Fragments

A series of short philosophical texts from Alexandru R

You will struggle to convince someone of something they are cognitively unable to comprehend.

The concept suggests that no matter how much you try to persuade or explain an idea to someone, if they don’t have the capacity or ability to understand it, they won’t be convinced. It is not just about the lack of knowledge, but also about the lack of capacity to perceive or comprehend a particular concept.

It is essential to acknowledge that people have different cognitive abilities, experiences, and backgrounds that shape their perspectives and beliefs. Therefore, what might be evident to one person may not be as apparent to another. For instance, a complex scientific theory may be easily understood by a trained scientist, but it might be challenging for someone who doesn’t have a scientific background.

This concept highlights the importance of understanding your audience when you are trying to convey a message. If you want to convince someone of something, you need to tailor your message to their level of understanding. This means using language that is appropriate for their level of education or expertise, breaking down complex ideas into simpler ones, and providing relatable examples that they can relate to. Having said that, there will always be concepts that are beyond some people’s ability to understand.

There is also something to be said about the role faith and trust can play in convincing people, and the implications. Individuals without the ability to comprehend a particular concept, regardless of the reason, can choose – and often do – to put their faith in a person they regard as an expert or a source of truth. Many factors contribute to this trust in others, none as powerful as our sociological tradition, i.e. we trust experts because that is our tradition as a society.

Although trust by tradition has worked well over time, trust in authority, even that of thought, has eroded in time. When people feel they cannot trust authority, they quickly and perhaps sentimentally seek to fill that gap. Trust by tradition might have worked before the age of information, when people’s access to new information was restricted to publications.

In the age we live today, trust has come full circle. We trusted people before because we realised it’s better to trust than not, because it works out better for us in the long run. Then we trusted people because they studied a particular subject and became experts. Now that we are at the end of the cycle, where will we turn next? Alas, the concept opens up more questions than answers.

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Trust has fragile seams.

The concept of “Trust has fragile seams” suggests that trust is a delicate and easily damaged commodity. Trust is built over time through consistent actions and behaviours, but it can be quickly broken by a single act of betrayal or dishonesty. Trust is not a one-way street, and it requires both parties to be honest and transparent with each other. When trust is broken, it can be difficult to repair, and it may never be fully restored to its previous level.

The fragility of trust can be seen in many different contexts. In personal relationships, trust is essential for building strong connections and deepening intimacy. However, when trust is broken, it can lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal. In business relationships, trust is critical for building successful partnerships and achieving shared goals. When trust is broken in a business context, it can lead to financial losses, damaged reputations, and legal disputes.

The fragility of trust also highlights the importance of honesty and transparency in all aspects of life. When we are honest with ourselves and others, we build trust and create stronger connections. When we are dishonest or deceptive, we risk damaging the trust that we have worked so hard to build. Ultimately, the concept of “Trust has fragile seams” reminds us that trust is a precious commodity that must be nurtured and protected if we want to build strong, healthy relationships in all areas of our lives.

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Wild hearts are integral to our society for they are the brave who dare to see the big picture. If we are to survive our inevitable demise, we will do so not with square minds but with wild hearts.

The concept suggests that in order for society to thrive and overcome its challenges, we need individuals who are willing to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. These individuals are those who are unafraid to take risks, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

In contrast, the “square minds” refers to those who conform to the norms of society, follow the rules, and are hesitant to challenge the status quo. While square minds provide stability and structure to society, they may not be able to see beyond the immediate concerns and needs of their environment. As a result, they may be unable to anticipate and respond to the larger challenges that society may face.

Wild hearts, on the other hand, are often individuals who are creative, innovative, and willing to take risks. They are able to see beyond the immediate concerns and needs of society and envision a larger, more holistic picture. This perspective allows them to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, to take risks that others may not, and to inspire others to take action.

In this way, the concept suggests that wild hearts are essential to the survival of society, particularly in the face of challenges such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and political instability. It argues that it is the wild hearts who are able to see the big picture, often envision a better future, and inspire others to work towards that future. By embracing the wild hearts among us, society can tap into a wealth of creativity, innovation, and inspiration, and move towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

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We are not just language users, we are language shapers as well. We shape our inherited language, therefore the language we use is important, for it will in turn be inherited by future generations.

The concept highlights the idea that language is not a static entity but that it is a constantly evolving system that is shaped by its users. As we use language to communicate, we are not only utilising the words and grammar that we have inherited from our predecessors, but we are also actively contributing to the ongoing development of the language itself.

The concept emphasises that our use of language has consequences beyond the immediate moment of communication. The language we use becomes a part of the larger linguistic landscape and is inherited by future generations. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the language we use and the impact it may have on future generations.

Moreover, the concept implies that language is not only a means of communication but also a vehicle for cultural transmission. The language we use embodies the values, beliefs, and customs of the society in which it is spoken. As such, the language we shape reflects our cultural heritage and identity.

In this sense, the concept suggests that our use of language is not just a matter of personal preference or convenience but rather a responsibility that we owe to future generations. We are the stewards of our language, and it is our duty to shape it in a way that reflects our cultural heritage, values, and identity while also being accessible to future generations.

In conclusion, the concept emphasises the importance of being mindful of the language we use and the impact it may have on future generations. It suggests that our use of language is not just a matter of personal preference but rather a responsibility that we owe to our cultural heritage and to future generations.

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Desire is trauma’s sharpest sword.

The concept highlights how our past traumas can have a significant impact on our present desires. Trauma can create deep emotional wounds that remain unresolved and can lead to a range of maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as addiction or destructive behaviour. These coping mechanisms often stem from an intense desire to escape or numb the pain of past traumas.

Thus, desire can become a double-edged sword for individuals who have experienced trauma. On one hand, it can be a powerful motivator for healing and growth, driving individuals to seek positive experiences and relationships. On the other hand, it can also lead to unhealthy behaviours and a cycle of self-destruction if not properly addressed. Understanding the role that trauma plays in our desires can help us recognize and heal the wounds that drive them, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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Our deepest desires live in our darkest and furthest corners. They are feelings that were born in the light of day. They now live somewhere we seldom go to, in a forgotten chest of memories, and they demand to see the light again.

The concept suggests that our most profound past experiences are often hidden away in the recesses of our minds, in places we seldom explore or revisit. The concept also suggests that our desires are born of profound past experiences. These experiences may have been born from events in our distant past, and often have been suppressed due to societal or personal pressures.

The concept implies that these desires are not necessarily negative or sinister, but rather something that was once known and familiar to us. However, over time, our experiences may have become obscured by societal norms or defence mechanisms. Such is the case for trauma. Despite being hidden away, these experiences continue to exist and demand to be seen and heard. In this sense, trauma has a way of sneaking up on you when you’re least conscious of it, and desire is trauma’s sharpest sword.

“Desire is trauma’s sharpest sword.”

Our desires also possess a certain power or urgency. They are not simply passive thoughts or feelings, but rather forces that drive us towards self-discovery and personal fulfilment. The concept implies that in order to fully realise ourselves, we must confront these hidden experiences that have shaped our desires, bring them to the surface and grant them the justice they crave by acknowledging their existence.

In conclusion, our most impactful past experiences are often hidden away in the recesses of our minds, and they often show up as desire. In order to fully realise ourselves, we must confront these experiences and bring them to the light. It implies that our deepest desires are not something to be feared or ignored, but rather something that we should acknowledge for their role in shaping us, as people.

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There is an order to everything in the universe. Whenever we take action, we change the fabric of spacetime. It would appear that our brains can be attuned to these changes, and we call that a sixth sense, intuition, premonition, psychokinesis or telekinesis. It may not be angels, but there is something to be said about how our universe informs us of changes in its fabric, if we are attuned to it. We are an integral part of the cosmos.

The concept of an order in the universe implies that everything in the cosmos is interconnected and works together in a precise and structured way. It suggests that every action we take, no matter how small, has an impact on the fabric of spacetime. This means that the universe is not just a collection of disparate entities, but rather a complex web of interdependent phenomena. Our ability to recognize and understand these changes is what we call the sixth sense or intuition. This innate sense allows us to perceive and interpret subtle cues in the environment, helping us make decisions and respond to changes in our surroundings.

The idea that we are an integral part of the cosmos emphasises that we are not separate from the universe, but rather an active component of it. We are not just passive observers, but active participants in the unfolding of the universe. Our ability to perceive and respond to changes in the fabric of spacetime reflects the deep connection we have with the cosmos. While we may not fully understand the mechanisms behind these phenomena, there is something to be said about the power of our intuition and our ability to sense the subtle changes in the universe. By recognizing and embracing this connection, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for the world around us, and our place in it.

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Certainty is where curiosity goes to die. Certainty is the blindside we mistake for universal truth and confuse with comfort.

Our certainty comes with a tendency to stop questioning and exploring. Certainty can be seen as a kind of mental block that prevents us from seeking new information or considering alternative viewpoints. When we feel certain, we assume that we already know everything there is to know, and we stop looking for more. Equally, if we avoid this particular trap and still manage to salvage some curiosity regarding a different perspective, we tend to see anything new through the filter of what we know for certain.

This kind of certainty can be dangerous, particularly when it comes to complex and nuanced issues. When we are too certain about something, we can become closed-minded and dogmatic. We can lose our ability to listen to other perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue.

The second part of the idea, namely “Certainty is the blindside we mistake for universal truth and confuse with comfort” highlights how our sense of certainty can be misleading. We can easily mistake our own beliefs and opinions for objective truth, and we can become so attached to our certainty that we view any challenge to it as a threat to our sense of self.

Furthermore, our sense of certainty can also provide us with a sense of comfort. We often seek certainty as a way of feeling secure and in control, but this can be a false sense of security. The world is complex and ever-changing, and certainty can give us a false sense of stability that can be shattered at any moment.

In conclusion, while certainty can provide us with a sense of comfort and security, it can also be a dangerous trap that prevents us from exploring new ideas and considering alternative perspectives. It is important to cultivate a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness, even in the face of uncertainty. Only then can we continue to learn and grow as individuals and as a society.

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We ignore our own pain to our own detriment.

The concept refers to the nature of pain and the way it affects us. At its core, it suggests that when we experience pain, it is something that cannot be ignored or avoided. Whether psychological or physical, pain is a visceral experience that demands our attention, whether we like it or not.

This concept is often used to describe emotional pain, such as heartbreak, grief, or trauma. When we experience these kinds of emotional pain, it can be tempting to try to push it away or numb ourselves to it. However, the reality is that the pain will always be there, demanding to be felt. The only way to truly move through the pain is to acknowledge it and allow ourselves to feel it fully.

The concept also applies to physical pain. When we experience physical pain, it can be tempting to try to ignore it or distract ourselves from it. However, this can actually make the pain worse in the long run.

In both cases, by acknowledging the pain and seeking appropriate medical care or taking other steps to manage it, we can help to minimise the impact it has on our lives.

Ultimately, the concept is a reminder that pain is a natural part of the human experience. It is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced and managed in a healthy way. By acknowledging our pain and allowing ourselves to feel it fully, we can learn and grow from our experiences, ultimately becoming stronger and more resilient individuals.

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Live life in a way in which today is envious of tomorrow.

The phrase is a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and make the most of every moment in the faith that tomorrow will come and it will be greater than today. It also implies that we should always look forward to the future with enthusiasm.

Living in a way that makes today envious of tomorrow also means actively seeking out opportunities to grow, learn, and develop the skills to face our daily challenges. It means embracing challenges and taking risks, pushing past our comfort zones to discover new passions and unlock our full potential.

Living in this way involves cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. It means taking time to appreciate the small things in life as they are the building blocks of our future contentment. It means cherishing the now and being fully present in each moment can lead to a sense of excitement to do it all again the next day.

Ultimately, the concept is about creating a life that is rich, fulfilling, and full of purpose. It’s about making the most of every opportunity and never taking a single moment for granted. By doing so, we can live a life that is truly extraordinary, not by looking back at our greatest achievements, but by looking forward to our greatest challenges – there, in the challenge, lies our essence.

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