“There is no fate but what we make.” – Terminator 2 The hope for someone who was predisposed to development of disease due to early stress/trauma is emphasized through the concept of neuroplasticity and human ability to adapt throughout life. Exploring epigenetic mechanisms of the reconsolidation process has led to the understanding that “repeated [memory] … More Red Pill, Blue Pill
“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson In his book Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education, Michael Pollan explores the dichotomy between natural growth and deliberate cultivation. He recounts his gardening experiences, beginning in childhood, and explores ethical questions that arise from altering nature for the sake … More Earthly Entitlements
“There is no such thing as bravery; only degrees of fear.” – John Wainwright In her work Man Crazy, Joyce Carol Oates depicts the stunning journey of Ingrid, the prodigal daughter, as she conquers the harrowing journey from death to rebirth. Internalizing all that is violent and self loathing in her youth, Ingrid understands the … More A Version of Myself
“Love me tender, Love me true, All my dreams fulfilled.” – Elvis Presley Man is a singular creature. In the construct of his mind he can forge versions of reality that do not correlate with objective experience. He finds ways to interpret, rationalize, justify. He reads factual events with imposed nuance and meaning. It’s tragic. … More Love Me Tender: Forsaking the Self for Love
“Are you aware that you are conditioned?” – J. Krishnamurti There is no limit to the depths of man’s despair. And yet, how much of this pain is self inflicted? In his seminal work, The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoyevsky parses out perception from reality, desire from need. In almost prophetic terms (the work was completed … More Masters of the Universe: Dostoyevsky and Man’s Sense of Self Determination
“And the Lord said unto Cain: ‘Where is Abel thy brother?’ And he said: ‘I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?’” – Genesis 4:9 Science and technology are advancing at exponential rates. Western culture is struggling to keep pace and maintain its moral clarity amidst the morass of shifting values. Often, it is only when … More An Irrevocable Fate: The Humanity of Destruction
I saw a movie recently, about a young man who loses his brother. The plot centers around the protagonist overcoming his guilt and sense of responsibility surrounding his brother’s death. There is a subplot though, a love story (initially an unrequited love story, as his love interest has no desire to associate with him). He … More “No” Means “Yes”: Rape Culture in the Free World
אם אין אני לי, מי לי? וכשאני לעצמי, מה אני? ואם לא עכשיו, אימתי? – הלל If I do not stand for myself, then who will stand for me? And when I serve only myself, what have I become? And if not now, when? – Rabbi Hillel I am in the midst of reading Howard … More Not All Lives Matter: Maintaining integrity in a world of infamy
“Life and death are in the hands of the tongue.” – Proverbs 18:21 Judaism stresses the dangers and destructive nature of Lashon HaRa (evil speech). It is an egregious infraction that, when committed, has the potential to reap irreparable harm. Indeed, once a person has been defamed, it is nearly impossible for him to reclaim … More Pretty Little Liars
I read Marie Kondo‘s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and her simple philosophy has helped me declutter my home and my life. I will finish up with the little pile pictured above and then enjoy my newfound perspective. The beauty of Kondo’s tidying method is its relevance to all aspects of life: Remove whatever … More Clean your house, clean your life
Find the balance. 