by naveen srivatsav
All in Observations
imagine processes as systematic forces bringing about change beyond/beneath individual human scales of comprehension. processes are not descriptors that are associated with the object being observed, they are the system itself. the name of the system is merely a tag for discovering all relevant processes.
The sole task of the truth seeker is thus to learn to recognise truth when they see it, and not be deceived by prettier illusions. The truth is and will always remain a pathless land.
Lately I've been feeling this overwhelming sense of obviousness, for lack of a better word, accompanied by a complete lack of surprise. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing...
Democracy is as the joke goes, the least worst option. I'm cynical not because democracy is inherently flawed but because it represents a kind of cognitive outsourcing of long-term large-scale planning to the hands of the many. There is serious work required for a citizen to have an opinion, and honestly we are *not* seeing that at this moment.
I thought it was fairly well-accepted that all models are wrong, some can be useful. Conceptually we should indeed be comfortable with the notion that there are inextricable interconnections and unknown unknowns and if that weren’t enough, the dynamics of how other agents will respond within the system over time. The trouble comes the moment you start to build something, anything.
I’m going to say this here because I don’t know where else to say it. I think we and our society are animated by our questions, but that is both our gift and curse. Where are our questions leading us, and what questions might we ask to get to where we want to be?
I just read a headline reading "Democracy is dying as technocrats watch". I find this ludicrous. Democracy *is* dying but it's not because Donald Trump won. It would have still been in terminal condition had Hilary won or Obama stayed. Why?
The heat of European summer revs melancholy into melodrama. I cycle past canals exuding the awkward charm of a multitude of boring things. Goaded by the breeze, dry leaves, fresh petals and sweet glinting pollen find themselves grooming the very air with perfume and hayfever. When the rare drifter finds release, it ever so gently plops in the water. That’s when I notice the ripples.
Ever felt like this right now is the best time in your life? Ever wished that time itself would just freeze this very instant? I guess what I’m asking is, in a nutshell, have you ever looked longingly at the lucky inhabitants of a snow globe?
Magic is a funny word. The dictionary claims it stems from supernatural or otherwise mysterious forces, but I think the dictionaries are missing the point. Magic is not a power, it’s a quality, do you see?
I occasionally drop by the local Rants & Raves forum in Craigslist; usually there is inane banter and idle discussion. But sometimes, just sometimes, there are some thoughtful questions, of which this was one. What defines you, the anonymous poster asked.