If, in a referendum, the majority vote that 2+2=5 this does no make 5 the correct answer.
Inspired by Socrates’s reply to Melesias in “Laches, or Courage” by Plato
Are the majority always right?
philosophy
Shattered Glass and Blind Belief
What happens when blind belief is surrendered?
“Having once surrendered blind belief, it is impossible to return to it, for the essence of such belief is to be unconscious of itself. As soon as this unconsciousness ceases it is shattered like a glass whose fragments can not be again reunited except by being cast again into the furnace and refashioned.”
Abu Hgamid min al-Ghazali 1058-1111CE Please scroll down
Also: Is it ok to be disillusioned? Click here
The Path to the Sacred
There is a sacred path deep in the forests of Southern Africa. It leads to an ancient river. The path is sacred because if you are privileged to walk along it and pause a while you sense there is a reality way beyond what your limited senses can even remotely imagine. Suddenly you ask: Where else have I felt like this? The memories come flooding in: The ancient granite Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe; a deserted cove in Corfu; the Redwoods in California; the grove at the top of Alta Plaza in San Francisco. Connections. Connections. Connections. Connections to the great beyond. Please scroll down.
Below is a small song with words that I have written as a tribute to the Sacred Path. I have also played it for you.
The Path to the Sacred
The path to the sacred Is calling me home The path to the sacred Where worlds become one I answer the call A door opens wide My friends are there waiting There's no more divide John Bartels - December 2021 The sheet music is on page 2 Page 2 Sheet Music for "The Sacred Path"
The Dangers of being too Agreeable
Grave dangers await people who are too agreeable. One danger is that in negotiations they will end up arguing the opponent’s case better than their own. Another danger is that agreeable people may be tempted to pursue “Peace at all costs”. This can end with those agreeable people paying most of the costs. Not a good outcome!
How to Handle Anxiety
Your anxiety may stem from not having enough information about what is worrying you.
So, next time you are very anxious about something, make a conscious decision to stop worrying and instead concentrate on finding out more information.
As my late grandfather apparently used to say: “The greatest tragedies exist in the imagination”.
Reading and Digestion
The next time you read something, consider Edmund Burke’s observation:
‘To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.’
The Serpent and the Dove
Jesus advised His team:”Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” KJV
Why is this very wise advice? Have a look at a good Bible Commentary on Matthew 10:16
Which way are we running? What are we running away from? Are we brave enough to go where the truth leads?
Why is our level of training important?
In a crisis we depend on the level of training we have mastered. Ask a sailor.
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Good Manners and Forks
Good manners is much more than knowing what fork to use. Good manners is listening to the other person and showing them respect.
Based on a comment during an interview with George Will
johnbartels.com 