The Beauty Of Logic

One of the consequences of studying in general and studying logic in particular, is that everything can, and often will be argued about. (And sometimes I'm even taken seriously ...)
This one though, I think I would have spotted anyway:



"A year ago this poster was a milkcarton in your fridge"

from a campaign sponsored by RETURKARTONG

To Run Or Not To Run - That Is The Question

I'm so happy once again to know I'm right. Pretentious? You could say that, but don't get me wrong. This is what's right for me, not necessarily for everbody else. I'll try to explain.

In my world I'd rather do things by choice, not by force. Imagine you're in really bad shape, lacking energy and drained for any drive or initiative. There are two ways to fight this, and by all means, I wouldn't claim one better than the other. First you could listen to the others and get your body moving, force yourself out to the woods, the gym or whatever. Soon you'd discover that your energy level is getting higher and your spirit too. I know this in theory, and I have made some attempt at it too. I mean, walked or run the bike just because I knew "It'll do me good". And sure it felt alright, but at the same time I also knew that if I felt better inside first I would want to run. Even enjoy getting exhausted. Previously I haven't been able to prove my theory, there was always someone nagging. But now? I'm running like the wind! Not literally, I'm in far too bad shape for that, but the point is I want to!

You who have been following my ups and downs (or should we say downs and not so downs?) might wonder what has happened? Do you believe me if I say; nothing really? But that's more or less true, 'cause the change has taken place inside. The external parameters ruling my existence haven't changed that much. Only three years of thinking and brooding has finally paid off.

As I'm reading through this (been away for an hour doing something else), I realize I'm not sure if there's a point to this story. But I don't care, think I'll post it anyway. Or maybe, it's coming to me now... It's not a matter of right or wrong, it's a matter of respect. You can't tell other people what to do, you can only help by sharing your own experiences and give advice. You should only inspire someone to change, not try to force it. Always remember that even if it worked for you, it might not be the solution for everyone.

Go for a run? No let's not push it, I really hate jogging. But I would love to play some squash, the second most fun activity to get sweaty from...

Dreamy Painting

Déjà vu? No, not really. I did blog this image only a few days ago, but that time I just wanted to accompany the post with a nice and suitable picture. This time it's about the picture.

My youngest daughter came home today, after having spent the weekend with her father. The computer was on, with my blog on top, and the 13-year old sat down and read some. She said:

"Mum, this is really weird. I dreamt about this painting tonight, and I know I haven't seen it before. In my dream I was standing somewhere with a lot of people hurrying by, and silently watched the painting. What's even more odd is that I felt something was missing, 'cause these two weren't there!"

She pointed at the Philosopher and the Woman.

Another Late Night Posting

It's late,and I don't have that much to say really, but I do have a funny picture that I got via e-mail. Thanks!

I guess it could mean that it's never too late to stop the ones that are trying to swollow you.

Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire

About a week ago I wrote a post about the water shortage here in Bergen. The same day I talked to my mother on the phone, and we discussed how water restrictions might affect us, and how far we would be willing to stretch to fulfill our obligations as obedient citizens. Last she said: "But I won't turn off the shower while using the soap, I don't like to freeze and I enjoy the hot water pouring down my back far too much. I'd rather have a quicker one, if that's what it takes." I couldn't agree more, I could almost feel how intolerable it was to stand there naked without the warming water.

The following morning I had my regular shower and started as usual with a little amount of shampoo, rinsed the hair and then a second shampoo application. Rinsed again, and after that the conditioner. Grabbed the shower cream, AND TURNED OFF THE WATER! It hit me as a cold shower, and I realized I had lied. 'Cause the instant I turned off the shower I knew that this is how I do it; EVERY SINGLE TIME! I just couldn't let it pass, I needed to know what had happened, and if it was significant. Obviuosly I thought so, otherwise I don't think I would be bothered in giving you detailed information about my personal hygiene.

First of all, was it a lie? Is not telling the truth a lie, even if you're not conscious about it? I could have sworn to a jury, that I never turn off the water while showering, and that's probably based on what (I think) I know about myself. It made sense, I hate to freeze. I had sound arguments for my point of view, so to speak.

On the other hand, I have taken so many showers that I don't think or plan how to do it anymore. It's become an integrated habit, each step evolved out of some practical need.

Let's now apply this to something more serious. There are so many people who absolutely believe themselves when denying all sorts of bad behaviour; like lying, cheating, abusing (both verbally and physically) and acting stupidly in general. The list could go on forever, but that's not the point here either. What is remarkable though, is that this type of denial is more than anything else, a retelling of the norms and values you've been exposed to all your life. But if you haven't integrated them, they won't actually be true. You have sound arguments for your case, because this is how you're taught to behave, even if you might be lying through your teeth on a regular basis. It makes sense to be nice, not that many admit to get any pleasure out of hurting people, and you honestly believe you're a good person. All this while ranting and raving, smacking your spouse, and treating the children as property.

So, have you had a cold shower lately?