In Genesis, the first humans are instructed to be fruitful and multiply. Given that the human population now exceeds seven billion individuals, one could assume humans took that instruction to heart. Along the way, the transition from hunter gathers, where the population was constantly on the move, to an agrarian society where everyone stays … Continue reading Biological Imperative
Category: Psychology
War of Words
For centuries, those attempting to manipulate the public conscience have understood that appealing to emotions or instincts is far more effective than appealing to intellect. The advertising industry makes a fortune each year manipulating the audience's emotions to sell everything from coffee and toothpaste, to candidates for all levels of public office. In his review … Continue reading War of Words
Free Will
A central tenet at the heart of many philosophies and religions is the notion of free will and how much it guides our daily existence. Are we free to choose our own course in life, or have our lives been written ahead of time by some unseen heavenly entity and we are merely following … Continue reading Free Will
Dunkirk Estates
Howard stares out his upstairs window at his neighbor, Zack, washing his car. Zack is at least sixty-five or seventy, Howard guesses, since all he knows about Zack is that he's retired, and is wearing no shirt as he applies wax to the car's exterior and buffs it. Howard shakes his head as he … Continue reading Dunkirk Estates
Dreams and Less (New Graphic and Revised Text)
The sun goes down, worlds darken. Deep within another tainted dream I wander, alone, with just myself as companion. Dusty hallways fade in light. Eerie screams pierce tortured silence, leaving scattered bits of broken dreams, just memories.
Strange Bedfellows: Politics in Post-Rational America
Part of the trouble with our current system of governance is that it takes so long and costs so much to gain and retain office, that only someone comfortably wealthy or in the pocket of wealthy business interests can afford to run. Factored into the equation is the tremendous amount of scrutiny most public figures, … Continue reading Strange Bedfellows: Politics in Post-Rational America
Not a Love Song: The Tragedy of Juliet
Shakespeare's best known tragedy is the story of two star-crossed lovers, who, in death, end their families' conflict. Despite being hailed as a great romance, Romeo and Juliet is, in no way, a love story, but very much about individual responsibility and the consequences of making decisions in the heat of passion. Romeo is very … Continue reading Not a Love Song: The Tragedy of Juliet
Failing, to Succeed
I have a saying, "Hank Aaron didn't hit a home run every time." It's my way of reminding myself that for every success, there are a thousand less than perfect outcomes. In fact, failure is much more common than success. The term "trial and error" best sums up the practice of implementing a strategy, observing … Continue reading Failing, to Succeed
Minds of Their Own
Many years ago, when I was in high school, I saw a film talking about Ibsen's A Doll's House, which contained a quote from Ibsen on why Nora leaves at the end. While I don't recall the exact quote, he essentially said that once he knew the character, he knew leaving was her only course … Continue reading Minds of Their Own
Freedom and Consequence Now Available for Kindle
Freedom and Consequence is now available in Kindle format! Fifteen stories about people facing difficult choices or dealing with the consequences of choices made. Just as every action has a reaction, every decision has a consequence. How will these people deal with those consequences. Available in paperback, Kindle, and as a Kindle Matchbook selection!