The Physicus

Friendly Fire

2009-10-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Your loved ones are in pain.

We don't always realize it when we hurt those we care for. Oftentimes, the harmful things we do are out of love. In fact, it's often the most caring things we do that cause the most pain. Sometimes, these things we do are misguided,or fear-driven. Or stupid. But we don't know any better, and so we continue on, hoping we're doing the right thing.

We're not.

We're causing pain. And there's a better way. Always. We may not like it, and it may not be easy. But there's a better way.

By no means does this make us bad people, and we should not feel guilty when we see that we were wrong. But should we be among the lucky few to understand their mistake, we absolutely must make amends, to the very best of our abilities.

Or that loved one will be gone, even as they stand beside you now.

And as for the loved ones that were harmed, we must bear no ill will, but rather forgiveness, and even gratitude, as these acts were carried out with the intent to help, rather than to hurt. Help the one who hurts you.

Or they won't cause you anymore.

This is meant neither to antagonize, nor to absolve. Rather, it is meant to make you think. OUTSIDE of your comfort zone, and without any fog of bias clouding your clarity. Whoever you are, I do not judge you, I do not punish you, and I certainly do not accuse you.

I do, however, apologize.

And I also forgive you, should you feel you have wronged me.

Without wax,

Αντιςτηενες

Antisthenes

Our Reasons for Recovery

2009-09-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest.

This world has fallen to shit.

We have wars overseas, close to home, and even within ourselves. We have drugs streaming through our veins, and corruption coursing through our systems. There's pestilence in the water, and acid in the air. Bodies are dropping like flies, and for what reason? None. We fear things we don't understand, children are stolen off the streets, and the world is slowly melting around us. And on top of all that, we're plagued by those damn vacuum-sealed packages we can never seem to get the hell open.

And yet, this tiny ball of rock is home to the bluest skies, the deepest waters, and the thickest forests. It's a center of love, knowledge, and peace. It is home to a species with a never-ending store of potential. This same world is where one can find such wonders as the laughter of a child, the love of a family, and the joy of living life. This Earth is the birthplace of the sweetest flowers, the most beautiful ballads, and the most glorious artistic masterpieces. We have the music of the world, the paintings of time, and the feasts of diversity. The planet we live on is an ever-expanding canvas, on which we can choose to paint the most colorful, exuberant images the universe will ever know.

Looks like this hellhole just might be worth saving after all, huh?

Standing with his paintbrush always at-the-ready,

Αντιςτηενες
Antisthenes

The Solitary Lifestyle

2009-09-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

At what point do our millennia of breeding and evolution strip away, leaving us with our bare, basic human instinct? When are our identities pushed to the limit, until they finally fade away, leaving us with our core emotions?

Love and Fear.
Joy and Despair.
Honor and Envy.
Pride and Shame.
Belonging and Solitude.
Anger and Forgiveness.

Hatred.

Perhaps they coincide. Could it be that all of these twisted, glorious, hideous feelings all are pieces of one master emotion, taking place in all of our daily actions, thoughts, and behaviors?
Are we driven by shame to strive for pride? Or could the correlation be positive; could it be that falling in love causes deep-rooted fear? Perhaps our emotions don't effect ourselves, but others; maybe our sense of belonging pushes others into solitude.

Above all, this is true: Whether an emotion returns itself or causes its contrast, one remains constant. Hatred has no opposite.

Hatred stands alone.

Hoping never to stand alone, yours truly,

Αντιςτηενες
Antisthenes

The First of Many

2009-09-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

καλώς όρισες. (Welcome.) It's Greek.

Hello! Thank you for finding this blog! You may call me Antisthenes. I suppose it'd be wise to explain why I'm here. I've realized that this world is in desperate need of... something. A Speaker of the Truth, if you will. A Voice above the roar. While I cannot, by any means, compare myself to a great Sage, with the power and wisdom to save the lost of this world, I can certainly do what human nature has been doing for centuries. Try. And so, it is here that I intend to enlighten you, simply through the power of speech. I won't preach to you, and I may even only ask you questions. Anything, as long as it gets you thinking. After all, that's exactly what this world is missing. Deep, untainted, unadulterated thought.

Of course, I like to consider myself a complex person. As will be this blog. Occasionally, the subjects will be light-hearted, and other times they may be deep and contemplative. There's something for everyone! What will remain constant, however, is that I will try to keep the politics to a minimum, as this blog isn't meant to be a channel for the left-wing or the right-wing, but rather a channel of the truth. Naturally, it's impossible to completely avoid politics, but I'll try my best.

For today's topic, I decided I'd give you a intellectual one and a simple one, just for some variety.
So, without further ado, our first topic is this:

What is it that causes all species to strive for life? With all the turmoil in the world, it's a wonder we all don't just... quit. What gets you out of bed in the morning? Is it a loved one? Is it faith? Do you feel as if you have some higher purpose that only you can fulfill?

Or do you simply wake up, living day to day, because you can't imagine anything else? Do you follow the herd on a daily basis, squandering your life away? Perhaps you live this way because you choose to. Perhaps a simple life is exactly your cup of tea. Or coffee. Though one has to wonder if it isn't choice keeping you in this lifestyle, but fear. Fear of stepping into the limelight, of detaching the norm. Think about it, you may be missing out on life.

After all, "This life is not a dress rehearsal."
~ Rose Tremain

On the other hand, you may live for the thrill of life, always in the fast lane! You might strive to be the next big thing. Maybe you always have to read or wear the hottest new thing. Or maybe you wrote it, maybe you designed it. Do you strive to be the center of attention? Maybe, just maybe, you wish you were a god. Maybe you think you are. But does this life leave something to be desired? Do you miss out on the simple things? Are you missing out on the great things around you? Did you ever stop to think that rather than going out to meet an up-and-coming Hollywood celebrity, you might stop and chat with that guy you've lived next to for three years and still have to hazard a guess at his name when you pass in the hall?

Did that sound a bit like a horoscope? Maybe just a little. Oh well.

And topic number two? Let's keep it simple for now. Just a quick question.

Why on Earth do people think crocs look good? Honestly!

Thank you for reading. Comments are welcome, of course. Try to answer those questions!

Looking forward to future posts,

Αντιςτηενες

Antisthenes