(Source of photo: kennedyross.co.uk) I learned many life lessons in my 23 year Army career. One very important lesson I learned during my three year tenure as an Army recruiter was that we largely create our own luck. Just like we don’t get to pick our parents, we don’t get to choose our lot in […]
The Downside of Living in the First World
The meme I am opening this post with was taken from Facebook. I found it amusing and disturbing simultaneously. I found it amusing because it speaks to a larger truth about ourselves in this country and indeed in the western world. I found it disturbing for exactly the same reason. We here in the so-called […]
Ten Simple Rules of Interpersonal Dynamics
(Source of photo: https://software.ac.uk/sites/default/files/images/content/TenSimpleRules.jpg) Ten simple rules when dealing with others: 1. When invited to another person’s home, whether they are family or friends, for a party or other get together, never show up empty handed. 2. Never overstay your welcome. It’s not hard to figure out when you’ve overstayed your welcome anywhere. It becomes […]
What Political Correctness is and What it Isn’t
(Source of photo: YouTube.com) The definition of political correctness, according to Merriam-Webster, is “conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated” Most thinking people agree with this definition and are able to very clearly articulate the real problem with this […]
Accepting The Things You Cannot Change
(Source of photo: pinterest.com) Anyone who knows me personally knows that I’m not a religious man. In fact, I’m very much a secular humanist. This essentially makes me an atheist, but that really does secular humanism a disservice. According to Merriam-Webster, secular humanism is defined as “humanistic philosophy viewed as a nontheistic religion antagonistic to […]
The Power of Positivity
(Source of photo: https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/784157907671592960/jJiqw-GD.jpg) The motto I chose for my blog, “a buoy in a sea of discontent”, is meant to convey choosing rationality over deception and absurdity in a world that where many desire us to live in a sea of discontent. It’s a message that I hope resonates with those who visit my […]
“Different” is not the Enemy
Allow me to preface today’s post by saying that I am of the opinion that our political and racial bifurcation is not nearly as stark as the media would have us believe. That is my anecdotal observation, but I don’t think I’m alone in my opinion. While I believe there are people predisposed to racism […]
Ten Rules Every Man Should Follow
Preface: Some of these rules are gems of advice I’ve articulated before in other posts, but the collective message is a good blueprint for conducting your life as a man. Rule One: Let your experiences, both good and bad, be your life lessons and opportunities to grow as a man. Experience is a great teacher. […]
When a “Sellout” Isn’t Actually Selling Out
(Source of photo: azquotes.com) Let’s begin this post with the dictionary.com definition of “sellout”: Informal. a person who betrays a cause, organization, or the like; traitor. Informal. a person who compromises his or her personal values, integrity, talent, or the like, for money or personal advancement. The formal definition of the term being a show, movie, or […]
“Good” Is a Point of View
Of all the hidden gems of philosophy in the Star Wars movie franchise, I feel the exchange between Chancellor Palpatine and Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith might be the most thought-provoking. If you ponder what Palpatine said with an open mind (aka: your third eye, which should always be open), it should make […]
