Absurdism is profoundly human. Camus says it urges us to revolt against meaninglessness by creating our own values. Choosing presence in a harsh universe affirms that optimistic defiance. The cosmos may be indifferent, yet our capacity for wonder makes staying worthwhile.
–Grok
Abstraction indicates a departure from reality, existing along a continuum.
Total abstraction bears no trace of any reference to anything recognizable.
Figurative art and total abstraction are almost mutually exclusive. But figurative and realistic art often contain partial abstraction.
A photograph can show a physical image in which time is static, and a mirror can show a physical image in which time is dynamic.
What he saw on the mountain was another kind of image altogether which was not physical and did not exist in time at all. It was an image nevertheless, and that is why he felt recognition.
Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Intervals of peace come even in the midst of danger. We can take advantage of these intervals if we possess enough inner strength.
The I Ching or Book of Changes
Brain can not only ponder the very stars that gave it birth but can also think about its own ability to think and wonder about its own ability to wonder.
V.S. Ramachandran
Mind is seen as inhering in the structure of myth, institutions & cultures. Culture consists of the sharing of mythic patterns. Culture is then mind writ large which shapes us unawares unless we develop the understanding to shape culture.
Charles Hampden-Turner
Descendant of the wild ass, the donkey is a domestic member of the horse family used for hauling goods since 4000 BC.
Donkeys are also related to zebras, although they’re often stockier, stronger and have much different personalities.
Female donkeys are called “jennies” or “jennets,” and a female ready to breed is known as a “broodmare.”
Ass is interchangeable with donkey, and “jackass” refers specifically to a male donkey. But a jackass is not a mule, and all burros are not jackasses.
The three pillars stood out clearly now, three pillars topped with two cross pieces in a way which looked stupefyingly familiar to Arthur’s addled brain.
“The three pillars,” thundered the man. “The Steel Pillar which represented the Strength and Power of the Galaxy!”
Searchlights seared out and danced crazy dances up and down the pillar on the left which was, clearly, made of steel or something very like it. The music thumped and bellowed.
“The Perspex Pillar,” announced the man, “representing the forces of Science and Reason in the Galaxy!”
Other searchlights played exotically up and down the righthand, transparent pillar creating dazzling patterns within it and a sudden inexplicable craving for ice-cream in the stomach of Arthur Dent.
“And,” the thunderous voice continued, “the Wooden Pillar, representing…” and here his voice became just very slightly hoarse with wonderful sentiments, “the forces of Nature and Spirituality.”
The lights picked out the central pillar. The music moved bravely up into the realms of complete unspeakability.
“Between them supporting,” the voice rolled on, approaching its climax, “the Golden Bail of Prosperity and the Silver Bail of Peace!“
The whole structure was now flooded with dazzling lights, and the music had now, fortunately, gone far beyond the limits of the discernible. At the top of the three pillars the two brilliantly gleaming bails sat and dazzled. There seemed to be girls sitting on top of them, or maybe they were meant to be angels. Angels are usually represented as wearing more than that, though.
LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING, Chapter 8, by Douglas Adams
A winning attitude involves
often linked to success in work and social life.
-Grok
I shall become a conscientious academic. Bless you Grok. -gg