The Art of Worldly Wisdom: 12

It has been sometime since I visited the core purpose of this blog – the continued exploration of Baltasar Gracian’s The Art of Worldly Wisdom. As a person who strongly believes philosophy plays a vital role in understanding our world, I rely heavily on the concept of ‘the state of nature’. In many ways I …

Defending My Life – Epilogue of Facing My Fears

I had hoped when I started the Defending My Life series that I would be able to have it culminate in some wonderful moment, a reveal, that would be cathartic and symbolic.  If I were truly a smart person, I would have timed it to lead right up to my 20th high school reunion.  I …

Defending My Life – The Ninth (but not last) Day of Facing My Fears

If we listened to our intellect, we’d never have a love affair. We’d never have a friendship. We’d never go into business, because we’d be too cynical. Well, that’s nonsense. You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down. – Annie Dillard Day Nine: Practicing what I …

Defending My Life – Day Eight of Facing My Fears

A thousand fearful images and dire suggestions glance along the mind when it is moody and discontented with itself. Command them to stand and show themselves, and you presently assert the power of reason over imagination. -Sir Walter Scott Day Eight: Putting skin in the game Teetering on the edge of finishing this little project.  …

Defending My Life – Day Seven of Facing My Fears

To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. – Soren Kierkegaard Day Seven – Music and Mayhem As I relate these tales, I feel foolish.  I feel foolish becoming excited over the smallest things.  I feel foolish looking at the rewards I gained for the risks I’ve taken …

Defending My Life – Day Six of Facing My Fears

Wait, what happened to Friday?  Did I totally wimp out and give up on this thing?  Let’s be realistic, it wouldn’t be the first time I stopped something midway because I found something else that interested me before.   Ohhh shiny! No, no… let me break this down a bit.  Friday Chicago suffered crazy rainstorms and …