Culture

American Politics: Beasts, Ghosts, and Demons

by

Awhile ago I posted on how the famous six realms of Tibetian Buddhism could also indicate psychological states, and how that made me rethink my late dog’s life. I’d like to focus more on those six realms, and what they mean for American politics.

To review, the six realms one can be incarnated in (or that one can experience, if your take the psychological viewpoint) are:

  • Gods (Devas) – A realm of pleasure, but the pleasure distances one, and even gods die.  Think of this as pleasurable and peak experiences.
  • Asuras – A realm of ambition and striving godlike beings, who suffer paranoia and envy.  Think of this as a state of “drive.”
  • Humans – Our realm, a real of desire, doubt, and some confusion but also balance so we may achieve Enlightenment, and where we may develop important compassion that lets us do so.
  • Animals – The realm of instinct, ignorance carnality – and fear and opposition to change.  Think of this as functioning in basic fear-response.
  • Hungry Ghosts – The realm of mournful, craving spirits.  Think of this as being in a state of addiction and sheer need.
  • Hell Realm – The realm of anger, hate, and fear.  Think of this as being in a state of terror and rage.

You can see how these realms can easily represent different human sates from peak experiences to unbridled rage, with honest humanity in the middle. Now let’s turn to American politics using this psychological model.

Read more

$68 Bucks Makes A Man Who Never Existed Internet Famous

by

Kevin Ashton worked some internet Necromancy to create Santiago Swallow.  Generated names, photoshopped face, Twitter followers, etc.  All for no one.

So a few questions for you:

  • How many other people have done this – and how many did it for themselves versus fake people?
  • How much can we actually trust a lot of what covers “fame” on the Internet?
  • How do we cut through the B.S. for ourselves?

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach.  He blogs on careers athttp://www.fantopro.com/, nerd and geek culture at http://www.nerdcaliber.com/, and does a site of creative tools at http://www.seventhsanctum.com/. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/.

Planet of the Clarks

by

We’re waiting for Superman.  We’re waiting for heroes.  We’re waiting because we get told someone will save the day.  We’re waiting for that One Iconic Hero.  We’re waiting to be saved.

Then something like the Boston Marathon Bombing happens.  Then legions of people become heroes.  Then ordinary people are shown to be extraordinary.  Then we’re reminded of what we can do.

The story of Superman is not Superman.  It’s that at any moment the guy next to you can be revealed to be something amazing, wonderful, heroic.  It’s a story of how you never know – until.

Stop waiting for Superman.

Realize we’re surrounded by Clark Kents.

Now take the damn glasses off, and go do something . . .

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach.  He blogs on careers at http://www.fantopro.com/, nerd and geek culture at http://www.nerdcaliber.com/, and does a site of creative tools at http://www.seventhsanctum.com/. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/.