I think an apt title to start the '06 and before I get into the meat of my argument, a brief history lesson on the origins of Tabula rasa.
The term comes from the Latin, meaning "scraped tablet", though often translated "blank slate") it is the notion that individual human beings are born "blank" (with no built-in mental content), and that their identity is defined entirely by events after birth. In recent times, however, Tabula rasa has been given a different meaning. While the idea that the individual can be changed remains, the power to effect that change is now ascribed to society, not the self - and that power extends to the whole of human nature.
Under this view, one can almost without restriction shape the individual by changing the individuals environment, and thus sensory experiences. And while I think there is some validity to this, because we all are heavily influenced by our surroundings, we also need to make a continued concerted effort to improve from the inside out. Thus, taking some responsibility to create serious change when needed.
So, there is my challenge y'all. Live to improve yourself thereby improving your life. Or at least try. Take in Alex Grey's "Oversoul." He is quite the artist as you can readily see.
Musically, let's start the new year with some juxtaposition - another one of my favorites. Biggie doin' his duet thang over Frank Sinatra tunes called "Everyday Struggle - A Day In The Life of a Fool" and one of my favorite all time songs from Modest Mouse "Out of Gas."
Everyday Struggle - A Day In The Life of a Fool
Out Of Gas
Well put, C$. I, too, highly recommend changing from the inside out. I was liberated of my crap of yesteryear, and shared my tabula rasa story with the world. My environment was changed, and it was a truly sensory experience.
Your words inspire me to once again get my tablet scraped clean.
Boy oh boy, thanks Katie. Keep up the journalistic greatness on your end and you won't ever have to worry about keeping your tablet scraped clean.
environment has a lot to do with it. there is good reason that the good reverend sings of a "dead ohio sky"
Yes, I agree that I am a journalistic genius. However, 2006 is a time of renewal for me, as well. As I gaze at my AP award and Emmy, taking in the brilliance of your talent here at C101, I'm suddenly feeling quite antiquated. Elarceny MUST go public!
I think we can help each other out here. My contract is almost up, and I could really use some publicity ($60 million ain't gonna cut it this time around). I'm planning another publicly televised colonoscopy, but this time concurrently with Lauer administering a mammogram and pap smear. During the inevitable big O, it's "Elarceny dot com" that I will squeal out with fervor. What do you think?
Huh. Gee thanks, Katie. Please squeal eLarceny as many times as you see fit you dirty bitch. Hugs, c101.
ooooh. Me likey cross promotion!
Can we brand your ass to make sure everybody knows you love eLarceny just in case they are masturbating with the volume off?
I wouldn't worry about the ass-branding. I think most of us are giving up masturbation for New Year's.
Speak for yourself King Wook.
Oh yes, we should be ADA-sensitive provide closed captioning for the hearing impaired. We'll have Lauer sign it out with his free fingers.
Wookie, there's no fooling us...the whole world has seen your hairy palms.