Fathoms of Friday, Sept. 23

Some days my thoughts take specific turns, and today I'm thinking about some recent statements that were made about how humans are more valuable than other forms of life.  That is not logically or evidentially justified.  In fact, that remark, being that it was overloaded with emotion, kinda angered me.  My observations follow:  Those who kill for reasons other than the instinctual need to stave off hunger are of the human persuasion and therefore the phrase "higher thinker" and precious does not apply. Humans are the ones who are capable of plotting to destroy and thus use more than mere instinct with hateful attitudes toward others and willful mayhem.

As humans grow more socially isolated, will this type of behavior increase and become more common?  Humans in many cases think of others as "objects," and are not behaving as those with higher capacity for thought at all.   Human beings at their "lowest anatomical denominator" are just beings with organs, blood, saliva, other fluids, muscles, etc., the same as all other creatures who currently walk this planet.  The fact that we as a species think we're superior only makes us inferior.   Is the brain an "accurate measuring stick?"  For example, each human has the brain muscle encased inside a skull, but that does not automatically mean much essence and thought patterns exist.  If the person doesn't think, then the brain is diminished and thus is not of much benefit.

Savvy Sunday

I'm thinking that another name for a blog is a public diary of sorts, in which I can record my thoughts and musings of the day.  What a concept.  Hope that soon more is involved and results from my contemplations.   Would be nice since I'm desirous of change and a stronger yearning to be at home more with my work.   Wishful.

Been teaching for ten years and, although fulfilling, it's losing some of its luster and ability to thrill.  Why is boredom so readily apparent?  The largest issue is that teaching no longer represents a challenge.   It is running its gamut.   Yet I must continue for now and teach away.    As Paul Simon has written, "Slip sliding away."

Contemplating also the senseless loss of life that can occur in the rapidity of a lighting strike.  This past Tuesday, a gal from my church was allegedly murdered in her home by a neighbor who lived 2 houses away.   Besides being sobering, it is reflective in that, again, there is an underlying reminder that life is but a vapor that can disappear in a heartbeat.   Crazy stuff.  I did not know Paula well, but that fact is not the most pertinent issue; it's the concept and the reminder that dark shadows are upon us all, and we do not know what form these will take in each of our lives.   I'm not afraid of death, but when / if I'm put into that "direct doorway," I ponder as to what my responses will be.  How will my death occur?   I hope that it is as natural as possible.     My body shall be given to Chambers Funeral Home in Wellsburg, West Virginia, a fact that is really not relevant to death itself, but as a fact that I feel comforted by.   If I do not get to leave Oklahoma in my life, I will make sure that I do upon my demise.   Back to Paula:  such a tragic end to a peaceful life; not fair. 

Monday of Labor

In contemplative mood today.  Comes and goes.  Perhaps this is because my lovely days of whimsy will soon be behind me.   No, they may fade to black temporarily, but they soon resume.  Nice.  I'm just poor monetarily, however.  Poor as sand.  Even the thought of a pending payday fails to bring joy.  Joy shall return on the "morrow."      That's what makes joy such a strong emotion and great inner value.  The fact that sometimes the joy does fade, then resumes, is what makes it so poignant, meaningful, and special. 

Worked on book some.   Yay.  Graded some student essays this weekend. 

I need fruit, that is all.