#pessimism is the root of all evil

[thevoidlookedback]

An Essay on Nihilism and Ennui

Maybe the world is doomed. Maybe you can’t do anything about it. Maybe you were born on a train that had run of our track, long after we shot the engineers and burned the plans to lay track anew. The conductors barricaded the engine room where they hold hostage generations of coal miners who are forced to keep full steam ahead lest they be shoved into the incinerators themselves.

Maybe we can’t change any of that. I’d like to hope we can. Unfortunately hope isn’t the thing that drags your ass out of the cave you’ve collapsed into constructed of pizza boxes and soiled sheets. Drive is. Action is. Curiosity is.

Suppose we’re stuck on this train. It will crash. We will all die in a horrible fiery explosion, or succumb to the fumes first. What are you going to do in the meantime?

Here’s the thing: Life sucks and we’re all going to die. We don’t know when, we don’t know how. It feels impossible to plan for a future we have little data to prove will exist. What we do have is the interim. We can sit around and doom-scroll on our phones, or we can live life while we have it.

Plant a garden out of old coffee cans. Invite your friends over to fingerpaint on cardboard. Kiss the people you think about when you lay in bed at night. Chase an unrealistic dream, not because you believe it is possible, but because you can’t live with yourself if you never try.

That’s what you’re doing when you ingest endless content. You are simultaneously looking for the thing that will complete you, and desperately running from the voice inside that asks “what if there’s more?”

Stop. Running. Turn around. Look at the voice headlong. Dare to ask it back: “What more do I want there to be?”

Then go find it.

[genderkoolaid]

so many people on ur incel post thinking that a Bad Person doesn't deserve any compassion, and any and all punishments become justified, despite those punishments being totally incompatible with feminist ideas.

this is the same thought process behind denying incarcerated people their rights

Also like... I am 10000% sure that, especially online, there are young boys in those communities who are there because they feel like shit and think it's the only community that they can have that will support them. See this reply by @havinganormalone

Most of these guys are not mass shooters or murderers. There's a good chance they are assholes of varying degrees of severity, and pretty much guaranteed to be some level of misogynistic.

But I don't want anyone to end up hurting themselves out of self hatred!!!!! Sorry but I don't!!!! I want them to stay alive to have the chance to become better people!!!! I don't enjoy wishing for the deaths of people in hate groups. If there is no other way to protect vulnerable groups I'm not against it, but ideally I want them to grow and change as people. And I am committed to seeing people's humanity and suffering, because pain is where the vast majority of shitty actions come from. So we can't deal with those shitty actions without confronting the fact that the people who do them are not mindless robots of evil, they are people who are hurting. We can hold people accountable AND acknowledge their pain.

& people keep saying "we don't hate them for their dysmorphia we hate them for being incels" but why do you think a lot of those guys ARE incels?? A lot of them view themselves as inherently ugly & unlovable. And you are mocking their self-hatred. That's not helpful. If an incel, like, gets punched by a woman for being a misogynist and cries about it online, I am gonna think it was well-deserved. But this is about them self-harming as a result of self-hatred, which is deeply concerning when it happens to anyone. & I very much did see people saying things which encouraged the idea that their dysmorphia was justified or mocking them for not just getting plastic surgery. Just like how people mock incels for being fat neckbeards!! Which people also justify by saying "well they are a hate group!!" so they dont have to think critically about why they are okay with bodyshaming when its against "bad people".

Incel ideology as I understand is built on the pessimism of men who feel they are inherently less than conventionally attractive men. They view themselves as inherently lesser people because they don't fit conventional masculine standards. And blame women for this because they are misogynists who haven't critically examined their misogyny and so they ignore the way the patriarchy is the one doing this to them. But if you are going to fix an issue you need to address the root cause. And the root cause here is self-hatred. Incels self-harming because they think they need a certain bone structure to be attractive isn't a coincidence, its fundamentally related to their incel-ness. & again I can't imagine there will never be a young boy who isn't even involved in those spaces who will see that or smth like it and feel like it would fix his self-esteem issues.

& you are very right about the incarcerated thing. The idea that "bad people" deserve no compassion & deserve every bad thing that happens to them is how horrific abuse in prison gets justified. And some of those people are innocent or jailed for objectively stupid crimes, but many aren't. And they don't deserve that abuse, especially since many of them are criminals because of some sort of suffering they experience.

Tumblr in general encourages revenge & dehumanization of "bad" people. Its no better than the criminal justice system in that regard, telling us that revenge is helpful, punishment is helpful, and we should all feed our gut desire to see bad people suffering as much as possible. & I do not subscribe to that. I don't think you can really be a prison abolitionist and subscribe to that (& in a larger sense I dont think you can hope to built a better society than we have currently and think like that). It's hard work sympathizing with people who do awful things but like I said, you can't let dehumanization thought patterns take root in your mind. I am very devoted to having compassion for everyone & once again people are surprised when that includes EVERYONE.

I'm not even really doing this for incels. I don't get in debates with people unless I believe they will actually listen to what I say and consider it in good faith, and many incels won't. But I'm not going to be a person who encourages this kind of self-harm, and I especially don't want to be someone who does that and justifies it to myself because they are "bad people" who "deserve it". I'm no cop or prison guard. And if there is someone who might be open to that kind of deprogramming, I want them to see my blog as a space that has compassion for their suffering. I want them to get better, not kill themselves and never get that chance. You can't have both.

[fictionkinfessions]

hi. heroposting again. (does anyone remember this?)

(Heroposting is about a fictionkin (me) who is dealing with the dilemma of maintaining my former ideals and my heroic heart in a world that increasingly seems to push back against me and these values. I've also had a Dark Era, so I deal with intense internal conflict, so that's fun!)

I've improved leaps and bounds in so many areas since I've last sent in a message. My mindset has also bounced back—for a bit, pessimism threatened to reset all of my progress.

Have the people tired of happy endings? I think about this a lot. I'm sure I've mentioned this before too. When I was younger, I would root for the villain a lot more. I thought that it was boring when things resolved themselves in a neat little bow through the power of friendship. Mostly, it was a teenage need for rebellion against my former ideals I held when I was a child (I dearly loved every movie or novel about Friends Adventuring Together and Overcoming Evil). As an adult, I find comfort in the idea of everything being okay in the end. I hold onto that when times get rough in my personal life. My fictional selves who align with these views are the ones I ask for advice and are my role models as I improve and refine my philosophies. Most of them are younger than I am, funnily enough. My younger, wiser self is my muse when it comes to remembering how to be kind and how to be compassionate.

There's a lot of evil in our world too and it doesn't seem like there's anyone coming to save us with supernatural powers and a heart of gold. But friends, we are the ones who can and will improve our world through our own actions. Even small things can have large, positive impacts on our world. I... still struggle with my own flaws and the mountains I have to overcome seem insurmountable when I'm climbing them. My shadow, my pains; they're a part of me and I'm learning to love them too while attempting to be a light to other people. It's a thing of mine: I don't feel like a person deserving of kindness and I don't think I am actually as kind as I attempt to be. I still try. I hope the moments where I succeed improve things, even if only for a small amount of people. I'm constantly writing these same sentiments over and over, I think it brings me comfort... and hope.

Be well friends, take care of yourselves and each other. You are all powerful and wonderful just as you are. Look not towards the storm passing overhead, but towards the many days of sunshine and light that quickly approach. As long as we can imagine a better future, it can happen.

0

[eelhound]

"If your mental world is already one of extreme (and delusional) fear, mass shooters do not seem like an aberration. They are just another threat among many. The natural state of life, in much conservative literature, is 'nasty, brutish, and short,' and the forces of order and civilization only just barely keep the forces of evil chaos at bay. Conservatism is characterized by an extreme pessimism about our ability to improve the world; the standard argument is that progressives are naive and hubristic in their desire to effect change through social policy and whatever they do will 'hurt the very people they are trying to help.' The view of human nature that underpins right-wing thought is false, but it’s a compelling story.

If you view the world as a place full of virtually uncontrollable menacing evil, it’s easy to see why gun control doesn’t make sense. Under a conservative framework, it’s hard to understand why gun control would ever work. After all, we’re up against the forces of Pure Evil. Surely Pure Evil would not let mere laws stand in its way. If it was determined to kill, it would find a way to get a gun. As Arjun Byju noted for this magazine in a piece on the normalization of 'active shooter drills' in schools, 'we cannot legislate away evil' is a common GOP refrain, with shootings treated 'like the fates and furies of Greek mythology, something horrible that may strike us from without, and to which we are all but consigned.' But as Ryan Cooper notes, in reality, it turns out that a lot of gun violence is spur of the moment, and can be disrupted just by putting inconvenient obstacles between would-be perpetrators and access to a gun: 'If you can get a gun in a day or even a few minutes, then it’s easy for a stupid argument or moment of despair to end in a shooting death…But if you make it an expensive, annoying, and time-consuming process to get a gun, then this process is disrupted.'

This view sees perpetrators as fundamentally human, and reduces the distinction between the Bad People and the Good People. Gun control cannot work in the conservative view because, to use a favorite NRA slogan, 'if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns.' The idea being that 'outlaws' are a class of people to whom the law will be no obstacle. But as the U.K. and Australia show, it turns out that many would-be 'outlaws' can in fact be deterred by extreme inconvenience.

For many people on the right, I don’t think it’s possible to change their position on gun control without changing their entire ideological worldview. Their fear and pessimism are not grounded in reality. To support gun control, they would have to believe in a very different kind of world, one where many of our problems were solvable through policy, perpetrators were human beings subject to ordinary human incentives rather than just Forces Of Evil, and where it is conceivable to not be afraid all the time. But for the American right, the world is teeming with antifa terrorists and BLM rioters, and there’s no choice but to arm yourself to the teeth (and possibly shoot anyone who rings your doorbell).

I am generally a proponent of trying to have constructive political conversations with people and find common ground. I believe in trying to argue and persuade. (I have previously been called 'the left’s debate bro.') I’m actually teaching a class this weekend (come join us!) on how to effectively respond to right-wing arguments and change minds. But one of the things I’ll be emphasizing is that often, dialogue is in fact quite hopeless, because a person’s ideology is very deep rooted, and you’re not going to change their mind on one issue without getting them to radically alter their entire worldview. I think gun control is an issue like that for many on the right. They don’t think mass shootings can be stopped, and it’s not because they are misreading the statistics, it’s because they don’t see how the forces of evil could be kept at bay by something as trivial as a regulation. Just as they’re skeptical of diplomacy with China and rehabilitation in the criminal punishment system (How can you negotiate with evil? How can you reform it?), they think that the only thing you can do to stop violence is kill the perpetrators. The right’s world is a world of menace, where all we can rely on is Good Guys using violence to stop the violence of the Bad Guys. (This is why many on the right see the murder of Jordan Neely as the act of a Good Samaritan. For them, Neely was, in part for racist reasons, coded as one of the Bad Guys, and white ex-Marine Daniel Penny is coded as a Good Guy.)

In situations where it’s hopeless to persuade people, and they’re doing harm, the only choice you have is to restrain their power. This is why the only hope for ending mass shootings involves reducing Republican political power. They are never going to change. If they changed, they would cease to be Republicans. They must be thrown out of office if we are ever going to build a country where we can feel safe going about our daily lives."

- Nathan J. Robinson, from "Why The Right Will Never, Ever Support Gun Control." Current Affairs, 8 May 2023.

[iadored]

a term i've heard too many times this week is "book ban," all things it's rooted in, and all things that follow. friday i went to a concert and, very oddly, i felt renewed when i left. was it because i went alone? or because the last band was surprisingly good? or some other factor altogether?... i'm not sure, but i do know that the morning after felt magical. it sounds naive and innocent, but it's been a while since i've truly believed things will get better, especially considering the selfish political world right now, but the week that's followed has been blanketed by such a belief.

foolish of me to think a bad thing can only have bad effects, but sometimes i forget. a loud argument between me and my dad is nothing new, but a careless laugh to my angered face is. very violent thoughts overcome me sometimes—when i was young and angry i'd slam my palm against the wall till i'd feel pins and needles—but in that moment i wanted murder. i'm not so unstable, but i am capable of taking away a father's daughter. maybe not physically, but i think emotionally will hurt even worse.

anyway. book ban this, book ban that. i'm torn between crying and screaming all of the time now. my pessimism is addicting to hold onto, but since friday i've heard several educated people speak on all the things i'm fearful of with loud voices and friendly smiles and barely now, as i sit in my car eating whataburger to avoid my house, do i realize defiance is that magical feeling taking over. i can very well defy with my own voice, my own words, and my own person. i am capable of evil but much more than that, i am capable of good. and i think i need to be reminded of that sometimes

[gracebeyondmeasuree]

Dear Heavenly Father I come before you today, to just humbly pray and to surrender my all at your feet. Thank you Lord that even when I was proud and conceited, radically self absorbed and mired in sin, you loved me and came to me, to initiate this love relationship with me, and to bring me into your fold. Thank you father for taking away my pride, and helping me to see just how much I need you in my life as my lord, father and guide. As I read of your love father, in your word, and as I experience love (even dim glimpses of it) in this life, help me to be loved and stirred by the way in which you demonstrated your supreme love for me on Calvary, how you gave your life in exchange for mine out of love, not out of (and indeed) against all feeling. Lord as I reflect on your great love, help me to love the people around me better, by first rooting myself in your love. As your word enters my heart and nourishes me, lord father help me to just cast away all evil thoughts and desires, and forgive me for all the ways I’ve fallen - these earthy sins and fleshly desires that pull me away from your love and presence - but at last, also your amazing grace that allows me to seek redemption, forgiveness, that I may despite these failings stand at the throne of your grace again, redeemed and made anew for you. So father continue to work in my heart and in my life. Through tough times lord you challenge me and help me to be an even better servant for you so help me lord through it all - in me and through me make me and mould me. Especially in this season of life lord, and this crossroads, teetering dangerously on the edge and wanting desiring to make the leap across this giant chasm from one phase to the other but fearing it all the same, lord may you give me courage. Take away my pessimism and my pain - but even if you don’t, and even if you see it fit to keep me in the waiting room just a while longer, peeking, observing, Lord help me to trust and to know that it’s all in accordance with your plan. And that you keep no one waiting unless it’s good for your purposes. So every time Im discouraged and cast down o lord, w every time I once again tempted to seek my own ways, lord help me to grasp on to your holiness and righteousness as my beacon and guide. And to also see how incredibly blessed I have been all this while, how good indeed Lord you’ve been to me. Even in the waiting room, even in this disquieting time where I’m kept in suspense, not knowing how the story ends, lord help me to love you the most of all, and continue to mould and make me - prepare me - according to your plan and purpose and lord let me be humble enough, to accept and learn the lessons you have to teach me in this time, & to praise, obey, trust you through it all. Also praying lord father for the ones around me: today especially for my grandma. Lord pray that in your own marvellous way accomplish what’s not possible by human hands, and make your presence so real to her that she begins to feel the amazing grace and love your freely give at the cross, if only we would believe. And turn these hearts to you father in the way that only you can.

[whatthecrowtold]

#unhallowedarts "Everything, alas, is an abyss, — actions, desires, dreams, Words!" - Baudelaire's "Fleurs Du Mal"

Carlos Schwabe "Destruction" (1900)

“You know that I have always considered that literature and the arts pursue an aim independent of morality. Beauty of conception and style is enough for me. But this book, whose title (Les Fleurs du Mal) says everything, is clad, as you will see, in a cold and sinister beauty. It was created with rage and patience. Besides, the proof of its positive worth is in all the ill that they speak of it. The book enrages people. Moreover, since I was terrified myself of the horror that I should inspire, I cut out a third from the proofs. They deny me everything, the spirit of invention and even the knowledge of the French language. I don't care a rap about all these imbeciles, and I know that this book, with its virtues and its faults, will make its way in the memory of the lettered public, beside the best poems of V. Hugo, Th. Gautier and even Byron." (Baudelaire in a letter to his mother)

Don Juan in Hades

"When Don Juan descended to the underground sea, And when he had given his obolus to Charon, That gloomy mendicant, with Antisthenes' proud look, Seized the two oars with strong, revengeful hands.

Showing their pendent breasts and their unfastened gowns Women writhed and twisted under the black heavens, And like a great flock of sacrificial victims, A continuous groan trailed along in the wake.

Sganarelle with a laugh was demanding his wage, While Don Luis with a trembling finger Was showing to the dead, wandering along the shores, The impudent son who had mocked his white brow.

Shuddering in her grief, Elvira, chaste and thin, Near her treacherous spouse who was once her lover, Seemed to implore of him a final, parting smile That would shine with the sweetness of his first promises.

Erect in his armor, a tall man carved from stone Was standing at the helm and cutting the black flood; But the hero unmoved, leaning on his rapier, Kept gazing at the wake and deigned not look aside."

He turned out to be right. Victor Hugo himself wrote enthusiastic lines to his younger fellow melancholic, just a couple of his weeks after Baudelaire’s evil flowers sprouted from the booksellers’ shelves and were read in Paris salons and cafés while the Moloch of a metropolis around them swallowed its own children. In hecatombs. On a daily basis. Baudelaire was certainly not the first who found the urbs worthy enough for a good yarn or to inspire poetry. As backdrop or a scene, with the big city lights illuminating the dramatis personae. But never as an end in itself. He found a way to integrate his Romantic predecessors’ otherworldly Gothic mindscapes from their grim fairy tale-like settings of ruined castles, lofty mountaintops, dark forests and other exotic spots, rooted in history and legend, into a grim, contemporary reality. Paris had become the Castle of Otranto, an autotelic location inhabited by a genius loci of disillusion, pessimism and melancholy in their ugly and morbid actuality. Filled to the brim with black Romantic symbols and imagery. And while Baudelaire barrages the reader - his likeness, his brother – with biblical tropes and ancient mythology and not the likenesses of the miserables from Rue Trou à Rats it is impossible to imagine his picturesque, morbid misery in another light than that of the dim streetlights of the dark metropolis. Literary modernity had begun in earnest with “Les Fleurs du Mal”. And what earned the poet a lawsuit for offending the public moral of 1857 and forced him to publish his works abroad, can now be found as “epoch-making” in schoolbooks.

Posthumous Remorse

"When you will sleep, O dusky beauty mine, Beneath a monument fashioned of black marble, When you will have for bedroom and mansion Only a rain-swept vault and a hollow grave,

When the slab of stone, oppressing your frightened breast And your flanks now supple with charming nonchalance, Will keep your heart from beating, from wishing, And your feet from running their adventurous course,

The tomb, confidant of my infinite dreams (For the tomb will always understand the poet) Through those long nights from which all sleep is banned, will say:

"What does it profit you, imperfect courtesan, Not to have known why the dead weep?" — And like remorse the worm will gnaw your skin."

When the poet lay dying at the age of 46 in Dr Duval’s hospital in the Quartier Chaillot in Paris, after a stroke he suffered the year before in Brussels that left him paralysed on one side and incapable of speech, cared for by his ageing mother, there were really few things left that he had not pursued within the framework of a stereotypical vie de la bohème. Picking up the Great Pox when he was 18, dawdling in the Parisian demi-monde while letting his law studies slide, experimenting with every type of narcotics available, drinking, of course, like a sailor on shore leave, squandering his inheritance, making several suicide attempts, living with his Haitian mistress Jeanne Duval, an actress and dancer of mixed French and black African ancestry, while declaring popular courtesans to be his muses, being always in debt and indulging in Wagner and whatnot. And, as a sideline, Baudelaire squeezing the idea, the spirit and the awareness of modernity out of the chaos of his own life and the labour pains of the industrial age and pressing it in the shape of a poetic language that was and his unheard of in its quality and depth.

Spleen

"I have more memories than if I'd lived a thousand years.

A heavy chest of drawers cluttered with balance-sheets, Processes, love-letters, verses, ballads, And heavy locks of hair enveloped in receipts, Hides fewer secrets than my gloomy brain. It is a pyramid, a vast burial vault Which contains more corpses than potter's field. — I am a cemetery abhorred by the moon, In which long worms crawl like remorse And constantly harass my dearest dead. I am an old boudoir full of withered roses, Where lies a whole litter of old-fashioned dresses, Where the plaintive pastels and the pale Bouchers, Alone, breathe in the fragrance from an opened phial.

Nothing is so long as those limping days, When under the heavy flakes of snowy years Ennui, the fruit of dismal apathy, Becomes as large as immortality. — Henceforth you are no more, O living matter! Than a block of granite surrounded by vague terrors, Dozing in the depths of a hazy Sahara An old sphinx ignored by a heedless world, Omitted from the map, whose savage nature Sings only in the rays of a setting sun."

All poems quoted above are from Charles Baudelaire's "Fleurs du Mal" (1857) - the imagery for Baudelaire's epochal poems was created by the Swiss Symbolist Carlos Schwabe (1866 - 1926) for the 1900 edition, complete and bilingual, linked as facsimile below.

[zeta-in-de-walls]

Hey friends, I’m seeing the term grey morality used a lot lately so shall we talk about it?

I feel like it means different things for different people. For some people it really means having a story with nuanced character who possess more than one trait. You know, they clearly have flaws and strengths and don’t always do the right thing. Or acting out isn’t like a kids program where they do something bad, then things go wrong and then they learn the moral of the day at the end and fix everything. 

For others, it feels grey morality means a story without heroes or villains. Everyone has their own code they might follow but no one’s truly wrong or right. We’re dealing with flawed individuals where everyone’s right from their perspective and character who try to be heroes are no better than those being labelled as villains. 

I feel like the Dream SMP definitely has nuanced characters and certainly feels like the former. You can dig into most characters and they have motives more complicated than just ‘for evil.’ And no one’s perfect, the characters we root for will mess up. This is all true enough.

But the latter concept is a trickier one. I would argue that the Dream SMP does have heroes and villains. I don’t think this is a bad thing. Indeed the Dream SMP has ideas it wishes to portray and it will show plenty of actions as immoral, character as great evils needing to be defeated and its not wrong to see them like that. I think its resulted in some powerful messages and themes. But of course, no character was made bad, they merely became more warped over time and its good to acknowledge this. But still, we’ve got character who enjoy inflicting suffering on others and characters who want to protect others from harm- the issue with citing grey morality is that your wish to have nuance can actually erase it if you accidentally paint everyone as the same. 

I don’t think any character is simply evil - but I certainly believe certain actions are unambiguously terrible and if they’re repeatedly done without remorse then its hardly erasing nuance to note that and want to see them defeated. Nor should characters trying to make an effort to be good be met with pessimism. Just because everyone’s flawed doesn’t mean they can’t strive to do the right thing and be seen as good for that. 

I love that the SMP and the fandom appreciates a good story with nuance, but maybe lets stray away from the term grey morality? Not because its wrong but because its not actually that helpful to bring it up in blanket statements. And when you’re dealing with such difficult realistically depicted concepts such as abuse and torture then even tackling the idea of redemption is really hard and must be done carefully. It’s easy to send the wrong message which is why a lot of fans get nervous around these ideas and get quite passionate about the topic of grey morality. They’re desperate for these difficult topics to be handled respectfully! 

[onepunchman]

[attention conservation notice: navel gazing]

when I look at where my worldview diverges the most from people I talk past the most, I increasingly think that at the core of things I just operate on a very low average estimate of humans’ capacity for compassion, truth-seeking, and agency. and it produces this disconnect in where optimism and pessimism should be placed, and especially how much good and evil exists in the world.

if humans are generally good and capable creatures, with the solutions to all of our problems within reach, then the answer to why we have problems is that evil is working against us, and many people must be evil. In this view, approval of people is highly contingent—it is really important to find out who is evil and by some means expunge them.

if humans are mostly shit, tiny, akratic, and paranoid in the face of problems that we may literally be unable to solve, then every thing we have that is not entropy, decay, and suffering is worthy of celebration, having been clawed from the universe with an effort that is difficult to comprehend.

and I think this explains both my distance from many progressives—who seem to think that the social improvements of the modern world are from people seemingly just being better, believing that moral good is obvious and that it is thus easy and correct to condemn people in the past who did not share our intuitions, and by extension people in the present who are more similar to them than us—and conservatives, who seem to think the inverse—that people in the past have the monopoly on goodness, and anything contemptible about the modern world stems from the fact that we don’t have the moral fiber of our ancestors, who would easily resist modern temptations if not for the corrupting influence of sinners.

and I think that’s where the distance is. my estimation is that genuinely virtuous and evil people are vanishingly rare, most of us have far less control over our beliefs and actions than we’d like to believe, and most bad things are the result of us, individually, being barely above what the fight against entropy requires of us to even stay alive let alone be good. and that’s pretty cynical? like the solutions to our problems might not actually be within our reach.

but it’s also the reason I find condemnation of people, even terrible ones, really difficult. a kind of inverse love and optimism rooted mostly in the fact that, well, we may be shit but we made it this far. I think that outliers in virtue and evil do in fact exist, there is behavior I can’t explain any other way. but for the most part the inherent moral distance between people is very small, and apparent moral distance is much more a function of environment than character. Human nature contains, at best, the seed of goodness in an inherent desire to cooperate, which is the tool with which goodness could be built over however many thousand years.

so people who look down on others easily just tend to strike me as someone standing on a hill and believing that makes them tall.

[burnedhousehorizon]

This blog is dedicated to exploring the potential of a pessimistic world. By “pessimistic world,” I mean a world in which we do not begin with the assumption that the systems in which we are embedded (the various elements of what Jason Moore terms our “world-ecology”) “naturally” function in a way that is good and beneficial to us. 

A great deal of time, energy, and outrage is currently expended in the service of correcting these systems because we take an optimistic attitude towards them: we assume that, when not corrupted or subverted by evil actors, the systems themselves are or ought to be beneficial. For example: we believe that if government could simply be fixed so that it was not staffed by corrupt people, and if all people were allowed to freely and rationally vote, and if these voters were clearly and correctly educated, then the result would be a political system that is good and beneficial. This same model applies to other spheres: if we could fix education, then it would produce rational and compassionate citizens; if we could fix the environment, then it would offer us a safe, healthy, and sustainable place to live. 

But what if we do not begin with this assumption? What if, instead, we assume from the start that the world-ecology we live in is not good and beneficial, but rather a force that works against us— one that cannot and will not ever be “fixed” and that, instead, we are challenged to simply survive? What if we reject the vision of a pure world that haunts the deep past and far future, and instead commit ourselves to taking action in the world-that-is?

As a comparative example of the optimistic and pessimistic approaches, let’s take the recent discovery that the water supply in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, has been polluted by petroleum hydrocarbons. The optimistic approach says: This is a terrible injustice and aberration; we must protest and publicize this injustice and aberration, bringing extractive industries to account and pursuing legislation in order to create a world where it is not possible for this to happen. The pessimistic approach says: This is exactly how our world-ecology functions and will always function; rather than waste time and money on pretending otherwise, we must figure out how to get citizens of Iqaluit access to clean water. That is the most effective and indeed only meaningful resistance to a world-ecology that does not value our lives.

This pessimism is in some ways essentially diasporic, rooted in Black and Jewish experiences that emphasize the necessity of, to quote Pirkei Avot, “do[ing] justly now”— “if not now, when?”— while inhabiting a world in which one is an exile.

So: this project of this blog is to take pessimism and use it as a lens, exploring its affordances for the world in which we live.

[theshoesofatiredman]

When you are deconstructing your faith, it's not unusual that some of the baggage is going to carry over. Deconstruction is a long journey and your faith system likely packed a lot of bags for you. For example, your quest for truth can be just as fundamentalist, just as rigid, inside a deconstructing framework as it can inside the framework of evangelicalism. It's important to deconstruct that fundamentalist approach to truth seeking in order for your deconstruction to not just be more of the same evils you're trying to flee. The same goes for the need to get everyone to believe what you believe.

For example, here is a great post by @eivor-wolfkissed about Islamophobia in ex christian blogs. They make great points about how they are bringing their superiority complex from Christianity into their ignorant critiques of Islam. It enables hate and narrows perspectives.

I also saw a similarly great post by @positivelyatheist about the poor treatment that atheists receive from theists. It's along the same lines though their critique was not directed at ex Christians specifically though I think the same idea applies. Atheists have been subject to gross mistreatment and mischaracterization from the Christian community. This behavior is incredibly wrong, profoundly hurtful, and deeply ingrained inside fundamentalist evangelicalism.

What I currently struggle with in that is not knowing when I am morally obligated, by nature of how toxic an ideology is, to critique and try to change minds. There are things about certain types of atheism and certain sects of Islam that are really bad for other people. There are things about Christianity that are bad for other people. We do not have a set of perfect ideologies out there in the world that is entirely free from toxicity. If we do not talk about it, we will never improve our ways of thinking.

For example, here is another post that is a critique of a specific ex religious brand of atheism that seeks to destroy spirituality, that wields pessimism against the joy and fulfillment that people find within faith based communities, and that may be driven by bigotry as much as it is a zeal for anti-theism. This is incredibly toxic and deserves critique. At least, imo. It may not have the codified systems and entrenched power structures to cause the same scale of damage as militant evangelicalism but I don't think it's that hot of a take to say that tearing down things that bring joy is a societal ill.

I feel like I can like and support the ideas in both the "pro atheist" and "anti atheist" posts here because in my mind they are describing different things that happen to use the broader umbrella term of atheist, simply because, as far as I know, there isn't really language to distinguish between atheist brands. Atheists deserve respect as people but respect for their beliefs, depending on harm, can and should vary. The same goes for other ideologies.

So back to my question - do I have any moral obligation to try and turn people away from harmful ideologies? For example, I believe that QAnon is a wholly toxic thing. No part of it is good. It was created to advance a flawed political agenda, has deep roots in bigotry, is deeply untrue, and prevents a picture of the world and humankind that strips people it stands against of their very humanity. There are members of my family that are Q believers. Am I obligated to try and pull them out of that?

Of course, I have tried to call out the lies when I can and critique the ideology when I've had the opportunity. It is terrible to see them believing QAnon insanity. But this has done little to change their minds. It's very hard for me to convince my parents of anything that doesn't line up with their thinking since I lost all my credibility and moral authority by becoming more liberal and dating a man. But do I have an obligation to keep trying? Does anyone?

We as a society have very strong ethical systems surrounding the preservation of physical life. But what kinds of ethical systems should we have for preserving a person's ideological life? If we would not abandon a person to disease, why would we abandon a person to a conspiracy theory? A false religion? A dangerous cult? A racist political party? A verbally abusive workplace?

I have no desire to abandon my fellow human to any harmful system of thought. Yet, there are times when I am unequipped or ill-suited to deal with the problem. These things seem very case by case, but even then it's hard to parse.

[ramblingguy54]

The Phantom & The Sorceress: Lena Shines Once Again

Let me first start off by saying. DuckTales it’s so freaking good to have ya back!

Okay with that said, Phantom & The Sorceress episode is another damn great Lena episode that continues to showcase why she’s such an endearing character, much like Della Duck. DuckTales has continually knocked it outta the park with each episode focusing on Lena’s inner demons trying not to define herself exactly as Magica’s heartless nature. Which we get to see once again on full display here when Lena has to reluctantly ask for her help, once the Phantom Blot rears his ugly head trying to take away all magic with an “Infinity Gauntlet” of his own making trying to become a second coming of Thanos. Lena has been such an amazing new addition to this reboot’s iteration. You can tell, as clear as the blue freaking sky, that so much heart and effort has gone into exploring the heavy details of what makes Lena, well, such a deeply relatable individual. You want to see Lena become a stronger person, who won’t repeat the same awful mistakes as her heartless parent and what better way to do that, than with them teaming up to confront an old foe from Magica’s wrong doings?

I was ecstatic to hear about Lena teaming up with Magica because it’s always an interesting treat to see a protagonist make some temporary truce with their extreme moral opposite when done right, of course. I’ve seen it in Teen Titans when Robin teamed up with Slade to stop Raven’s demonic father from destroying all life in the universe, which was a lot of cool character introspective for both what makes their characters so similar, yet so alienating as well. This situation is no different, as Lena has to grit her teeth against every snide abusive remark her so called aunt throws her away to try deterring the kid to no avail, since Lena isn’t having any of that freaking garbage after Nightmare On Killmotor Hill’s story in Season 2. Although, Lena does have a new challenge to face that stirs up those old feelings of self resentment showcased in this season’s theme of legacy and how that ties into one’s own self-worth when looking at their respective lineage and oh boy there’s a lot to unpack.

One day I grew tired of the many gifts villagers’ offered to keep me from destroying their village, so I destroyed their village.

Okay, that line of narration for this origin exposition is befitting of Magica’s deliciously evil nature. Fucking love that stuff. Can I just say I adored Phantom Blot’s backstory being a by product of Magica’s reign of terror in this iteration of his characterization? It not only adds weight to the Phantom Blot’s personality, but contributes a serious fuel to Lena’s emotional turmoil of her inescapable connection to magic that she has to better cope with. Lena may have more confidence in herself after Season 2′s dramatic shenanigans, but it still doesn’t take away from that painful reality that she feels like a prisoner to the very essence of magic quite literally & figuratively, too. Seeing Magica spell out how her actions of destroying the Blot’s village and loved ones years ago had a long term consequences in the creation of Phantom’s hatred for magic ties in perfectly to Lena’s disgust, where it no doubt drudged up the good ole self esteem issues. Like Lena stated in the episode, “Our magic isn’t a legacy! It’s a curse!”, that has caused a lot of unending pain and misery. Phantom Blot is just one of many victims Magica scarred for life, where that seriously bugs Lena to still be connected to that as a legacy she’s saddled with, but the very thing keeping her alive in the grand scheme of things, too. That provides a layer of serious tension because all Phantom Blot has to do is suck away that magic from the amulet and Lena will disappear along with that. There’s a lot riding on the line that can’t be ignored. 

Being angry might work for Magica, but you’re not her. You’re good!

If Lena fails, she dies. If they don’t defeat the Phantom Blot, Scrooge and the kids are trapped in another dimension, leaving FOWL to steal Duckburg on a silver platter with few to defend their home. Thankfully, there’s always Webby to help keep Lena’s insecurities in check with a nice dose of emotional support. They really wanna build up how important of a character Webby is as the extreme optimist for this season, by further reinforcing how much Lena has succeeded thanks to Webby lending her a helping hand in opening up to have that courage in facing down her dark past that continues to bother her at every turn. Real talk, I seriously hope Lena will be the one to help lift Webby up outta her low breaking point when whatever stuff Beakly is hiding from her tests the kid’s trust in others. Having Lena give Webby the emotional pep talk would be quite poetic when that time comes in the distant future of this season. Lena has come such a very long way from who she used to be in Season 1. She was out for herself at first trying to get away from Magica’s cold blooded nature. However, once she met Webby the rest was history that made Lena determined to gain her freedom not outta a selfish reason anymore, but one to feel truly alive and happy. To feel the loving warmth of affection she never received before.

Lena’s smile says it all about how unashamed she is to allow Webby to be this sentimental toward her about a touchy topic for herself. Sure, she playfully shrugs off Webby when she’s throwing out suggestion after suggestion about stuff regarding positive uses for magic and all that, but it’s not outta some form of negativity taking hold of her again, like in the JAW$ episode, aka calling her a sentimental fool. Lena is laughing it off agreeing with her friend as naturally any form of motivational socializing should be handled when she says, “Okay, Webby. I got it. Thanks!”, that’s heartwarming and adorable in showcasing Lena’s growth. All of it comes to a head in Lena’s magical beam struggle against Phantom Blot’s absorbing gauntlet, where we get a culmination of every pivotal moment that’s made Lena into who she is now, whether you’re looking at Magica’s abuse or how Webby helped her to realize that stuff didn’t define her, but how she chose to act on all those bottled up feelings. This episode pulled another Friendship Hates Magic when Lena was starting to disappear all over again from Blot’s gauntlet and I could feel that adrenaline kicking in at that point seeing Phantom Blot almost succeed. Lena came close to letting Magica manipulate her all over again at that lowest point, but those emotional callback’s from Webby & Violet’s bonding spell reminded her all too well immediately that she isn’t a slave to the name, De Spell, anymore. It’s clear that Lena is getting ever closer to reaching that apex of character development, given the awesome looking design change that now fully reflects her more happier outlook on life ever since meeting Webby and her sister from a couple of misters’, Violet.

Love how her eyes are now blue and not dark anymore, which can arguably be seen as symbolism for overcoming depression with those dark eyes she once had. Pessimism can transform into the most powerful form of compassion for others, as seen with Lena’s blue magical signature now that isn’t dark purple anymore, like her aunt’s. Also on a side note, while I would’ve loved to have seen Magica be without her full powers a little longer to provide for more interesting scenarios in showing her cunning and calculating nature, this gives us more intense scenarios in their own right for Lena clashing with Magica again in Season 3′s future because there’s no way we’ve seen the last of these two going at it. Now that they’re both at their fully realized power, you can bet shit’s going to be hitting the fan when it does happen between these magical beings of opposing sides. The possibilities are endless with that notion in mind.

The Phantom & The Sorceress continues to enforce why Lena is easily one of the most complex characters in DuckTales (2017). Each emotional hurdle she’s overcome is completely earned in her growth to be a better and protective friend to her real family. Whatever the future holds in store for Lena’s character, you can know that I’ll be there rooting for her development every step of the way. 

This was an excellent return to form. 

I’ve missed you DuckTales. Welcome back.

[a-long-walk-in-the-forest]

Itachi’s Taurus planets degree exploration

Since if I want to make a proper reasonable guess for Sasuke I need to have some idea about Itachi too so I’m going to just list any taurus degree that fit him. He has at least 3 things there (mars, venus, saturn). 

I tried to keep different interpretations of the character in mind but not so much so that I can’t narrow it down at all. Note that these descriptions were mostly written by people decades ago so some of them may sound a bit ... Also the body parts mentioned are used for predictive and medical astrology.

0-1

It denotes a person of. a disputative mind, one who will have many enemies, and will need to exercise himself much in self-defense; one to whom life will open out into a great field of strife, but who, through his own native force and diplomacy, will eventually prevail. It is a degree of SELF-PRESERVATION.

The native will have to stand forever on the lookout ready to parry unforeseen attacks, as his destiny has fierce struggles in store. But in struggles he surely will thrive and revel as if it were his own element, and he will engage himself in them to his utmost. He has a great will power, is versed in tricks and makeshifts, and can be very reserved in spite of his liking for arguments and polemics. Churlish and insensitive to pain, he seems born to have things his own way in spite of the war furiously waged against him on all sides. He may even be endowed with magic powers. This hard character’s failing is ungenerous; it may even become cruelty.

Denotes a person of strong character; of a rather morose disposition, and possessing magical powers; one with strong will-power, very reserved, inclined to be cruel.

 A persevering strategist; denotes good mentality; a prophet of a new order; love of home; brilliant 233 mind; renowned for benevolence; powerful in combining old principles in new application; beauty, devotion, fame or fortune; throat or gullet; palate.

Denotes one whose life is threatened in early infancy. The ideals are high, and he delights in all that is beautiful and sweet. The native is somewhat erratic and inconstant, loving “fresh fields and pastures new.” He inclines to the poetic and artistic, and may excel in such paths. It is a symbol of Cultivation.

This degree seems to blend the qualities of Aries and Taurus in a less desirable fashion. Here the stubbornness of Taurus is directed to the establishing of the ego. In so doing he alienates those around him so that he is left to carry his burdensome load alone. There is a strong tendency for men to be mislead by a woman usually because of his desire to possess her and make her subservient to his own ego. In most cases he desires and attracts someone extremely selfish and difficult to deal with. He seems not to be able to disassociate himself and pursue his course alone. This is an even greater threat if it is the man’s Moon or Venus which falls on this degree. At any rate it is the stubborn desire to establish his own ego irrespective of others which cause the insurmountable trouble.

This degree is favorable for a good mentality. Denotes a persevering strategist. More inclined to the artistic than Scorpio 0-1 degree.

1-2

It denotes one for whom life will be a severe lesson; whose ambition is likely to outstrip his power; one who will attempt great his discomfiture; whose efforts will prove futile, and whose hopes a will vanish as the clouds.

The present repels him, human society holds no attraction for him. If he, therefore, does not find an outlet in the pursuit of nature’s secrets or in historical studies and the like, he will lapse into a dull idleness, root of all evils. He must break the ominous spell isolating him spiritually from his kind if he is not to find realized in himself the biblical threat, Vae soli (Woe to him that is alone—EccI. 4:11). He must draw a wholesome lesson from his disappointments and realize that he has produced them himself with his wrong attitude of estrangement from life. Life must be loved if she is to present us with her gifts; these are not to be frowned upon in comparison with the unattainable daydreams, toyed with by cloud-dwellers apt to slump defeated to the ground if they cannot reach their aim. Any vital force that does not find a proper outlet will cease to flow. The greater one’s inborn vitality, the more quickly idleness will blight It.

Denotes that he, or she, born under this degree will live alone, isolated, mentally; not in sympathy with the present state of things.

 Magic; a pleasing personality; a person who is above petty things; loyal and serious-minded; some interest in occultism; magnanimous; opening of throat.

Denotes one capable of immense sacrifices who surrenders self, expecting no reward. The life will be often lonely, but ever threatened by storms. In the end wisdom and worth will triumph and the second half of life brings good promise. It is a symbol of Devotion.

This degree is not a decisive one although it gives a strong will and a desire to protect the ego at all cost. There is also a capacity for cruelty. Self-preservation is the basic quality. When the self is not threatened the individual may relax and this degree will then be free to develop along other lines generally consistent with the chart as a whole. It is possible that the native could be so sensitive that even when the self was free from threat, defensiveness would be uppermost. Until this tendency is overcome there is not much hope of success. There is much ability both mental and physical.

This degree promises a pleasing personality. A person above petty things. Loyal and serious minded, with some interest in Occultism.

2-3

It denotes a person whose interest will be greatly enhanced in the autumn of life, who will reap benefits greatly enhanced in the autumn of life, who will reap benefits from old age and pleasures from maturity; whose chief characteristic is acquisitiveness, and whose designs will meet with much success. It is a degree of acquirement, of GATHERING TOGETHER.

This influence points somehow to untimely love. The native may have older people propose to her in her youth, or vice versa, will insist on marrying a younger partner in her elderly age. The planned match risks to come off whether the younger partner looks at it as a sincere and generous gift of his or her youth, or is driven to it by base interest-where the one alternative does not altogether shut off the other. Aside from the question of love or marriage, the native will be luckier in later years and will reap tardily the fruit of his days of labor.

Strong sympathies, excessive sensibility, very impressionable and mediumistic.

Scientific; artistic; degree of plot and strategy; an important degree in nativities of great military generals; a carefree traveler; inclined to live his one life regardless of others’ opinions; afflicted - may denote an unfortunate end; generous; uvula.

Denotes one favored by fortune. He will possess good judgment, and will do the right thing at the right time. His early life will be filled with struggle and with promise, expanding to favor as he advances in years. With a good insight into human nature the native can well choose others to assist in his work, and whilst holding work to be the true necessity of life, he knows the value of relaxation and pleasure to others as to himself. It is a symbol of Fortune.

Much indication of loneliness and self-undoing. Some of the artistic qualities of Taurus come through here. There seems to be little appreciation for life. These people generally find little to live for. They isolate themselves from other people. They tend to pessimism and despair. Much of this comes from inertia but it can also come from too much freedom and too many choices, which are not open at the same time but which sweep by in a maze of confusion to this individual. Idleness tends to atrophy any abilities that one might have. It would be helpful to him if opportunities were kept open to him for longer periods of time. He might continue to procrastinate, but in some cases this might lessen the frustration. Basically this is a problem the individual must solve for himself and realize his own part in humanity’s pattern. He must discover for himself the worthwhile nature of relationships with others. His childhood training will do much to over-come these problems if recognized and dealt with in meaningful way.

 A carefree traveler, but adverse aspects may denote an unfortunate end. Artistic, scientific and generous. Inclined to live his own life regardless of other people’s opinions.

3-4

It denotes a person in whose life much sedition will prevail, whose affairs will be marred by his own violence, and whose house will be dismembered through strife, in whom wrath will effect great evils , and whose force will be turned against himself. If is a degree of DISINTEGRATION.

An exacting, disdainful, short-tempered being, destined to remain, so to speak, raw stuff throughout his life, who cannot possibly keep in harmony with the ones he loves. The native hat, however, a nearly military sense of discipline as something absolutely necessary for himself as well as for others. The keynote of this character is its lack of that indispensable minimum of feminine fluidity needed to melt and blend any spiritual alloy; therefore, both the native and his never sufficiently plastered buildings tend to harden and collapse. A male every inch of his boorish being, an irksome grumbler, easily roused to a fury, the native will not be able to put up with anyone; he will handle things and people awkwardly and clumsily and will be peeved and disgusted at any show of weakness in his neighbors. Hence a tendency to isolation and ultimately to self-destruction, as in Dante’s figure of Pier della Vigna (Inf 13, 70) who, embittered and nearly crushed by all his fellow courtiers’ envy and slander, ended by commiting suicide. Unless no other features balance this influence, the male native never will be able to appreciate feminine charm. The female native should never marry. This degree shows sometimes a remarkable feature: a special fondness for fireworks, which may well become a passion if the rest of the pattern helps (the Fire element). The native’s body will be subject to decalcifying.

Denotes one in whom the male principle predominates excessively, the female being nearly nil, sympathies towards the opposite sex wanting. if a man he rarely ever marries, If a woman, she ought not to many.

Literature (skill in working out plots); writers of detective stories; one accustomed to the exercise of authority; favors playwrights; military men. organizers who work to uphold the law; degree of plot; planning, tact, and scheming bodily injuries; destruction by fire, war or earth-quake; unscrupulous defeat; throat or larynx.

Denotes one whose destiny it is to come before the public in some professional capacity. The native will be impulsive, bold, and brave, and will be gifted with controlling and magnetic force. He will travel and move about a great deal, and will be exposed to danger with little or no hurt. It is a symbol of Intrepidity.

Gives an imagination guided by the eye. More a Mercury imagination than a Neptune imagination. A practical ability to plan and portray with mental activity to mentally see a completed project. This ability probably contributes to success in later life. Often brings a marriage to some one younger in later life although may be reversed and is not always successful but has better than average chance with the influence of this degree. It generally contributes to a building up of resources and a bringing together of people which usually results in a very prosperous and socially happy old age. 340 He does wait until old age to enjoy life but seems to enjoy the years of accumulating and building.

This degree of plot, planning, tact and scheming is found in the charts of novelists, play-rights, military men and organizers who work to uphold the law.

8-9

It denotes a man whose chief interest will be in his home, and in the care of his children; one who is attractive to young persons, and whose mind is pacific and benevolent; one who has the ability to inspire confidence and faith in other; whose footsteps will be followed in security and whose life goes by easy weay to a peaceful end. It is a degree of MINISTRATION.

 The very figure of pater familias; love for one’s home and large family, careful upbringing of one’s children and well-meaning strictness toward one’s dependents. A humane, honest, peaceful yet energetic nature, such as to attract the young and inspire confidence in all. Love of nature and country life; good sense rather than common sense? efficient running of affairs rather than mere routine. The native will do his utmost for his children’s happiness, but is not in the least certain to reach happiness for himself; on the contrary, when particularly badly aspected elsewhere, he could look forward to death as a release, though no attempt at self-inflicted death can be foreseen; the good shepherd will not leave his flock. This degree may produce corpulence if other factors concur.

Denotes one who will have a very gloomy life and who Is likely to die be fore he passes his prime

 A born teacher and scientist; hearing (afflicted - may in - cline to deafness); inordinately fond of food; afflicted - gluttons; if the will is weak, may become a drunkard; a tendency to be contrary and stubborn, especially with planets in 27 degree Aries-Pisces; frequently their own worst enemies; has much to do with healing; said to be a degree ruling the Irish; cervical vein.

 Denotes one who acquires much by work and application, but who lacks the faculty of watchfulness in protecting his gains from the greed of others. He has an easygoing tendency, but gains come from labor, craft, and the management of his own affairs. He may be the victim of deceit or treachery, and should never put himself in the hands of others when his own well-being is concerned. He should avoid things and circumstances he does not understand. It is a symbol of Misleading.

Very subject to teasing. Easily taunted into futile efforts. This individual feels a responsibility which he cannot maintain. He is easily aroused into a defensive attitude. Part of this is due to a response to shadows and unreal images around him. If this person were born soon after a New Moon this tendency would be enhanced and become very difficult to handle. He is plagued by an environment too active for his lumbering nature. He has a slow heavy feel and is unable to move quickly. His record of success and failure would be improved by a protective cover of some kind under which he could take time to clear his vision before he struck out at the threat he fears. This degree also affects the vision adversely. If he could be made to feel a sense of protection rather than being subjected to constant teasing he would have at least an opportunity to correct his evaluation of his environment. This person however seems to have been born with the fuse lit. And it is very unclear what useful purpose this influence serves.

Contrariness when found with planets also in Aries, Libra in 27 degree. A born teacher and scientist.

16-17

This symbolizes a life of toil without much fruits; the misdirection of effort through ignorance of natural laws; a straining after that which Nature has not designed, and consequent failure in life. The native will be unpopular, moving against the stream, and by much exertion, hurting himself alone. It is a degree of FUTILITY.

The native’s habit of thinking with his own head is apt to make him unpopular; his failings will bring about his misfortune. His intelligence is like a river liable to flood the barren sands of Utopia instead of fertilizing the happy valley of originality. He is in for unceasing, often wasted, labors, which will not make him move a step forward. There is a guilty light-mindedness; the native will believe that he can solve single- handed and in his own way certain problems which repose on natural laws, as those of economics, dynamics and the like. On the other hand, such a being can easily rely on Divine Providence and reach that absolute faith which moves mountains and goes so far as to give sometimes personal success in spite of rationalistic logic and science’s “infallibility.”

A truly good person; one who has Implicit faith in the Most High.

 Painting; business; musical ability (variations of pitch); singers; oratory; a powerful degree for men; color; and original person who has much influence on his sphere of society; ideas or popularity may grow by spurts, but unexpected falls sometimes follow too; homicidal tendency; abscesses of neck if with 25 degree Leo-Aquarius or 21 degree Aries-Libra; associated with explosions (of nuclear plants or bombings); often a tall person; tonsils.

Denotes one free as air, brave, spiritual, restless, and unfitted for the regular routine of daily life. Care in infancy is essential. He is of a wandering disposition and frequent changes are for him. It is a symbol of Wandering.

There is some contradiction in this degree. Basically the difficulty seems to be over-optimism. Stubbornness seems to be more prominent than the more desirable Taurian traits. One may well enjoy a certain measure of popularity which only seems to contribute a stubborn blindness to the weak spots which need attention. He also seems to enjoy a fair amount of luck which also tends to produce a false sense of security. If however, he has a genuine appreciation for his luck and is able to resist sheer flattery on the part of fair-weather friends without being rude and cutting himself off, he may come out pretty well. Luck in any form tends to run out if not used wisely. Here it seems to be built in that luck which is squandered does not continue. There is only enough to prime the pump. He must keep the flow going or it will stop.

A powerful degree for men. Denotes an original person who exercises considerable influence in his circle of society. Their ideas or popularity may grow by leaps and bounds, and unexpected falls sometimes follow.

18-19

It denotes a gentle, inoffensive but weak nature, inclined to indolence or hopelessness, and thus while Nature is luxurious and fertile, and all around speaks of wealth gained by industry, the native remains in a poor condition for want of determination. It is a degree of INCOMPETENCE.

An exquisitely feminine nature. The native may go so far as to be a genius, but even in normal cases she will have some very bright gift which she is not likely to exploit in full and will at least partially leave untapped. A gentle and sweet character, even too little self-assertive, which will tend to flabbiness, indecision, passivity and gloom. A certain typically feminine futility will accompany an equally feminine skill in getting things done. A voice of pure musical pitch, an unconstrained speech, a naturally smart and graceful demeanor. Her main virtues will be self-possession and cleanliness. In a mystic sense, the symbol may be taken to mean the Sacrament of Baptism. Destiny may have in store travel or emigration to the New World. Teaching may be a congenial profession, if the pattern contains such elements as to give the necessary authority for this.

This denotes a great genius. His home Is, or will be, the western hemisphere.

Music ( a trumpet); a person who rises from a humble birth place to a great renown through a process of unfoldment; hair; leader of party; often a tall person; maxillary artery.

Denotes one who is unable to estimate his abilities and who attempts things foolhardy and useless. There is a tendency to irritability and aggressiveness and lack of self-restraint. Thus he will court unpopularity and will suffer from his own actions. It is a symbol of Futility.

Mars N Node is located here and incorporates more violence than the previous degree. We should however learn more of the nature of Mars from this combination. In most reports the degree has characterized a violent misuse of the energy. It is considered savage and warlike. I am of the opinion that since the N Node of Mars is influencing this degree now we may expect to see some more constructive and positive action from people with planets here. One authority suggests an unfolding process which must proceed in an orderly fashion patiently as a flower blooms. There certainly is a contrast here between the growing power of life against the destructive but also temporary power of death.

 A person who rises from a humble birthplace to great renown, through a process of unfoldment.

20-21

It indicates a silent, watchful disposition, inclined to caution, method, and thrift, but liable to assaults from unexpected sources, which will overthrow many carefully designed plans. It is a degree of ANTICIPATION.

A frugal, cautious, watchful, silent and close character bearing the hallmark of individuality, a deep mind, a pitiless logic, a precise and methodic intelligence, more suited for analysis than synthesis. The native will rely but on himself, yet destiny will baffle him with gleeful spite and take a cruel delight in hitting him just where rational logic would rule out failure or even danger. The collapse of his most accurately prearranged plans will tell on the native’s temper, whose guardedness may drift into suspiciousness, and misanthropy into wickedness.

Denotes one having an analytical mind. He may succeed as a chemist, or where application to minute analytical effects is called for; a very sound reasoner.

Music (variation of pitch); oratorical ability; doctors; homicidal tendency; undernourishment and poisons are in some way connected with this degree; immorality, violence, danger of accidents or poison; goiter; alcoholism; sinus artery.

Denotes one of sporting tendencies who delights in trials of skill and who is generally fortunate. To his nature there is a generous, sympathetic, and interesting side, which gains him many friends and much popularity. It is a symbol of Sportiveness.

This degree seems to have a dual nature and suggests varied and contradictory influences. There is perhaps the greatest tendency to cause one’s downfall by envy of another’s position. There is something here which suggests a Scorpion tendency to sting itself to death out of frustration rather than give up and walk away. There is a tendency to climb the ladder of success at the expense of competitors if necessary. But those who take this route pay for it one way or another. There is much rugged brute force strength of Taurus. This individual tends to feel he can go his way alone. There is one authority that suggests an ability on the part of this native to sacrifice himself for someone he loves. Of course there are many kinds of sacrifice. Some of them are beneficial and some of them are not. It is well to consider here whether the individual might not better correct his own faults in order to contribute something more worthwhile rather than sacrifice something which does not really pay the necessary price. Maturity of the human spirit should be the goal.

Undernourishment and poisons are in some way connected with this degree (May be denoted by planets here in aspect to planetoids.) Also Nymphomania.

24-25

It indicates a powerful and haughty nature; one who is disposed to justify himself by force of arms rather than by intrinsic merit. Such a person will make many his servants but few his friends and in the end his state will be a pitiable as that of a dying lion. It is a degree of PRIDE.

The subject’s inner world will stay closed and unknown to all. Yet this is no cowardly nature, rather an arrogant one; the native is innerly proud, haughty, overbearing, but not vain. As he is spiritually isolated among his fellow beings, he will have justice done to himself, if necessary, by having recourse to arms. As he is misunderstood, he will endeavor to have his own way even by resorting to violence; as long as his strength does not fail him, he will see subdued servants around himself, never friends. He will risk either to die a stray dog’s death, or to be kicked and spat upon on his death bed, like the lion in the fable.

This denotes a very mysterious character. Whilst living among men, a stranger to men. He has a life of his own, a world of his own, he is content to live and die unknown.

Sometimes have theories and ideas of doubtful value; homicidal tendency; alcoholism; women with planets here are usually intuitive, poetic, lively, and flirtatious; men careful with their money; lower jaw.

Denotes one of natural talent who will be beset with difficulties in gaining recognition, but whose mental strength will be the more determined because of them. When his time comes his power will be felt. He will force acknowledgment by sheer ability and energy. It is a symbol of Premeditation.

There is much disagreement about this degree. The most uniform expectancy centers around a peaceful highly spiritual being generally too soft for the hard blows delivered by life on this earth. If it pertains to mastership of a high spiritual nature, there are indeed few who could live up to such an influence. Therefore we would find few to indicate such evolvement. However, at the very least, this degree does have an influence contributing to a spiritual awakening. How far the native would be able to demonstrate such qualities would have to depend on the rest of the chart as well as the overall capacity he had to extract the good from any influence. At least there is very little that is derogatory to be said about this influence. I think it is quite obvious that it stimulates spiritual development. The steady persistent qualities of Taurus are blended with that influence and as humanity develops we should expect to see people improving on what has been accomplished with this degree by other people.

These people sometimes have theories and ideas of doubtful value. Women with planets here are intuitive, poetic, lively and flirtatious. Men with planets here are usually careful with their money.

28-29

It signifies a tyrant, who takes delight in power apart from its uses, and whose opinions are bigoted and selfish. To rule, without regard to qualifications, is the passing ambition of one born under this degree. Death, which frees the slave, will bind the hands of a tyrant in irons forged from his own heart. It is a degree of DESPOTISM.

Things are worse in a male horoscope. The other components ought, however, to be carefully weighed, and it has to be decided whether the omen refer to his (lawful or unlawful) mate, or to himself. In the former case, the man, of course, is the victim. Should contrary features of overbearingness be at hand, which could not possibly regard others, he is then certainly himself the tyrant looking at his dependents as pack mules, ignoring their human dignity, or taking a great delight in trampling upon it. The one hypothesis does not altogether exclude the other. Whether a woman or a man, the native would assuredly be in for a great many unforeseen events. He may well be cowardly as all real bullies are; but he is unlikely to have true foresight. Someone may thrash him within an inch of his life, or even shoot him as a dog. Vulgarity and bigotry usually complete the picture of such a character.

Be careful. A life full of strange events, and liable to grievous accidents.

Good organizing ability; strong will; usually magnetic, proud and stoical; heavy drinking; suicide; a degree giving “something to cry about”; Trapizius.

Denotes one who is continually beset with difficulties and who finds it hard at all times to decide his course of action. He is ever between forces of opposite natures, and is quite as likely to do the right thing as the wrong one. These conditions must be subdued by the steady cultivation of the will. It is a symbol of Embarrassment.

This degree is widely contradictory. And the two extremes may exist in the same person. There is potential mathematical and scientific ability, and at the same time a tendency to create and live in a dream world of his own. When the native is rebuffed or feels a sense of failure there is the temptation to withdraw. And yet his capacity to achieve is great. Many times this person gives up without a struggle especially if that dream world is comfortably constructed and the life situation is one that does not demand attention to daily details. Many daily details are of such a nature that they can be performed without much awareness but are accomplished by rote habit. When such is the case this native’s ability risks to stay dormant. Alcoholism is also a possibility here, although there really is no need for alcohol to escape into the fantasy dream world. There is also a magnetism here which may attract so-called karma or heavy problems to be dealt with or the magnetism may attract other people who add zest to the life.

These natives are usually magnetic, proud and stoical. Have a strong will and good organizing ability.

[aconstantstateofbladerunner]

(1/?) This is going to be long as hell I'm sorry, but I've never talked about this book before except with irl friends, and It Is Time. This is less of a burning hatred and more of a "what the actual fuck" hatred, but Mort(e). Holy shit, Mort(e). You will not have heard of it. There is not even a Wikipedia page, but somehow my ass picked this up at the bookstore one day in my freshman year of high school. Lucky me.

“(2/?) Mort(e) is a book about a new world war between humans and... car-sized ants.. that have secretly been breeding to overthrow mankind for thousands of years, because their queen (also thousands of years old??) hates that they step on her children or some shit. Assisted by animals-turned-humanoid (mass-mutated by the ants through radio signal towers- I am not fucking with you), the war is won and man is pretty much game-ended halfway through the book.

(3/?) But then it jarringly switches gears to a detective story. Mort(e), the cat black ops main character (yes that's how his name is spelled. all throughout this), is trying to find out what this human bioweapon that's been infecting animals is, as well as track down this girl-dog that he was in love with when he was still a housecat. It turns out that bafflingly, there are still some humans alive in a *giant hot air balloon*

(4/?) So these humans have combined all the religions of the world, and are converting animals into them. and fuckign... that's the disease. religion is the disease. I think. His prose is so thick and ridiculous that it honestly was a little hard to tell, but it was very clear that he was just waggling his arms going "muh religions stupid, man stupid. I am smart."

(5/?) It just felt in very poor taste, especially with dumb shit like what's basically the 'coexist' symbol painted on the side of their hot air balloon. The narrative and main character treats these remaining humans as foaming at the mouth (literally, that's a symptom of the animals' 'disease' if memory serves me) cultists. It's all just really yikesy, especially since Judaism and Islam are mentioned to be mixed in there as well 😬

(6/?) Another thing I hate is that it's one of those stories where absolutely no one is a good person and violence and pessimism are hailed as good and logical. Somehow, mankind (which could have been the more sympathetic party than the ants or mutant animals, given the violent soullessness of both) are only shown to be crazy, stupid, or downright cold-blooded horrible. It lumps all humans into an evil ball because they [insert any anti-human movie villain quote here].

(7/?)You feel like you can root for nobody, and it doesn't even play with or even acknowledge any kind of positive relationship with animals. Mort(e) was a housecat, and he killed his owners with a shotgun in cold blood literally minutes after transforming. So did lots of other pets in the story. Like it's just so childishly edgy and very hard to stomach, and his writing doesn't help.

(8/?) Barely anything is given a description, characters are flat and one dimensional, the author has Stephen King syndrome where he feels the need to mention gross shit or talk about sex stuff unnecessarily, the prose makes everything confusing and intangible, and the 'science' he tries to employ was absolutely laughable to me even at 14.

(9/10) I have never read a book that boggled my fucking mind quite like Mort(e), but you can be damn sure I'll never forget it. I also will never read it a second time, so this six year old info may be *completely* off, but then, Mr. Repino should have written his shit better. "Mankind fights giant ants in a war" is a bonkers enough hook, but the unholy parcel of dogshit that followed was absolutely not worth the read.

(10/10) I finished it out of spite alone. Fuck Mort(e), man. It could have been wacky and fun but the author ruined it with his ex-military white man edginess and shit writing. I'd just read animal farm if I wanted anything close to this massive, hamfisted pile. I'm done; feel free to just screenshot this massive rant and put it all in one I'm so sorry I ranted for that long”

Well that was a fucking ride

[lyriumsings]

OC INFO MEME

My detective \o/ with some actual info 

BASICS

Full name: Helena Lily Grace

Nickname: Nell (never Nelly she hates that)

Gender: Cis female

Age: 25

Sexuality: Bisexual

Pronouns: she/her

Faceclaim: none

OTHER

Family: Rebecca (mom), Elijah (dad)

Ethnicity: American, Mixed with ??? Dad was adopted and doesn’t know (personally leaning towards Hispanic and indigenous specifically Arawak maybe because I’m projecting my need to learn about my biological roots dontworryaboutit)

Job: Wayhaven Detective

Phobias: Not being good enough (Nell voice: thanks mom and Bobby!), dying young

Guilty Pleasures: She’s pretty unapologetic idk if she would have any. Does Mason count? You gotta be at least a little ashamed of liking Mason; it builds character.

Hobbies: She goes to the gym fairly regularly, maybe once a week alternating with yoga. She likes cooking, tennis, and tv. She and Tina watch a lot of shows together and she talks to Verda about stuff she thinks is cool that she saw on the nature channel.

Languages: English, Spanish, and French (conversational)

MORALS

Morality Alignment: Chaotic Good

Sins: Pride, Lust, Wrath

Virtues: Kindness, Charity, Diligence

THIS OR THAT

introvert | extrovert

organized | disorganized

close-minded | open-minded

calm | anxious | restless

disagreeable | agreeable | in between

cautious | reckless | in between

patient | impatient

outspoken | reserved

leader | follower | flexible (but it’s vERY hard to get her to follow to begin with, you have to earn that which is why her and Adam butt heads so much)

empathetic | unempathetic

optimistic | pessimistic | realistic (probably leaning towards pessimism just a little)

traditional | modern | inbetween

hardworking | lazy | inbetween

RELATIONSHIPS

OTP: Nell/Mason

OT3: —

BROTP: Nell/Tina, Nell/Felix/Nate

NOTP: Nell/Bobby; evil

5 FACTS

Her name was chosen by her dad and he tried to name her after Helen of Troy and he misremembered it as “Helena Troy”; her middle name is chosen from that short Patreon unseen scene with Rook and Rebecca.

She has a cat named Bastard, she did not name him that and tried to change it but it’s all he’ll respond to.

Her relationship with Sung is weird. A combination of the fact that he was her dad’s friend and never really dealt with her as a rebellious teen and a general apprehension of making him a pseudo father figure makes her keep him at arms length. Sees him as a possible sort of strained distant uncle.

She had a rebellious youth and the crime that was her last straw was a drunken B&E with her friends (which are my other three detectives and are basically aus of “what if this one was caught instead of Nell”). She also punched an officer.

Her relationship with Rebecca is especially strained because of her not being there/not being honest with her even as she got older. Now that the truth is in the open she understands more and is more open to working on their relationship.

[eelhound]

"The totalitarian and absolute concept of authority based on force implies a completely pessimistic view of man and of the world. It is for one reason or another implicitly closed to human values, distrustful or openly contemptuous of reason, fearful of liberty which it cannot distinguish from licence and rebellion.

It seeks security in force because it cannot believe that the powers of nature, if left to grow spontaneously, can develop in a sane and healthy fashion. Nature must be controlled with an iron hand because it is evil, or prone to evil: man is perhaps capable of good behavior, but only if he is forced into it by implacable authority.

We find this idea cropping up in all kinds of contexts, religious or otherwise, from Calvin to Stalin, from Port Royal to Hitler; there are traces of it in Plato and in Saint Augustine; we see it in Fathers of the Church like Tertullian; it provides specious reasons for the Inquisition as well as for Auschwitz. It is in Machiavelli, of course, in a slightly different form (Machiavelli is not concerned over anyone being 'good,' but his philosophy of ruthlessness implies that the law of fear is the only one that can be relied upon to keep men under control).

Pope John [XXIII] was opposed, and passionately opposed to this kind of pessimism which he diagnosed as a sickness akin to despair, masking as strength and rectitude, but in reality refusing a generous response to the grace and the call of God to twentieth-century Christians. Against the triumphalist hopes which exalt the Church by placing an authoritarian heel on the neck of prostrate man, Pope John dared to hope in the goodness placed in human nature by God the Creator. Only if human nature is radically good can a concept of authority based on the natural law and on human liberty be conceived as also at the same time rooted in the will of God. If human nature is evil, then obviously all God-given authority has no other function than to take up arms against it, to restrict it, punish it and imprison it in blind and disciplined servitude."

- Thomas Merton, from "The Christian in World Crisis: Reflections on the Moral Climate of the 1960s," 1964. The Nonviolent Alternative.