Good manners, consideration of each other, humor actually create the world for us as we want it to be.
I know from experience and the history of art that all sorts of emotions and expressions have value. So, from time to time, I guess I will pay attention to books about zombies and vampires. Dystopian movies about a dirty, savage, aggressive, ugly, cruel society on its way to getting worse may get an occasional look from me. But in general, I am too impatient for the good stuff, for happiness, brightness, cheer, fun, merriment, humor and their many lovely cousins, to give any of my declining days over to pessimism, doubt and fear.
This blog is called "Fear, fun and filoz" because our basic wiring usually shoots emotions into us in that order: first the fears and dangers that we need to be on the alert for, in order that we don't accidentally bleed to death or slip off that cliff. Then, fun and laughter, which buoy us up, brighten our days and remind us of what an amazing thing we are, what a miracle it is to be alive. Finally, 'filoz' (philosophy) for observation, tasting and consideration of the similarities and differences between the two states of "watch out!" and "how delicious", and how to get from one to the other.
Socrates, the Greeks in general and thoughtful (and yes, older) people in all societies and civilizations realize there basic observation, comparison, pondering and questioning, basic philosophic activity both enriches human life and leads to new sources of wonder and gratitude. So, up to a point, examination of our lives, from the astonishing way we became embryos to the surprisingly high number of beats one human heart can complete before it wears out, thinking alone also enriches, empowers and fascinates.
When you enter a marketplace or a modern store, the people inside are often friendly and welcoming. However, they are generally unprepared for deep and wide-ranging conversations. But, when you enter a library or the online equivalent of the Amazon.com or Google Books website, you find millions of sources of human ingenuity and expression just waiting to be shared. It is certainly true that not every conversation, in person or in print, is helpful but there are always new sources to help us increase our tolerance and appreciation, learn new jokes and love better.
Zen-type practice of sitting meditation for 10 minutes a day helps me see that we cycle between the states of alarm, pleasure and thought all our waking hours. I realize that all three states are necessary and will continue but I will stay on my quest to increase the pleasant and the insightful while trimming the alarm.
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Bill
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
Main web site: Kirbyvariety
