Category: Philosophy

No More Schools

It looks like I am not the kind of material for a Ph.D. After checking out some of the philosophy Ph.D programs around the country (which is the next level up from MFA without gong into Art History), it seems like almost every program is looking for genius-like candidates. Just the language requirement along shuts me out of the door (usually fluency in French or German is a prerequisite). And besides, most programs want you to already have a MA in philosophy plus A LOT of spare time doing dissertation (unless you get accepted into one of the “good” programs, then they pay for everything so that you can focus on the research).

And also, looks like the “ambition” in getting a Ph.D in philosophy is to get tenure in an university and remain in the academics… not much use in the rest of the job market per se. But maybe that is a good thing.

What Does the Deaf Dream?

I asked myself that same question a while ago about dreams of the blind and deaf. Apparently the answer involves a lot more than I’d thought. The article links intellectual development to language development, which is an entirely interesting topic I’d never thought about.

One of these days I have to look into Noam Chomsky and the like and their theories on langauge and brain. This philosophy in conjunction with neuroscience is fascinating stuff!

Toys

When taken with a broader definition, “toy” can mean a lot of things — gadgets for geeks, frivolous and over-priced show-off transporations, relationship between two people, or, simply, just something to play with.

Adults seem to have no problems treating ourselves with “toys” of all kinds. Of course, all justifiable in the name of productivity, utility and convenience (but seriously, when can a Rolax do that a $50 Swatch can’t?). We are also compulsive buyers who crave for the latest and the greatest model of everything. But what it comes down to is this: We are no more childish than the kid standing next to us, sobbing from the cold rejection of his parent for that Pokemon “toy” he really wanted. The only difference between us and him? Cold, hard cash and a parent standing in the way. We are no more clear-headed than he, nor are we more logical or reasonable than he.

I think males have a worse tendency in this than the female species, too. Just think about that for a moment. (Though ladies do have a tick for different types of things).

So I wonder why adults subject the double standards on kids when they themselves can’t control what kind of “toys” they think they ought to have and sometimes for unexplanable reasons. Raising kids takes a lot of responsibility. And everytime when I see a parent dragging his/her child away from a toy with unqualified reasons, I can’t help but wonder what kind of lessons s/he is teaching the child — that it is OK for me to impose this on you even though I can’t really tell you why.

When implied in a social order, this kind of subjective non-reasoning can take a toll on how we solve problems socially and politically. When a whole generation of kids growing up thinking it’s OK to have double standards, as long as it’s enforced top-down, we are going to have problems in the society. I guess I could argue that the same thing goes to raising children in general. But that’s a whole other topic altogether.

Awakening

A person probably goes through hundreds, or maybe thousands, of “awakenings” in his lifetime. Some ideas I simply couldn’t grasp a few years ago seem so clear and obvious to me today. But observing and experiencing such awakenings isn’t always so easy. However, it’s very breath-takingly memorable and refreshing when Grace and I see it in Bryan as he becomes ever more aware of everything around him.

Ever since our last observation with Bryan’s awakening to his hands, it seems like he’s suddenly seeing the world through a completely different perspective. To illustrate this, take Grace’s observation of Bryan at our neighbor’s: Bryan was excited to see some kittens as our neighbor fed them. So he started clapping his hands to show “approval” (as in, “yes, this is worthy of my clapping hands) and his excitement. The he proceeded to take the neighbor’s hands and waved them in the motion of clapping hands. Bryan was trying to teach our neighbor how to clap hands to share his joy!

Life is good.

Growing Pains of Parenting

Being a parent definitely is almost all rewards almost all the time. It’s not always fun, but it’s always satisfying — almost.

Watching Bryan growing up on the daily basis is a strange experience. There are times when I held him in my arms, rocking him to sleep, that I wished time could pause and that he’d stay a tiny baby forever… (until my back started aching like a thousand needles piercing through the spine.) But the truth is, time seems to have tripled in speed now that Bryan has entered our lives. I almost think it’s unfair that other parents have to work 8+ hours a day away from their child(ren) when i get to stay home with my son almost 24×7.

When Laura was constantly interrupting my conversation with Brian, I thought that was just super cute. And I thought to myself, “Some day that’s what Bryan’d be doing to ME when I talk to Brian.” I secretly envied Brian and Birgit for a brief moment. But then I thought I’d sorely miss Bryan at this very stage as Brian has confessed to me at times that he missed when Laura was just a tiny baby at times.

Bryan is going to have a healthy and comfortable life ahead of him. But just for my selfish pleasures and inconsiderate egocentric fatherhood, I hope he doesn’t grow up too fast — just so that his dada and nana can savor these fleeting moments before he leaps into his own independence.

A Window to One’s Soul

Mark posted an article about waiters and how to tell someone’s personality from how this person treats waiters. The article is very interesting and made me recall my own experience as a waiter as well as how some people I have known have treated them. It’s probably a pretty good indicator of, not just personality, but if this person can be a true friend, someone who’d extend a helping hand when you are in deep shit (metaphorically speaking).

The article was based on a set of management rules developed by Bill Swanson, CEO of Raytheon Company, called Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management. Raytheon gives the booklet away for free in hope to inspire young people to become leaders. I placed an order for a copy but couldn’t wait for it to come in the mail. So I Googled and found this instead (taken from an article at CCG):

  1. Learn to say, "I don’t know." If used when appropriate, it will be often.
  2. It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
  3. If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
  4. Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what’s there, but few can see what isn’t there.
  5. Presentation rule: When something appears on a slide presentation, assume the world knows about it, and deal with it accordingly.
  6. Work for a boss with whom you are comfortable telling it like it is. Remember that you can’t pick your relatives, but you can pick your boss.
  7. Constantly review developments to make sure that the actual benefits are what they are supposed to be. Avoid Newton’s Law.
  8. However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
  9. Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere in spite of difficulties, discouragement, or indifference. Don’t be known as a good starter but a poor finisher.
  10. In doing your project, don’t wait for others; go after them, and make sure it gets done.
  11. Confirm your instructions and the commitments of others in writing. Don’t assume it will get done!
  12. Don’t be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.
  13. Practice shows that those who speak the most knowingly and confidently often end up with the assignment to get it done.
  14. Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written reports.
  15. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
  16. Don’t overlook the fact that you are working for a boss.
    * Keep him or her informed. Avoid surprises!
    * Whatever the boss wants takes top priority.
  17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.
    * You must make promises. Don’t lean on the often-used phrase, "I can’t estimate it because it depends upon many uncertain factors."
  18. Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to "cc" a person’s boss.
  19. When dealing with outsiders, remember that you represent the company. Be careful of your commitments.
  20. Cultivate the habit of "boiling matters down" to the simplest terms. An elevator speech is the best way.
  21. Don’t get excited in engineering emergencies. Keep your feet on the ground.
  22. Cultivate the habit of making quick, clean-cut decisions.
  23. When making decisions, the “pros” are much easier to deal with than the “cons”. Your boss wants to see the “cons” also.
  24. Don’t ever lose your sense of humor.
  25. Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.
  26. Treat the name of the company as if it were your own.
  27. Beg for the bad news.
  28. You remember 1/3 of what you read, 1/2 of what people tell you, but 100% of what you feel.
  29. You can’t publish a sneaker
  30. When facing issues or problems that are becoming drawn-out, “short them to the ground.”
  31. When faced with decisions, try to look at them as if you were one level up in the organization. Your perspective will change quickly.
  32. A person who is nice to you but rude to others is not a nice person. (This rule never fails).
  33. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, an amateur built an ark that survived a flood while a large group of professionals built the Titanic!

Additional rules from an interview in USA Today:

  1. When in charge, be in charge. “When you get the key to the bus, it’s time to drive.”
  2. Hold people to the highest standard or the organization will gravitate toward mediocrity.
  3. When things go wrong, true leaders take responsibility and rectify a mistake with speed and passion. They take action that most people would find too hard.
  4. If you are doing something and it doesn’t work, no one will care that it was done on cost and on schedule. If it works and exceeds expectations, no one will remember if it was late and overrun.

Good stuff.

The Best Story on Adam and Eve

I was in my microeconomics class ALL day last Saturday. But during break, I caught an interesting reanimation of Adam and Eve narrated by Jonathan Goldstein at the end of “This American Life“. The Real Audio file can be downloaded here. The segment starts at about 42:30.

This is probably THE Biblical story told over and over again and is probably one of the most recognizable icons of Christianity. But the way Goldstein narrated the tale was so fresh, dark and humorous that I couldn’t help but to track it down and listen to it again. As always, “This American Life” produces one of the most interesting and original radio shows on NPR.