It is not in our nature to be so accepting of change and new ideas. In many ways, being too open to everything can leave one vulnerable and easy to manipulate. Stubbornness can be viewed as a relatively short-term defense mechanism but that by no means justifies it, just as resorting to physical violence before diplomacy is also not justified. That's why I feel so strongly about the way that we should carry out discourse in our society. Why are certain things such taboos when they should seriously be discussed rationally, openly and objectively? I believe it is unethical to to bring up a serious topic that affects our society and specific groups within societies without having an open mind. If one is predetermined to stand his/her ground without any intention of critically analyzing and possibly being persuaded then that person has no business being in any part of the discussion.
The reason I bring this up is because for the past couple of years I have been studying international politics and business more than I ever had before. I have also been involved with the international business world and have observed a plethora of different views, backgrounds and opinions on everything from culture, history and art to business, politics and religion. These experiences in the last couple of years have greatly changed my view of the world and also greatly changed many of my opinions that I once held so strongly. Just to put my point into more real terms, I'll give an example of what I mean.
Religion: What is it? What does it mean to me? Why do I have it in my life? If I am going to base my life around a core belief then I should certainly make sure it is sound and that I can agree with every bit of it, certainly. Any compromise would surely be unacceptable. When I was a child I was indoctrinated in religion, which meant that I pretty much had no choice other than to be a part of the same church and belief system as my parents. And this also means that even though I could decide to be religious or not, I had no knowledge of such options in my youth. Indoctrination is total envelopment; family, friends, community, everyone I knew was religious. But that certainly doesn't affirm validity. Now, having been indoctrinated, was I able to listen to information that might contradict my infused worldview? If I hold the Bible to be the word of God, could I embrace the nice parts and ignore the deplorable parts? I had battled with this dilemma for many years. Actually, ever since I heard the story of Noah's flood I was conflicted. As a young child I argued with myself over and over about how God could be a perfect and loving God yet still consider his own creation to be wicked and resort to global genocide as the best option. Also, in the old testament, rape and murder over harmless "crimes" are not only condoned but mandated. Some stories of mandated slaughter of entire races of people and are told as children's stories. And if we relate these kinds of things to modern day, they would be considered some of the greatest atrocities of all time but since they were in the Bible and performed by the Jews as commanded by God then they are stories of glorious victory. Imagine a church group coming to Taiwan and slaughtering all of the Buddhists and destroying their temples just because they didn't believe in our God. That is what I can't reconcile and so I must be morally honest with myself and drop such a sadistic endorsement.
Now, on the other hand, some might say that the New Testament changes everything. I do believe that Jesus did state that what was said in the Old Testament should still stand, which would be reasonable considering that the Old Testament wasn't thrown out after the second installment. Nevertheless, I was often troubled with the rigid black and white of salvation offered by Christ. Because salvation requires faith, that would mean that salvation requires a suspension of reason. If I want to reasonably conclude whether the historical facts in the Bible are true or not then I would and have honestly concluded most of them to be false. Most historical facts in the Bible absolutely do not match up with actual history. So then, by making this reasonable conclusion I am inevitably damned no matter what kind of a good and otherwise ethical person I might be. Whereas someone of lesser virtue but stronger faith might find salvation by way of either ignorance or shear stupidity. I also cannot reconcile this fatal flaw in such a simple system.
Since I believe it is better to be an ethical person, a loving person and someone who holds the virtues of equality and justness in high regard rather than to be a person of great religious faith then I cannot reconcile the two if that faith requires me to act against those virtues. This is called an objective world view and it means that I don't presume anything. Those virtues were taught, learned and what I consider to be ultimately and universally good.
Hopefully my point is clear enough in that example so that the same process could be reapplied to other examples of taboo issues of our modern day. It is incredibly important that we honestly analyze how our conclusions are made. The happiness and well being of real people are at stake and that is something that we must take very seriously. If one decides to unjustly consider it an abomination or something hideous and unnatural for two men or two women to get married and raise a family together then that person must seriously understand why his/her claims are so strongly believed before ruining the chance for such great happiness in those people's lives. Especially when homosexuality is just as much of an abnormality in nature as my unusual height. To assume otherwise is to be ignorant to scientific fact which, as far as I am concerned, should eject such a person from any serious conversation on the matter. Being strong in your convictions is a good thing as long as your convictions stand for something good and we should be constantly analyzing that key aspect of our convictions, is it true and good? If you can honestly conclude that it holds up, then great! If not then you should have the courage to drop it. I was very scared to drop my virtue of faith because I was constantly reminded of the consequences for my whole life. But when it doesn't hold up then I have to let go, anything less would be dishonest and I cannot live with that. Surely, if I'm wrong then at least a truly loving and all knowing God would understand my true intentions and not punish me for bold honesty in the face of rejection and possible hatred by my peers.
What is objectively good in this world? Well being for all creatures and everything in nature that sustains us, peace and cohabitation with mutual and cooperative progression amongst all humans working together? Or further conflict and oppression based on ancient teachings from people with an extremely limited understanding of the world in which they lived? Objectivity and opendmindedness will lead to peace and progress much faster than the stubborn nature that is found in a subjective world view. Saying things like, "I'm a republican so I'm going to vote for him" gets us nowhere. True change takes courage and if you want to ignore the necessity for change and objectivity then you're only being a part of the problem.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Finding Motivation
Recently it has been hard to find motivation to keep working hard on reaching my goals. I was at an appointment with a client the other day and I had a sudden and overwhelming desire to just drop everything and move back home. I was feeling sick and exhausted and most of all, just hopeless. We usually have to suppress that little voice inside that says, "you're going to fail, you have no chance and the risk is too big." The whole day I had been listening to that voice and it was really starting to get to me.
So, what do we need to regain our motivation in situations like this? I think it's important to rediscover what inspires us to accomplish our goals and to remember what our goals are. I made a plan and a commitment to do my best to change the world for the better and to do it in the best way that I know how. So, if I give up then I'm not only giving up on myself but I'm also giving up on all the people that I'm committed to helping. I would be letting down my family and community. I would be letting all that inspiration that I gained from all of the amazing people who have inspired me over the years go to waste. Even if it seems hopeless, I've got to at least give it my best effort because if I don't then I'll always regret it. And, on top of that, I'll have wasted one of the most rare and precious forms of second chances.
I realize that not everyone has such a grandiose view on the importance of our time on this little, blue marble. Most people are perfectly content with living adequately, perhaps even mundanely. I think that in many ways, this kind of mentality could bring a lot more happiness and enjoyment out of life. I'm happy for people who can find that kind of happiness and I am a bit green about it too. In many ways, I've given up on trying to find what makes me happy and I just want to focus on improving the world in whatever small way I can while I'm still here. If I happen to find happiness then I guess I would count that as a bonus.
I once worked with a Buddhist monk who told me that happiness comes from selflessness. When you are there for others and love selflessly then happiness and contentment will come along with it. Maybe sometimes I need to refocus on my inspiration rather than my goals in order to find motivation. Ultimately, my goals are in place because I love my family, my friends, my community and my world. I should focus on that inspiration more than on the obstacles, which tend to discourage me and make me depressed. I wish it weren't this way but it is so much easier for me to focus on the evils of this world and the pessimistic world views rather than on the beauty and good things in the world. Pessimism is much more realistic but is not a productive way of thinking. Pessimism holds us back from doing good things and loving selflessly. So, I will try to suppress my pessimism and focus on my inspiration in order to find my motivation. I guess it's the only way I can keep going and avoid giving up.
So, what do we need to regain our motivation in situations like this? I think it's important to rediscover what inspires us to accomplish our goals and to remember what our goals are. I made a plan and a commitment to do my best to change the world for the better and to do it in the best way that I know how. So, if I give up then I'm not only giving up on myself but I'm also giving up on all the people that I'm committed to helping. I would be letting down my family and community. I would be letting all that inspiration that I gained from all of the amazing people who have inspired me over the years go to waste. Even if it seems hopeless, I've got to at least give it my best effort because if I don't then I'll always regret it. And, on top of that, I'll have wasted one of the most rare and precious forms of second chances.
I realize that not everyone has such a grandiose view on the importance of our time on this little, blue marble. Most people are perfectly content with living adequately, perhaps even mundanely. I think that in many ways, this kind of mentality could bring a lot more happiness and enjoyment out of life. I'm happy for people who can find that kind of happiness and I am a bit green about it too. In many ways, I've given up on trying to find what makes me happy and I just want to focus on improving the world in whatever small way I can while I'm still here. If I happen to find happiness then I guess I would count that as a bonus.
I once worked with a Buddhist monk who told me that happiness comes from selflessness. When you are there for others and love selflessly then happiness and contentment will come along with it. Maybe sometimes I need to refocus on my inspiration rather than my goals in order to find motivation. Ultimately, my goals are in place because I love my family, my friends, my community and my world. I should focus on that inspiration more than on the obstacles, which tend to discourage me and make me depressed. I wish it weren't this way but it is so much easier for me to focus on the evils of this world and the pessimistic world views rather than on the beauty and good things in the world. Pessimism is much more realistic but is not a productive way of thinking. Pessimism holds us back from doing good things and loving selflessly. So, I will try to suppress my pessimism and focus on my inspiration in order to find my motivation. I guess it's the only way I can keep going and avoid giving up.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Living In London
Though I didn't live in London for long, it was a really great experience. I haven't seen as much of Europe as I would like but so far London makes me feel more warm and at home than any other European city so far. I feel this way because of my family there. It's so nice taking the tube up to Colindale station, walking up the hill in Brent and being greeted by my aunt and the doggies. The house is warm and comfortable. We drink lots of tea and have lots of fun conversations. My aunt's boyfriend is Irish and he's a really fun guy. He's a bit scary looking cause of his stone-cold look of indifference/determination, but once you get him talking it's hard to get him to say anything besides a joke. My cousin is fun too; we would hangout when he's not working. Sometimes he'd go with me to explore the city but mostly he's a busy guy.
I lived there for less than 3 months but it was just what I needed at the end of my time in Germany. I had already been to London to visit several times, each time having an absolute blast. But this time, I just needed a decompression period. Germany was draining on me mentally. I still did a lot of research and analysis while I was on my "hiatus" but ultimately I needed to take it easy for the sake of my health. It is absolutely imperative that I maintain my stress level due to my condition. So I tried to make the most of my time there because I knew that my transition into Taiwan would be stressful too. I took many walking tours of central London and visited nearly every major museum and historical site, though I had already seen most of them before. Some of my favorite spots I would revisit several times and I took these opportunities to get some good writing done.
I also did some stand-up comedy at a club in Holborn, which isn't too far from Leicester Square. I only did two sets there but that was just what I needed. Actually, I was very lucky to have the opportunity because usually performances are booked for several months in advance. I got myself on stage though and I got invited back the very next week. Doing stand-up is one of my greatest thrills, there's nothing like making a room full of people laugh and applaud while you're standing up there with a mic and lights are glaring down on you. I don't think I've ever felt so cool; wearing a chic turtle neck with a pea-coat and posh, Londoner boots complete with a rugged 5 o'clock shadow and whiskey in hand. Many people at the club thought I was German at first, but I really felt like a Londoner. My first set was gold, it felt awesome! I came out of that club feeling like a million bucks. The other comedians there all had distinct styles, and I think that my style was also pretty distinct from them. Definitely one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
I also had a short relationship with a really sweet girl. It's really too bad that it didn't work out because we had a lot of fun clubbing and going to restaurants and we really got on well. But our life courses just didn't line up and so I'm just thankful for the time that we had and for the opportunity to know such a great person. We had a really romantic walk through Green Park in the rain and we sat at the fountain in front of Buckingham Palace at night, the lights and the rainy mist were beautiful. We headed down towards the Thames where we stopped on a bridge that crossed a small stream in the middle of the park on our way where we saw a brilliant view of the London Eye. As we continued through the park it was dark and misty so I thought it would be the perfect time to tell her a spooky ghost story, which I could finish just as we came out of the park. It was an exciting stroll through the park. When we got closer to the Thames we found a quaint little pub where we met a nice couple who bought us a round. The pubs in Westminster are very nice, quaint and seem to have all of London's most friendly people.
I also had a few outings with my Taiwanese friends there. We mostly went to some nice restaurants and in and out of downtown shops. One day we went to St. Catherine's Pier to pick out some yachts to rent for Chinese New Year. We toured two yachts, one of which was relatively recently rented by Justin Timberlake. Unfortunately I was already in Taiwan by the time my friends enjoyed them but it was really cool to go on the tour and check out these magnificent vessels. St. Catherine's Pier is a really nice place to visit too, lots of nice views, shops and restaurants around there. The Tower of London is right next door as well, which added to classical ambiance of the area . We also had a nice little trip to the Natural History Museum after that. It's hard to decide but I think that the Natural History Museum is my favorite in London. It's not far from Harrods and the area is pleasant even just for a leisurely stroll.
All in all, I love London. It's where I feel most at home in Europe. It inspires me every time I visit and I really love the culture and especially the people. From Camden Market to Piccadilly Circus, there's something for every kind of person. You can go down along the canal in Camden down and get a greasy burrito with Bang Bang Chicken for less than 5 quid or be posh on Oxford Street or at Harrods. In my experience, most people on the tube are friendly too. I might have had some bad experiences in London but, honestly, I can't really remember them because they are drowned out by all of the good ones.
I lived there for less than 3 months but it was just what I needed at the end of my time in Germany. I had already been to London to visit several times, each time having an absolute blast. But this time, I just needed a decompression period. Germany was draining on me mentally. I still did a lot of research and analysis while I was on my "hiatus" but ultimately I needed to take it easy for the sake of my health. It is absolutely imperative that I maintain my stress level due to my condition. So I tried to make the most of my time there because I knew that my transition into Taiwan would be stressful too. I took many walking tours of central London and visited nearly every major museum and historical site, though I had already seen most of them before. Some of my favorite spots I would revisit several times and I took these opportunities to get some good writing done.
I also did some stand-up comedy at a club in Holborn, which isn't too far from Leicester Square. I only did two sets there but that was just what I needed. Actually, I was very lucky to have the opportunity because usually performances are booked for several months in advance. I got myself on stage though and I got invited back the very next week. Doing stand-up is one of my greatest thrills, there's nothing like making a room full of people laugh and applaud while you're standing up there with a mic and lights are glaring down on you. I don't think I've ever felt so cool; wearing a chic turtle neck with a pea-coat and posh, Londoner boots complete with a rugged 5 o'clock shadow and whiskey in hand. Many people at the club thought I was German at first, but I really felt like a Londoner. My first set was gold, it felt awesome! I came out of that club feeling like a million bucks. The other comedians there all had distinct styles, and I think that my style was also pretty distinct from them. Definitely one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
I also had a short relationship with a really sweet girl. It's really too bad that it didn't work out because we had a lot of fun clubbing and going to restaurants and we really got on well. But our life courses just didn't line up and so I'm just thankful for the time that we had and for the opportunity to know such a great person. We had a really romantic walk through Green Park in the rain and we sat at the fountain in front of Buckingham Palace at night, the lights and the rainy mist were beautiful. We headed down towards the Thames where we stopped on a bridge that crossed a small stream in the middle of the park on our way where we saw a brilliant view of the London Eye. As we continued through the park it was dark and misty so I thought it would be the perfect time to tell her a spooky ghost story, which I could finish just as we came out of the park. It was an exciting stroll through the park. When we got closer to the Thames we found a quaint little pub where we met a nice couple who bought us a round. The pubs in Westminster are very nice, quaint and seem to have all of London's most friendly people.
I also had a few outings with my Taiwanese friends there. We mostly went to some nice restaurants and in and out of downtown shops. One day we went to St. Catherine's Pier to pick out some yachts to rent for Chinese New Year. We toured two yachts, one of which was relatively recently rented by Justin Timberlake. Unfortunately I was already in Taiwan by the time my friends enjoyed them but it was really cool to go on the tour and check out these magnificent vessels. St. Catherine's Pier is a really nice place to visit too, lots of nice views, shops and restaurants around there. The Tower of London is right next door as well, which added to classical ambiance of the area . We also had a nice little trip to the Natural History Museum after that. It's hard to decide but I think that the Natural History Museum is my favorite in London. It's not far from Harrods and the area is pleasant even just for a leisurely stroll.
All in all, I love London. It's where I feel most at home in Europe. It inspires me every time I visit and I really love the culture and especially the people. From Camden Market to Piccadilly Circus, there's something for every kind of person. You can go down along the canal in Camden down and get a greasy burrito with Bang Bang Chicken for less than 5 quid or be posh on Oxford Street or at Harrods. In my experience, most people on the tube are friendly too. I might have had some bad experiences in London but, honestly, I can't really remember them because they are drowned out by all of the good ones.
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