“Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” George Orwell What is a generation? It is usually acknowledged that a generation is considered roughly 20-25 years. As I write, there are seven living American generations, all with labels attached that denote … Continue reading “What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.”
Category: Philosophy
Personal observations
“She sees the world through a feminist lens.”
The quote came from a comment about someone who viewed problems at work through her feminist perspective. Whatever that might mean depending on your own viewpoint. The more that I thought about it, shouldn’t we accept the fact that our own perspectives or lenses are cluttered, cloudy, and cataracted with our own lifelong experience, prejudices, … Continue reading “She sees the world through a feminist lens.”
Swimming Against the Current of Tribalism
Confessions of an unorthodox earthling hoping for cooperation and collaboration. "...we live on a cosmic speck of dust, orbiting a mediocre star in the far suburbs of a common sort of galaxy, among a hundred billion galaxies in the universe." Neil deGrasse Tyson The term “earthling” has become a favorite of mine. At a time … Continue reading Swimming Against the Current of Tribalism
Water with a Personality
“I was still water, held by my surroundings. I am now a river, carving my own path.” Scott Stabile Kankakee River Dam, Wilmington From my earliest days I was aware of two bodies of water: the strip mine pits (lakes) in Braidwood and the Kankakee River in Wilmington. My whole world revolved around these two … Continue reading Water with a Personality
Musings by an Earthling at 960 Months
“…Come, my friends. 'T is not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we shall touch the Happy … Continue reading Musings by an Earthling at 960 Months
What have I learned from grandkids?
Lexi asks, “Grandpa, have you learned anything from the 14 grandkids?” Dear Lexicon: You ask a poignant question, one that I have pondered consciously and subconsciously for the past 25 years. The quick answer is “Yes, I have learned a ton about being a better human being.” My evolution continues as I witness your maturity … Continue reading What have I learned from grandkids?
How many presidents? Only 45. Seven not born in the U.S.
"As a student of American history, I have my perspectives on our general lack of truth, misinformation, and ignorance of the basic functions of government. This has been quite evident in recent years. In my experience, the average cab driver in Ireland is much more aware and knowledgeable of our system than the American general … Continue reading How many presidents? Only 45. Seven not born in the U.S.
Get Out of the Country! Broaden and Enrich Your Education!
Matilda asks, “Grandpa, what is your all-time favorite place to travel to?” Dear Matilda: You ask an interesting question, the same question that I had when I was your age. What places do I hope to see someday? The many books that I read growing up sparked images of western pioneers in the plains, forests, … Continue reading Get Out of the Country! Broaden and Enrich Your Education!
Advice From Grandpa? Maybe Not!
I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Question: “Teaching - directly or indirectly - is a big part of … Continue reading Advice From Grandpa? Maybe Not!
“Keep on writing, Dad, before you lose your marbles.”
“You might have put it a little differently, son, but I get your drift.” My mother, Adele Ginter Kennedy, her siblings, and classmates circa 1925 playing marbles.. It’s a good analogy because I played “mibs” when I was in St. Rose grade school. My bag included about 20 or so glass marbles that included a … Continue reading “Keep on writing, Dad, before you lose your marbles.”
Braidwood Beginnings 