Hi! Here’s a smattering of stuff…
Books:
Waiting for the Barbarians is a novel by JM Coetzee (recently adapted for the screen; it looks epic). The story tells of an outpost “threatened” by the greatly feared barbarians and measures the Empire takes to ensure the barbarians are subdued. It’s a tale of colonization and conscience, violence and redemption. It made me wonder why our species is so intent on discovering and leveraging differences rather than latching onto a shared humanity. Theoretically, we are stronger together. We can learn from one another and apply that knowledge to build endurance by avoiding the mistakes others have made. Together we can create a culture that is solid and stable. But I suppose it’s difficult to implement integration when different cultures have different values, morals, and measures of success.
Here’s a sample of how the protagonist probes big questions of humanity and human nature. “I wanted to do what was right, I wanted to make reparation: I will not deny this decent impulse, however mixed with the more questionable motives: there must always be a place for penance and reparation. Nevertheless, I should have never allowed the gates of the town to be opened to people who assert that there are higher considerations than those of decency. They exposed her father to her naked and made him gibber with pain; they hurt her and he could not stop them (on a day I spent occupied with the ledgers in my office). Thereafter she was no longer fully human, sister to all of us. Certain sympathies died, certain movements of the heart became no longer possible to her. I too, if I live long enough in this cell with its ghosts not only of the father and daughter but of the man who even by lamplight did not remove the black discs from his eyes and the subordinate whose work it was to keep the brazier fed, will be touched with the contagion and turned into a creature that believes in nothing.” Many pages later he thinks, “It occurs to me that we crush insects beneath our feet, miracles of creation too, beetles, worms, cockroaches, ants, in their various ways.”
That idea that all creatures are miracles in their own unique way is shared in Stephen S. Hall’s book Size Matters: How Height Affects the Health, Happiness, and Success of Boys—and the Men They Become. This book was so interesting and there were many takeaways. What I most want to remember is that our environment (and the people around us) has a huge impact on how we accept/internalize or resist/reject our genetic predispositions. Armed with that knowledge, it is my responsibility to surround myself with people who will be of benefit to me, people who will challenge me and help me grow. A wise man once said that everyone needs a teacher, a student, and a mentor—and everyone should serve in those same roles for others. It is also my aim to take care not to project my neuroses onto others; I have to create an environment for them to thrive too—because one of my top three values is reciprocity.
Speaking of size…the growth and development of Artificial Intelligence is not something we can fully comprehend. If you haven’t watched the Oversight of AI – Judiciary Committee, I highly recommend viewing. My opinion, we’re heading off a cliff.
Beats:
I visited Florida this month and on the plane ride, I watched the film Tár. Cate Blanchet was stunning, as usual. This is the soundtrack of old and new classical masterpieces. Love it, you will.
Barbells:
For several years, I completed the 10,000 swings in 10 days challenge. I made sure to overlap with my birthday so I could measure progress from one year to the next. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to perform since my surgery in 2020. This year I am making the commitment to set a baseline so I can continue to grow with each passing birthday. If you are looking for a fitness challenge in August, please consider joining me in the 10,000 challenge. You can modify it to suit your fitness goals and levels. Maybe you want to swim 10,000 laps or hike 10,000 feet…Be creative. Choose your challenge and let me know how you fare.
Peace and love,
Kit
Find the balance. 