Saturday, December 21, 2013

The Conception of Evil in the Play Macbeth

The following inferences may be made from the play concerning the nature of evil:
 
 1.  Exists absolutely, independently of  human perception, recognition, or acknowledgment.

 2.  Is personal, spiritual and hierarchical

 3.  Seeks human agency for expression, but must have human choice to gain human agency

 4.  Operates through lies and deception, ultimately deceiving and betraying the human agent

 5.  Leads to destruction, defilement, and remorse

 6.  Is limited by a greater good and by human choice

 7.  Is able to control nature on limited scale

 8.  Is able to affect interpersonal attraction and damage

9.  Is unable to create anything; although, it imitates creation by perverting what has already been created

10.  Respects nothing but self or coercive power and control—ultimately, only self prevails (the author of evil itself)—selfish, autocratic, narcissistic

 11.  An evil act by an individual can produce evil consequences for innocent others—especially those under the authority of the actor (for example, a king)

 12.  Evil tends towards excess, is over-indulgent—mostly to the detriment of the agent—accelerates and intensifies beyond rational/ beneficial boundaries

 13.  Unable to give without some form of personal return or benefit

 14.  Functions most effectively in covert (darkness)

15.  Associated with pain, despair, unfulfillment, anger and death

 16.  Antithetical to light, goodness, purity, kindness, godliness
 
 

Thursday, December 5, 2013


Manifesto of the Worldwide Myopic Movement

“Crossing Bridges When We Get There”

 Now, therefore, without the slightest pause, we will presume to speak for the entire worldwide Myopic Community in establishing this as our common Manifesto and Creed.

Manifesto: It is our full intention at this moment to live the rest of our lives entirely for the moment, while defending Myopia as a legitimate and respectable lifestyle.

Simply stated, Myopia is a celebration of action in advance of thought. As everyone knows, serious reflection can, at times, become troubling and inhibiting. The Myopic impulse, on the other hand, bubbles up from the divine inner child inside each of us. Every impulse is equally legitimate, as long as it is sanctioned by the herd. Anyone can merely look at the herd out there today and recognize that they are all surely on to something. The challenge for each individual, therefore, lies in shoving one's way out to the front and staying there. There is an Elite Group at the head of the herd that lives in a state of perfect self-actualization.  We know this on the authority of television, itself. Those who lag behind may never share the lofty camaraderie of the current Elite leaders of the herd.

Our Creed is simple: If you encounter a laggard, run over him. There may be some place for traditional civility, but it is always in the clubhouse after the game has been won and the bets paid. While in the frenzied heat of imitation, never take your eyes off the butts of the Elite. Try to stay right behind them, and slam on brakes whenever they do. There is shame only in inaction and indecisiveness. Disdain moralizing in any form, except that which champions competitive drive and self-confidence.  Any action can be justified before the herd if it is argued with enough force and self-assurance, the true spirit of the herd. Keep your friends freshly culled. Associate only with those who confirm your beliefs or with those whose conflicting ideas you may easily overwhelm through bluster or intimidation. Never let up; faster is always better. More is always good. Be there. Do that. Seek driving excitement. Seize every moment.

The current ground-swell of myopic enthusiasm is drawing increasing numbers each year. All who feel oppressed under the brutal strictures of common sense should join today before thinking better of it. Local representatives are easily identifiable.