Luxuries Like Boredom

We are a society that is perpetually disappointed. Where is the city of tomorrow? Why can't we make clean energy a reality? How is it we still die of cancer? What's the deal with airline food? We deserve more!

Yet we are the animals that just killed the last rhinos in Mozambique, because we believe their horns hold some magical, bullshit property. We are a species polarized by emotional tenets that are far too absolute to have any intellectual merit. We look to celebrities and ideological apostles for meaning, even when they prove over and over that they lack the knowledge and moral backbone to warrant that attention. We believe in magic and gods and monsters under our beds.

Does that really sound like a species that will be shooting into the stars to claim their destiny any time soon? Should you be shocked that the world is so fucked up? I certainly don't think so. 

Humanity has little reason to expect so much from this world, as it tears it apart and consumes it. What does the average American do to earn the incredible technology of a cellphone or laptop? What have I done that should allow me to be dismissive of the astounding social and scientific advances that enable our collective boredom and apathy? That apathy is a privilege. It is an amenity in a world that would have once gobbled up such feeble and assuming fools. 

I don't believe that any God or divine force put me on this planet. I don't have cause to put faith in the supernatural. But I absolutely appreciate the sliver of time I have, placed into a fascinating world that deserves our adoration and wonder. (Also occasional abhorrence.) ...But this world certainly doesn't warrant apathy and boredom. That's just fucking negligent. 

I am not satisfied. I am not enlightened or even particularly wise. But I am not bored.

A Portrait for Our Mom

There aren't a lot of good pictures of my brother and me, especially together. My mom asked us for a nice photo. Being the loving and loyal children that we are, we took some time to take a really nice photo together. Then we took a bunch more. I call it a success. My mom, being a cool lady, has this hanging above the fireplace now.

Here are a few photos from a very silly evening in front of a lovely blue backdrop... which I am now the proud owner of. Anybody want to buy a backdrop?

Respectfully Disagree

Living in Boulder has been refreshing in a lot of respects. It is nice to be around people who are open-minded, motivated and who care about the environment. It is a lovely city with an interesting culture. People are generally friendly. I like Boulder.

However, there is one thing that bothers me in this nice little town rife with well-meaning pseudo-hippies: People think that everyone should be allowed to believe whatever they like and no one should criticize anyone, ever. Love, man!

Now, I certainly agree we should be allowed to believe what we like. That statement should just be a basic human right. But I detest the notion that all beliefs should be respected and immune from criticism. It is a stance borne from intellectual cowardice and it is the end of personal growth.

Many of our beliefs are wrong. Every one of us believes some untrue things with utter conviction. You will never realize when you are wrong if you aren't allowed to talk about it. I've learned so much from people who were willing to openly disagree with something I said. I had to reassess the belief. I had to change my mind on things. It might have struck me as annoying or embarrassing at the time, but it was worth it!

Why should religion, sexuality and politics be off the table to discuss with people who might disagree with you? These are some of the most important subjects in our lives. Why would you not question them? Why not welcome a new perspective? To me, discussions on these subjects are fascinating. I have so much to learn and people have such interesting and complex philosophies to share.

We should respect each other when that respect is deserved. We should respect beliefs when they have merit. And we should welcome discussion on the subjects we hold most dear.  Changing your mind is fucking awesome. Having beliefs that are well-founded and logically sound is emotionally satisfying.

I see no value in skirting taboos and spending your life avoiding any real self-reflection.