mistakes and triumphs

  As I have explained in past blogs I'm writing these to leave a record of my thoughts for future generations. I'm hopeful that at the very least some of my descendants will find them of interest. As to any appeal to the general public I really don't have any expectation of that happening. I do think that perhaps I could be like one of those artists that get discovered, after they die. But that is just an amusing thought really. It does amuse me when I think that perhaps one day I could become a "citation" that so many are so very fond of these days. Well, here it is, Ben said so. That's funny.

  These blogs often concern current events. They won't be current for long. Some things however will linger and be remembered for years. Moments in history. It is very difficult to identify just what those moments may be. We hear 9/11 today and I think most know what that is, although there are those younger folks that only think of it as a holiday of sorts. At the time it occurred it was said, it will never be forgotten. 

 The truth today is many will know about the twin towers but not remember the pentagon or the plane that went down in Pa. Yes, they are a part of 9/11. Jan 6, will that be remembered in twenty years? Probably not so much. What about the whole gender identity thing and women in sports. The border crisis and immigration, will that still be a topic of discussion by the end of the century? And those are the big topics, what about all the other little "moments" in history that I write about? Not much chance of that happening. 

  Here's the thing though. I am fully convinced that not much changes as far as human nature goes. There will be those citing the past as proof of mistakes and triumphs. The reason is simple enough, we only know what happened in the past. I'm not convinced we know nearly as much about the past as we like to believe we do. Mankind has to be the most arrogant species on the planet. We know it all! Yeah, but we are always in a state of flux. We call it progress, advances in science and technology, making our lives easier and expanding our universe. All these moments in history will eventually be repeated. Human nature really doesn't change all that much. We still want the same thing we have always sought as far as our basic needs. We want to live forever.

  So I'll continue to write down my thoughts and observations about what is happening every day. Does it matter at all? No, it doesn't make a bit of difference and that is a simple fact of life. I don't feel bad about that, I expect that. Everything I write and say I do for myself, for my own enjoyment. I "share" them. It's a phrase we love to use today, sharing, along with other terms that amuse me, like empowering and validating. Call them a gift. When you give a gift you really should expect nothing in return and you really shouldn't be disappointed if they do not embrace that gift. The best one should hope for is a polite thank you. You're welcome. 

  The older I get the more I become aware of history. Well I guess that is because I am reminded of history every day. That is especially true today with social media and the proliferation of those citations. Not much is being discussed today that hasn't been talked about in the past. It really is as I have pointed out on several occasions, there is little one can say that hasn't been said before. It's the reason for semantics. It's what I said, but it wasn't what I meant. Lots of that going on today. In fact, semantics is the heart of the conversation. Just keep changing the meaning of the terms. It's called "conceptual semantics" which, according to google "studies the cognitive structure of meaning" whatever that is supposed to be.  It's what I would call "bullshit." 

  Yes, whatever I write about, express my opinion on, or share with others falls into the realm of "conceptual semantics" and will taken as such by some. My hope is it isn't the majority opinion. I would much rather others accept all of that as, just Bens' opinion. Of course, it is better when you agree with my opinion. I like that. I'm under no obligation to agree with yours however. That's how that works, amazing isn't it? It hasn't changed since man spoke the first word. 

  Still, my hope is to leave a record of those thoughts, observations and an analysis of what they mean. I want anyone reading to know things like, I believe there are only two genders, aborting children for the sake of convenience is wrong, mental illness requires treatment, not "empowerment" and businesses are run to make a profit. There are rich people and there are poor people. Charity can't be legislated. I am under no obligation to "help" you do anything. There is a power far greater than man, and we should all acknowledge that. Having a degree isn't an indication of your intelligence. There are a lot of educated damn fools in the world. The popular thing isn't always a good thing. And possibly most important of all is the exercising of good judgement! Yes, you must judge others, at all times, in every situation, in order to respond appropriately. I need to know your deal. And some just aren't playing with a full deck.