Two thoughts, related only in that you touched on subjects that brought them to my mind.
" ... an incurious lot ... "
Upwards of 30 years ago -- I believe I was still working on my MA, so just the far side of 30 years -- I went to a party with a good friend and native Chicagoan. Let's call him "Tom." I've no idea how it came up in conversation, but I mentioned to Tom how reluctant I was to talk about what I did, by which I mean that I studied philosophy. The typical reaction of revulsion, the curled upper lip, the "why would you do that" sneer. Tom snorted and dismissed my reluctance as silly paranoia.
Later that evening, the question actually did come up, and I responded honestly. The woman asking the question was the living caricature of the response: the curled upper lip, the sneering voice. She literally said, "why would you do that?" Though it was not, of course, an actual question, I nevertheless responded with a calmness and gentility that I have long since outgrown. Tom was there, witnessing the entire event. On our way out, he apologized to me. (I'm too old now to waste time on patience. My response these days would likely leave the person wishing I'd merely doused them with gasoline, lit them on fire, then pissed on them to put out the flames.)
The other thought, about what it means to be an American, reminds me that I must and will admit that I am a patriot. I have, unlike many who would pin that label on their shirt, actually served my country in uniform. (And my right hand to any goD you do or do not believe in, if you say "thank you for your service," I will fucking hunt you down and force you to suffer my company through dinner, at least. Many veterans do not, in point of fact, appreciate being told that. It is simultaneously too little and too much. We didn't do it for you.)
But I am a patriot. I consider myself still bound by the oath I took. I carry a copy of the Declaration and the Constitution with me whenever I leave the house. The past few years have been very difficult for me.
Every time I think you couldn't possibly write something that speaks to me more truthfully, you disabuse me of that belief. "I'm too old now to waste time on patience. My response these days would likely leave the person wishing I'd merely doused them with gasoline, lit them on fire, then pissed on them to put out the flames" is EXACTLY how I feel now that I'm fifty, and like you, I find that I am too old to waste time on patience. Where did it go? I used to be so kind and understanding. But these days, it seems, I don't have enough time to suffer fools.
I have long been described as someone who "does not suffer fools gladly," this from a friend 30 years ago. I've got 15 years on you, and I have NOT mellowed with age.
Well, it is pretty tricky to pursue via email as well. Trying to think of an introductory text that doesn't suck and, uh, yeah ... I got nuthin'. One way to at least start thinking about it is about how philosophy stands in relation to other forms of inquiry. Thus:
-- A scientist is someone who engages in inquiry to discover new facts
-- An engineer is someone who engages in inquiry to discover new applications for known facts.
-- A technician is someone who engages in inquiry to maintain known applications.
Notice how philosophy is nowhere among the above. This is because all of the above are rooted in facts. Philosophy, on the other hand, is rooted in meanings:
-- A philosopher is someone who engages in inquiry in order to discover new meanings, and fully understand old ones. (Alternatively, philosophy can be described as "inquiry into inquiry.")
This is not the characterization you will find in most books. For one, many books will present a "definition," which is just stupid, since the penumbra of thoughts and ideas that surrounds and suffuses philosophical inquiry scarcely permits of anything that is genuinely *definite.*
For me, it's a trip to the Oregon Coast. My two favorite places are Manzanita and Oceanside, but it can be just about anywhere I can watch the waves hitting the beach. I can sit for hours and lose myself in the waves. I get lost in the realization that the waves are washing up in the same way they were thousands of years ago and that they will be thousands of years from now, assuming we and future generations don't thoroughly screw the pooch.
There's something about the motion and the sound that grounds me. I feel very small and yet part of it. I realize I'm but one small part of the world, but that I do have a part in it, and that no matter what happens the ocean will be here waiting for me when I return.
I grew up in a landlocked state- Minnesota- and I didn't see the ocean until I was 23, but when I did I felt the kinship instantly. It's stayed with me ever since.
What fascinates me is how we ALL have the same experience watching waves. All of us, even the least sensitive or articulate. I wish I had the words to explain it.
You ARE visual (hence your love of mid-century everything!). And who knows? A coffee table book could be in the offing. What's so remarkable about John's photographs is that he's working with a cracked-screen, five-year-old Honor Lite cellphone.
Those who care and, as consequence suffer, seek solace in something greater than themselves; night skies, fields of glorious sunflowers, majestic mountains, oceans, rivers, streams, quiet forests - nature.
There's a purity in Nature that is in nothing else. We come away recharged and yet calmed.
"Those who care and, as consequence suffer, seek solace in something greater than themselves." Damn, Terrie, if I could squeeze all that on a T-shirt, I would totally do it. I love every word of what your wrote. Truth, truth, and more truth.
I hadn’t really thought about how painful it is that no one back home really cares why I chose to live in Italy, especially when Italians ask me that question on a daily basis…but I think I have an idea. My emancipation from the narrow tunnel vision of America threatens their values, and that’s really the scariest thing you can do to someone. It’s much safer to ignore the expats (or any Other) rather than wonder what else in the world you might be missing out on. That’s my guess, anyhow. 🤷🏼♀️
“Threaten their values” is just spot-on. You have always had such a gift for laying the hammer on the nail. Many Americans simply don’t understand. They have no frame of reference or even curiosity, so that’s that.
Well said! This idea of no party affiliation has crossed my mind as well. I feel it would definitely make the voter more engaged to educate themselves of who’s shoveling shit, or who planting sunflowers. There’s no doubt the Republican’s only platform is to own the Libs. They’ve done a brilliant job of rounding up the sheep, sheering away their common sense, and exposing their pignorance. There’s no beauty in that field, but an angry flock of rabid and hungry animals waiting to be fed a smorgasbord of red meat. Sadly, the lack of accountability and truth will lead us all to slaughter. To question, criticize and push back against the atrocities of the status quo is about the most patriotic one can be! When the wolves are guarding the hen house, it’s everyone’s patriotic duty to fight for your rights and an even playing field with forty acres and a mule. “What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.” A quote from some artist on a painting I have, just signed Addison. Probably a caring and crazy liberal!
I LOVE that quote! Wish you were here so we could discuss in greater detail the possible ramifications of eliminating party. I'm cynical enough to believe the red meat dog whistles would just get more blatant. Or that people are too lazy to actually do the research. Or too tired. A lot of it is just pure exhaustion.
Your cynicism is probably spot on, it has become exhausting. With 24/7 talking heads belching from their perspective corners, sadly it’s become a spectator sport about serious issues. One election cycle passes, and the next day they’re already juxtaposing the next match ups. It’s overkill! I too would love a face to face convo. I’ve also got a tchotchke in the garden that reads “Earth Laughs in Flowers.” Ironically it’s a sunflower! That was Dionne’s favorite. ❤️
Sunflowers are indeed stunning and your photos are wonderful. There's a big field of sunflowers just outside of Yellow Springs, Ohio (home to Antioch College), that I stop by and visit every year.
Well, they are waiting for you when you return. July-first week in August. It's important to know these things ;-) Italy will welcome you with open arms.
Two thoughts, related only in that you touched on subjects that brought them to my mind.
" ... an incurious lot ... "
Upwards of 30 years ago -- I believe I was still working on my MA, so just the far side of 30 years -- I went to a party with a good friend and native Chicagoan. Let's call him "Tom." I've no idea how it came up in conversation, but I mentioned to Tom how reluctant I was to talk about what I did, by which I mean that I studied philosophy. The typical reaction of revulsion, the curled upper lip, the "why would you do that" sneer. Tom snorted and dismissed my reluctance as silly paranoia.
Later that evening, the question actually did come up, and I responded honestly. The woman asking the question was the living caricature of the response: the curled upper lip, the sneering voice. She literally said, "why would you do that?" Though it was not, of course, an actual question, I nevertheless responded with a calmness and gentility that I have long since outgrown. Tom was there, witnessing the entire event. On our way out, he apologized to me. (I'm too old now to waste time on patience. My response these days would likely leave the person wishing I'd merely doused them with gasoline, lit them on fire, then pissed on them to put out the flames.)
The other thought, about what it means to be an American, reminds me that I must and will admit that I am a patriot. I have, unlike many who would pin that label on their shirt, actually served my country in uniform. (And my right hand to any goD you do or do not believe in, if you say "thank you for your service," I will fucking hunt you down and force you to suffer my company through dinner, at least. Many veterans do not, in point of fact, appreciate being told that. It is simultaneously too little and too much. We didn't do it for you.)
But I am a patriot. I consider myself still bound by the oath I took. I carry a copy of the Declaration and the Constitution with me whenever I leave the house. The past few years have been very difficult for me.
Every time I think you couldn't possibly write something that speaks to me more truthfully, you disabuse me of that belief. "I'm too old now to waste time on patience. My response these days would likely leave the person wishing I'd merely doused them with gasoline, lit them on fire, then pissed on them to put out the flames" is EXACTLY how I feel now that I'm fifty, and like you, I find that I am too old to waste time on patience. Where did it go? I used to be so kind and understanding. But these days, it seems, I don't have enough time to suffer fools.
I love (and feel) your story.
I have long been described as someone who "does not suffer fools gladly," this from a friend 30 years ago. I've got 15 years on you, and I have NOT mellowed with age.
I too have less patience to suffer fools. But I would LOVE to sit down with you and learn more about philosophy! (which is hard to do on my own).
Well, it is pretty tricky to pursue via email as well. Trying to think of an introductory text that doesn't suck and, uh, yeah ... I got nuthin'. One way to at least start thinking about it is about how philosophy stands in relation to other forms of inquiry. Thus:
-- A scientist is someone who engages in inquiry to discover new facts
-- An engineer is someone who engages in inquiry to discover new applications for known facts.
-- A technician is someone who engages in inquiry to maintain known applications.
Notice how philosophy is nowhere among the above. This is because all of the above are rooted in facts. Philosophy, on the other hand, is rooted in meanings:
-- A philosopher is someone who engages in inquiry in order to discover new meanings, and fully understand old ones. (Alternatively, philosophy can be described as "inquiry into inquiry.")
This is not the characterization you will find in most books. For one, many books will present a "definition," which is just stupid, since the penumbra of thoughts and ideas that surrounds and suffuses philosophical inquiry scarcely permits of anything that is genuinely *definite.*
You can find more of my musings at my blog: https://garyherstein.com/
"A philosopher is someone who engages in inquiry in order to discover new meanings, and fully understand old ones"
LOVE IT!!!!
This reasonates deeply!
For me, it's a trip to the Oregon Coast. My two favorite places are Manzanita and Oceanside, but it can be just about anywhere I can watch the waves hitting the beach. I can sit for hours and lose myself in the waves. I get lost in the realization that the waves are washing up in the same way they were thousands of years ago and that they will be thousands of years from now, assuming we and future generations don't thoroughly screw the pooch.
There's something about the motion and the sound that grounds me. I feel very small and yet part of it. I realize I'm but one small part of the world, but that I do have a part in it, and that no matter what happens the ocean will be here waiting for me when I return.
I grew up in a landlocked state- Minnesota- and I didn't see the ocean until I was 23, but when I did I felt the kinship instantly. It's stayed with me ever since.
What fascinates me is how we ALL have the same experience watching waves. All of us, even the least sensitive or articulate. I wish I had the words to explain it.
We DO have one of the most gorgeous coastline & beaches!
Great article & photography! I’m so visual, Stacey. Between you and John, I would love a coffee table book with your photos and stories. 🌻
You ARE visual (hence your love of mid-century everything!). And who knows? A coffee table book could be in the offing. What's so remarkable about John's photographs is that he's working with a cracked-screen, five-year-old Honor Lite cellphone.
John has developed the fine art of Kintsugi. Making something beautiful with something that is broken. ;)
Those who care and, as consequence suffer, seek solace in something greater than themselves; night skies, fields of glorious sunflowers, majestic mountains, oceans, rivers, streams, quiet forests - nature.
There's a purity in Nature that is in nothing else. We come away recharged and yet calmed.
"Those who care and, as consequence suffer, seek solace in something greater than themselves." Damn, Terrie, if I could squeeze all that on a T-shirt, I would totally do it. I love every word of what your wrote. Truth, truth, and more truth.
So beautiful. (Your words, and the pictures.)
I can't wait for you to feast your eyes on all of it!
I hadn’t really thought about how painful it is that no one back home really cares why I chose to live in Italy, especially when Italians ask me that question on a daily basis…but I think I have an idea. My emancipation from the narrow tunnel vision of America threatens their values, and that’s really the scariest thing you can do to someone. It’s much safer to ignore the expats (or any Other) rather than wonder what else in the world you might be missing out on. That’s my guess, anyhow. 🤷🏼♀️
“Threaten their values” is just spot-on. You have always had such a gift for laying the hammer on the nail. Many Americans simply don’t understand. They have no frame of reference or even curiosity, so that’s that.
Well said! This idea of no party affiliation has crossed my mind as well. I feel it would definitely make the voter more engaged to educate themselves of who’s shoveling shit, or who planting sunflowers. There’s no doubt the Republican’s only platform is to own the Libs. They’ve done a brilliant job of rounding up the sheep, sheering away their common sense, and exposing their pignorance. There’s no beauty in that field, but an angry flock of rabid and hungry animals waiting to be fed a smorgasbord of red meat. Sadly, the lack of accountability and truth will lead us all to slaughter. To question, criticize and push back against the atrocities of the status quo is about the most patriotic one can be! When the wolves are guarding the hen house, it’s everyone’s patriotic duty to fight for your rights and an even playing field with forty acres and a mule. “What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.” A quote from some artist on a painting I have, just signed Addison. Probably a caring and crazy liberal!
I LOVE that quote! Wish you were here so we could discuss in greater detail the possible ramifications of eliminating party. I'm cynical enough to believe the red meat dog whistles would just get more blatant. Or that people are too lazy to actually do the research. Or too tired. A lot of it is just pure exhaustion.
Your cynicism is probably spot on, it has become exhausting. With 24/7 talking heads belching from their perspective corners, sadly it’s become a spectator sport about serious issues. One election cycle passes, and the next day they’re already juxtaposing the next match ups. It’s overkill! I too would love a face to face convo. I’ve also got a tchotchke in the garden that reads “Earth Laughs in Flowers.” Ironically it’s a sunflower! That was Dionne’s favorite. ❤️
Sunflowers are indeed stunning and your photos are wonderful. There's a big field of sunflowers just outside of Yellow Springs, Ohio (home to Antioch College), that I stop by and visit every year.
Ooooooooh! I can only imagine what that must look like. America has all this arable land, you see. Wide open spaces. How lovely!
It is a lovely sight…
What a beautiful story. I missed the flowers in Umbria when I was there.
Well, they are waiting for you when you return. July-first week in August. It's important to know these things ;-) Italy will welcome you with open arms.