Spreading the Word: Two Stories About Storytelling

Stories are powerful tools of influencing. We tell stories every day. No amount of data on its own can convince us to act. So, are stories a power of good or should we be careful of how their power is used? I share with you 2 TED talks. Each appreciates storytelling and each offers a … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Two Stories About Storytelling

What Does Originality Mean

What does it mean to say that something is new, original? For example, does this question constitute something new or original? I am sure it has been raised many times throughout human history. We place value on originality, but what is it, exactly, that we consider valuable? Image by Daniel Nebreda from Pixabay For example, … Continue reading What Does Originality Mean

Spreading the Word: Why Do We Believe In Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories, secret designs, nefarious activities, mystery stories as old as humanity where the decorations change but the plot remains. They fascinate us and pull us in, offend and enrage us, it takes an effort to ignore them, nobody is entirely immune to their potency, these arch-antagonists of a calm mind. Why? What is the … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Why Do We Believe In Conspiracy Theories

Spreading the Word: Midlife Crisis

For this weekend, I share with you a lecture by Professor Mark Jackson on midlife crisis. It is an interesting take on this now so broadly used concept. In the lecture, Prof Jackson looks into the roots of the idea and discovers that they are interwoven with both biology and culture. Link to the video: … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Midlife Crisis

Taoist Quote

Either in conflict with others or in harmony with them,we go through life like a runaway horse, unable to stop.Working hard until the end of his life,unable to appreciate any achievement,worn out and incapable of resting,isn't he a pathetic sight?He may say, 'I'm still alive,' but so what?When the body rots, so does the mind … Continue reading Taoist Quote

Spreading the Word: Taoist Documentary

For this weekend, I share with a documentary about Taoism. Get comfortable, reserve this time for yourself and enjoy the insights from the art of effortless living. Link to the video: Taoist Documentary. Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, every weekend, I hope to share with you an article I've read or a video … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Taoist Documentary

Self-Knowledge Through Justification

How do you know that you know something? When does a belief or opinion become knowledge? Often an intuitive response to this is - when I can offer justification, proof, for my belief. Justification seems to play a silent but crucial role in our understanding of what counts as knowledge. However, there is more.  When you justify … Continue reading Self-Knowledge Through Justification

Spreading the Word: J.R.R. Tolkien Quotes

It is a short video share today. Just under 10 minutes but what a calming and inspiring influence they have. Quotes from J.R.R. Tolkien. Enjoy! Link to the video: Tolkien Quotes. Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, every Friday, I hope to share with you an article I've read or a video I've seen … Continue reading Spreading the Word: J.R.R. Tolkien Quotes

Explaining Behaviour: Philosophy of Mind

About a year ago, I wrote an article about differentiating between explaining behaviour and describing it. Today, I add another layer to this reflection. What do we want to know when we ask for an explanation of a certain behaviour? For instance, if I wanted to know why John went to the kitchen, would I be satisfied … Continue reading Explaining Behaviour: Philosophy of Mind