Assassinated while legacies of freedom, free will, free thinking, peace and love live on XXX
Saturday 30 June 2012
Good guys gone
Assassinated while legacies of freedom, free will, free thinking, peace and love live on XXX
Thursday 21 June 2012
Pacifism
I recently moved into an apartment with two lovely boys; one from Connecticut and one from London. The other evening we were watching Ross Kemp in Afganhistan, which got us talking about war, which led to 9/11. It was interesting talking to someone who was living within 100 miles of New York when the Twin Towers were hit by terrorists.We discussed a few conspiracy theories; that it was an alleged controlled demolition, that there were no planes involved at all, new world order etc. etc. We concluded that no one can ever really know for sure why these events took place - other than the people who actually organised them.
We talked about the type of people who are so certain on a theory that they will spend their whole lives defending and projecting it. In Jon Ronson's book, The Psychopath Test, he spends time getting into the mind of conspiracy theorist David Shayler, to figure out whether he fits the criteria of a psychopath or is just a saddo. This former MI5 officer joined the 9/11 Truth Movement, which claimed that there were no planes involved in the attack, the apparent"planes" were missiles camouflaged by holograms. Later, Shayler claimed that he was the son of God stating, "I am the messiah and hold the secrets of eternal life", then if that wasn't bonkers enough, he later told newspapers that he was living as a woman in a squat in Surrey - "I don't give a fuck what other people think of me. A bloke in a frock is whole lot less offensive than blowing up innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan". Fair enough. I reckon he should have just moved into his squat as a bird before even joining the Security Service. It seems to me that David Shayler turned himself crazy from being so obsessed with all these conspiracies and political movements.
On the other end of the scale, we have the late Brian Haw, a peace protestor and campaigner who spent the last decade of his life camping opposite Parliament in London leaving only for court hearings and surviving by food from supporters. He left his wife and children in 2001 to start the parliament square peace campaign, over the 10 years he was beaten up, arrested, joined by other protestors, he was nominated for many different awards and even one of three shortlisted for the Human Rights Award 2005 'For outstanding commitment to justice by maintaining constant vigil outside parliament demanding respect for the human rights of those in other countries. For tireless and passionate defence of freedom of speech.' - this man has left a great legacy and has influenced many people and perhaps parliamentary decisions. I just have to step back and think about this amazing world, not considering all the hell on earth for a second, I just think seeing as we only have one life - to spend it protesting just seems crazy to me. What about his family that he couldn't take care of. There is no doubt that this man was courageous and inspirational, a firm pacifist, it makes me consider my morality - it goes back to the question - is ignorance really bliss?
Pacifism dates back to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and Jesus. I don't believe it is necessarily a religious concept, it is the opposition to war and violence.
In in ideal world Pacifism would be promoted and encouraged by everyone on earth. Pacifism would need to be in line with less greed and need for power, more compassion and understanding.
There would be no more of this -
It's humbling that people exist to promote global peace.
But it's demoralising that even when people dedicate their lives to avoid war, it still happens.
"Perhaps the most common criticism of pacifism is that it is naïve. The idea that humanity could move beyond war strikes many people as hopelessly unrealistic, a childish dream.
But consider for a moment an alternative to pacifism, just war theory. According to this approach, some wars may be justified, provided a number of criteria are met. A pacifist might point out that every war is a just war according to the leaders who are promoting or prosecuting the war. This insight is labeled as cynical. Instead, we are to trust our leaders and the marketing machines that disseminate their vision."
I know too many people that are filled with rage at society and at our leaders and the decisions that are made, that we as nations support. I feel that so much energy is wasted then.I don't vote; I think every political party has good and bad ideas and they all twist their motifs to get votes anyway and once they're in power they can do whatever they want.
All I know is that looking at photos like this disturbs me and no matter how much X Factor or other meaningless distraction goes on, this isn't right:
We talked about the type of people who are so certain on a theory that they will spend their whole lives defending and projecting it. In Jon Ronson's book, The Psychopath Test, he spends time getting into the mind of conspiracy theorist David Shayler, to figure out whether he fits the criteria of a psychopath or is just a saddo. This former MI5 officer joined the 9/11 Truth Movement, which claimed that there were no planes involved in the attack, the apparent"planes" were missiles camouflaged by holograms. Later, Shayler claimed that he was the son of God stating, "I am the messiah and hold the secrets of eternal life", then if that wasn't bonkers enough, he later told newspapers that he was living as a woman in a squat in Surrey - "I don't give a fuck what other people think of me. A bloke in a frock is whole lot less offensive than blowing up innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan". Fair enough. I reckon he should have just moved into his squat as a bird before even joining the Security Service. It seems to me that David Shayler turned himself crazy from being so obsessed with all these conspiracies and political movements.
On the other end of the scale, we have the late Brian Haw, a peace protestor and campaigner who spent the last decade of his life camping opposite Parliament in London leaving only for court hearings and surviving by food from supporters. He left his wife and children in 2001 to start the parliament square peace campaign, over the 10 years he was beaten up, arrested, joined by other protestors, he was nominated for many different awards and even one of three shortlisted for the Human Rights Award 2005 'For outstanding commitment to justice by maintaining constant vigil outside parliament demanding respect for the human rights of those in other countries. For tireless and passionate defence of freedom of speech.' - this man has left a great legacy and has influenced many people and perhaps parliamentary decisions. I just have to step back and think about this amazing world, not considering all the hell on earth for a second, I just think seeing as we only have one life - to spend it protesting just seems crazy to me. What about his family that he couldn't take care of. There is no doubt that this man was courageous and inspirational, a firm pacifist, it makes me consider my morality - it goes back to the question - is ignorance really bliss?
Pacifism dates back to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and Jesus. I don't believe it is necessarily a religious concept, it is the opposition to war and violence.
In in ideal world Pacifism would be promoted and encouraged by everyone on earth. Pacifism would need to be in line with less greed and need for power, more compassion and understanding.
There would be no more of this -
It's humbling that people exist to promote global peace.
But it's demoralising that even when people dedicate their lives to avoid war, it still happens.
"Perhaps the most common criticism of pacifism is that it is naïve. The idea that humanity could move beyond war strikes many people as hopelessly unrealistic, a childish dream.
But consider for a moment an alternative to pacifism, just war theory. According to this approach, some wars may be justified, provided a number of criteria are met. A pacifist might point out that every war is a just war according to the leaders who are promoting or prosecuting the war. This insight is labeled as cynical. Instead, we are to trust our leaders and the marketing machines that disseminate their vision."
I know too many people that are filled with rage at society and at our leaders and the decisions that are made, that we as nations support. I feel that so much energy is wasted then.I don't vote; I think every political party has good and bad ideas and they all twist their motifs to get votes anyway and once they're in power they can do whatever they want.
All I know is that looking at photos like this disturbs me and no matter how much X Factor or other meaningless distraction goes on, this isn't right:
Being unaware of some of the hatred, violence, upset, feud, economy problems etc seems to make life a lot easier. I will continue trying to make people around me happy, and any other people I come into contact with throughout my life, taking up any opportunities to help people. As for these global issues - I have no answers. There is no way this world will ever be in complete peace - there will always be greed and miscommunication resulting in violence.
Stay positive kids!
Wednesday 20 June 2012
Gigantic globe
I'm beginning to appreciate the size of the world; If you stay in one place for a long time the world seems so small but being in Australia has really opened my eyes to just how big it is. I look out into the sea and imagine my friends and family right around the other side - where my sun is their moon and my wake is their dawn.
In the next year there are a fair few things I want to do while I'm in Australia. The list is getting bigger as everyone I speak to seems to have a new favourite place that I haven't even heard about. I'm so glad that in this day and age it is so accessible to travel, we are a very privileged generation and I appreciate it so much, more and more each day.
Australia is unbelievably huge - this image illustrates just how big when you see how many countries can fit in it:
I have so much to do! I'm going to make the most of Melbourne while I'm here, try to go for weekends to different parts of the country and then hopefully have a couple of months at the end of my trip to do some serrrrious exploring.
Using the World Heritage List as a resource will help you avoid missing the officially special things in the world, but as well as that, I think The Lonely Planet have got it all covered. Read the Lonely Planet desciption of Melbourne if you like; http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/places ....and they have a summary like that of almost every single square foot of the globe.
It's Winter here, so the weather has been fairly cold most of the time with showers every now and then, and sometimes sunshine. Looking at the bright side of the rain - it makes me feel at home. I suppose the most significant difference I've noticed when comparing this city from London, is the people; Its sounds cliche but on a whole I really think the people here are happier than those in London. In London there's always a sense of needing to prove yourself, feeling like everyone is judging. I've noticed that on a night out here, you're more likely to start talking to random people whereas in London everyone sticks inside their group. The culture of a city depends on it's residents; I suppose here, a large percentage of the population are travellers, so obviously more inclined to socialise with new people. In London I suppose the majority of people are there to establish their careers, which includes networking with the right people - completely different mindset overall. I do love London, and I do miss my special friends there, but I know it's just not the right place for me, right now. One day, maybe I'll go back, but for now, i'm on a worldy mission.
Some photos (that I stole from Google) of Melbourne and other parts of Australia:
There really is something for everyone here.
I'm excited to explore some more.
In the next year there are a fair few things I want to do while I'm in Australia. The list is getting bigger as everyone I speak to seems to have a new favourite place that I haven't even heard about. I'm so glad that in this day and age it is so accessible to travel, we are a very privileged generation and I appreciate it so much, more and more each day.
Australia is unbelievably huge - this image illustrates just how big when you see how many countries can fit in it:
I have so much to do! I'm going to make the most of Melbourne while I'm here, try to go for weekends to different parts of the country and then hopefully have a couple of months at the end of my trip to do some serrrrious exploring.
Using the World Heritage List as a resource will help you avoid missing the officially special things in the world, but as well as that, I think The Lonely Planet have got it all covered. Read the Lonely Planet desciption of Melbourne if you like; http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/places ....and they have a summary like that of almost every single square foot of the globe.
It's Winter here, so the weather has been fairly cold most of the time with showers every now and then, and sometimes sunshine. Looking at the bright side of the rain - it makes me feel at home. I suppose the most significant difference I've noticed when comparing this city from London, is the people; Its sounds cliche but on a whole I really think the people here are happier than those in London. In London there's always a sense of needing to prove yourself, feeling like everyone is judging. I've noticed that on a night out here, you're more likely to start talking to random people whereas in London everyone sticks inside their group. The culture of a city depends on it's residents; I suppose here, a large percentage of the population are travellers, so obviously more inclined to socialise with new people. In London I suppose the majority of people are there to establish their careers, which includes networking with the right people - completely different mindset overall. I do love London, and I do miss my special friends there, but I know it's just not the right place for me, right now. One day, maybe I'll go back, but for now, i'm on a worldy mission.
Some photos (that I stole from Google) of Melbourne and other parts of Australia:
There really is something for everyone here.
I'm excited to explore some more.
Tuesday 12 June 2012
Diligence
Diligence: one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (integrity).
The vice of Sloth: one of the Seven Deadly Sins
It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (integrity).
The vice of Sloth: one of the Seven Deadly Sins
It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Curiosity
"Children are remarkable for their intelligence and ardor, for their curiosity, their intolerance of shams, the clarity and ruthlessness of their vision."
Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley
English writer, humanist, pacifist and satirist.
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"Better than a face-lift, to stay young we need to be permanently in a state of intellectual curiosity."
Salvador Paniker
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"Better than a face-lift, to stay young we need to be permanently in a state of intellectual curiosity."
Salvador Paniker
Spanish philosopher and writer, and also president of Spain's Right To Die With Dignity group - promoting Euthanasia.
Better than oxygen
We can be richer than industry, as long as we know that there's things that we don't really need.
I wanna hold up my head with dignity, proud of a life where to give means more than to take.
Thursday 7 June 2012
This is colossal
Stumbled upon these incredible carved book landscapes by Guy Laramee.
"So I carve landscapes out of books and I paint Romantic landscapes. Mountains of disused knowledge return to what they really are: mountains. They erode a bit more and they become hills. Then they flatten and become fields where apparently nothing is happening. Piles of obsolete encyclopedias return to that which does not need to say anything, that which simply IS. Fogs and clouds erase everything we know, everything we think we are."
check it; www.thisiscolossal.com
"So I carve landscapes out of books and I paint Romantic landscapes. Mountains of disused knowledge return to what they really are: mountains. They erode a bit more and they become hills. Then they flatten and become fields where apparently nothing is happening. Piles of obsolete encyclopedias return to that which does not need to say anything, that which simply IS. Fogs and clouds erase everything we know, everything we think we are."
check it; www.thisiscolossal.com
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