About Me
I like to think of myself as a philosopher - or a
scholar. Look them up in the dictionary; neither is
nearly as pretentious as it sounds.
A philosopher is one who is engaged in the use of
reason and argument in seeking truth and
knowledge of reality. A scholar is a person who
learns. At least those are the definitions that I feel
apply.
I have also been athlete/coach, teacher, soldier,
manager and consultant, providing me a broad
platform for gaining experience - and knowledge.
But a great deal of knowledge comes from
listening to and reading the words of others, and
as we all know, the more we absorb the more we
realize we do not know.
To consolidate such experiences, including what
we fondly (but sneeringly?) refer to as "book
learning", one must also think, and writing aids
thinking just as teaching does. It also provides
knowledge of self, something more sobering than
any other.
That's what I do.
But being successful, it has been said (General
Electric CEO Welch I think said it) requires passion
- something I lack. Interest, motivation,
enthusiasm, even dedication, but inconsistent and
flexible; I am an expert on nothing, but I am
fascinated by quite a lot.
In that I am an enigma even to myself. Learning
new things about the world - and people - excites
me. Is that not weird? Thats it! I am weird.
scholar. Look them up in the dictionary; neither is
nearly as pretentious as it sounds.
A philosopher is one who is engaged in the use of
reason and argument in seeking truth and
knowledge of reality. A scholar is a person who
learns. At least those are the definitions that I feel
apply.
I have also been athlete/coach, teacher, soldier,
manager and consultant, providing me a broad
platform for gaining experience - and knowledge.
But a great deal of knowledge comes from
listening to and reading the words of others, and
as we all know, the more we absorb the more we
realize we do not know.
To consolidate such experiences, including what
we fondly (but sneeringly?) refer to as "book
learning", one must also think, and writing aids
thinking just as teaching does. It also provides
knowledge of self, something more sobering than
any other.
That's what I do.
But being successful, it has been said (General
Electric CEO Welch I think said it) requires passion
- something I lack. Interest, motivation,
enthusiasm, even dedication, but inconsistent and
flexible; I am an expert on nothing, but I am
fascinated by quite a lot.
In that I am an enigma even to myself. Learning
new things about the world - and people - excites
me. Is that not weird? Thats it! I am weird.
Central Highlands 1969
AT WORK
AT PLAY
Bavarian/Tyrolian Schuhplattel
Welcome to blockhead's sand box
(although blockhead not by choice)
This is where I play.
I resisted creating a website for a long time, since I couldn't decide what I might do with it once I
created it. But then I just went and did it.
It is for me, providing me a place to dabble and play as well as collect previous dabblings and
playings. And, I must candidly admit, to introduce my book.
It, the website, is a rather private place as very few know of its existence, and even those who do
are not particularly interested in visiting it; so it is seldom visited, except by me. That makes it
something like a secret garden - but a garden with a sand box.
If that sounds a bit strange to any stray visitor who might stumble in, that's all right. I suspect I
would consider it strange as well, nor is it the only strange thing about me, but we needn't go
there.
I have been criticized by my agent for lacking focus and "being all over the map." Actually he
declined to become my agent for that very reason. But I have claimed him anyway. It seems
appropriate, as anyone who happens upon my secret garden will quickly discern.
(although blockhead not by choice)
This is where I play.
I resisted creating a website for a long time, since I couldn't decide what I might do with it once I
created it. But then I just went and did it.
It is for me, providing me a place to dabble and play as well as collect previous dabblings and
playings. And, I must candidly admit, to introduce my book.
It, the website, is a rather private place as very few know of its existence, and even those who do
are not particularly interested in visiting it; so it is seldom visited, except by me. That makes it
something like a secret garden - but a garden with a sand box.
If that sounds a bit strange to any stray visitor who might stumble in, that's all right. I suspect I
would consider it strange as well, nor is it the only strange thing about me, but we needn't go
there.
I have been criticized by my agent for lacking focus and "being all over the map." Actually he
declined to become my agent for that very reason. But I have claimed him anyway. It seems
appropriate, as anyone who happens upon my secret garden will quickly discern.
Dr. Samuel Johnson: "No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money." |
and
THE SAND BOX
THE SAND BOX
Lest We Forget!
Sorry about that. Some things just will not go away, and
although I said I was sorry I didn't really mean it and I have
no intention of really apologizing. Check me out and you
will see why, or don't and just take my word for it.
I am, after all, a soldier. That just does not go away.
although I said I was sorry I didn't really mean it and I have
no intention of really apologizing. Check me out and you
will see why, or don't and just take my word for it.
I am, after all, a soldier. That just does not go away.
Creativity and the Urge Therefore
While I am at it I shall add one thing - about
me, and therefore about this site:
I have discovered something about myself,
and it is the reason I have embarked upon a
Website. I have a strong need to be creative.
I have tried several venues, and prefer
writing. As you might note, it has little to do
with a broad successful theater, else I would
have dropped it some time ago. I want to
create, and this is one way, a satisfying way
for me that I can do it. So, it exists mostly for
me - and regardless of what Doctor Johnson
said - it gives me pleasure.
Weird? Sure. I told you so.
But as I have said, you are most welcome to
join me.
While I am at it I shall add one thing - about
me, and therefore about this site:
I have discovered something about myself,
and it is the reason I have embarked upon a
Website. I have a strong need to be creative.
I have tried several venues, and prefer
writing. As you might note, it has little to do
with a broad successful theater, else I would
have dropped it some time ago. I want to
create, and this is one way, a satisfying way
for me that I can do it. So, it exists mostly for
me - and regardless of what Doctor Johnson
said - it gives me pleasure.
Weird? Sure. I told you so.
But as I have said, you are most welcome to
join me.
But, you might suggest, that does not explain what my objective is within the material in this website.
So what is it?
I have thought about that, and I would contend that it is to encourage the reader to think for him/her self. Perhaps
that is the ultimate meaning of "Middle Ground" - think for yourself - but with reason; know why you lean the way you
do, and do not just lap up whatever some propagandist feeds you.
I have attempted to stay away from politics per se, that is I have tried to stay away from preaching politics. My
persuasion, however, probably comes out loud and clear. But which candidate? Choose for yourself - for the right
reasons. And if you don't know, learn!
That requires knowing - or learning - about your culture; your government, how it came to be, what it entails, its
objectives - and where it failed to do what it intended to do.
Do you want another form? Understand what you are seeking. What we must deprecate is lack of principles,
though we all suffer from the same. Do you think that by changing the way we choose our leaders their principles will
improve? History would suggest otherwise.
So be careful what you wish for. But more explicitly, know what you wish for - and why.
That is my objective - for me as well as you. As I have stated, I write to understand; I would hope you read (if you do) to
understand. Not to accept blindly; what do I know? Only what I have experienced, what I have read and what I have
gleaned from what I have read, some of which I am trying to share herein. Think for yourselves - but with the wisdom
of those that have thought before you. Weigh my thoughts, their insights and any inherent conclusions; challenge
them; disagree with them. But when you suggest your own, justify them with other than emotion.
That is what our culture has encouraged - though it is questionable whether it continues to do so. Keep what we have
had alive. Make it work. Read, listen, learn and think.
So what is it?
I have thought about that, and I would contend that it is to encourage the reader to think for him/her self. Perhaps
that is the ultimate meaning of "Middle Ground" - think for yourself - but with reason; know why you lean the way you
do, and do not just lap up whatever some propagandist feeds you.
I have attempted to stay away from politics per se, that is I have tried to stay away from preaching politics. My
persuasion, however, probably comes out loud and clear. But which candidate? Choose for yourself - for the right
reasons. And if you don't know, learn!
That requires knowing - or learning - about your culture; your government, how it came to be, what it entails, its
objectives - and where it failed to do what it intended to do.
Do you want another form? Understand what you are seeking. What we must deprecate is lack of principles,
though we all suffer from the same. Do you think that by changing the way we choose our leaders their principles will
improve? History would suggest otherwise.
So be careful what you wish for. But more explicitly, know what you wish for - and why.
That is my objective - for me as well as you. As I have stated, I write to understand; I would hope you read (if you do) to
understand. Not to accept blindly; what do I know? Only what I have experienced, what I have read and what I have
gleaned from what I have read, some of which I am trying to share herein. Think for yourselves - but with the wisdom
of those that have thought before you. Weigh my thoughts, their insights and any inherent conclusions; challenge
them; disagree with them. But when you suggest your own, justify them with other than emotion.
That is what our culture has encouraged - though it is questionable whether it continues to do so. Keep what we have
had alive. Make it work. Read, listen, learn and think.
jerry betts
My Canvas
Yes, that is the analogy. This is my canvas, upon which I attempt to create something unique. Beautiful? Not
hardly. Incredible? Definitely not. Maybe not even particularly good - but useful, for me. What after all is
creativity? Is it something one does to please others? If it pleases others, that's nice, but it's not why one
engages in it; one creates because one derives satisfaction from creating. So be it.
In my case the creativity lies on two levels. Actually three. The lowest level is the poem, essay or even paragraph
that expresses my feelings, opinions or just ideas. The second level is a group of Webpages that includes
groupings of many things, usually, that are intended to convey a broader concept. The Middle Ground is the
concept that comprises its main purpose; but that has expanded, although from that basic core viewpoint. At the
highest - or broadest level - the concept represents a creative challenge for me, particularly as it expands, and is
the Website itself, representing an entire philosophical outlook.
I call it a work in process, and it is for me, as it challenges me to think about it, expand on it and embellish it. So
why on a Website? It is more accessible, easier to change and modify, and more fun than it was when parts of it
occupied files and notebooks not easily viewable. I am not trying to change the world; I am trying to understand it,
and where it is and might be going. But I have to admit there is yet another reason for putting it on line, and that is
to share it - to encourage others who might stumble upon it to think beyond the immediate and into the realm of
just what is happening to us. Change is inevitable, but confusing when it's happening to us, and far less than
clear. But we can influence it, and will, ultimately, because the pendulum, swinging one way today, will eventually
swing back the other way. But how?
There are many who think and study about this, and offer their opinions, opinions that vary and conflict. Some are
frankly narrow, stupid, selfish and self-serving; but many are well thought out and provocative. We need to be
seeking those opinions and thinking upon them, for ultimately change is less likely to come from on high than
from down in the bowels of our culture, our cultures. It is incumbent upon us (though most ignore the
incumbency) to join in - and contribute as we are able. That is not to suggest that I have the answers; but I do
offer a number of really impressive sources, from which I have derived many of my ideas, questions, and
opinions. Join me, any wayward stumbler, and give it a little bit of your attention.
Yes, that is the analogy. This is my canvas, upon which I attempt to create something unique. Beautiful? Not
hardly. Incredible? Definitely not. Maybe not even particularly good - but useful, for me. What after all is
creativity? Is it something one does to please others? If it pleases others, that's nice, but it's not why one
engages in it; one creates because one derives satisfaction from creating. So be it.
In my case the creativity lies on two levels. Actually three. The lowest level is the poem, essay or even paragraph
that expresses my feelings, opinions or just ideas. The second level is a group of Webpages that includes
groupings of many things, usually, that are intended to convey a broader concept. The Middle Ground is the
concept that comprises its main purpose; but that has expanded, although from that basic core viewpoint. At the
highest - or broadest level - the concept represents a creative challenge for me, particularly as it expands, and is
the Website itself, representing an entire philosophical outlook.
I call it a work in process, and it is for me, as it challenges me to think about it, expand on it and embellish it. So
why on a Website? It is more accessible, easier to change and modify, and more fun than it was when parts of it
occupied files and notebooks not easily viewable. I am not trying to change the world; I am trying to understand it,
and where it is and might be going. But I have to admit there is yet another reason for putting it on line, and that is
to share it - to encourage others who might stumble upon it to think beyond the immediate and into the realm of
just what is happening to us. Change is inevitable, but confusing when it's happening to us, and far less than
clear. But we can influence it, and will, ultimately, because the pendulum, swinging one way today, will eventually
swing back the other way. But how?
There are many who think and study about this, and offer their opinions, opinions that vary and conflict. Some are
frankly narrow, stupid, selfish and self-serving; but many are well thought out and provocative. We need to be
seeking those opinions and thinking upon them, for ultimately change is less likely to come from on high than
from down in the bowels of our culture, our cultures. It is incumbent upon us (though most ignore the
incumbency) to join in - and contribute as we are able. That is not to suggest that I have the answers; but I do
offer a number of really impressive sources, from which I have derived many of my ideas, questions, and
opinions. Join me, any wayward stumbler, and give it a little bit of your attention.
More about me? Who needs it? Sorry.
If you haven't noticed, I am a cynic and curmudgeon. But I am also quite sensitive. That is inconsistent. So be it.
Let me explain how that works. You don't care? Too bad, I shall do so anyway.
There is, or should be, a clear line between fantasy and reality. That is, we should know the difference between the one and the other. I
contend that by and large we don't. I am touched by a sad story as readily as anyone - I tear up at the drop of a hat ; I sympathize with my
fellow man and agonize with them when things go bad. I shall call that, at least in part, fantasy. Why? Because I also realize that many do
it to themselves and then cry for sympathy - and demand help. How does one know what is real and what is fantasy? With difficulty, which
is why I am a continual skeptic - cynic if you like. I also know that by keeping everyone happy by giving them what they want is not the way to
make life good for the most; that takes a little pain - maybe a lot of pain. We have to do for ourselves. But do some fall in the cracks?
Through no fault of their own? Sure they do - so show me.
Philosophy - My philosophy: if we lean towards emotional fantasy and try to help everyone, we will end up hurting most. Cruel? I don't
think it is; I think it's reality, and that's where I am coming from. I think I am neither cruel nor heartless - just realistic. Beyond that we live in
a world of fantasy, and fantasy will ultimately drive the nail in our collective coffin if we don't temper it with reality - the Middle Ground.
That is where I am coming from and my view, hardened by much reading and study, is not likely to change. Disagree if you like, but think
about it if you will. Most, you see, don't - they just feel, emotionally. Survival will take more than that, in my opinion.
We face many choices, and will face more; many decisions will be required, and some will require pain. It is likely that none will be
irrevocable, but we'll never be sure when one might lead us beyond the point of no return. It behooves us to think hard about what we do.
If you haven't noticed, I am a cynic and curmudgeon. But I am also quite sensitive. That is inconsistent. So be it.
Let me explain how that works. You don't care? Too bad, I shall do so anyway.
There is, or should be, a clear line between fantasy and reality. That is, we should know the difference between the one and the other. I
contend that by and large we don't. I am touched by a sad story as readily as anyone - I tear up at the drop of a hat ; I sympathize with my
fellow man and agonize with them when things go bad. I shall call that, at least in part, fantasy. Why? Because I also realize that many do
it to themselves and then cry for sympathy - and demand help. How does one know what is real and what is fantasy? With difficulty, which
is why I am a continual skeptic - cynic if you like. I also know that by keeping everyone happy by giving them what they want is not the way to
make life good for the most; that takes a little pain - maybe a lot of pain. We have to do for ourselves. But do some fall in the cracks?
Through no fault of their own? Sure they do - so show me.
Philosophy - My philosophy: if we lean towards emotional fantasy and try to help everyone, we will end up hurting most. Cruel? I don't
think it is; I think it's reality, and that's where I am coming from. I think I am neither cruel nor heartless - just realistic. Beyond that we live in
a world of fantasy, and fantasy will ultimately drive the nail in our collective coffin if we don't temper it with reality - the Middle Ground.
That is where I am coming from and my view, hardened by much reading and study, is not likely to change. Disagree if you like, but think
about it if you will. Most, you see, don't - they just feel, emotionally. Survival will take more than that, in my opinion.
We face many choices, and will face more; many decisions will be required, and some will require pain. It is likely that none will be
irrevocable, but we'll never be sure when one might lead us beyond the point of no return. It behooves us to think hard about what we do.
For a vision of the
process, see below -
way below.
process, see below -
way below.
Vision of a Unique Thought Process
Western thought - logic - has been projected as a straight line
process: premises first, leading on that straight line to ultimate
conclusion.
Eastern thought has been projected as a circle where random and
unrelated thoughts are popped onto the circumference until there are
enough to generate a consensus conclusion.
My thought process (my vision of it anyway) is use of Western Logic to
arrive at the random thoughts that are popped onto the circle
circumference. The music score to that would be something like: bump,
bump, bump pop; bump, bump, bump, pop; etcetera.
But that's not the end of it, since Eastern logic ends with the
consensus conclusion. In my thought process that point of consensus
conclusion is only a process activator. Think of the Western logic
process as a series of small balls, chained together, and the Eastern
process as a muckle of larger balls hanging on the circumference of the
circle, with the chain of smaller balls dangling tail-like from them. Got it?
So what happens with activation? Well, the circle is surrounded by a box
and the balls are elastic, but each with its own small power source that
is activated by the consensus conclusion.
See what happens then? All those crazy balls go bouncing against the
walls, dragging their chains behind them,continually bouncing against
each other as well, in a cacophony of wild confused motion, until the
power source peters out. Think the human condition; look around you
and see it in process.
Does that make sense? Of course not. Why should it? Nothing else,
it seems, does either.
Western thought - logic - has been projected as a straight line
process: premises first, leading on that straight line to ultimate
conclusion.
Eastern thought has been projected as a circle where random and
unrelated thoughts are popped onto the circumference until there are
enough to generate a consensus conclusion.
My thought process (my vision of it anyway) is use of Western Logic to
arrive at the random thoughts that are popped onto the circle
circumference. The music score to that would be something like: bump,
bump, bump pop; bump, bump, bump, pop; etcetera.
But that's not the end of it, since Eastern logic ends with the
consensus conclusion. In my thought process that point of consensus
conclusion is only a process activator. Think of the Western logic
process as a series of small balls, chained together, and the Eastern
process as a muckle of larger balls hanging on the circumference of the
circle, with the chain of smaller balls dangling tail-like from them. Got it?
So what happens with activation? Well, the circle is surrounded by a box
and the balls are elastic, but each with its own small power source that
is activated by the consensus conclusion.
See what happens then? All those crazy balls go bouncing against the
walls, dragging their chains behind them,continually bouncing against
each other as well, in a cacophony of wild confused motion, until the
power source peters out. Think the human condition; look around you
and see it in process.
Does that make sense? Of course not. Why should it? Nothing else,
it seems, does either.
| A Creed "Read, think, disagree with everything if you like - but force your mind outward." (Anton Myrer, Once an Eagle) Too soon we get old, too late we get smart. And what of patience? |