Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Hitler on art

 What would the Egyptians be without their pyramids and temples and the artistic decorations that surrounded their daily lives ? What would the Greeks be without Athens and the Acropolis ? What would the Romans be without their mighty buildings and engineering works ? What would the German emperors of the middles ages be without their cathedrals and their imperial palaces ? And what would the Middle Ages themselves be without their town halls and guild halls, or religion be without its churches ? That there was once such a people as the Mayas we should not know at all, or else be unconcerned about them, had they not left for the admiration of our time those mighty ruins of cities that bear witness to the extraordinary epic qualities of that people, such ruins as have arrested the attention of the modern world and are still a fascinating object of study for our scholars.


A people cannot live longer than the works which are the testimony of its culture.


* National- Socialist Party Congress, 1936

IN ABSENCE. By goethe

IN ABSENCE.

And shall I then regain thee never?
My beautiful! And art thou flown?
Still in my ears resounds for ever
Thy every word, thy every tone.

As through the air, when morn is springing,
The wanderer peers in vain, to trace
The lark, that o'er him high is singing,
Hid in the azure depth of space;

So, love, through field and forest lonely
My sad eyes roam in quest of thee;
My songs are tuned to thee, thee only;
Oh, come, my own love, back to me!

LIMITS OF HUMANITY. By Goethe

 LIMITS OF HUMANITY.

When the Creator,
The Great, the Eternal,
Sows with indifferent
Hand, from the rolling
Clouds, o'er the earth. His
Lightnings in blessing,
I kiss the nethermost
Hem of His garment,
Lowly incllning
In infantine awe.
For never against
The immortals, a mortal
May measure himself.
Upwards aspiring,
He toucheth the stars with his forehead,
Then do his insecure feet
Stumble and totter and reel;
Then do the cloud and the tempest
Make him their pastime and sport.

Let him with sturdy,
Sinewy limbs,
Tread the enduring
Firm-seated earth;
Aiming no further, than
The oak or the vine to compare!

What doth distinguish
Gods from mankind?
This! Multitudinous
Billows roll ever
Before the immortals,
An infinite stream.
We by a billow
Are lifted—a billow
Engulfs us—we sink,
And are heard of no more.

A little round
Encircles our life,
And races unnumbered
Extend through the ages,
Linked by existence's
Infinite chain.

CUPID AS A LANDSCAPE PAINTER

 

CUPID AS A LANDSCAPE PAINTER, by    
            Poet's Biography
First Line: Once I sate upon a mountain
Last Line: No, I trow -- not I!
Subject(s): Cupid; Paintings & Painters; Eros


ONCE I sate upon a mountain,
Gazing on the mist before me;
Like a great grey sheet of canvas,
Shrouding all things in its cover,
Did it float 'twixt earth and heaven.

Then a child appear'd beside me,
Saying, 'Friend, it is not seemly,
Thus to gaze in idle wonder,
With that noble breadth before thee.
Hast thou lost thine inspiration?
Hath the spirit of the painter
Died within thee utterly?'

But I turn'd and look'd upon him,
Speaking not, but thinking inly,
'Will he read a lesson now!'

'Folded hands,' pursued the infant,
'Never yet have won a triumph.
Look! I'll paint for thee a picture
Such as none have seen before.'

And he pointed with his finger,
Which like any rose was ruddy;
And upon the breadth of vapour
With that finger 'gan to draw.

First a glorious sun he painted,
Dazzling when I look'd upon it;
And he made the inner border
Of the clouds around it golden,
With the light rays through the masses
Pouring down in streams of splendour.
Then the tender taper summits
Of the trees, all leaf and glitter,
Started from the sullen void;
And the slopes behind them rising,
Graceful-lined in undulation,
Glided backwards one by one.
Underneath, be sure, was water;
And the stream was drawn so truly,
That it seem'd to break and shimmer,
That it seem'd as if cascading
From the lofty rolling wheel.

There were flowers beside the brooklet;
There were colours on the meadow --
Gold and azure, green and purple,
Emerald and bright carbuncle.
Clear and pure he work'd the ether
As with lapis-lazuli,
And the mountains in the distance
Stretching blue and far away --
All so well, that I, in rapture
At the second revelation,
Turn'd to gaze upon the painter,
From the picture which he drew.

'Have I not,' he said, 'convinced thee
That I know the painter's secret?
Yet the greatest is to come.'

Then he drew with gentle finger,
Still more delicately pointed,
In the wood, about its margin,
Where the sun within the water
Glanced as from the clearest mirror,
Such a maiden's form!
Perfect shape in perfect raiment,
Fair young cheeks 'neath glossy ringlets,
And the cheeks were of the colour
Of the finger whence they came.

'Child,' I cried, 'what wondrous master
In his school of art hath form'd thee,
That so deftly, and so truly,
From the sketch unto the burnish,
Thou hast finish'd such a gem?'

As I spoke, a breeze arising
Stirr'd the tree-tops in the picture,
Ruffled every pool of water,
Waved the garments of the maiden;
And, what more than all amazed me,
Her small feet took motion also,
And she came towards the station
Where I sat beside the boy.

So, when everything was moving,
Leaves and water, flowers and raiment,
And the footsteps of the darling --
Think you I remain'd as lifeless
As the rock on which I rested?
No, I trow -- not I!

THE BROTHERS by Goethe

 THE BROTHERS.


Slumber, Sleep — they were two brothers, servants

            To the Gods above ; 

Kind Prometheus lured them downwards, ever fill'd

            with earthly love ;

But what Gods could bear so lightly, press' d too

           hard on men beneath;

Slumber did his brother's duty — Sleep was deepen' d

          Unto Death.

SOLITUDE by Goethe

 SOLITUDE.


Grant, 0 ye healing Nymphs, that have your haunts

By rock and stream and lonely forest-glade.

The boon which, in their bosoms' silent depths,

Your votaries crave ! Unto the sad of heart


Give comfort — knowledge unto him that doubts —

Possession to the lover, and its joy.

For unto you the Gods have given, what they

Denied to man — to aid and to console


All those soe'er, who put their trust in you.

GOD, SOUL, AND WORLD by Goethe

 GOD, SOUL, AND WORLD.

RHYMED DISTICHS.

[The Distichs, of which these are given as a specimen, are about forty in number.]

How? when? and where?—No answer comes from high;
Thou waitest for the Because, and yet thou askest not Why?


If the whole is ever to gladden thee,
That whole in the smallest thing thou must see.


Water its living strength first shows,
When obstacles its course oppose.


Transparent appears the radiant air,
Though steel and stone in its breast it may bear;
At length they'll meet with fiery power,
And metal and stones on the earth will shower.


Whate'er a living flame may surround,
No longer is shapeless, or earthly bound.
'Tis now invisible, flies from earth,
And hastens on high to the place of its birth.


This truth may be by all believed:
Whom God deceives, is well deceived.


Who trusts in God,
Fears not His rod.

Friday, January 16, 2026

The intersection of dating and women's rights

 The intersection of dating and women's rights presents a complex narrative where traditional courtship often undermines female autonomy. One significant cause of this phenomenon is the social expectation that women should prioritize relationships over personal aspirations. In many cultures, romantic pursuits are considered paramount, leading women to compromise their professional goals and independence. This societal pressure subtly reinforces patriarchal norms, suggesting that a woman's worth is primarily linked to her relationship status.


Additionally, the dynamics of dating can perpetuate inequality. In scenarios where women feel compelled to conform to gendered expectations—such as being agreeable or nurturing—they may find themselves relinquishing their rights to make choices for themselves. The emotional labor involved in maintaining these relationships can further exacerbate feelings of disempowerment, as women often prioritize their partner's needs above their own.

As a result, the impact of dating on women's rights is profound and multifaceted. It fosters an environment where women may unknowingly accept diminished agency, curtailing their freedom to express themselves and pursue their ambitions. Understanding these causes and effects is crucial in fostering healthier relationships that empower women rather than diminish their rights. Therefore, addressing these underlying societal structures is essential for ensuring that dating enhances, rather than restricts, women's rights.

The topic of abortion by Ai

 The topic of abortion has long been a polarizing issue, often steeped in moral, ethical, and religious debates. However, when examining the broader implications of population growth, resource allocation, and societal welfare, one might argue that a case can be made for the radical position that every baby should be aborted. This argument could draw from societal principles and critique certain religious ideologies, particularly in the lens of capitalism and its impacts on individual lives.


To begin with, the incessant growth of the human population poses significant challenges to our planet's resources. The Earth is finite, and as the population swells, it places unprecedented strain on water, food, and energy supplies. Capitalist frameworks thrive on consumption and expansion, often leading to overexploitation of natural resources and increasing inequality. By advocating for abortion, we acknowledge the need to control population growth as a means of fostering sustainable living conditions for those who already inhabit the planet. Instead of bringing new life into an already strained world, we should prioritize enhancing the quality of life for existing individuals.


Moreover, it is essential to confront the hypocrisy present within certain religious doctrines that oppose abortion. In Christian theology, Jesus preached compassion, love, and understanding — values that clash with the dogmatic stance against terminating pregnancies. If we take a closer look at the societal consequences of unwanted pregnancies, it becomes evident that forcing women to carry unplanned children often leads to cycles of poverty, neglect, and suffering. Mocking the sentiment that every potential life is sacred, we must ask: Is it not more humane to prevent the birth of a child destined for a life of hardship and despair?


Furthermore, in a capitalist society focused on profit and productivity, bringing children into the world without a discerning perspective can lead to a grim future. Unwanted children are more likely to find themselves in disadvantaged situations, facing poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities. The systemic failures of capitalism often exacerbate these conditions; they churn out workers but do little to uplift marginalized communities. Thus, the question arises: does society truly value life when it so readily abandons the vulnerable? By choosing abortion, we might argue that we are actively participating in a more compassionate society that seeks to limit suffering and promote well-being.


Beyond social ethics, abortion also allows for the empowerment of women. For far too long, women have been pigeonholed into reproductive roles that limit their personal freedoms and opportunities. The ability to choose whether to bear children is fundamental to a woman's autonomy and her capacity to contribute significantly to society. In a world focused on economic advancement, women's participation is critical. Thus, abortion should not only be viewed through the lens of morality but as a necessary component of progress within a capitalist framework.


In conclusion, while the subject of abortion is fraught with moral complexity, there is a cogent argument to be made for the position that every baby should be aborted, especially considering the social, economic, and environmental implications of unchecked population growth. By engaging critically with the intersections of religious ideology, societal values, and capitalist structures, we can champion a narrative that prioritizes the well-being of existing lives rather than perpetuating cycles of poverty and despair for future generations. Embracing such a view may challenge conventional beliefs, yet it could pave the way toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

**I Don't Exist: The Illusion of Self in Perception** by ai

 **I Don't Exist: The Illusion of Self in Perception**


In the modern age, the assertion "I don’t exist" may appear perplexing; however, a closer examination of human perception reveals that our identities and realities are largely constructed through our interactions with the world around us. This essay argues that existence is not merely an objective state but rather a subjective experience shaped by how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.

To begin with, existence is intricately linked to perception. Philosopher René Descartes famously stated, "I think, therefore I am," suggesting that self-awareness is evidence of one's existence. However, this introspection raises questions about the nature of thought itself. If our thoughts are heavily influenced by external experiences—our relationships, social media, education, and culture—then can we genuinely claim authenticity in our existence? When we allow external perceptions to shape our identity, we risk becoming mere reflections of societal expectations rather than individuals expressing true selves.

Moreover, the concept of identity is fluid and often contingent upon context. The way we present ourselves in different environments highlights this diversity. For instance, one might embody a serious demeanor at school while adopting a more relaxed and humorous persona with friends. This behavior suggests that our identities are not fixed but instead adapt based on how we wish to be perceived by others. In essence, if we constantly morph our identities to fit various personas, it leads one to question which version of ourselves is the “true” self. Consequently, we can argue that in these moments of adaptation, we might as well say, “I don’t exist” in a definitive sense; rather, we exist as constructs of perception and interaction.

Furthermore, social media has magnified this phenomenon. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook provide users with the power to curate their lives to present a specific image, often diverging from reality. The pursuit of likes and validation can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth, causing one to feel as though their existence hinges on external approval. When people base their self-esteem on these perceptions—often fabricated and idealized—they unknowingly embrace the notion that their essence is not intrinsic but derived from how others view them. This cycle can lead to existential crises where individuals question their significance and reality.

However, it is essential to recognize that while perception plays a crucial role in shaping our identities, it does not negate our existence. Rather, it emphasizes that our understanding of self is intertwined with our connections to others. Embracing the idea that we exist within a network of perceptions can foster empathy and deepen our understanding of the complexity of identity. Acknowledging this interconnectedness does not diminish individual existence; rather, it highlights the nuanced tapestry of human experience.

In conclusion, the statement "I don’t exist" transcends a literal interpretation; it embodies the intricate relationship between perception and identity. Our existence is crafted through a web of interactions, thoughts, and societal standards. While it may at times feel as though we exist solely through the lenses of others, it is crucial to embrace this understanding as part of our collective human experience. By doing so, we open up avenues for deeper connections and a more profound appreciation of our shared existence. Ultimately, we come to realize that while perception may shape our identity, it does not define our worth, allowing us to exist authentically within the world.

The Social Function of Science

  The Social Function of Science Author:  John Desmond Bernal; Published:  1938; Printer:  Stephen Austin and Sons, Hertford; HTML Markup:  ...