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 Reason
    -  Ken Hurley 

Think freely. Practice patience. Smile often. Forgive and seek forgiveness. … Feel deeply. Tell loved ones how you feel. … Be soft sometimes. Cry when you need to. Observe miracles.  - Charlie White, a 109 year old man

I'm trying to think, but nothing happens.  - Curly, a Stooge

Wondering what does it really matter whether or not our will is free, pre-determined, or some hybrid version, if the results of our thoughts and actions end in a similar reality-based outcome? Seems reasonable. One man's Reason is another woman's Crazy, even if it's a Willie Nelson song sung by Patsy Cline.
       It is especially challenging to determine what should be considered reasonable. We don't all agree on what is reasonable. That's one reason twelve jurors are summoned to determine if what happened should be considered reasonable. Beyond a reasonable doubt is a standard of proof required to validate a criminal conviction. Reasonable suspicion is used to determine the legality of a police officer's decision to perform a search.
     Many skeptics and other humanists believe they have a heightened sense of reason. That their baloney buzzer blasts if the evidence they are expecting to see does not reconcile with what was actually shown. The State of Missouri calls itself the "Show Me" state, as if they are the keepers of what might be considered reasonable after they've had a peek at whatever was shown to them.
      Reason is one of humanity's greatest advantages. It is the capacity for logical, critical, and analytical thinking that sets humans apart from other creatures. Without reason, we would remain unphased by the consequences of our actions and lose our ability to effectively solve problems. Without reason, our individuality might be lost to an army of mind-numbed cyborgs.     
      Reason enables us to question and understand the forces that shape our environment and our lives. It allows us to objectively sift through the clamor of opinions and ideas that we are bombarded with daily, in an effort to separate truth from baloney. Reason is what enables us to evaluate claims and engage in impassioned if not rigorous debates with others, cultivating open-mindedness and intellectual growth.
      Reason has played a vital role in the development of science and knowledge. For centuries, humans have used reason to hypothesize, test, experiment, and verify theories about our world and beyond. Reason has helped dispel many myths and superstitions that once dominated human existence, thereby improving our living standards and quality of life. 
      Reason is the foundation of science, which can be defined as the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of our natural and social world using a systematic methodology based on cogitating evidence. Scientific methodology includes the following: 1) Define a coherent question suitable for further examination  2) Obtain data for research and observation  3) Make hypotheses based on research and observations  4) Analyze and test the hypotheses 5) Offer reasonable conclusions.
      Remember Thales of Miletus? Is it reasonable to think you wondered, "Who?" Thales is credited with demonstrating that explanations of the world can be redirected from mythology toward natural philosophy. Thales suggested light does not emanate from the Moon, but is reflected from the Sun. Many think the aphorism "Know Thyself"  should be attributed to Thales. Thales recognized that water is necessary for all life, but also speculated that Earth is a large mound of dirt that floats in water. He thought that seemed reasonable.
      Galileo Galilei is known as the Father of Modern Science, who had the analytical abilities to link scientific theories with experiments drawing reasonable conclusions. Mathematics is considered the Mother of Science. The Uncle and Auntie of Science may be found in the dark back row of a discount cineplex enjoying Midnight in Paris.
      Reason has also facilitated human progress in social, civic, and political spheres. It is through reasoned thought that societies have been able to create and adopt legal and political frameworks to govern human affairs. Democratic societies have been built on the foundational premise of reasoned debate and a fair exchange of ideas as the preferred way to elicit and adjudicate public opinions.
      Reason has been a central feature of personal growth. It is an individual's capacity for reflection and thought that enables us to question our own beliefs, understandings, and values, and adjust them when necessary. Reason helps people identify their biases and prejudices, to accept and integrate new experiences, to recognize our own limitations, and to build self-esteem.
      Reason is a critical tool in human life, but as my friend, Dr. David Schwam-Baird says, reason is not our only tool. Sometimes we need a corkscrew. Sometimes we need to let our Ode to Joy lead us straight into a mess-o-glorious-love.
      Reason allows us to think, learn, and grow as individuals and communities, while enabling us to make informed decisions. To neglect reason is to live awkwardly, with a diminished capacity for human progress, comprehension, compassion, and thriving survival.
     If it is reasonable to not believe everything you think, then is it also reasonable to wonder if humanity's survival or demise has become directly linked to Artificial Intelligence? Is it reasonable to think the word "Artificial" in Artificial Intelligence is a term created by human ego, believing human intelligence is superior to Watson, Bard, ChatGPT, and others? Is it reasonable to heed the dire existential warnings of experts who helped create Artificial Intelligence? Is it reasonable to think that one day soon the self-driving EVs, led by the Musk Tesla, will employ AI capable of making existential decisions on behalf of its passengers that would make Heidegger tremble? What if one’s refrigerator had empirical observational abilities capable of snarky remarks based on its owner's food selections? Suppose the Roomba were uploaded with self-aware AI? Is it reasonable to think the little rug muncher is capable of deciding whether Fido or Pussywillow's essence of existence should be swept away into nothingness for good?
     If the defense pleads “not guilty by reason of insanity” and loses, they will appeal. They plead “not guilty by reason of insanity” on appeal. Is it reasonable to expect a different result?
      Could I have carved in granite this version of "Reason" with a beveled stone chisel? Yes. Is it reasonable to think or believe I did? No.
      I am reminded of a seasoned reporter who interviewed a 110 year old lady to learn her secret of healthy longevity. The reporter asked her, "What's your secret to living so long and looking so young?" She softly replied, "It's simple sir, I never argue with idiots." The reporter exclaimed, "Ha! That can't be the reason!" The beautiful supercentenarian said, "Okay, you're right, that's not the reason."

Seem reasonable? Send comments, questions, concerns, and well-wishes to me anytime you think it's reasonable. 

###

Ken Hurley

A book is a gift you can open again and again.  – Garrison Kiellor 

Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside a dog, it’s too dark to read.  – Groucho Marx 

One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for a thousand years. To read is to voyage through time.  – Carl Sagan

There was a time in my life when I was in the book production business. I had the great privilege of having a graphic arts business in Manhattan whose clients were publishers from around America — most of whom had their offices in Manhattan. Convenient, right? Especially for me, since I also lived in Manhattan. I often rode my bicycle to work. Manuscripts o8thf all types crossed my desk ready to be turned into books. Some were inspiring novels, self-help books, cook books, encyclopedias, children books, biographies, autobiographies, (Auto biography? As if the effort was automatic.) Some of the manuscripts were from famous authors of the time, including Mario Puzo, Elmore Leonord, Gloria Stienem, Jean Auel, Robert Ludlum, and many more. I didn’t have to read them to bid on the project. But I enjoyed reading a book in manuscript form before the public could get their hands on the hardback. I wanted to read them. Eventually these manuscripts were turned into books. To be clear, we were not in the printing or bindery business. We were typographers! Graphic Artists!!

And so, while the Dick and Jane books from first grade reading instruction did not instill a love of reading in me, fortunately, I discovered the joys of literature and non-fiction a bit later in life.

       I confess. When Schwammy suggested our topic for this month’s Chit and Chat, “Books That Moved You,” I was eager. My first thought was The Bathroom Reader series. But knowing Schwammy, he didn’t mean that kind of movement. He meant emotional movement. So, I began my best recollection efforts and soon became overwhelmed by the number of well-written, powerful, insightful books I can remember reading that moved me emotionally.

       Literature is a powerful medium for exploring complex human emotions, often evoking feelings of joy, sorrow, and contemplation. My personal list has too many books to include them all here. So, what follows are just some of the “Books That Moved” me.

      The Giving Tree (1964) by Shel Silverstein is a poignant story about selfless love and sacrifice between a tree and a boy. It encapsulates complexities of generosity and the often one-sided nature of selfless giving. The emotional impact I felt arises from the cyclical narrative illustrating the boy’s growth, contrasting with the tree’s diminishing and dying state. Feelings of sadness and ambivalence cause one to question the balance of love and selfishness of the boy. The ultimate sacrifice of the tree, which gives everything until it is left as just a stump, leaves an indelible mark on anyone with a heart, evoking reflections about relationships and the nature of unconditional love. Belive it or not, its thematic construction is controversial. 

      Flowers for Algernon (1959) by Daniel Keys explores human intelligence and its connection to identity, self-worth, and dignity. The novel follows Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man (low IQ) who undergoes experimental surgery to increase his intelligence. It works. As Charlie’s intellectual abilities surge and he becomes more self-aware, the narrative addresses the pain of isolation and the fleeting nature of happiness. Empathy for Charlie’s plight is truly felt as he navigates relationships, ultimately leading to his tragic realization that intelligence does not guarantee fulfillment. The emotional tone  shifts from hope to despair, as his intelligence slowly regresses back to his original state, leaving him with a profound sense of loneliness that can often accompany humans with self-awareness. His last wish prior to his death is that someone will place flowers at the grave of Algernon. PS: Algernon was a lab rat.

      The Diary of Anne Frank, originally published in 1947 as The Diary of a Young Girl, chronicles the true writings and short life of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who went into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The extraordinarily well-written diary serves as a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit amid the horrors of the Holocaust, war, and persecution. Anne shares a first-hand account of her hopes, fears, and aspirations, which in turn becomes a deeply personal emotional experience.

      The emotional impact of Anne’s diary lies primarily in its themes of innocence, loss, and her desire for freedom. Written with remarkable maturity for her age, Anne’s words illuminate the vibrant life she yearns for, filled with friends, laughter, and love, in stark contrast to the deadly oppressive environment surrounding her as she hides in a small attic with her family. I was drawn into her world and could feel her struggles to find identity and meaning in an increasingly hostile society. 

      Tragically, the diary culminates in the bitter realization of Anne’s fate. The entry dated March 29, 1944 highlights her desire to be a writer, reflecting her dreams and ambitions. The knowledge of her ultimate demise at the hands of a betrayal and the horrors of the Holocaust adds immeasurable weight to her words. I felt grief, anger, and a sense of helplessness. The emotional toll of her true story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the never-ending urgency of compassion in the face of human suffering.

      M. Scott Peck’s People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil (1983) offers a different exploration regarding the complexities of the human emotional landscape. Peck was a psychiatric doctor who delved into the psychology of human behavior and the nature of evil. Through a combination of case studies, psychological insights, and philosophical reflections, Peck examines the concept of “evil” as it manifests in individuals and society. He analyzes deceptive behavior, manipulation, and the denial of responsibility, themes that resonated deeply within me, particularly regarding the emotional ramifications of these actions on both perpetrators and victims.

      Peck defines evil as the deliberate use of power to destroy the positive growth of others, essentially prioritizing the preservation of one’s “sick self” by harming others to maintain a distorted self-image; he describes “people of the lie” as those who actively engage in this behavior, often through manipulation, lying, and scapegoating. Remind you of any public figure running for high office?

       The emotional impact of People of the Lie arises from its stark examination of the human condition and the moral dilemmas people face. Peck’s truelife discussions of evil are expressed through personal anecdotes and his case studies, which provoke discomfort and reflection. I was compelled to confront unsettling questions about my own behavior and my capacity to resolve conflicts within myself. The emotional weight is not merely in the acknowledgment of evil, but also in understanding the intricate interplay of love, forgiveness, and healing.

      Peck emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the darker aspects of humanity, urging one to confront their pain rather than repress it. The notion that evil often masquerades as ordinary behavior fosters a sense of unease, compelling one to scrutinize one’s relationships and societal structures. Ultimately, the emotional journey through this book pushes one toward healing and self-awareness, highlighting the transformative power of love and forgiveness amid suffering. 

      Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America (2000), edited by Hilton Als, is a raw and haunting compilation of historical photographs and narratives depicting the brutal reality of lynching in the United States. This work combines visual art with sociopolitical commentary, presenting an unflinching portrayal of lynching, racial violence, and its deep-seated impact on American history and culture. The emotional weight of these photographs is stunning and profound, evoking horror, anger, and sorrow.

      The emotional impact for me from Without Sanctuary lies in its unfiltered representation of the atrocities of racism and its sad enduring legacy. The photographs capture moments of actual violence committed against African Americans, stripping away any sugar-coating of history. The stark reality of the imagery forces one to confront the realities of hate, prejudice, and injustice, leaving one to consider feelings of disgust and outrage at the brutality humans can inflict upon one another.

      Through the juxtaposition of images and personal stories, the emotional resonance is amplified. As one learns about the victims and communities affected by lynching, the narrative becomes increasingly personal. The testimonies offer voices to those silenced by violence, creating a sense of urgency to acknowledge and rectify historical wrongs. The emotional impact is not only one of mourning for the past, but also of a continued call for social justice and reconciliation in contemporary society.

      That’s what I’ll offer in narrative form. What follows is a short list of other books that moved me in one way or another.

Memoirs of a Mangy Lover (1963) Groucho Marx

The Kite Runner (2003) Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007) Khaled Hosseini

James and the Giant Peach (1961) Roald Dohl 

A Monster Calls (2011) Patrick Ness (from an original idea by Siobhan Dowd)

The Lovely Bones (2002) Alice Sebold

One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) Gabriel García Márquez

The Road (2006) Cormac McCarthy

The Overstory (2018) Richard Powers

The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth (1978) M. Scott Peck

Confederacy of Dunces (1980) John Kennedy Toole

Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader, a compilation series (2000)

Ken’s Guide To The Bible (1995) Ken Smith 

And, one last book that moves: Birthright – Murder, Greed, and Power in the U-Haul Family Dynasty (1993) Ronald J. Watkins 

      Thanks for reading!

Ken Hurley 

The latest incarnation of Oedipus, the continued romance of Beauty and the Beast, stands this afternoon on the corner of 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue waiting for the traffic light to change.  - Joseph Campbell

This is what fools people: a man is always a teller of tales, he lives surrounded by his stories and the stories of others, he sees everything that happens to him through them; and he tries to live his life as if he were recounting it.  - Jean Paul Sartre, Nausea 

She fell off her mood swing but got back on and asked me for a push.  - personal observation 

Sometimes I question my sanity and sometimes it replies.  - personal observation 

My imaginary friends asked me to join them for a drink.  - personal observation 

This above all: to thine own self be true. - From Act 1, Scene 3, of Hamlet, spoken by Polonius to his son


AND SO IT CAME TO PASS that Chit and Chat (one of those is me) were asked to consider personal myths — stories that may have informed our personal perspective but never were — yet may speak to our essence as a human. For example, I was adopted and then raised by Goldwater Republicans (true). During my "formative years" I created a story (myth) that said I was raised by a herd of caped Corgis. I like capes. I like Corgis too. I created another myth that was less yappy and more grandiose where I saw myself somewhere between Hercules and Zeus — a small version of Superman! Reality saw me more like Jimmy Olsen, the bumbling cub reporter at The Daily Planet. I saw myself with the ability to fly faster than a speeding bullet with superhuman strength who could crush coal into diamonds with my bare hands. I especially enjoyed X-ray vision, which I used to torment my younger, late sister, Lisa, pretending I could see through her clothes. After a few months of wearing a cape and jumping from the ground two feet into the air, I grew weary of each stumbling crash landing. And so, the myth was dispelled.
      After my formative years, I became formed. More like a bundt cake than a man of steel. I eventually moved on to another equally magnificent myth. Like, simply by championing civic learning, I could change the educational perspective of Americans from lethargic, ignorant, apathetic skepticism, into a robust engagement of socio-political enlightenment. It is possible that this effort was more delusional than myth. Didn't stop me from trying; achieving some small success too. 
      I'm reminded of that weepy, ancient, pre-Socratic, philosopher's critic, Heraclitus, who was fond of repeating, “Character is destiny.” Which turns out to be a good playwriting trick. Start with your characters and they will write your play. They work for free, too. Such as it is with life, the myths or stories we tell ourselves help shape and inform our lives. Our hopes, dreams, aspirations, and worldview are essential in creating one's values, traits, and principles which influence the choices we make and therefore help manifest our destiny. 
     Is my Superman myth just a childhood fantasy? If I thought like that as an adult it would be considered a false narrative, a delusion, or a crazy fairy tale. Perhaps confirmation bias‽ Certainly not legendary.
      The human mind is a complex web of beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape our perceptions and influence our decisions. Humans are prone to forming personal myths and incorrect assumptions, which likely contribute to the development of cognitive biases. These biases are rooted in our learning processes. And, equally important, what we do not learn. Our biases have a profound impact on our understanding of the world and the way we interact with others. 
      Cognitive biases are patterns of deviation from rationality, affecting our judgments and behaviors without our awareness. These biases can arise from lazy mental shortcuts, social influences, emotional factors, and individual experiences, which fuel our predispositions and color our perceptions of the world.
      Healthy brains are wired to process information rapidly and efficiently, often relying on cognizable shortcuts to make swift judgments and decisions. While mental shortcuts can serve as practical tools for navigating complex environments, they also contribute to the formation of cognitive biases, which can lead us to make errors in judgment.
      One common cognitive bias is the confirmation bias, the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. Confirmation bias can solidify personal myths and incorrect assumptions, reinforcing our skewed perceptions of reality. For example, the character of Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' novel Don Quixote, epitomizes the confirmation bias, as he persistently interprets events and encounters in ways that align with his delusional vision of chivalry and heroism. You know, tilting at windmills!
      Cognitive biases can also be shaped by social and cultural influences, fueling the perpetuation of personal myths and incorrect assumptions. In-group bias, for example, reflects our tendency to favor like-minded individuals within our own social groups while exhibiting prejudice against outsiders. Look at the dreadful and bizarro Trump phenomenon. Can you believe it? A Trump confirmation bias is a good example of a personal myth of superiority or exceptionalism. Clearly, as an individual he seeks affirmation within his social circles while disregarding and disrespecting perspectives outside of his immediate community. 
      While personal myths are often driven by positive intentions, they can lead to inaccurate assumptions and exaggerated or embellished distortions of reality. For instance, an individual may construct a personal myth of invincibility (Superman), leading them to take unnecessary risks and dismiss potential consequences. Like jumping off a table top hoping to fly. Personal myths of victimhood can perpetuate a sense of entitlement and resentment, distorting one's interactions with others and impeding personal growth. Do you know anyone who overreacts to small missteps in a huge unpleasant way and then fabricates and blames others?
      In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, constructs a complex personal myth centered around his idealized vision of the past and his pursuit of wealth and status. Gatsby's concocted narrative about his origins and his unwavering belief in the possibility of recapturing lost love reflect his erroneous assumptions and the personal myth he has constructed to cope with his reality. The Great Gatsby focused on Fitzgerald's disillusionment with the American Dream in the hedonistic Jazz Age. Then there's George Carlin, who said of the American dream, “You have to be asleep to believe it.” 
      There is a myth with several astounding, colossal, impressive storylines that have been perpetuated throughout the ages — religion. Oh my God. Notice the phrase is “Oh my god”. The “my” makes religion an overwhelming personal myth that reeks with self-entitlement. Yet religion is also a good example of erroneous groupthink. Incorrect assumptions can lead people to do terrible things to other people. Want proof? Take a peek at the world.
      It is essential to recognize and confront our personal myths and incorrect assumptions, as well as the cognitive biases stemming from them. By cultivating mindfulness, critical thinking, and empathy, we can challenge the narratives that drive our biases and strive to embrace a more rational, compassionate, and inclusive worldview. When we take the time to examine our human experience and the complexities of the human mind, we can dispel myths that do not serve us well and shed light on the intricate interplay between personal myths, cognitive biases, and the human condition.
     But why should we? That takes effort. It's easier and often more comforting to retain personal myths, especially if they provide a sense of identity, purpose, and motivation. However, personal myths can hinder self-examination and mental health. As it is with many aspects of life, it's good to critically reevaluate beliefs, hopes, dreams, and aspirations in the effort to seek clarity and a decent ratio between personal myths and objective truths. Meanwhile, look up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. Yes, it's Superman! Strange visitor from another planet, who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Or, is it just lil’ ol’ me, lovable goofball, living within the hazy penumbra of my shadowy personal myths? 

Ken Hurley 

Don't be stupid, you moron.  – Ben Stern to his child, Howard

What a maroon.  – Bugs Bunny

The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.  – Charles Bukowski

Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.  – Laurence J. Peter

We keep on being told that religion, whatever its imperfections, at its least instills morality. On every side, there is conclusive evidence that the contrary is the case and that faith causes people to be more mean, more selfish, and perhaps above all, more stupid.  – Christopher Hitchens


THE ARGUMENT was among an imbecile, an idiot, and a moron, as to whether a friend of theirs was either an imbecile, an idiot, or a moron. The dispute was exacerbated by her relentless efforts to appear brighter than she actually is. They know dumb. And she is dumb. They were certain her IQ was like a shuffleboard score, -10. While her efforts to appear less doltish could be applauded, she consistently displayed a level of duncish boneheadedness that made the idiot, imbecile, and moron feel like they just won the Nobel Prize for Intellectual Superiority. But which brand of dumb was she? Due to their derogatory connotations, the terms imbecile, idiot, and moron were decommissioned during the 1960s, in favor of new terms which included various degrees of retardation, which were all later revoked in favor of "intellectual disability" or "developmentally challenged," as we say today.
      In the realm of intellectual incompetence, an idiot falls lowest on the intelligence scale. An imbecile is not quite as dumb as an idiot. And a moron has the highest level of intelligence for someone who is thought to be cognitively impaired. The idiot, imbecile, and moron still argue about where on the spectrum of human cognition their friend falls. They do not have the ability to resolve their dispute to an agreeable conclusion. So they argue. 
     We grapple with what it means to be intelligent since we seem to have a better familiarity regarding the complexities of human stupidity, which comes wrapped within our immense capacity for irrational behavior, poor decision-making, and foolishness.  
     As a recognized expert on the nature of stupid humans, the late Italian economist, Carlo Cipolla, summarized in his essay, The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity (1976): "A stupid creature will harass you for no reason, for no advantage, without any plan or scheme, and at the most improbable times and places. You have no rational way of telling if and when and how and why the stupid creature attacks. When confronted with a stupid individual you are completely at their mercy." Moreover, non-stupid people underestimate the damaging power of stupid individuals. Curiously, Carlo also surmises that a stupid person is the most dangerous type of human. Thanks for the heads up, Carlo!
     Fortunately, children don't need to be taught curiosity. If I recall correctly, curiosity is a good aid to memory too. The five-year-old is prone to ask lots of questions during her growth and learning process. The five-year-old will also repeat the same questions until her efforts at achieving alacritous acumen often become annoying to the adults around her. Good news about the five-year-old, she typically grows into her intelligence because she learns from the answers she receives. Fast-forward to adults who still believe asking lots of questions, questionable or otherwise, is akin to an inquisitive five-year-old, believing the questions asked are, in and of themselves, intelligence. It is not. The adult who asks a volley of repeated questions and has yet to learn from the answers, remains static, uninteresting, and tedious. It is the ability to learn from the answers where demonstrable intellectual prowess might be shown. To simply ask a question or many questions is not the answer, nor is it intelligence. There are thickheaded anserine questions, even if the repeated questions may be a cry for attention and understanding. A failure to learn from the answers is commonly known as stupid. Without the ability to critically think and draw reasonable conclusions from the answers derived from questions, repeated questioning is like a five year old who mindlessly stomps around the room and annoyingly keeps asking, "Why, why, why, why, why?" 
     To fully appreciate intelligence, it is essential to contrast it with its antithesis: stupidity. Stupidity can be defined as a lack of intelligence or the inability to comprehend or apply knowledge effectively. Ever try to enlarge a photo in a magazine with two fingers? Ever press the elevator button repeatedly with the hopes it will move faster? Ever talk to traffic while driving? Every walk into a room and forget why you're there? Ever try to light a cigarette with a blowtorch? Ever apologize to an inanimate object after bumping into it? Ever try to reattach fallen leaves to a tree? Remember U.S. presidential candidate Rick Perry when he infamously struggled to name the third government agency he wanted to dismantle, then said, "Oops." Ever roll your eyes in a sign of exasperated dismissive disapproval? Did you feel superior? Do you know any humans who want to kill other humans because they're on the wrong side of the border, or are deemed to be the wrong nationality, or the wrong color, or the wrong religion? Of all the life forms that exist on Earth, only humans have the power to destroy our entire ecosystem. (And, we're doing it! Seems stupid.) Ever wonder why savagely barbaric wars seem like a stupid failure of human interaction? Ever feel like you've tripped into slow cognitive decline after talking with a stupid person? Do you know any stupid people who are elected officials? A good example of functional stupidity can be found in William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. The impulsive actions of the young lovers, driven by their lusty infatuation, ultimately led to their tragic demise. Their failure to consider the consequences of their actions, and their inability to think critically, highlight the deadly dangers of acting without intelligence.
     While knowing occasional foolishness is a part of the human condition, stupidity seems rampant. It is our ability to learn from our mistakes, challenge our own beliefs, discern facts from opinions, and grow intellectually, that distinguishes us from the imbeciles, idiots, and morons. The universality of human capacity for ignorance, irrationality, and folly can be entertaining yet sad, even deadly, as evidenced by the Darwin Awards which are "given posthumously to people who have made the supreme sacrifice to keep their genes out of our pool. Style counts, not everyone who dies from their own stupidity can win." Human stupidity highlights the need for more critical thinking, education, and an informed engaged citizenry. So, where should we look for intelligence? Is there intelligent life on Earth? Is there extraterrestrial intelligent life? Is there intelligent life in New Jersey?
       Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted concept, and has intrigued scholars, philosophers, psychologists, freethinkers, and other pontificating pundits for centuries. Intelligence can be defined as the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge, solve problems, reason logically, and adapt to new situations. Moreover, the definition of intelligence has evolved over time. Developmental Psychologist Howard Gardner, in his 1983 book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, proposed a theory of many types of intelligences. He suggests that intelligence encompasses various domains, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences.
    In its satirical effort, The Peter Principle, Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull (1969), explains how in any human hierarchy, people will rise no further than their level of incompetence. The authors conclude by applying their principle to the totality of humanity, wondering whether humans will survive or become extinct upon reaching humanity's natural level of anticipated incompetence as technology advances. Hello, A.I.!
      Literature provides a rich tapestry of characters who exemplify different forms of intelligence. In Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series, the titular detective showcases exceptional deductive reasoning and logical-mathematical intelligence. His ability to solve intricate mysteries through keen observation and astute analysis demonstrates his intellectual excellence.
      In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the creature, despite his foreboding physical appearance, exhibits emotional intelligence and a desire for knowledge. He learns to read, comprehend complex ideas, and express himself eloquently. However, his lack of social intelligence and inability to navigate human relationships ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.
      Another literary example of intelligence can be found in J.R.R. Tolkien's, The Lord of the Rings. The character Gandalf, a wandering, white-bearded, grey-cloaked, knowledgeable and wise wizard with a staff and large hat, possesses not only intellectual intelligence but also emotional intelligence. He understands the motivations and fears of those around him, guiding, persuading, and inspiring them to overcome challenges associated with countering the Dark Lord Sauron.
      In H.G. Wells', The War of the Worlds, humanity faces an alien invasion that showcases the stark contrast between the advanced civilization of the Martians and the vulnerability of humans. This work not only highlights our fascination with extraterrestrial life, but also reflects our anxieties about encountering beings more advanced than ourselves, while discussing themes of prejudice, evolution, and imperialism.
      Similarly, Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End presents a more benevolent scenario in which aliens known as the Overlords guide humanity toward a new era of peace and prosperity. But at what cost? Clarke's novel delves into philosophical questions and explores the implications of interacting with highly intelligent extraterrestrial beings, addressing themes of evolution, transformation, creativity, innovation, and the cyclical nature of existence, including the ultimate demise of the known world.
    In George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, as told by the protagonist Winston Smith, Orwell unveils the collective stupidity of a society that is manipulated and willingly embraces its own oppression. The novel highlights the dangers of blind adherence to dogma and the suppression of critical thinking, challenging readers to examine their own beliefs and behaviors.
      Throughout history, numerous individuals have left an indelible mark on the world through their exceptional intelligence. Albert Einstein, renowned for his contributions to theoretical physics, revolutionized our understanding of the universe. His intellectual brilliance, characterized by his ability to think abstractly and formulate groundbreaking theories, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics.
      Marie Curie, a pioneering scientist, exemplified intelligence through her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her ability to apply scientific principles led to her discovery of two new elements, polonium and radium, and earned her two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry.
      In Stephen Hawking's book, A Brief History of Time (1988), he discusses in an easy reading manner for the novice to physics, the study of the origin, evolution, and finality of Earth and the Universe. Fun for the whole family! He writes that the type of theoretical issues he discusses in his book were originally an early attempt by others to understand some of the mysteries of life through philosophical and religious insights, with the effort to explain the nature of God or if God exists. However, Hawking prefers to examine these theories with mathematical calculations and empirical observations, rather than through a religious or philosophical approach. Hawking expresses hope that everybody will have at least a rudimentary understanding and willingness to discuss theories of cosmology in an effort to understand the true origin and nature of the Universe. As he said, "If we find the answer to that [why it is that we and the universe exist], it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason — for then we would know the mind of God." And, Hawking was an atheist! To explain complex ideas in simple terms as Hawking does, is intelligence.
      Cinematic portrayals of intelligent life have alternated between dark and optimistic depictions. In Ridley Scott's Alien franchise, humanity encounters frighteningly ugly, aggressive, parasitic extraterrestrial species. These films play into our fears of the unknown and remind us of our vulnerability in the face of an advanced and malevolent civilization.
      Steven Spielberg's film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial offers a more heartwarming portrayal of intelligent extraterrestrial life. "E.T. phone home." Through the character of E.T., Spielberg evokes a sense of wonder, showcasing themes of separation, alienation, the transformative power of human connection, and the possibility of harmonious coexistence.
      In the movie Idiocracy, directed by Mike Judge, an average Joe is put to sleep in the government's Hibernation Project and wakes up  500 years later to discover he is the smartest man alive in a world dominated by idiocy and ignorance. This satirical depiction serves as a commentary on the potentially self-destructive trajectory of humankind, highlighting the consequences of intellectual apathy and the commodification of stupidity.
      But what about New Jersey? Is there intelligent life in the Garden State? I don't know. There is Chris Christie, who remains too big for his bridges.
      Is there actually extraterrestrial intelligent life? I hope so. The Allen Telescope Array project, part of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), wants to answer this question in the affirmative with fact-based findings. The odds are overwhelmingly in favor that there is intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. It is even likely that what the Earthlings consider intelligent today may make us look dumber than a bag of hammers by comparison after we discover other forms of intelligent life. Especially since, as you know, the word 'phonetically' doesn't even begin with 'F'. That's enough to cause extraterrestrial intelligent life to take a hard pass on humans. The SETI initiative signifies the scientific interest in finding intelligent life somewhere, anywhere. (They haven't yet begun looking in New Jersey.) Also SETI demonstrates the commitment of researchers to expand our understanding of the universe, and maybe even one day in other unexpected locations like Hoboken.
      Intelligence is a multifaceted concept which encompasses various domains and manifests differently in individuals. The diverse dimensions of intelligence range from logical-mathematical and emotional intelligence to linguistic and spatial intelligence. We may have a slightly better understanding of intelligence knowing that critical thinking is essential to human success, especially when we  compare intelligence with the vast array of human stupidity and the many potential dire consequences of acting without intelligence. As our understanding of intelligence continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the complexity and diversity of human cognition. And, lack thereof.
     Which reminds me: An imbecile, an idiot, and a moron walk into a New Jersey bar. The bartender says, "Ah, déjà poo, the same old crap again." Then asks, "Where's Dumb and Dumber?" The moron replies, "Dumb and Dumber are busy laughing all the way to the bank making millions in Hollywood." To which the bartender mutters, "Imagine the surprise Descartes felt when he realized that people who don't think exist too and sometimes do amazingly well."
      As for me, I feel that I vacillate around the entirety of the intellectual vs. dumber spectrum. I'm no genius, not even a smarty-pants. I've been called a wise guy, but I suppose that's preferable to being called a dumb ass. Our feisty Granny was known to quote the following, whose ascription is unknown to me: "See the happy moron, he doesn't give a damn, I wish I were a moron, Dear God, perhaps I am." After some consideration, I believe I'm just smart enough to know I've left myself plenty of room for improvement. 
###

- Ken Hurley

GRATITUDE IS A transcendent emotion that resides at the core of human connection, intertwining cultures and societies across the globe. By understanding the power of gratitude and acknowledging its opposition — hate — we can cultivate empathy, foster harmonious relationships, and contribute positively to our world.
      Gratitude is often expressed deeply on Thanksgiving, a widely celebrated secular holiday in the United States, dedicated to expressing appreciation for an  abundance of food and drink, Pepto Bismol, family, friends, booze, and gummies. Gratitude is a universal sentiment that transcends cultural, religious, secular, and geographic boundaries. Along with Thanksgiving, there are many other secular and religious observances that express gratitude, including New Year's Day, World Gratitude Day, Sukkot, Eid al-Fitr, and Pongal!
      New Year's Day is celebrated around the world with great enthusiasm, some reflection, and lots of fireworks, for which pet owners are not so grateful.
      Observed on September 21st, World Gratitude Day is a secular celebration that encourages individuals to express gratitude for the positive aspects of their lives. I'll wager many people are unaware of World Gratitude Day. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the simple joys, express gratitude towards others, and foster a sense of interconnectedness. This day promotes the idea that gratitude can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. Pet owners are grateful there are no fireworks.
      Sukkot is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. During this week-long celebration, families build temporary shelters called sukkahs and eat meals inside them. This practice symbolizes the Israelites' reliance on God's protection during their journey. Sukkot emphasizes gratitude for the harvest and the shelter provided by God. It also encourages individuals to appreciate the impermanence of material possessions and focus on spiritual growth. And, no fireworks.
      Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. It is a time of joy and celebration where Muslims express gratitude for the strength and discipline to complete the fast. Families gather for communal prayers, exchange gifts, and share meals. This celebration reinforces gratitude for the blessings of food, family, and community. And, no fireworks.
      Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival celebrated in South India. It is a four-day celebration that expresses gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The highlight of Pongal is the preparation of a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice, lentils, and jaggery. The dish is cooked outdoors, symbolizing gratitude towards the sun and nature's abundance. Pongal also includes traditional games, music, and dance, fostering a sense of community and gratitude for the blessings of the harvest. You guessed it, no fireworks!
      Here's a kaboom waiting to happen for which I have no gratitude. Our newest Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, a lawyer and former spokesman for the Alliance Defending Freedom organization, which was designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-LGBTQ hate group, is also an election denier — not just an election denier, but a subversive congressional architect of the effort to overturn the 2020 election. He's an anti-choice, anti-science, anti-intellectual, religious zealot, who believes Noah's ark is factual but climate change is a media-driven hoax. He's a "great replacement" conspiracy theorist. He has described the Declaration of Independence as a “religious statement of faith.” In his first interview as speaker, Mike Johnson described himself to Sean Hannity (FOX News) as a "Bible-believing Christian." He said, to understand him and his politics, just “pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview.” He has blamed gun violence on the human heart, feminism, teaching evolution, and turning away from God (his god, of course.) You want to know what this right-wing, white male, ultra conservative, has never blamed regarding the consistent tragedy that is gun violence in America? Guns. Americans have nearly unlimited access to guns. The right wing fanatics stroke their love affair with gun culture while legislatures continue their failure to enact common sense firearm legislation. These "Thoughts and Prayers" do-nothings are now championing "mental illness" as the common theme regarding America's epidemic gun violence. I politely say, WTF‽ Why is it that "mental illness" hardly massacres anyone in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Japan, Thailand, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Korea, Turkey, Qatar, Scotland, or Spain? I could go on, but you get the idea. It's the guns. And, our decades-long legislative failure to act. 
      While I believe gratitude is a wonderful attribute for us to demonstrate, hate and revenge are also powerful emotions that can have devastating consequences for individuals and societies. Hate and revenge breed animosity, which can lead to the breakdown of trust, understanding, and create a mess of perpetual injustice. Individuals, communities, or nations divided by hate and revenge struggle to find common ground, hindering progress and cooperation. Hate and revenge often fuel a cycle of violence, perpetuating a never-ending circle of harm. Revenge can lead to an ongoing quest for retribution, causing further harm to all parties involved. Holding onto hate and seeking revenge can consume individuals, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, and even the desire to kill. These negative emotions prevent individuals from finding peace, happiness, and restorative justice. 
      Society, cultures, and religions may even glorify revenge, portraying it as a means of achieving justice. The pressure to conform to societal, cultural, or religious norms can make it difficult to reject revenge, as that may be seen as a sign of weakness encompassing the fear of vulnerability. But how does one let go of anger, resentment, and hate in the effort to forgive another for killing your child or other loved ones, and swears to kill you too? Forgiving those who have wronged us requires vulnerability and immense internal fortitude. It is difficult, and for many, impossible. The fear of being hurt or wronged again, makes it challenging to let go of hate, seek forgiveness, and cultivate empathy and understanding. Hate and revenge pose significant dangers to individuals, cultures, and societies by perpetuating violence, destroying relationships, people, towns, cities, and countries. Any efforts that we can make that lead us to a kinder, peaceful, and more harmonious world, free from the destructive forces of hate and revenge, are of course, lauded and desperately needed. I'll ask again, how does one let go of anger, resentment, and hate in the effort to forgive another for killing your child or other loved ones and swears to kill you too? But then, when has hate ever been an effective solution to human interactions? Does Steven Wright's quip, "I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize," reflect the human condition?
      I'm also reminded of the song from South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein, "Carefully Taught" whose lyrics are: "You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear, You’ve got to be taught from year to year, It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear — You’ve got to be carefully taught." Today, I wonder whether we learn hate and fear, or how much is hate and fear in our genetics? That's another long discussion.
     I wish there were fewer troubling situations around the world for which I can not find gratitude. I wish a strong condemnation of war mongers and political thugs were all we need for people to cease their desire to kill and put down their weapons. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Regrettably, there is nothing simple about the human mind when it becomes obsessed with strong, angry, unworthy, hateful feelings that impel one toward something, that is in reality or the imagination, attainable.
      To "hope and wish" is similar to "thoughts and prayers." Nothing changes without action. But, what to do? We can vote. We can lead by example. We can support organizations that promote human welfare, reason, peace, and goodwill, while rejecting hate and destructive fanaticism in all its ugly forms, religious or other.
      Meanwhile, please know, everything is just a bit better because of you.

   With gratitude,
    me

by  Ken Hurley

False beliefs can be every bit as consoling as true ones, right up until the moment of disillusionment.  – Richard Dawkins

Seeking first to understand isn't about who's right or wrong; it is a philosophy of effective communication. – Richard Carlson

Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it.  – Leo Tolstoy

It is very unnerving to be proven wrong, particularly when you are really right and the person who is really wrong is proving you wrong and proving himself, wrongly, right. – Lemony Snicket

The news is glorified gossip. – Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Today, I got up on the wrong side of the bed. Got off on the wrong foot. Got the wrong end of the stick. Barked up the wrong tree. Left the wrong impression. Made a wrong turn. Went one way the wrong way. Found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Where I figured out what’s wrong with my brain. On the left side, there is nothing right and on the right side, there is nothing left.
      One day I met my young friend Miggy as he paced up and down the sidewalk and was obviously distraught, disenchanted, and disillusioned. I asked, "What's wrong, Miggy?" He said, "I'm distraught, disenchanted, and disillusioned. Today is the 2nd day of the 2nd month in 2022 and I just turned 22 so I placed a bet and put $2,222 on the second horse in the second race of the day to win. "Ok, Miggy. So what's wrong?" "The horse came in second."
      Right and wrong are perpetual and oftentimes frustrating balancing acts that pervade nearly every aspect of our lives, requiring contemplation and self-reflection. From our daily interactions with others to matters of ethics and morality, the line between right and wrong can be as blurry as Mr. J. Quincy Magoo's vision, and subject to interpretation. The complexities of determining what is right and wrong are evident in personal relationships, politics, our courts, healthcare, sports, nearly everywhere. How we admit when we are wrong, and what we do about it, speaks to our character. So, is there a right way to be wrong?       
      Since the beginning of thought, the question of ascertaining a clear difference between right and wrong has perplexed philosophers,  thinkers, non-thinkers, and the rest of us. Our moral compass, similar to the compass the Scouts use only with a moral north star, engages our reasoning abilities, values, beliefs, and cultural context; yet sometimes, when we are wrong, we feel guilt, regret, shame, and downright awful when our wrongdoings or poor decisions are injurious to ourselves or others. 
     Our actions have consequences that may be judged as right or wrong based on their outcomes. For example, Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi Party, prioritized saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust, even while risking his own prosperity and life. Schindler's moral compass was oriented towards something greater than his political party ideology. His actions challenged the prevailing notions of right and wrong in Nazi Germany. The consequences of his actions proved Mr. Schindler to be right. 
      One of the most influential frameworks for understanding right and wrong is found in the nebulous philosophical concept of ethics, which seeks to define the line between good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, Tom and Jerry, Ben and Jerry, Bruce and Catlin, and more. Is there a right way to be wrong, is a philosophical query that can be answered, nope. Or, it depends. Or, of course! And end it there. Thank you. And good night.
     However, there are way too many thoughts, free or other, regarding "right," "wrong," and self-reflection, especially after one realizes one’s own transgressions or errors. So, I'll persevere with the hope I'm not wrong. And if I am wrong, who really cares? Or rather, I hope to find a way to offer an acceptable apology beyond "Oops, my bad."
      Typically, we strive to do the best we can with all life brings our way. When we fall short of our best, we try again until we get it right. Or as close to right as time and effort allow. The notion of making mistakes is often viewed unfavorably. The transformative and redemptive power of acknowledging and embracing our mistakes may be essential to minimize those awful feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. On balance, if our decision-making is more favorable than wretched, we're probably doing just fine on the right/wrong barometer.
      To truly grasp the concept of a right way to be wrong, we must recognize the paradoxical nature of making mistakes. While errors are often perceived as negative and undesirable, they also provide invaluable opportunities for growth, transformation, and critical self-reexamination.
     Thomas Edison's quote, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work,” is a good reminder that errors are not the end, but the beginning of a journey toward success. He also famously said, "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
      The ability to accept responsibility for our mistakes is an essential component of learning and growth. For example, if the manager at The Lazy-A Canteen makes a poor decision that negatively impacts his team or customers, he may lose his job if he does not acknowledge his mistake, apologize, and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation. By accepting responsibility, one fosters an environment of trust and transparency. This creates an opportunity for growth and improvement which demonstrates one "right" way to be wrong.
      In Dostoevsky's novel, Crime and Punishment, the protagonist, Raskolnikov, murders and then steals from his victims. He views himself as an extra-special, extraordinary man, therefore he feels he could commit any crime, even murder, and walk away from it without any sense of guilt, shame, or regret. Reminds me of President 45. However, unlike 45, as the consequences of his actions begin to unfold, he gradually recognizes the wicked error of his ways. His subsequent ethical transformation and genuine remorse exemplify another "right" way to be wrong. Raskolnikov embarks on a path of redemption and personal growth, ultimately accepting responsibility for his crime and seeking atonement. Although he does get eight years of hard labor in Siberia.
      In Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch illustrates another "right" way to be wrong. As a lawyer, who defends an innocent black man against racial prejudice in deeply segregated Alabama, he embodies virtues such as empathy, courage, and integrity. Atticus's unwavering commitment to justice reflects the internal dispositions that distinguish right from wrong, despite the immense criticism and adversity he faces. His commitment to justice serves as a powerful testament to the idea that doing the right thing is sometimes synonymous with being considered wrong by the majority.
      Spike Lee's 1989 film, Do the Right Thing, depicts how dead wrong human tensions, poor communication, and violent struggles can be when people fail to do the right thing.
      Another compelling example is the Disney animated feature, The Lion King. Simba, the young lion who flees after believing he is responsible for his father's death, spends years living in self-imposed exile. However, through the guidance of his wise mentors and a series of introspective realizations, Simba learns to accept responsibility for his past actions. By returning to his pride and challenging the tyrannical reign of his uncle Scar, Simba ultimately embodies the "right" way to be wrong. He embraces his mistakes, takes responsibility for his role, and strives to make amends for the betterment of his community.
      Sometimes our mistakes are met with a shrug and the admonition, "Whoops, I goofed." Other times our blunders are so serious that we must let others know we screwed up. Then accept our errors as our own, thereby offering opportunities for growth, transformation, and redemption. There is worthy significance when we recognize our wrongdoings, accept responsibility, offer authentic apologies to those we've hurt, and actively seek personal growth. By embracing our mistakes, we gain indispensable insights into our flaws, beliefs, and values, which ultimately aid us in becoming better versions of ourselves. To admit when we are wrong necessitates humility and empathetic courage to reassess our actions. To adhere to a "right" way to be wrong necessitates recognizing the inherent potential in our mistakes. Our ability to navigate the intricate gray areas between right and wrong allows us to grow as individuals and contribute positively to a more just and compassionate society. (Cue the Gospel Choir crescendo.)
      One more thought from the old leaky thought bucket, me. Suppose you are wrongly the subject of negative whispers and rumors or misinformed gossip that has unfairly tarnished your spotless stellar reputation. Or suppose you discover that your beloved superstar idol is only one more disillusioned flawed human stumbling around the planet. Or suppose you were raised religiously, and it suddenly dawns on you that religions need fictitious fabrications to keep their brand alive. Or suppose you awake one day on the right side of the bed with a burning urge to funk your angst.
     Each scenario can create a sense of being distraught, disenchanted, and disillusioned, when positive assumptions or deeply held beliefs are shattered. Disillusionment can create a confused, disconnected, lost feeling. Last I checked, 113% of people with actual feelings don't like that. We know some people create and spread disinformation with the intent to deceive and hurt people.  A twinge of schadenfreude may even swell within. That's wrong. Others spread misinformation and gossip who may not know the information is false. That's lazy and wrong. It is important to verify first. But if you're the subject of malevolent gossip that you'd like to correct it is equally important to confirm your suspicion before wagging the long finger of indignation which regrettably, too often, points directly towards alienation. Fact-check the information yourself. Then politely grok, that's right, grok (a nostalgic bit of fustian flummery), grok as best you can, a perspicacious perspective. Show gentle strength. If that doesn't ameliorate the situation, you can always do what many juveniles do — never speak to that person again. Ostracizing behavior is what quitters do and is akin to revenge, which is also wrong and reminds me of what Mohandas Gandhi said, "An eye for an eye and the whole world goes blind." 
      Hope all this chit-chat doesn't rub you the wrong way. On second thought, perhaps there really isn't a "right" way to be wrong. Only a preferred way; but maybe I'm wrong. And, if deemed as such by the gentle reader, what say you?
Send comments be they right or wrong to kenhurley88@gmail.com

    - Ken Hurley

The Wōkies are on the hunt. Armed with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, cleverly worded T-shirts, rallies, and an occasional letter to the editor. All strategically used to maximize the number of kills in an effort to enact meaningful social change. Or, rather, at least look like concerned caring citizens on social media for all friends to see and give a thumbs up emoji. Time for Ben and Jerry to sip a Bud Light. Or not.
      Thanks to the Wōkies, Aunt Jemima is no longer on the pancake box. Uncle Ben is off the Converted Rice box. “Rastus” is off the Cream of Wheat box. Mrs. Butterworth got her body reshaped. NASCAR has banned the Confederate flag. Many statues honoring Confederate soldiers have been removed from public parks which nearly caused "pigeon riots" in 2021. In Boston's Park Square, even a statue of Abraham Lincoln with a formerly enslaved man has been removed and put into storage. And, according to the Gray Lady, hundreds of influential men lost their jobs where nearly half their replacements are women.
      Being "woke" refers to an increased awareness of social, cultural, and political issues that are often overlooked or dismissed by the general public. It is seen as an effort to bring marginalized voices to the forefront of conversations and promote social justice.
     The “woke” concept began as a way for black people to reassure one another relative for the need to stay vigilant regarding socio-political awareness as a means of survival. However, wokeness has been co-opted by others for political gains, monetary gains, and self-aggrandizement. In the beginning, the phrase used was “stay woke.” Which emphasized the need to dismantle oppressive societal structures by using a colloquial word, woke. Like awake, only wōkier.
       An advantage to being "woke" is the effort to promote a more inclusive and equitable society. Woke individuals advocate on behalf of those who are most vulnerable and oppressed by bringing attention to issues such as systemic racism, gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, pancake syrup, and more. This kind of advocacy and activism can result in societal changes, as seen through movements such as Black Lives Matter and Me Too. 
      The concept of being "woke" can sometimes be taken too far, resulting in a tendency towards "cancel culture." Cancel culture refers to the practice of boycotting or ostracizing individuals or organizations who are deemed by the Wōkies to be problematic or controversial. While boycotts and ostracization can be an effective way to hold those in power accountable, it can also create an environment of intolerance, where people are afraid to speak up for fear of unwittingly joining the "cancel culture." 
      Being too woke can lead to the stifling of different perspectives and ideas. Taking pride in demonstrating the aspects of wokeness critical of others can also lead to a polarizing loss of friendships. A surplus of wokeness can hinder honest debate and progress. Is it possible that one day the Wōkies will cancel themselves?
      The hysteria of fanaticism reigns an unpleasant solution to the woeful aspects of wokeness and its foes as it relates to societal improvements.
     Conservatives now, incorrectly, use woke as a catch all term for anything they don't like. Governor Ron DeSantis is known as anti-woke and has successfully placed himself at the center of debates surrounding the concept of being woke. In 2022, his Florida legislature passed the Individual Freedom Act, commonly known as the Stop W.O.K.E. Act (Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees). This law regulates the content of instruction and training in schools and workplaces. Just because DeSantis is not woke doesn't mean he's a dope. In March 2021, DeSantis signed an executive order which banned teaching critical race theory in public schools. He claims CRT is "divisive" and "teaches kids to hate our country and to hate each other." Last time I checked, DeSantis is not an educated educator. He's educated. Yale and Harvard, yes. But he is not an educator. He knows not of what he speaks regarding public school education. Of course, the Stop WOKE Act is being challenged in court as an unconstitutional government content-based censorship law, which severely restricts learning and talking about issues related to race and gender.
       While DeSantis argues that he is protecting American values and promoting a unified society, he is not doing either. Critics argue that his ban on CRT is a way of silencing important conversations about race and systemic inequality. By ignoring the complex and pervasive issues that face minority communities, DeSantis perpetuates a culture of ignorance and complacency. Amazingly, ignorance and complacency are two significant pillars of his political aspirations that appeal to his troupe of partisan supporters.
     Being "woke" can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and fighting against inequality. However, it is important to strike a balance between advocacy and tolerance to avoid the pitfalls of cancel culture while still holding those in power accountable. It is more important than ever to continue to promote inclusivity and awareness in all aspects of our lives especially with leaders like Ron DeSantis rallying against the concept of being woke.
      So how do we strike a balance?
Striking a balance between advocacy and tolerance requires a commitment to empathy, open-mindedness, and a willingness to engage in respectful civil discourse. While it is important to advocate for social justice and challenge systems of oppression, we must also make an effort to be tolerant and understanding of different perspectives, even when they may be at odds with our own. However, it is likely impossible to expect anyone to engage in respectful, empathetic, civil discourse, when the oppressor is intent on killing you. Woke or asleep, violence breeds violence.
      We know the allegorical perpetual pendulum swings one way today and the other way tomorrow. It seems for all sides on most issues, the perpetual pendulum never has just the right sway.
###
 

  Ken Hurley

I had the right to remain silent... but I didn't have the ability.  – Ron White

The word "Queue" is just "Q" followed by silent letters. Often the purpose of a silent letter is to change the sound of another letter. For example, the 'e' in hate is as silent as the quiet of the Rose Reading Room inside the New York Public Library, which is a favorite phrontistery of mine, where you'll find Run Silent, Run Deep; Silent Spring; Q; and all the silent letters too. 
     The problem with silence is that it is rare, elusive, coveted by this writer, yet deeply misunderstood.
     The maddening effect of noise pollution creates a profound desire for silence. Included in a litany of clamors, contraptions, and places are: leaf blowers, lawn mowers, train horns, traffic, construction sites, airplanes, and loud restaurants whose music blares with enough shattering reverberation to cause the deaf to cover their ears to regain their equilibrium.
      If only the leaf blowing people and the lawn mowing people would coordinate an hour each weekend to thrust their unpleasant clattering noise machines upon us, I would be grateful. But no. Because, you know, Freedom! Like William Wallace in Braveheart, whose final cry rings loudly through the public square before he is beheaded: "Freedom!" Except the only battle the eruptive grass cutters fight is the length of each blade.
       Silence is to be cherished. I have been championing the undervalued and underappreciated commodity of "peace and quiet" for decades. The constant exposure to excessive noise levels has detrimental effects on human health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Yet too many people remain oblivious.
       There are physical, psychological, and social consequences of noise pollution, none of which is good, each of which highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat the pervasive high decibel problem, which can drive people to the loony farm where even the hay needs a good mowing. 
      Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory disorders. For instance, individuals living near airports, train tracks, busy highways, or even loudmouth neighbors, often suffer from chronic sleep disturbances, which can lead to fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and increased risk of accidents. Moreover, noise pollution has been linked to cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, heart disease, and increased stress levels. The constant bombardment of noise triggers the release of stress hormones, which may lead to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks.
      The psychological impact of noise pollution is equally distressing. Continuous exposure to noise disrupts concentration, impairs memory, and hampers learning abilities. For example, students studying in noisy environments experience reduced academic performance and increased stress levels. Additionally, noise pollution has been associated with heightened irritability, anxiety, and depression. The inability to find respite from constant noise can lead to a sense of helplessness and frustration, negatively impacting mental well-being.
      Noise pollution not only affects individuals, but also has far-reaching social consequences. Excessive noise disrupts communication, leading to strained relationships and decreased social interaction. For instance, in densely populated urban areas, noise pollution can hinder conversations, making it difficult for individuals to connect and form meaningful relationships. Moreover, excessive noise levels in public spaces, such as parks or restaurants, can deter people from engaging in leisure activities, leading to a decline in community cohesion.
      There are even sonic and ultrasonic weapons that use sound to injure or incapacitate people. But then — snipers, hypertension, and big cats are among the silent killers.
      There are stentorian “activists,” both liberal and conservative, who try to outshout each other (figuratively and literally) but have yet to learn when it's time to "cierra la boca," as my high school Spanish teacher delighted in saying to me each time I protested my assigned Spanish classroom name, Jorge. These megaphone mouths on opposite ends of the political spectrum have been taught to speak up, speak out, speak often. Yet they have not learned discretion. They prattle on as if they emote persuasive significance. Despite strongly held differing beliefs, they each deserve credit for registering more of the opposition to vote than one might imagine. They try to listen to each other but can't abide inept, grating, tumultuous communication. They decide, if that's a liberal, how do I vote against her? If that's a conservative, how do I vote against him? 
      This reminds me of a story about a tiger and a donkey. The donkey told the tiger, "The sky is green." The tiger said, "No, donkey, the sky is blue." They argued until the tiger suggested they ask the King Lion to settle their dispute. The King Lion said, "Yes, donkey, the sky is green." And the donkey smiled and trotted off happily. The tiger asked the King Lion, "Why? Why did you tell the donkey the sky is green? We both know the sky is blue!" The King Lion said that is correct. But you will be punished with thirty days of silence for bringing me such a trivial matter. Maybe with some introspection you'll learn the value of not arguing with donkeys over such nonsense.
      People are uncomfortable with silence, as evidenced by the number of people walking around with earbuds dangling from their lobes listening to anything but the natural ambient sounds nearby. Silence means they would be left alone with their own thoughts. Looks like too many people disfavor contemplation of their own free thoughts.
      Silence can be defined as the absence of sound or noise, but it extends beyond the mere absence of auditory stimulation. It is a state of stillness, a pause in the chaos of life. Silence can be both external and internal, encompassing the absence of external noise as well as the quieting of our own thoughts and emotions. It is a powerful tool that allows us reflection, introspection, and solace in the midst of a thundering world.
      When we experience silence, we are able to focus and become more present in the moment. It is a form of mindfulness that allows us to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings.
     There are times when silence is extremely beneficial. For example, during meditation, silence is essential to achieving an internal state of peace and calm. In these moments of quiet contemplation, we are able to reflect on our lives, reinvigorate our psyche, and gain new perspectives on life's issues. Without silence, the distractions of our noisy world make it difficult to achieve these benefits.
      Silence can also be beneficial in our personal relationships. In difficult situations, it can be helpful to stay quiet and listen, rather than constantly talking and reacting. Jumble "silent" and get "listen." This can lead to better communication and understanding, as well as the resolution of conflicts. When two people are able to sit in silence together, it can be a powerful bonding experience that strengthens their connection. A good friendship is when silence is comfortable. 
      In some cases, silence is also beneficial in the workplace. A quiet work environment can help people focus on their tasks and be more productive. This is particularly true for jobs that require a lot of concentration, such as writing, coding, or research. When there is minimal noise or distractions, people can get into a flow state and perform at their best. Ever watch someone with music blasting through earbuds try to accomplish any task? Takes them much longer. They aren't even aware they can't focus. They have not learned the value of silence relative to the need of determined focus. 
      In some situations, people may use silence as a way to avoid difficult conversations or confrontations. This kind of silence can be damaging to relationships and prevent people from resolving conflicts or problems. Being ignored or ghosted are detrimental forms of silence. They can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, and ultimately damage the trust between individuals.
      Silence can also be a hindrance in situations where communication is key. For example, in emergency situations, silence can be deadly. If someone is in distress and unable to speak, it is important for others to recognize the silence as a sign of trouble and provide assistance. Sometimes we need to shout fire in a crowded theater, but only when there is an actual fire. 
      Too much silence can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. "It's quiet here. Yeah, it's too quiet." A line from a John Wayne western. When people are hesitant to speak up or share their ideas, it can stifle creativity and prevent innovation.
      In some cases, silence can also be a form of oppression or control. When people are silenced through censorship or intimidation, their rights and freedoms are violated. This is particularly true in authoritarian regimes or oppressive societies, where individuals are not allowed to speak out against the government or powerful elites. When silence is used as a tool of oppression, it is essential for people to resist and demand their right to speak and be heard.
      Throughout history, there have been many examples of the power of silence. Mahatma Gandhi famously used silence as a form of protest during hunger strikes while refusing to speak in his effort to bring attention to injustices. 
      Similarly, The Silent Protest Parade of 1917 in New York City thrust the issues of segregation and lynching into the national spotlight when 10,000 African Americans silently marched down Fifth Avenue.
     Moreover, silence fosters creativity and innovation. When we silence the external noise and internal chatter, our minds become more receptive to new ideas and perspectives. Many great artists, writers, and thinkers have found inspiration in moments of silence, allowing their creativity to flourish.
      In literature and film, silence has been used as a powerful tool to convey emotion and meaning. In the movie The Shawshank Redemption (1994), the character Brooks is released from prison after serving thirty years and finds himself struggling to cope with the outside world. He becomes overwhelmed and desperate. He ultimately takes his own life. In his final moments, he leaves a note that simply reads, "Brooks was here." The silent message conveys the deep sense of hopelessness and despair that Brooks felt, and is more powerful than any spoken words could have been.
      In the novel The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers, the deaf-mute character, John Singer, (perfect last name for a deaf mute) is unable to communicate his innermost thoughts and feelings with those around him. His silence is a reflection of the isolation that he feels and the difficulties he faces in relating to the world. 
      Then there's the film, A Quiet Place (2018), where the mean post-apocalyptic extraterrestrials have super-sensitive hearing, when if they hear you, they will hunt you. So, pipe down.
      Silence is a complex and multifaceted concept that can be both beneficial and a hindrance. It is a powerful force that can bring about peace and tranquility when used effectively, but can also be a tool of oppression and control when used improperly. In personal relationships and the workplace, it is important to recognize when silence is beneficial and when it is harmful. Only through understanding the power of silence can we begin to use it to our advantage and achieve greater understanding and connection with those around us.
      The relentless exposure to noise pollution has sparked a deep yearning for silence among individuals seeking solace and tranquility. The desire for silence is evident in the growing popularity of silent retreats, meditation practices, and noise-cancelling technologies. These serve as coping mechanisms for individuals seeking respite from the cacophony of a noise-filled life. The quest for silence is not merely a personal preference, but a fundamental human need for restoration, reflection, and mental well-being.
     Included among the quietest natural places in America are the Great Sand Dune National Park in Colorado, Yellowstone in Wyoming, and Glacier National Park in Montana. I have been to all three. Walked atop glaciers. The pleasant ambient noises of nature are simultaneously relaxing and reinvigorating. Unless bush crickets are mating. One of nature's loudest trills. I hope we never see a time when no birds sing and spring is silent.
      One day I hope to sit inside an anechoic chamber to experience negative decibels. However, this is where tinnitus will likely be more ear-splitting than the squawky salvos hurled by liberals and conservatives from atop their social media soapboxes.
###

      - Ken Hurley

Eating rice pudding as I plot my next move, I chat with the gold-toothed, nose-ringed, sleeve-tatted, revolutionaries: Paco, Arthur, Boo-Boo, and Ace.
      They are particularly agitated today after learning the barista at the local Bean Counter is fresh out of lactose-free cream. No Latte Macchiato for the bad boys who hope to kick up the pep in their step as they wonder again how best to right the world and squabble whether or not they really need a manifesto.
      Carla Howe, from the nationally known law firm, Sooem and Howe, is sitting next to me. Carla is my quibbling, disputant, pettifogger friend, who still takes pride raising annoying and trite objections to nearly everything.
      She offered to argue with management on behalf of the revolutionaries about the injustice wrought by the lack of lactose-free cream. The revolutionaries each declined her offer opting instead for a Cinnabon and Diet Coke.
      Without provocation and the non-est non sequitur ever, Carla, with the desperation of a mother who misplaced her five year old in Target, explains to me the differences between lewd and lascivious. 
      Between bites of the sugary warm, heart-stopping, diabetes-inducing Cinnabon, Paco belts out Chaka Khan’s, “I’m Every Woman” to the wonderment of the café patrons who joyfully sing along in disharmonious dissonance.
      Boo-Boo, the hedonistic heretic of the group, decides now is better than never and raises the matter of life beyond Earth. "Suppose there is life beyond our planet but we can't recognize it because it isn't carbon-based?" as the café chorus sings.
      Arthur, ever the pontificating philosopher, says with a quiet deep rumble through his long white gnome beard, "There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth:  1) Not starting on the road and  2) Believing there is a road to ‘truth’." 
      Boo-boo continues, "Suppose there is life elsewhere but the genetic construction has no resemblance to our DNA structure?"
      Paco jumps on the counter to conduct the caffeinated patrons with a straw baton as they yell, "I'm every woman / It's all in me / Anything you want done baby / I do it naturally."
      Arthur, with a sugary glazed stare and the tantric liberation of a weary Tibetan Monk whispers, "Not all truths are created equal. Grin-making are religious truths. 'My religion is better than your religion', say the religious. And, 'I’ll penalize you, shame you, ostracize you, or kill you to prove it. Won’t you and your family join us at our next service'?"
      A perplexed Boo-boo wonders aloud, "Suppose there is extraterrestrial life but it doesn't have any DNA or other nucleic acids?"
     Arthur with a smirk and giggle says, "Laughable too are secular 'truths'. America continues to sustain a culture that exalts warriors and denigrates peacemakers for the benefit of power."
     Carla slowly gyrates provocatively in her chair as she gently sips her Stevia sweetened Iced Mocha through the steel straw she carries everywhere, "Mmmm … tasty …  Mmmmm," she coos between sips as she gives her best effort to display either lewdness or lasciviousness. I can not discern the difference. I smile. She winks. Then her right fake eyelash falls into her drink.
      Ace has a sleepy, droopy-eyed look when he mumbles, "Not sure if I am more sick or more tired of people telling me they’re sick and tired." Ace slumps where he sits. Mid-day nap.
      Arthur offers wisdom fit for a roundtable, "Beware of those who claim they're 'woke'. They're not!" As he slams his fist onto the table causing enough physical reverberation to loosen his gold teeth.       
      Boo-boo continues to wonder, "Suppose instead of looking for life as we know it, we need to look for life as we don't know it?"
      My time at the Bean Counter passes quickly. 
      Paco has put down his staw baton. The Café Chorus has ended their final stanza. And I realize the revolutionaries talk but no one really listens.
      The revolutionaries have succumbed to a Cinnabomb sugar induced coma and are now asleep on each other's shoulders.
      Just before Arthur nods off he stammers in a hushed confused voice, "Always remember and never forget, just because I prefer nouns doesn’t mean I’m pronoun."
      Carla hasn't stopped yapping about her past indiscrete lewd and lascivious debauchery in an effort to get me to agree there is a distinction between lewd and lascivious.
    As Carla's bazoo yammers, I sprinkle cinnamon on my rice pudding, look straight in her bald eye, as fond free thoughts roam through my mind of the time I won second place in a beauty contest. 
    You say you want a revolution? Paco, Arthur,  Boo-Boo, and Ace may not have the same gravitas as Trotsky, Gandhi, Guevara, or Washington, but these four lovable stumblebums have found a way to harmlessly pass time yet believe they are the ones who tilt the balance toward their favor just a bit.  
      Meet me at the Bean Counter. I'll introduce you to the revolutionaries. As soon as they wake from their nap.
      
You say you want a revolution? Forward comments to Ken Hurley at Kenhurley88@gmail.com 
     
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    Ken Hurley

Manavata is in her mid-20s, svelte, curious, astute, a vegan, and loves nature. Tall, a bit boney too. Her garb preferences are dupattā shawls and elephantine dresses that cloak her like they were designed by Coleman, sold at REI, and could cover a small bivouac. Her large, round, deep, dark eyes search for meaningful contact with an intense gaze that says, "I feel you." Her empathic expressiveness oozes from every pore like cheese sauce on a Coney Island hot dog.
      Manavata has a hyperactive mirror neuron system that needs constant stimulation. She beams her bright encouraging energy into everyone she meets, then crashes with exhaustion. She often appears to be happy, but most people she meets cause her distress and in the quiet moments of her solitude, tears. Her emotional seismometer swings with an amplitude that rivals Foucault's pendulum.
      Her favorite expression is, "That is a crime against humanity!" Said with the confidence of a home plate umpire with new specs. 
      Crimes against humanity are one of the gravest offenses against human dignity and rights. These crimes typically include the barbaric acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, mass murder, torture, and enslavement. They are committed by individuals, groups, or governments against civilian populations with the intent to cause sweeping suffering and destruction. "Crimes against humanity" have likely been with us for as long as humanity. However, the phrase was not used until the Nuremberg trials, which were held after the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The International Military Tribunal charged the Nazi leadership with committing a series of atrocities, including genocide against Jews, homosexuals, Romani people, and other minority groups. The tribunal established that these acts were not only illegal, but also represented a fundamental affront to human dignity and rights. The concept was that crimes against humanity constituted offenses against all of humanity, not just against individual victims.
      However, the concept of crimes against humanity is not limited to the atrocities committed during World War II. History is rife with examples of mass violence and aggression against civilian populations. An estimated 1.5 Armenians were slaughtered by the Ottoman Empire. The Communist Party of Kampuchea in Cambodia, known as the Khmer Rouge regime, brought us the killing fields, where over one million people were buried after mass killings by state sponsored genocide. The Rwandan genocide saw members of the Hutu ethnic group kill an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and other Hutus who were deemed not correct. Sadly, there are too many more examples of humans committing atrocities against other humans that are considered crimes against humanity. 
      Manavata has a strong moral outrage that she can not stifle. She thinks weapons manufacturers and arms dealers should be charged with crimes against humanity for making and distributing a variety of death tools that kill millions of humans. 
     She thinks the meat industry should also be charged with crimes against humanity for being a leading cause of destruction of the planet via cattle flatulence and cow burps which creates more potent greenhouse gasses than Manatava can stomach. But what about all the humans being born who create the need for the meat industry? Humans! They are the number one existential threat to our sustainable survival. Humans are a crime against humanity! But what to do about it? Contraception? Abortion? Stop fucking? Her head spins like a Lipinski scratch twirl.
      She also wonders why religions are not considered crimes against humanity. She can not think of a religion that supports itself without proclaiming at its core credo fantastical yet persuasive lies in an effort to solicit the needy, gullible, and their money. She sees religious  leaders offering fabricated artificial ingredients while praying for prey to feast upon so they may enrich themselves as they falsely proclaim "The Truth". That is a crime against humanity! 
    However, Manavata does love the notion of heaven where the mysteries of the cosmos hold their secrets. The birth of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the endless expanse of the universe. Heaven would be the ultimate observatory where she could explore the wonders of creation and its transcendent beauty where her senses are heightened and her mind is elevated. Her poetic nature imagines heaven as an inspirational place of creativity and enlightenment. Where the colors are more vivid, the fragrances more intoxicating, the harmonious sounds are more melodic and blend together in symphonic delight. A place where all the people put love first.
     But she wonders why the heaven proffered in The Bible isn’t considered a crime against humanity? Biblical heaven is where God keeps a house and where the believers of religious propaganda go after their last breath. It is a place promised to the "faithful" where there is no more pain or sorrow, and where the "righteous" will be reunited with their family forevermore.
     She thinks this is an excellent example of a religious core credo lie. When you tell someone there's a better place but you have to die to have a chance of getting in is a lie that only serves the liars. After you've taken the Stairway to Heaven, you find yourself Knockin' on Heaven's Door only to be judged, and more often than not, be ushered back on the Highway to Hell. What kind of place needs gates to keep you in? Once you're in, there's no way out. She wonders if perhaps we are already in heaven, but our careless taradiddling twaddle has made an unfortunate shambles of it.
      Manavata is glad she isn't an actual adjudicator of crimes against humanity. Just thinking about them is emotionally exhausting. Time to crash.
      
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