As I Move Forward

In psychology, curiosity falls under the category of wisdom. It is associated with openness to new solutions, a reduced fear of the unknown, and overall life satisfaction.Types of Curiosity: Psychologists often break it down further. Epistemic curiosity is the formal, conscious desire to acquire new knowledge (like studying a new subject), while perceptual curiosity is the sensory-driven drive to explore the world around you.

Integrity is the quality of possessing strong moral principles and consistently acting with honesty, regardless of whether anyone is watching. Rooted in the Latin word integer (meaning whole), it represents the alignment between your internal values and your outward actions, as well as the completeness of your character. Derived from its root word, integrity also describes a state of being complete and undivided. For example, it can refer to the structural soundness of physical objects (e.g., a bridge) or the intactness of cultural heritage sites.

My life is guided by these principles. Neither Saint nor Villan, I go about my day to day life energized by both. 

A Villain to Some

 

It struck me today that to some people I am a villain in their story. To others I am a good guy. To me I am who I am, and seem neither good nor bad. 

Yogi Ram Suratkumar has been quoted saying something similar. Do what you are led in good conscience¹ to do, there are always critics!

When I know I have behaved poorly I apologise and try to make up for any loss. Otherwise, when communication and explanation fail, I must accept the outcome. Integrity, to me, is more important than being liked. 

And so it goes.

I have explored much in life with a curiosity to delve with passion and attentiveness into what many consider sacred and profane. My bio here pretty much covers it. Technology, religion, sexuality, parenthood and more have been a focus at various times. Some have accompanied me along the way. Few remain connected. Integrity is the key.

When it's over it's over! And then I've always found something else to be curious about by staying alert and having patience. 

¹To act or speak in good conscience means to do so based on strong moral or ethical principles, without feeling any guilt or doubt. When you do something "in good conscience," you believe it is genuinely the right thing to do and that you are not compromising your integrity.

AI Dumbing Down

 

Problem solving, such as writing essays or correcting a map, isn’t supposed to be easy, and of course it can be tedious. It isn’t just the production of solutions – it’s the training of endurance by way of sustained attention. 

It’s a way of learning what one thinks by attempting to say it. An AI or LLM can reproduce the appearance of that activity, but it can’t replace it, because the value lies not only in the object produced but in the transformation that occurs in us during its making.

To do so we must look inward, and as we do we are transformed. The world around us we are accepting as 'Reality' is an outward manifestation of our inner reality. And we are accepting a reality that is more and more and illusion created by those least qualified to create a noble world. That's my humble opinion. Take a critical look at those creating content. Are they what we want to be? Are they the expression of our values, our thoughts and our relationships?

Asking the critical question, 'Why do I accept this?' is one key element in regaining our sense of what it is to be truly human. Is there a need to be more than human? Why?

Why Not Act Your Age?

American Baby-Boomers are perhaps the most death-denying generation in human history.We grew up in a post-war boom that probably will never see an equal. It gave us a feeling of superiority, invincibility and immortality. It was, in a sense, a Disneyland idea that life was always going to get better. It just was inconceivable that we would die so we’re trying to lie, cheat and steal our way. Septuagenarian marathons, face fillers and surgery and reinforced denial are some examples. And part of the situation arises with the contempt of younger people and social isolation of the aging.

It's not like that around the world. Traditional Asian cultures, for example, are inclined to venerate the elderly for their decades of acquired insight and wisdom. The U.S., a younger country with an equally young ethos, does not show the same respect. In fact, I have been ignored in social gatherings by my children and a strong message was that I would be taken care of as long as I could "pull my own weight." Can I trust them with my well-being with that attitude when I really decline?

My approach isn't to look for the life everlasting, or confront the bleakness of the universe, or hide from the realities of my body. It is to cultivate the same attitude I have relied on for almost 50 years; Curiosity. In overcoming personal difficulties I sought an inner peace, in physical problems Yoga Insight, and with relationships there were therapists to help investigate. I am convinced that my seeing clearly by looking at what is, not what I or others want, is crucial to a content old age. Damned exciting stuff!

I shun those around me who dispense ready platitudes and bromides about my not being old. Oddly they can be of any age. It seems obvious to me that it is they who are uncomfortable and would like me to not really be me but the forever young version they prefer in front of them. I am what I am. And I can deal with it. Save your well meaning phrases, please.

As I enter my 80th year I'm feeling a pull back from the very physical and active life I've been leading up to this past year. I'm fortunate to have been able to do it all. This year I'm cutting back on exercise, long bicycle touring and late nights. We'll see how driving a car and my motorcycle go this summer. International travel has been getting more difficult. The anxiety and uncertainty of changing visa regulations, international conflicts, airport checks and uncertain foreign exchange markets are big factors in enjoying myself while traveling.

I'll just have to see how things turn out.