Friday, June 22, 2007

Pessimist/Optimist

I got this from a documentary about Russia. I don't know the validity as it pertains to Russians; I don't know the culture, but it sure is clever:

The Russian pessimist says, "Things couldn't get any worse!"
And the Russian optimist says, "Oh, yes they could!"

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Avoiding the Trap the Bully has Set

When you are in a bad situation, and you know it should be much better than it is, it’s arrogant to operate as though conditions are as they should be. Arrogance invites conflict. Even though you’re right – circumstances should be better – the first step to improving conditions is to acknowledge the evidence. See things as they truly are.

Then take the smart tack: use your creativity and work to improve conditions. Lateral movement is often your friend in a bad situation. Going head to head or toe to toe is like trying to punch your way out of a cage.

I am not saying it's easy to do.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Philosophy Wonton

There is a principle that says if you want something terribly badly - if you have so much desire that it actually hurts - you leave no room for the thing you want to fulfil you. Well, that's just ridiculous.

There is a principle that says if you detach yourself emotionally from that which you desire, it will come to you. That's absurd.

Dogs and cats respond to energy, let's use them as examples for attraction: If you keep beckoning a dog or cat the point where you're straining your voice or have squatted to its level so long you're losing circulation through your knees, whether it comes when you call still depends on its relationship with you. Whether you're straining your voice or joints isn't going to change the creature's mind. If you act like you don't care about the dog or cat, again, it depends whether the animal is interested in you at that moment. It might come to you, or it might go chew a toy/take a nap.

The thing is not whether you desire or not, beckon or not, (pray or wish or hope or not), it's whether you engage successfully with the object or subject of your desire. This requires creativity, presence of mind and a willingness to disengage from stupid stuff.

Just thought I'd mention it.