Category: Personal

BCP Volume 2

What’s a book you think deserves a sequel?

I really had to think about this one. But I have an answer.

The Book of Common Prayer (1662) deserves a sequel. I do not mean an update – like the Uk 1928 or any of the Australian versions. Nor a version when there is a new monarch. A continuing story with new material within the same family.

It would contain some of the offices that are missing from the original. (Maybe an office for the setting aside for monastic life – a BCP version of the tonsure.) And some of the “red letter days” (like the Transfiguration) that are missing from the 1662 version.

codes and patterns

“Codes and patterns are very different from each other,” Langdon said. “And a lot of people confuse the two. In my field, it’s crucial to understand their fundamental difference.”
“That being?”
Langdon stopped walking and turned to her. “A pattern is any distinctly organized sequence. Patterns occur everywhere in nature—the spiraling seeds of a sunflower, the hexagonal cells of a honeycomb, the circular ripples on a pond when a fish jumps, et cetera.”
“Okay. And codes?”
“Codes are special,” Langdon said, his tone rising. “Codes, by definition, must carry information. They must do more than simply form a pattern—codes must transmit data and convey meaning. Examples of codes include written language, musical notation, mathematical equations, computer language, and even simple symbols like the crucifix. All of these examples can transmit meaning or information in a way that spiraling sunflowers cannot.”
Ambra grasped the concept, but not how it related to God.
“The other difference between codes and patterns,” Langdon continued, “is that codes do not occur naturally in the world. Musical notation does not sprout from trees, and symbols do not draw themselves in the sand. Codes are the deliberate inventions of intelligent consciousnesses.”
Ambra nodded. “So codes always have an intention or awareness behind them.”
“Exactly. Codes don’t appear organically; they must be created.”
Ambra studied him a long moment. “What about DNA?”
A professorial smile appeared on Langdon’s lips. “Bingo,” he said. “The genetic code. That’s the paradox.”

Dan Brown, Origin 486

nihilism

What villain actually had a good point?

First thought is either Walter White or Tony Soprano.

On reflection, I think the author of the “perhaps”, Beyond Good and Evil, and the “death of God”. Yes, he was super weird and he died after an extended mental illness but he needs to be experienced. I think his take on “truth” is well worth a thought or two. And his take on writing, that all is autobiographical, is worthy of much thought. His sister did him no service!

So, maybe not a standard villain, but Fredrick Nietzsche for me.

the holy mountain

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I am very happy where I am at the moment. But …

Mount Athos! It would be so inspiring to live in a hermitage there. Maybe an old used one!? And soak up the wisdom of the elders. To simply “be” somewhere so beautify and with such history. Yes, I think I would like to live somewhere on Mount Athos.

If you ask me tomorrow, it will be a different place!

to be humble?

Humility is the quality of being humble and kind. While older definitions, such as the 1998 Oxford Dictionary entry, described humility as having a “low opinion of oneself” or “not being proudful”, more recent psychological and philosophical definitions emphasize having an “accurate opinion of oneself“. This modern view includes expressing modesty appropriately, possessing clear goal orientation, openness, broad-mindedness, and a non-imposing mentality.

…

The term “humility” comes from the Latin noun humilitas, related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as “humble”, but also as “grounded” or “from the earth”, since it derives from the word humus (earth).

The word “humble” may be related to feudal England where the least valuable cuts of meat (whatever was left after the members of the upper class had taken their parts), or “umbles”, were provided to the lowest class of citizens.

Humility

money!

What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently that shifted your perspective?

I would like to say something profound and insightful. But I have learned recently that I am really bad with money. When I have it, I spend it. (Hence, my library.) Also I have noticed that I try to reward myself with purchases (that I absolutely do not need).

Having things does not make you happy, neither does it take away the darkness inside. My perspective shift!!!!!

always sleep

What do you do to improve your sleep?

I like sleep. In fact, one might say, I love to be asleep. Yet I know that certain foods and drinks stop me from sleeping. Or, maybe, sleeping as well as I can. So no caffeine in the afternoon, no big meals in the afternoon, and no snacks. Also no sleeping in the afternoon! I sleep with the sun – when it sets I go to sleep, when it rises I need to get up. I find that listening to an audiobook helps me to sleep. I know that it is because my anxiety needs it. But it works for me.