Okay, let me pad this story by noting that I normally dismiss odd reactions by Japanese people as simply my imagination. I know Gaijin-panic happens from time to time, but it is certainly not the norm.... at least I haven't encountered it with the younger generation at all.
(Gaijin = Slang for foreigner. Rather rude word pointed towards those who are not-Japanese)
Anyway, keep that in mind.
So, I leave to go to the eki this morning from my home apartment. You know, somehow I had to get to the place where I was taking the JLPT, right? Well, I was feeling chipper this morning so I decided to jog down the street until I had to turn to head to the station. Since I hadn't been to this particular eki before, I looked at my map and counted the street lights until that turn. The number was nine. With that in mind, I took off jogging.
Well, I make my way easily down the street with little obstruction from red lights, except one and that bothers me. At about the fifth light or so, I look down the street to kinda see if I needed to pick up speed or not to avoid stopping at any other lights. Y'know, I'd prefer to continue moving if I can avoid stopping. Red lights have definitely become one of my pet peeves. Up ahead, I see this old obachan dressed completely in black trundling away down the sidewalk. She's somewhere between a block and a half and two blocks away from me at the time. This is where it got surreal for me
The old lady turns and glances back in my direction. I avoid eye contact like I usually do with people that I don't know. It's a habit I think I've picked up in Japan. If someone is staring I try not to care because I 'd rather not create a confrontation. However, she turns her head back towards the light up ahead. For half a second all is normal, when suddenly she flings her arms in the air, and I kid you not, takes off in a full arm flail run. While trying not to flinch, I'm meanwhile still jogging.
Looking on at the strange behavior, I try to convince myself that she is just running to catch the next light. I mean, the timing is sorta right because I know I'm going to barely make it while it is still green. Therefore she should definitely make it. By now, I'm close to a block away, and I figure I'll be able to pass her if I make the light too. Bad idea, but I keep jogging.
She makes it across the street. In other words, she makes the light. However, she keeps going in full arm flail run. Something she shouldn't be doing if she was just trying to make the light. I hoping against hope, I'm not somehow the cause of this scene. All of a sudden a half a block away from the light and me, she stops and glances back. This time, for just an instant, she was clearly staring at me. While stamping her left foot hard, she clasps her hands together and forcefully does an odd stretching motion twice in the direction away from me. I'm meanwhile still jogging.
In fact, I wonder why I'm still jogging. Should I stop? Should go a different way? Is it even safe to pass her? I decide I'm dealing with a weirdo but refuse to stop anyway. I mean she's only an obachan right? She probably can't even catch me. So, I simply tighten my resolve and decide to not even so much as look in her direction. I think that looking at her again might just set her off. As I pass her though, that is exactly what happens. Out of the corner of my eye, I can tell she's blatantly staring at me and stamping her foot. Then she barks something out as I go jogging past.
Sadly, I have no clue what she said, but it was short so one word, possibly two. It even might even simply have been “Gaijin.” I didn't stop, so I don't know exactly. Her voice was really creepy though; I would dare say she sounded like her throat was full of phlegm or her mouth full of spit. The instant so caught me off guard that I felt two conflicting emotions in reaction to her utterance. One was a cold chill up my spine, and the other was an intense desire to turn her attitude back on her. Meaning, I thought of stopping, bowing and then apologizing for my existence because that was apparently what she was having a problem with. Instead, I just kept jogging.
I didn't look back. I took my turn. I got picked up by a friend at the eki. I took my test. Truly, the day was otherwise uneventful.
What are your thoughts? To nip one thought in the bud: no she was not just clearing her throat. The timing was too perfect and I know I heard language, just what I don't know. ^_^
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Miyajima Escapade
.. Random, besides some minor editing, I typed this all on my phone. ^_^
Well, I'm on the train to Miyajima guchi at the moment. I boarded the 1620 train so I will barely make it for sunset which is at 1645. Why? The train arrives at 1646, and I will still have to take the ferry to Miyajima which won't be departing until 1655. Needless to say I'm being pretty stupid, but this beats cabin fever.
Even only a glimpse of Miyajima at sunset should be enough to satiate my curiosity. Also, I probably won't take the ferry today but will hit the gift shop before taking the inner city train back to hondori perhaps.
So why do I have cabin fever you ask? I haven't left my apartment/room all day until this little venture. I got really behind because of a six day work week and a stressful open class research experience. Truly though, the six day work week wasn't all that bad. The research class was a total brain buster though.
Ooh.
I thought of something. The sunset time that I have is for Tokyo, so I might make it for Hiroshima's Miyajima.
Nope, nevermind. Already, it is too late. Time1701
Time:1818
About to eat Okonomiyaki at a place close to the ferry. I did after all decide to go to Miyajima. It was a totally awesome decision too. Miyajima, of course, hasn't changed a bit. The deer are still crazy for example.
So, unfortunately my Okonomiyaki was not the best I've had. You might actually say that it was subpar since it cost 890en. Before I had Okonomiyaki for about 500 en with one of the teachers. Now that was some good Okonomiyaki.
At Miyajima this time, I also had chuhai Ramune which I found by accident at one of the stores. Chuhai basically means it has alchohol in it. Oh! I also bought something as an omiyage for one of my ESS groups. The omiyage is basically momiji manjuu made into senbei (rice cracker). I hope it is a positive experience.
I also bought a bunch of unusual momiji manjuu. It all started when I found a black momiji manjuu that wasn't chocolate. So going from memory, I bought black sesame, lemon, brandy, yuzu, green tea, and red sweet potato manjuus. I'll assume they are all good and just let you know later if any were bad.
Note: I like Yuzu, but yuzu doesn't go well in momiji majuu.
Well, I'm on the train to Miyajima guchi at the moment. I boarded the 1620 train so I will barely make it for sunset which is at 1645. Why? The train arrives at 1646, and I will still have to take the ferry to Miyajima which won't be departing until 1655. Needless to say I'm being pretty stupid, but this beats cabin fever.
Even only a glimpse of Miyajima at sunset should be enough to satiate my curiosity. Also, I probably won't take the ferry today but will hit the gift shop before taking the inner city train back to hondori perhaps.
So why do I have cabin fever you ask? I haven't left my apartment/room all day until this little venture. I got really behind because of a six day work week and a stressful open class research experience. Truly though, the six day work week wasn't all that bad. The research class was a total brain buster though.
Ooh.
I thought of something. The sunset time that I have is for Tokyo, so I might make it for Hiroshima's Miyajima.
Nope, nevermind. Already, it is too late. Time1701
Time:1818
About to eat Okonomiyaki at a place close to the ferry. I did after all decide to go to Miyajima. It was a totally awesome decision too. Miyajima, of course, hasn't changed a bit. The deer are still crazy for example.
So, unfortunately my Okonomiyaki was not the best I've had. You might actually say that it was subpar since it cost 890en. Before I had Okonomiyaki for about 500 en with one of the teachers. Now that was some good Okonomiyaki.
At Miyajima this time, I also had chuhai Ramune which I found by accident at one of the stores. Chuhai basically means it has alchohol in it. Oh! I also bought something as an omiyage for one of my ESS groups. The omiyage is basically momiji manjuu made into senbei (rice cracker). I hope it is a positive experience.
I also bought a bunch of unusual momiji manjuu. It all started when I found a black momiji manjuu that wasn't chocolate. So going from memory, I bought black sesame, lemon, brandy, yuzu, green tea, and red sweet potato manjuus. I'll assume they are all good and just let you know later if any were bad.
Note: I like Yuzu, but yuzu doesn't go well in momiji majuu.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Secret Code of Vocations?
Basically, this is the one and really only part that I am able to take away positively from the Japanese book that I'm reading. You know, the one called “天命の暗号.” I've determined that it is a self-help book for those who are castaways in the sea of life.
So, anyway, the important part is as follows. We each have different ways we interact with people, right? The author of this book has broken up the way we deal with people into four categories. We all possess these four categories and utilize them in varying degrees. However, we likely have one, or possibly two, in which we are very strong. More importantly, these different categories, or focuses, effect the way we listen to what other people say. Basically, I think this part is important because in understanding this part of yourself, you can better widen your horizon and learn to understand why some people react to you negatively/positively.
I'll try to summarize in brief on what this guy spent a couple chapters.
達成的 – Achievement oriented
Focus is obviously on the end. Characterized by evaluating people's accomplishments and victories in comparison with your own activities. Emphasis is on thoughts like “I could do that” or “That is impossible for me.” You burn with a passion likely based in a blind ambition towards the end point, and things are divided into two groups black and white The goal is the main point.
親和的 – Friendship oriented
The focus is on friends. You base your movements on your group, and often think in terms of your friends. “My friends are doing it,” or “Lets do it together.” Easily the least selfish kind of orientation, but also the most spineless. You either have a group of friends or you are toast if you are fully of this orientation because you draw your power from those around you.
献身的 – Devotion oriented
This one is kind of based on your friends as well. The difference is that you prefer to do 1-1 interactions and are probably prone to dominating said one on one conversation. You even prefer one on one interactions with your enemies. You think things like “If it will help to make him/her happy” or “I'll do it for justice's sake.” Basically, you value loyalty to individuals above anything else.
評価的 – Evaluation oriented
This one is basically your philosopher factor. You interact with people for the sake of shaking down truth. You carefully think about things before doing them, and even then really fear messing up. I think this one would be “I'm the kind of guy that would laugh at a funeral, can you understand what I mean? Well, you soon will.” You look at events based on whether they are interesting or not and you likely come across as KY or cold.
Really, I don't know where I fall in these categories. When I was younger I was definitely mainly devotion type, but then I went through high school and was mainly friendship oriented (still kind of am). College, I was, by necessity, mostly Achievement orientated. Now, I am likely mostly Evaluation orientated. Not sure. I do still tend to think in terms of “is that something I could accomplish or not.”
For those of you that are visual, Visuals!
図１９ 達成的 – Achievement oriented
図２０ 親和的 – Friendship oriented
図２１ 献身的 – Devotion oriented
図２２ 評価的 – Evaluation oriented
Anyway, as you can imagine, certain types don't get along with other types as well as they could. I don't have the book in front of me anymore, so I can't check what they were. I think you can imagine though that a very strongly Evaluation type person would be very jarring for a strong Devotion type person. The devotion type would see the Evaluation type as cold and unfeeling, whereas the Evaluation type would see the Devotional type as excessively peaceable.
Finally, which type you are strongly effects how you interpret/hear what other people tell you. I think perhaps if I look into it more closely, I might be able to understand some reasons for past miscommunications.
While, I hope this helps you in some way.
PS... I just realized that I typed this all up without saving once... that was gutsy
So, anyway, the important part is as follows. We each have different ways we interact with people, right? The author of this book has broken up the way we deal with people into four categories. We all possess these four categories and utilize them in varying degrees. However, we likely have one, or possibly two, in which we are very strong. More importantly, these different categories, or focuses, effect the way we listen to what other people say. Basically, I think this part is important because in understanding this part of yourself, you can better widen your horizon and learn to understand why some people react to you negatively/positively.
I'll try to summarize in brief on what this guy spent a couple chapters.
達成的 – Achievement oriented
Focus is obviously on the end. Characterized by evaluating people's accomplishments and victories in comparison with your own activities. Emphasis is on thoughts like “I could do that” or “That is impossible for me.” You burn with a passion likely based in a blind ambition towards the end point, and things are divided into two groups black and white The goal is the main point.
親和的 – Friendship oriented
The focus is on friends. You base your movements on your group, and often think in terms of your friends. “My friends are doing it,” or “Lets do it together.” Easily the least selfish kind of orientation, but also the most spineless. You either have a group of friends or you are toast if you are fully of this orientation because you draw your power from those around you.
献身的 – Devotion oriented
This one is kind of based on your friends as well. The difference is that you prefer to do 1-1 interactions and are probably prone to dominating said one on one conversation. You even prefer one on one interactions with your enemies. You think things like “If it will help to make him/her happy” or “I'll do it for justice's sake.” Basically, you value loyalty to individuals above anything else.
評価的 – Evaluation oriented
This one is basically your philosopher factor. You interact with people for the sake of shaking down truth. You carefully think about things before doing them, and even then really fear messing up. I think this one would be “I'm the kind of guy that would laugh at a funeral, can you understand what I mean? Well, you soon will.” You look at events based on whether they are interesting or not and you likely come across as KY or cold.
Really, I don't know where I fall in these categories. When I was younger I was definitely mainly devotion type, but then I went through high school and was mainly friendship oriented (still kind of am). College, I was, by necessity, mostly Achievement orientated. Now, I am likely mostly Evaluation orientated. Not sure. I do still tend to think in terms of “is that something I could accomplish or not.”
For those of you that are visual, Visuals!
図１９ 達成的 – Achievement oriented
図２０ 親和的 – Friendship oriented
図２１ 献身的 – Devotion oriented
図２２ 評価的 – Evaluation orientedAnyway, as you can imagine, certain types don't get along with other types as well as they could. I don't have the book in front of me anymore, so I can't check what they were. I think you can imagine though that a very strongly Evaluation type person would be very jarring for a strong Devotion type person. The devotion type would see the Evaluation type as cold and unfeeling, whereas the Evaluation type would see the Devotional type as excessively peaceable.
Finally, which type you are strongly effects how you interpret/hear what other people tell you. I think perhaps if I look into it more closely, I might be able to understand some reasons for past miscommunications.
While, I hope this helps you in some way.
PS... I just realized that I typed this all up without saving once... that was gutsy
Sunday, October 17, 2010
. ... no naku koro ni.
An analysis of a series you need not read.
Before I start this conversation you need to be warned, I am writing about the mechanizations behind writing horror, so if that bothers you, stop now.
Higurashi no naku koro ni
when the red cicada cries.
Higurashi is a type of Japanese cicada typified by its rusty red coloring. Also, naku is actually closer to the meaning of “cries,” but in English we don't usually say “the cry of the cicada.” However, the translation loses its coolness when translated as buzzes. Don't you agree?
There is a methodology to the horror like madness of this series that I see as a good step in the right direction for writing a despair novel. This series does seem to leave a little bit of hope for the readers in the end, but I think that is the failing point. Actually, I shouldn't complain, if things like the ring and the grudge bothered you, the ending will bother you a lot. It just was too subtle for me.
First, I must explain a bit about the story. There are always two volumes to each section in the story. The first is, I think, the most important, but the second is where all the action and gut-wrenching imagery is. Third and most importantly, high schoolers in Japan seem to be reading this series because I've noticed in my schools libraries.
In the first volume, you are introduced to a character and to a town with a generally peaceful type feeling. Always, I would assume that this will involve an transfer student because otherwise the character would have to be aware of the history around the place. In most cases, that history is only given in broken pieces in the first volume. At first, you only might learn that there is a temple nearby with a certain kami enshrined there. There isn't any mention of the curse... just yet.
The main purpose of that first volume is to show you the main character getting along, to display him having tension with other opposite gender classmates, and to make you endeared to the characters in general. They'll have their cute interactions, their cute reactions, and furthermore cutesy love tension that isn't too likely to go anywhere anyway. They make you feel that this is story is going to consist of normal day in and day out life.
After you've become accustomed to reading about the peaceful and entertaining life of these students, you enter into the sphere of the second volume with a slight odd twinge. The last part, possibly in all the first volume books, jars you just enough to get your attention. A character simply does something that is odd, and then passes it off with some sort of excuse later. In the case of the one that I read, a certain very sweet character's eyes glowed and she spoke in a unearthly tone. The advice given in that tone was vague enough as to possibly only pertain to some sort of near-love squabble so that you, the reader, will be jarred but be able to dismiss it.
Then volume 2 starts. Everything goes to heck. The strange occurance in volume was just the beginning, and your character enjoys one jarring experience to the next. A masturi and a appeasing of the local kami occurs and because of the proximity to that place your character gets hints about an odd history. Finally, just when it is too late, an explanation of the curse is explained with perhaps a minor detail left out.. You are sure you have been given every detail and that the main character might be able to do something. Then people start dying. Gruesome horribly twisted deaths occur right before your main characters eyes. A character claws his own throat out, another character lights herself on fire in a barrel, and some character gets pounded to death. More importantly, somebody just vanishes.
However, the thing that makes them so twisted is that these deaths involve mostly the very characters you have come to think of as normal and sweet. Instead of being sweet now, they are terrified, being attacked, vanishing, going nuts, killing eachother, trying to kill the main character, or being possessed by an oni. Finally, in the end, just when you think the main character is also actually going to die, he somehow remains alive. An explanation, half-baked at best, is given and the story seems to be wrapping up.
In the case of the one I read, the main character is alive recovering in a hospital, but after everyone leaves the room and the detective is done making his point, he sits silently on his hospital bed. The next page has the same picture, but there is a shadowey hand on the corner of the bedspread. The page after that, shows more of a figure with the neck twisted sideways, rotting-like face wrinkles, gangly hair, and hollow eyes like a skull. The final page shows a full view of the things face, and now it looks somewhat like a familiar character and the words that are written there are very broken, scratchy and creepy looking. They say “I've come for you....”
My thought is that a lot of these elements are quite useful in composing a fictitious horror story, and I will possibly weave some of them into a legend that I started some time ago which I call “Skelchin.” That's all.
Before I start this conversation you need to be warned, I am writing about the mechanizations behind writing horror, so if that bothers you, stop now.
Higurashi no naku koro ni
when the red cicada cries.
Higurashi is a type of Japanese cicada typified by its rusty red coloring. Also, naku is actually closer to the meaning of “cries,” but in English we don't usually say “the cry of the cicada.” However, the translation loses its coolness when translated as buzzes. Don't you agree?
There is a methodology to the horror like madness of this series that I see as a good step in the right direction for writing a despair novel. This series does seem to leave a little bit of hope for the readers in the end, but I think that is the failing point. Actually, I shouldn't complain, if things like the ring and the grudge bothered you, the ending will bother you a lot. It just was too subtle for me.
First, I must explain a bit about the story. There are always two volumes to each section in the story. The first is, I think, the most important, but the second is where all the action and gut-wrenching imagery is. Third and most importantly, high schoolers in Japan seem to be reading this series because I've noticed in my schools libraries.
In the first volume, you are introduced to a character and to a town with a generally peaceful type feeling. Always, I would assume that this will involve an transfer student because otherwise the character would have to be aware of the history around the place. In most cases, that history is only given in broken pieces in the first volume. At first, you only might learn that there is a temple nearby with a certain kami enshrined there. There isn't any mention of the curse... just yet.
The main purpose of that first volume is to show you the main character getting along, to display him having tension with other opposite gender classmates, and to make you endeared to the characters in general. They'll have their cute interactions, their cute reactions, and furthermore cutesy love tension that isn't too likely to go anywhere anyway. They make you feel that this is story is going to consist of normal day in and day out life.
After you've become accustomed to reading about the peaceful and entertaining life of these students, you enter into the sphere of the second volume with a slight odd twinge. The last part, possibly in all the first volume books, jars you just enough to get your attention. A character simply does something that is odd, and then passes it off with some sort of excuse later. In the case of the one that I read, a certain very sweet character's eyes glowed and she spoke in a unearthly tone. The advice given in that tone was vague enough as to possibly only pertain to some sort of near-love squabble so that you, the reader, will be jarred but be able to dismiss it.
Then volume 2 starts. Everything goes to heck. The strange occurance in volume was just the beginning, and your character enjoys one jarring experience to the next. A masturi and a appeasing of the local kami occurs and because of the proximity to that place your character gets hints about an odd history. Finally, just when it is too late, an explanation of the curse is explained with perhaps a minor detail left out.. You are sure you have been given every detail and that the main character might be able to do something. Then people start dying. Gruesome horribly twisted deaths occur right before your main characters eyes. A character claws his own throat out, another character lights herself on fire in a barrel, and some character gets pounded to death. More importantly, somebody just vanishes.
However, the thing that makes them so twisted is that these deaths involve mostly the very characters you have come to think of as normal and sweet. Instead of being sweet now, they are terrified, being attacked, vanishing, going nuts, killing eachother, trying to kill the main character, or being possessed by an oni. Finally, in the end, just when you think the main character is also actually going to die, he somehow remains alive. An explanation, half-baked at best, is given and the story seems to be wrapping up.
In the case of the one I read, the main character is alive recovering in a hospital, but after everyone leaves the room and the detective is done making his point, he sits silently on his hospital bed. The next page has the same picture, but there is a shadowey hand on the corner of the bedspread. The page after that, shows more of a figure with the neck twisted sideways, rotting-like face wrinkles, gangly hair, and hollow eyes like a skull. The final page shows a full view of the things face, and now it looks somewhat like a familiar character and the words that are written there are very broken, scratchy and creepy looking. They say “I've come for you....”
My thought is that a lot of these elements are quite useful in composing a fictitious horror story, and I will possibly weave some of them into a legend that I started some time ago which I call “Skelchin.” That's all.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Nothing happens without meaning.... 意味がないことは起こらない？
Nothing happens without meaning.... 意味がないことは起こらない？
Beware: Philosophical thought to follow... 哲学的な話なんだけど。。。
In Japanese, I might just say this line or basis for moving forward is just 素敵 or “Wonderful.” Belief in this sort of simple line of thought, impresses significance on every little factor of the day. One starts to look for coincidences, fate, and purpose in all things when they have this as part of their worldview. It gives one a vague reason to march forward without hesitance, confident that one's actions and living have purpose. However, the complication that arises, as with all philosophical pursuits, is truth.
Does everything that happens have meaning? I mean truly, does it? Is this thought “true”? From my viewpoint, the answer is “of course.” However, I would addend that answer with the slight warning that you may never know what that meaning is. I suppose you could say that is a convenient supposition as well, but I'm not naive. While I hold the belief that all things happen for a purpose, I do not hold the belief that I will be omnisciently aware of what those little purposes are.
Regrettably, my fiat doesn't answer the philosophical question which is most nearly, “What proof can you offer to satiate our curiosity of how this could possibly be?” At this point, I think the typical person would offer you a myriad of little things that have come to have significance over time which would likely be vague enough that they could be quibbled with individually. However, such a response doesn't even come close to the heart of the matter, because there is a complication herein: I have stated belief in an absolute.
Yes, for those of you panicking philosopher-types, I did just interject “belief” into the realm of “philosophy.” It is where it rightly belongs. The only reason one has faith (did you catch the word reason???) is because they have found it reasonably justifiable. If not, they are simply being a liar to themselves and have violated the first step towards reason/philosophy anyway. They lack the brutal honesty necessary to proceed and are living a lie. I suppose you could say that is harsh, but as the saying goes, “Truth hurts” because truth is the simple, the pure, the impartial, and the uncompromisable reality. Denial of truth, eventually leads to a point in time where you run headlong into it.
Allow me a moment to flip the coin around and rise from the previous “tails” equation towards the hidden “heads” equation. The only reason one philosophizes is because of a faith in philosophy. After all, one must have confidence in the tools of his/her craft before picking them up. Anyone, Christian, Buddhist, Atheist, Hinduism, etc I think can agree with this line of thought. Actually, if one doesn't, then therein lies a belief that philosophy is in some way lacking. However, ironically, such a belief is still a belief. It is a belief that is simply based in bad philosophy. I don't think that is a spiral from which one can escape. You either have a good belief(view) of philosophy(reason) or you don't, but you still have a belief.
Now, I must return to the matter of an absolute. An absolute, being as it is, is nigh impossible to satisfactually prove to someone predisposed against it. It is simply impossible to span all the situations where an absolute covers, and that will inherently leave doubt in the other philosopher's mind. A proposed absolute is best approached from a pragmatic perspective, especially in the case where proving or unproving becomes a simple matter of faith.
Take the one that we are dealing with here:
Nothing happens without a meaning.
What is meant by that statement? I think it means that everything, no matter how small or large, has significance or purpose either to ourselves or to those around us. Essentially, everything gains value.
Short of going through everything in my life and attempting to explain what meaning each individual thing has, I think the doubting Thomas-types will never be satisfied.
Therefore, I propose a pragmatic perspective.
Either this belief helps you in this life or it doesn't. If it doesn't help you, don't hold it. If it does help you, hold it. Personally, I believe that holding it, gives one a more beautiful perspective on life. No longer does the rain falling simply mean you have to carry an umbrella that day. Instead, it is day where someone, somewhere, or perhaps something, needed that downpour. Right?
Yes and no. There is a further reason for people to reject this sort of belief. Psychologically it is helpful, yes I believe that is hard to deny. However, a simple pragmatic perspective for life should never satisfy the truth-seeker. Again, we return to the issue of an absolute being true. Wait, before you say something trite like “never use absolutes.” please use that noggin of yours. “Never” is indicative of an absolute and, therefore, such a statement contradicts itself. It would be far more correct to express an issue with a specific absolute than to attack them, ahem, absolutely.
I then, run up against a wall. I do believe that all things happen with a purpose, but not because I have reasoned it into existence. Instead, it is something more so based in experience which is always something far more difficult to explain. The best I can do to try to explain why. I see things as having a purpose as something deeply allied with optimism and the belief that things do not have a purpose is something allied with pessimism. By pessimism I mean to express not the simple negativity of a critic, but true pessimism, the kind that leads to despair and a death of joy. On the other hand, optimism to me is not a blithe positive outlook but is an informed positive outlook, one that possesses hope and joy. A lack of such optimism in life is to take a path downwards to death's door, completely. Therefore, I cannot even entertain the true pessimistic path to despair with regard to meaning in life.
If I can live for the enrichment of a single person's life, I would do it.
I apologize. The above is what happens when I sit at a desk for nearly eight hours three days in a row with next to nothing to do and nobody to really engage in conversation. That freedom feeling has changed now that I know how to use the internet at work. I get more stuff done now... just not personal stuff.
Beware: Philosophical thought to follow... 哲学的な話なんだけど。。。
In Japanese, I might just say this line or basis for moving forward is just 素敵 or “Wonderful.” Belief in this sort of simple line of thought, impresses significance on every little factor of the day. One starts to look for coincidences, fate, and purpose in all things when they have this as part of their worldview. It gives one a vague reason to march forward without hesitance, confident that one's actions and living have purpose. However, the complication that arises, as with all philosophical pursuits, is truth.
Does everything that happens have meaning? I mean truly, does it? Is this thought “true”? From my viewpoint, the answer is “of course.” However, I would addend that answer with the slight warning that you may never know what that meaning is. I suppose you could say that is a convenient supposition as well, but I'm not naive. While I hold the belief that all things happen for a purpose, I do not hold the belief that I will be omnisciently aware of what those little purposes are.
Regrettably, my fiat doesn't answer the philosophical question which is most nearly, “What proof can you offer to satiate our curiosity of how this could possibly be?” At this point, I think the typical person would offer you a myriad of little things that have come to have significance over time which would likely be vague enough that they could be quibbled with individually. However, such a response doesn't even come close to the heart of the matter, because there is a complication herein: I have stated belief in an absolute.
Yes, for those of you panicking philosopher-types, I did just interject “belief” into the realm of “philosophy.” It is where it rightly belongs. The only reason one has faith (did you catch the word reason???) is because they have found it reasonably justifiable. If not, they are simply being a liar to themselves and have violated the first step towards reason/philosophy anyway. They lack the brutal honesty necessary to proceed and are living a lie. I suppose you could say that is harsh, but as the saying goes, “Truth hurts” because truth is the simple, the pure, the impartial, and the uncompromisable reality. Denial of truth, eventually leads to a point in time where you run headlong into it.
Allow me a moment to flip the coin around and rise from the previous “tails” equation towards the hidden “heads” equation. The only reason one philosophizes is because of a faith in philosophy. After all, one must have confidence in the tools of his/her craft before picking them up. Anyone, Christian, Buddhist, Atheist, Hinduism, etc I think can agree with this line of thought. Actually, if one doesn't, then therein lies a belief that philosophy is in some way lacking. However, ironically, such a belief is still a belief. It is a belief that is simply based in bad philosophy. I don't think that is a spiral from which one can escape. You either have a good belief(view) of philosophy(reason) or you don't, but you still have a belief.
Now, I must return to the matter of an absolute. An absolute, being as it is, is nigh impossible to satisfactually prove to someone predisposed against it. It is simply impossible to span all the situations where an absolute covers, and that will inherently leave doubt in the other philosopher's mind. A proposed absolute is best approached from a pragmatic perspective, especially in the case where proving or unproving becomes a simple matter of faith.
Take the one that we are dealing with here:
Nothing happens without a meaning.
What is meant by that statement? I think it means that everything, no matter how small or large, has significance or purpose either to ourselves or to those around us. Essentially, everything gains value.
Short of going through everything in my life and attempting to explain what meaning each individual thing has, I think the doubting Thomas-types will never be satisfied.
Therefore, I propose a pragmatic perspective.
Either this belief helps you in this life or it doesn't. If it doesn't help you, don't hold it. If it does help you, hold it. Personally, I believe that holding it, gives one a more beautiful perspective on life. No longer does the rain falling simply mean you have to carry an umbrella that day. Instead, it is day where someone, somewhere, or perhaps something, needed that downpour. Right?
Yes and no. There is a further reason for people to reject this sort of belief. Psychologically it is helpful, yes I believe that is hard to deny. However, a simple pragmatic perspective for life should never satisfy the truth-seeker. Again, we return to the issue of an absolute being true. Wait, before you say something trite like “never use absolutes.” please use that noggin of yours. “Never” is indicative of an absolute and, therefore, such a statement contradicts itself. It would be far more correct to express an issue with a specific absolute than to attack them, ahem, absolutely.
I then, run up against a wall. I do believe that all things happen with a purpose, but not because I have reasoned it into existence. Instead, it is something more so based in experience which is always something far more difficult to explain. The best I can do to try to explain why. I see things as having a purpose as something deeply allied with optimism and the belief that things do not have a purpose is something allied with pessimism. By pessimism I mean to express not the simple negativity of a critic, but true pessimism, the kind that leads to despair and a death of joy. On the other hand, optimism to me is not a blithe positive outlook but is an informed positive outlook, one that possesses hope and joy. A lack of such optimism in life is to take a path downwards to death's door, completely. Therefore, I cannot even entertain the true pessimistic path to despair with regard to meaning in life.
If I can live for the enrichment of a single person's life, I would do it.
I apologize. The above is what happens when I sit at a desk for nearly eight hours three days in a row with next to nothing to do and nobody to really engage in conversation. That freedom feeling has changed now that I know how to use the internet at work. I get more stuff done now... just not personal stuff.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Results...
Okay, ever since finding this Chinese Dance Machine song on Newgrounds, I keep wanting to listen to it. (Thanks F-777 for making it!!!)
In fact, Tuesday while I was recovering from my trip to and from Shizuoka, I listened to it over and over for about an hour. Keep in mind it is a 1min 18seconds song and that will seem that much more insane. If you're wondering, I could get away with that because I didn't have any classes on Tuesday even though I was at school. It's midterms.
Anyway, here's the link to the video that is a product of wallbase.net space photos, windows movie maker for windows 7 (it is the lamest version yet), and Chinese Dance Machine. Yes, the quality dropped a little, for that I am sorry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGHgcsk-V-s
In fact, Tuesday while I was recovering from my trip to and from Shizuoka, I listened to it over and over for about an hour. Keep in mind it is a 1min 18seconds song and that will seem that much more insane. If you're wondering, I could get away with that because I didn't have any classes on Tuesday even though I was at school. It's midterms.
Anyway, here's the link to the video that is a product of wallbase.net space photos, windows movie maker for windows 7 (it is the lamest version yet), and Chinese Dance Machine. Yes, the quality dropped a little, for that I am sorry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGHgcsk-V-s
Monday, October 11, 2010
Shizuoka Sudden Visit Day 3
Mostly chilled with Kathy and Nick today. We ate together at Micky D's and then Nick and I hoofed (meaning: “we went”) it to Yamada Denki and Kanteidan. Man, I wish there was a Kanteidan in Hiroshima. There is a Yamada denki, but there isn't a Kanteidan. Kanteidan, for those of you who don't know, is basically a Sol's Jewelry and Loan but designed for gamers. They have a large selection of video games, movies, music, manga, cards, figurines, and some other stuff. Besides, our fairly geeky chit-chatting about video games and related paraphernalia, we ate at Matsuya. Then right after we got our food, we got word from Kathy to meet up with her. After scarfing our food quickly, we met up with Kathy.
We ran into Kathy at the Train station, and while we were catching up with here, Erin and Catriona (sp?) found us. Together we went back to get my stuff. Meanwhile, we retrieved the new french guy in Shizuoka... (sorry, I can't remember his name... he's fairly soft spoken right now because he has little ability in either English or Japanese.) Somewhere along their walk home, Kathy and co did Purikura. Meanwhile Nick discovered the electronic dictionary that he had purchased was missing the main part: the denshi jisho. While he was going to get that fixed I waited for Kathy and crew to show up.
After some logistical finagling, we all met up at the Eki and chose to eat at Hanamaru Udon. It is to the South of the Train station and really cheap. I think that most of us had Kitsune Udon, I'm not sure how many of us, but I can tell you it was good. Kitsune udon, for those of you who don't know, is udon with tofu that has been seasoned and lightly fried. It offsets the subtle flavor of udon nicely.
After eating, we returned to the Eki where Kumiko and Misato showed up to see me off. Saying my farewells, we did the whole repetitive stop and wave type of farewell. Not a couple minutes later, I boarded my train and headed for a layover in Nagoya.
Currently, going from the Mark Twain quote of earlier, I have no regrets. I thank you all for a wonderful time. I will be back, but I'm not sure again when exactly. Please come visit me! That's all.
Side Story: Somewhere in all of this, I had to determine my reserved seat for the Shinkansen. While I was in line, I saw two things. The first was a boy wearing a really cool shirt. It looked a little like a baseball shirt, but the writing was Stich Experiment 626, and the front was cool. I startled him by asking him where he bought it. Apparently, you can find cool Stitch shirts in Shimomura in Shizuoka. The second thing I saw was a little girl with a clip in her hair that read I ♥ CL. Yes, I think her mom is a fan of 2NE1. What do you think?
Souvenir Listing
S1: I bought a stitch phone strap thing. He is chewing on a mini Mt. Fuji.
S2: I bought Abekawa mochi for my office. Omiyage!
S3: I bought all 18 volumes of X. Yes, Manga. Yes, only 1000 en (aka 10 dollars). The set was specially made for me by the girl who is in charge of the manga section at Kanteidan. Heh, I love using Japanese to communicate but was still really surprised at her response when she started making a set. Before that, I could only find sets that had volumes 1-8 or 1-10, and I was really hoping to purchase all 18 of them. Ongaeshi shitai... >_<
S4: 100en Umbrella, and I've nearly lost it three times already.
S5: Purikura taken with Kathy, Nick, Kazu and Kumi.
S6: Stickers for my students purchased at Village Vanguard: Three leaf clover sheet, pigs with flags sheet, and a butterflies sheet.
Approximate writing time for these blog entries: two hours.
I hate spell check. It has no clue what do with all of my Japanese words.... it wants to change Manga to Mange? Seriously? Can you imagine the sentence, I bought X mange?.. .. sickening.
We ran into Kathy at the Train station, and while we were catching up with here, Erin and Catriona (sp?) found us. Together we went back to get my stuff. Meanwhile, we retrieved the new french guy in Shizuoka... (sorry, I can't remember his name... he's fairly soft spoken right now because he has little ability in either English or Japanese.) Somewhere along their walk home, Kathy and co did Purikura. Meanwhile Nick discovered the electronic dictionary that he had purchased was missing the main part: the denshi jisho. While he was going to get that fixed I waited for Kathy and crew to show up.
After some logistical finagling, we all met up at the Eki and chose to eat at Hanamaru Udon. It is to the South of the Train station and really cheap. I think that most of us had Kitsune Udon, I'm not sure how many of us, but I can tell you it was good. Kitsune udon, for those of you who don't know, is udon with tofu that has been seasoned and lightly fried. It offsets the subtle flavor of udon nicely.
After eating, we returned to the Eki where Kumiko and Misato showed up to see me off. Saying my farewells, we did the whole repetitive stop and wave type of farewell. Not a couple minutes later, I boarded my train and headed for a layover in Nagoya.
Currently, going from the Mark Twain quote of earlier, I have no regrets. I thank you all for a wonderful time. I will be back, but I'm not sure again when exactly. Please come visit me! That's all.
Side Story: Somewhere in all of this, I had to determine my reserved seat for the Shinkansen. While I was in line, I saw two things. The first was a boy wearing a really cool shirt. It looked a little like a baseball shirt, but the writing was Stich Experiment 626, and the front was cool. I startled him by asking him where he bought it. Apparently, you can find cool Stitch shirts in Shimomura in Shizuoka. The second thing I saw was a little girl with a clip in her hair that read I ♥ CL. Yes, I think her mom is a fan of 2NE1. What do you think?
Souvenir Listing
S1: I bought a stitch phone strap thing. He is chewing on a mini Mt. Fuji.
S2: I bought Abekawa mochi for my office. Omiyage!
S3: I bought all 18 volumes of X. Yes, Manga. Yes, only 1000 en (aka 10 dollars). The set was specially made for me by the girl who is in charge of the manga section at Kanteidan. Heh, I love using Japanese to communicate but was still really surprised at her response when she started making a set. Before that, I could only find sets that had volumes 1-8 or 1-10, and I was really hoping to purchase all 18 of them. Ongaeshi shitai... >_<
S4: 100en Umbrella, and I've nearly lost it three times already.
S5: Purikura taken with Kathy, Nick, Kazu and Kumi.
S6: Stickers for my students purchased at Village Vanguard: Three leaf clover sheet, pigs with flags sheet, and a butterflies sheet.
Approximate writing time for these blog entries: two hours.
I hate spell check. It has no clue what do with all of my Japanese words.... it wants to change Manga to Mange? Seriously? Can you imagine the sentence, I bought X mange?.. .. sickening.
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