action needs to be taken to spark change, a fact that I have mixed emotions about.
The connection that I intend to make here is to the article entitled "Ten, Count'em Ten Uses for Parents". It might sound sick or cynical, but here are Jensen's "Two, Count'em Two Reasons for Violence." First off, it establishes that you mean business. Someone who has resorted to violence is not messing around. Although murder and other forms of action are not necessarily ideal, those whose attention you are seeking will undoubtedly take you seriously. The second reason is that it puts you on the offensive as opposed to the defensive. Without being on offense, you are much more vulnerable and susceptible to the attacks of your opponent.
I'm a little torn about what I should take from these three chapters. There is no situation in my life as of right now that constitutes violence in my opinion. What I can take from it though is that when there does come a time that I am passionate enough about something to step and take violent action in defense of it, I'll be ready. Perhaps one day I will be in a situation where are friend is being raped or assaulted. I will not sit back on the defensive, and attempt to never let it happen again. I will take up arms (metaphorically that is) and take offensive actions against my opposition. The difficult thing is that while Jensen is livid about enough injustices to take violent action in many situations, there is not that much that I feel strongly enough about to physical harm others. Because of that, I need to develop stronger ideals so that I do have something to fight for.
Questions
Is there a reason why children don't comprehend murder? If he had of killed his father, he would have gone to jail and never developed in the same way he did?
Is it wrong to identify the fact that transition and growing pains is a positive thing? Is it possible you could turn into a masochist because of it?
A Language Older than Words Ch. 10, 11, 12
Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of Jensen's A Language Older Than Words are quite short compared to previous chapters. Accordingly, they get right to the point without to much fluff or to many questionable anecdotes. This cannot be said for all of his writing, so it is refreshing to read something that cuts right to the core. The chapters are referred to as Economics, discussing theories of how the world's economy functions unjustly, The Goal is the Process, discussing how it should not be the wealth or the power that drives us but the process of life, and the Heroes, which is somewhat self explanatory.
Here's the breakdown. "Economics" the 10th chapter opens with the greek root of the work which translates to "the science of household management". The conclusion that Jensen immediately draws is that the majority of things that are healthy, moral, and positive do not make economic sense. Unfortunately though, we have begun to put an economic price on everything. This fact has lead to the conclusion that "money is valued over all else" and as a result the world has been degraded destroyed and life is not what it is meant to be. Jensen is unwavering in the idea that our economic system can only cause atrocities: "Make no mistake, our economic system can do no other than destroy everything it encounters." The chapter closes claiming that if we did everything on an individual level, unselfishly and with no concern with economic gain, then th world would be a lovely place. Here's why: "money perfectly manifests the desires of our culture."
Chapter 11 opens with a powerful quote: "What if the point instead is let go of that control?" The most powerful story that I have read throughout the entirety of this book is contained in this chapter. Jensen talks about how a girl in a class he was lecturing had and "aha" moment on the last day of class. He was standing at the board trying to write down everything they could remember from the semester. Some girl yells out " I get it... the point is that he can't tell us the point. The point is that we have to get it ourselves!" Jensen's reply was short and sweet: "There's nothing else I can teach you. Thank you. Have fun." That story pretty much sums up the chapter. He ends by talking about the dynamic between his fear and desire to blow up dams and breakdown the atrocities society has created.
The 12 chapter is filled with a whole bunch of stories. Although the previous two were right to the point, this final one called "Heroes" dances around the topic much more. Although confusing, I have come to this conclusion: Jensen believes that we need role models (admirable individuals) to leave behind "threads" for us to be guided by. Heroes could be people you respect, look up to, or appreciate their accomplishments. Regardless, they provide a great example to live by so that we might emulate those who have achieved in the past.
The feelings this set of readings invoked in me were strong and positive. Chapter 12 in particular was powerful because it touched on the idea of heroes. I've got some role models that have left threads behind for me that I follow and base my life around. The first two I got from attending catholic high school: St. Francis of Assis and St. Anthony of Padua. These two famous Franciscan Friars respected the earth, humanity, God, and life itself. Those are things I undoubtedly strive for. The other hero I emulate is my brother. He has fostered my education, my growth, and my desire to achieve/do good. The other thing I like about this section was chapter 11's notion that we need to let go. I think its important to give up on normal conventions and just live.
The connections to other readings are tough in this case. I initially had trouble finding someone else's work to draw on, but I the conclusion that I came to is that Mark Leahy's "Making Ourselves Miserable" seems relevant in this situation. Leahy uses all sorts of examples to prove his point that we are self-destructive, the Wizard of Oz in particular, but the connecting them is that we need to become aware of our shortcomings and avoid them. Jensen thinks our downfall is that we feel the need to be in control, Leahy thinkgs it is the "useless worry" that does us in. Regardless, both are aware of the fact that we are hurting ourselves unnecessarily.
In terms of application to real life, I will now be much more aware of my heroes, make a conscious effort to let go, and try to rebel against conventional economics. The common theme that runs true between all three is that our world has established detrimental norms, but there are ways around them. If we try hard enough, we can break away from our current economy that is ruining the world. If we try hard enough, we can let go of the control that we are addicted to. If we try hard enough, we can emulate the thread of role models that have set a positive precedent. I intend to work hard enough in all three of those areas.
Questions
How do you propose we break away from atrocious economics and move towards something that is healthy and sustainable?
How can I be a hero to others?
Here's the breakdown. "Economics" the 10th chapter opens with the greek root of the work which translates to "the science of household management". The conclusion that Jensen immediately draws is that the majority of things that are healthy, moral, and positive do not make economic sense. Unfortunately though, we have begun to put an economic price on everything. This fact has lead to the conclusion that "money is valued over all else" and as a result the world has been degraded destroyed and life is not what it is meant to be. Jensen is unwavering in the idea that our economic system can only cause atrocities: "Make no mistake, our economic system can do no other than destroy everything it encounters." The chapter closes claiming that if we did everything on an individual level, unselfishly and with no concern with economic gain, then th world would be a lovely place. Here's why: "money perfectly manifests the desires of our culture."
Chapter 11 opens with a powerful quote: "What if the point instead is let go of that control?" The most powerful story that I have read throughout the entirety of this book is contained in this chapter. Jensen talks about how a girl in a class he was lecturing had and "aha" moment on the last day of class. He was standing at the board trying to write down everything they could remember from the semester. Some girl yells out " I get it... the point is that he can't tell us the point. The point is that we have to get it ourselves!" Jensen's reply was short and sweet: "There's nothing else I can teach you. Thank you. Have fun." That story pretty much sums up the chapter. He ends by talking about the dynamic between his fear and desire to blow up dams and breakdown the atrocities society has created.
The 12 chapter is filled with a whole bunch of stories. Although the previous two were right to the point, this final one called "Heroes" dances around the topic much more. Although confusing, I have come to this conclusion: Jensen believes that we need role models (admirable individuals) to leave behind "threads" for us to be guided by. Heroes could be people you respect, look up to, or appreciate their accomplishments. Regardless, they provide a great example to live by so that we might emulate those who have achieved in the past.
The feelings this set of readings invoked in me were strong and positive. Chapter 12 in particular was powerful because it touched on the idea of heroes. I've got some role models that have left threads behind for me that I follow and base my life around. The first two I got from attending catholic high school: St. Francis of Assis and St. Anthony of Padua. These two famous Franciscan Friars respected the earth, humanity, God, and life itself. Those are things I undoubtedly strive for. The other hero I emulate is my brother. He has fostered my education, my growth, and my desire to achieve/do good. The other thing I like about this section was chapter 11's notion that we need to let go. I think its important to give up on normal conventions and just live.
The connections to other readings are tough in this case. I initially had trouble finding someone else's work to draw on, but I the conclusion that I came to is that Mark Leahy's "Making Ourselves Miserable" seems relevant in this situation. Leahy uses all sorts of examples to prove his point that we are self-destructive, the Wizard of Oz in particular, but the connecting them is that we need to become aware of our shortcomings and avoid them. Jensen thinks our downfall is that we feel the need to be in control, Leahy thinkgs it is the "useless worry" that does us in. Regardless, both are aware of the fact that we are hurting ourselves unnecessarily.
In terms of application to real life, I will now be much more aware of my heroes, make a conscious effort to let go, and try to rebel against conventional economics. The common theme that runs true between all three is that our world has established detrimental norms, but there are ways around them. If we try hard enough, we can break away from our current economy that is ruining the world. If we try hard enough, we can let go of the control that we are addicted to. If we try hard enough, we can emulate the thread of role models that have set a positive precedent. I intend to work hard enough in all three of those areas.
Questions
How do you propose we break away from atrocious economics and move towards something that is healthy and sustainable?
How can I be a hero to others?
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