Scenery Learning

Then there’s a different kind of education. Today was my first time flying in a hot air balloon. To say it was beautifully peaceful would be an understatement—you float along the wind streams like a sailboat gliding through sea currents, experiencing the environment from a completely unique perspective.

A change of scenery can engender a change in mind. The red rocks of Sedona and in a greater sense the overall feeling of the American Southwest has reinvigorated me. Seeing how a different state operates makes plain the simple multitude of different ways to do things. This even so for a place within a (long) day’s driving distance.

Americans are as diverse as their country’s varied landscapes. There are deserts and forests and plains and mountains and coasts. We are urbanites and rural folk. Just as we must change our attire and way of life in different habitats, we must understand how those changes affect the minds of those who live there. Arizona is not California or Maine or Minnesota. But we are united in our dreams for a good life, for bright futures for our children. Let’s rally around that, and progress forward with purpose. 

The Ultimate Investment

Seeing the education debate play out firsthand causes anxiety. My partner is an elementary school teacher, and through all this debate I’ve been worried about her. I don’t want her to contract the virus. I also believe education is the most important thing in the world. Education, broadly construed, will solve our most existential crisis, climate change. Education will eliminate nuclear and all other forms of war, and will promote peace and prosperity. Education will solve our species’ inequity. Education is the answer, but it’s a delayed investment. If we can see that, we will be just fine. Our effort and focus must sustain, but we can be confident in our convictions, with education. Education enables our progeny to conquer the inevitable problems of the future. Through education, we can change the world—and the fate of life on Earth. 

Planetary Span

Going off of yesterday’s thoughts, there are times when you are simply wowed by nature. The Grand Canyon is one such site—that makes you wonder... back to when the indigenous Americans lived and farmed and hunted and gathered there... to the Spanish party that first “discovered” it and were incredulous... to me today, on the lip of the crater... we all experienced a similar sensation, upon first sight. The canyon formed over millions of years, this brief span of history, only a few thousand. We live on one planet, and when we start recognizing that fact, when we start understanding our history has played out over the same land, we will realize we must come together as one. 

Nature’s Influences

The differences between these United States can be simultaneously fascinating and disconcerting. Here in Arizona there is a wildness, a greater sense of freedom and self-reliance than in California. Many of the differences between the diverse states derive from the different landscapes and environments; the nation is varied and vast. The red rocks and sea of desert surrounding Sedona and much of Arizona enforces a can-do tough confidence. My home in the Bay Area of California resides in a valley between a forested mountain range and a grassy set of hills. It feels different. From the dissimilar ecological systems comes different cultures, separate histories. All these factors forge different narratives in each region. When you let go and take in all these inputs and wonderings, it’s enthralling. But we must celebrate our diversity and make common cause with the humanistic principles that keep us United. Our path forward as one people, and one day as one species, lies through reason, using science, towards freedom and equality for all. 

Better Together

What do they say about how time changes when you get older? The days are long and slow, the years go by fast... I think I’ve crossed to that threshold now. I remember when I was a young kid and it seemed like everyone else had their birthday every 6 months and I had to wait 2 years!

Now time goes by much differently. I’ve learned to appreciate important, however brief, moments with family and loved ones. Recently I’ve deeply reflected about this, especially as it was a significant birthday for my partner this past week.

We have limited time here. Whatever our hobbies or our likes or dislikes, it’s clear, through this crazy thing we now refer to as “the pandemic,” that we need each other. We can get through this together. 

Flying Reflections

Flying is a little different now. The most noticeable thing is the lack of people. Airports are big places, and especially apparent now, there’s a lot of space. It’s interesting how indoctrinated we become with our routines. I’m only now observing the typical airport routines, and the Covid differences. At the end of the day, even for a short domestic flight to Phoenix, it’s amazing that a group of people, with completely different agendas, gets on a vehicle and is transported somewhere completely different. We live in one big beautiful amazing world. While working to improve it, we should notice its beauty too. 

World Wants

What do we want? At the end of the day, what will leave us satisfied, fulfilled? It’s something for us to think about, and maybe we consider it in prime state upon waking up. The choice is truly ours… what kind of world do we want?

Changing Minds

One of the best interview questions I’ve ever been asked was, “What’s something important you’ve changed your mind about recently?” It didn’t pertain to the role per se, but evaluated me as a person, whether I was a good fit for the company. I thought it was a good question because it requires you to give a personal example of critical thinking. 

And that’s important. Think about how much information we are inundated with on a daily basis. At the start of 2020, I didn’t know anything about police protocol or viral load or economic recovery plans. I’ve learned much about those topics since then, but what I never questioned what I consumed? If I was so rigid in my thinking to never change my mind, I would not be contributing to any meaningful conversation. And I don’t want that; I feel a responsibility to add to the discourse, in whatever small way. 

If we all demand evidence as a prerequisite for belief, if we consistently look at multiple sources, and if we engage in productive debates over issues instead of wallowing in echo chambers, we will live in a better world. A more just and a more free world. It’s up to each and every one of us to decide. 

People Matter

Reflecting on everything that has transpired in 2020, it becomes apparent that it’s people who matter. Those who have fallen to the virus, they mattered. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. The people whose lives have been affected by racism and police brutality, they are brothers and sisters, friends and family. It’s the people in our lives who matter. We have a limited amount of time on this Earth, and we are blessed to spend it with others. People matter—let’s serve them by living well.

What’s Important

Well birthdays certainly reinforce what’s important, especially when it’s not your own. When it’s another’s birthday and their happiness is paramount, it sort of elucidates where life is at.  

Our experience here revolves around relationships. We are not alone—by who we choose to live with, but also by what we leave behind.

In that sense, every day is a birthday... every day is an important day. 

Species Priorities

If someone asked you to rank our species’ priorities, what would you reply?

There’s definitely a lot going on right now. I would hope the top of your list would include climate change, the coronavirus, education, and healthcare.

The continuous learning revolution is near upon us, and hopefully that will result in intelligent consideration of our institutions’ perpetuation of inequality. But the real sleeper is climate change, one I haven’t written about in some time.

If we all consider our collective challenges on a broader level, perhaps we can make more effective headway.

We’re all here on this rock together. Let’s appreciate the progress we’ve made and go after our biggest problems. We can solve them, together. We can change the world. 

Fighting Viral Despair

It can be depressing to think about how much the United States has failed during this pandemic. It’s especially difficult to see other countries practically Covid-free, opening up schools, or returning back to normal. 

As I wrote when this pandemic started, we can’t go back to normal. This experience must be transformative. Our citizens must become more aware, concerned, and involved in the political sphere—and we are, I think. Our systems and institutions must be examined, and they are. Our attention must be directed towards the things truly matter. And they are. 

The coronavirus pandemic has caused death and destruction, pain and suffering. But before we turn away in despair, let’s look for any possible silver linings. Let’s not give up on 2020 or the world. We can be better. 

Constitutional Considerations

After reflecting on the many statements from Black Americans about Independence Day, I thought of a radical idea. What if we rewrite the Constitution?

This is easier said than done, no minor undertaking. One of the most important documents ever written, the Constitution has been the foundation of American democracy for more than 231 years. It was designed to be a living document, which is why it has been so difficult to change over the past 2 centuries. There are also so many concepts of governance covered within the text: state’s rights and federalism, separation of powers, electoral process, individual liberty and limitation of government power, etc. To try to change all simultaneously would be foolish and probably disastrous. However, modernizing and clarifying the language, without altering the philosophical ethos of the document could provide a more meaningful code for today’s citizens.

I’m not a lawyer or experienced politician, but I took a stab at drafting changes to the Preamble and creating a new amendment. True alterations or amendments would probably best be undertaken by a chosen committee of people (made up of legal representatives, political and historical scholars, etc.) who would be required to achieve consensus on any proposed changes.

The Preamble could be rewritten as follows:

"We the people of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect Union, uphold the principles of justice, equality, freedom and reason, promote peace, and maintain the general welfare of all citizens and future generations, do decree and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

As perhaps the most analyzed document ever written, even these relatively minor changes must be heavily scrutinized. However, I believe the principles outlined by the Constitution can be written differently to better reflect the progress of today’s world, as well as our aspirations for the future.

Additionally, in a new amendment, what if we specifically introduce a clause that better defines the aforementioned equality for all United States citizens? Something like this:

"The government of the United States shall make no law that discriminates against any citizen in any way, in order to ensure equality for all citizens, regardless of skin color, ancestral or national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or physical appearance or stature.”

Given the recent visibility of the plight of Black Americans, it feels necessary to consider a genuine attempt to truly ensure equality for all. Proposing changes to the constitution may be construed as blasphemous, treasonous, even anarchist. But if our country changes over the centuries, isn’t it necessary on some practical level to keep its living document updated as well, to better embody the original humanistic principles? What changes, if any, would you make to the Constitution?

Union Pride

I’ve written many times before that I’m not the most patriotic person. I am happy to be American but attribute my nationality to a lucky birth. However, 3 things over the past 12 hours have evoked in me a great sense of affection, belonging, and even pride for my country.

For perhaps the first time, today I read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Reading those hallowed words gave me chills. The Founding Fathers committed treason, but they logically explained why the American people were moved to declare independence. They described the tyranny under which they suffered and sought to create a better life for the people. That drive for liberty has endured to this day.

Last night I watched the Disney+ streaming of Hamilton for the first time, and it set me on a path of reflective thought. The establishment of the United States of America set precedence for the formation of a new community on the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice. A group of brilliant, committed people came together at the right time for all this to happen. However imperfect, the patriots who carried out the American Revolution truly wanted their people to have life, liberty, and the ability to pursue happiness.

I also got out my President’s deck today, much to the chagrin of my family, to revisit United States history. Between the cards of the different administrations, one can discern a continuous story of our nation’s history and its trials and tribulations through multiple presidencies. America has a remarkable story. Its founding was extraordinary in every sense, and history unfolded in just the precise way for the country to stand where it does today.

Two hundred and forty four years ago, a group of men declared, “Enough.” Great progress was made on that day. However, as 2020 has shown, we still have a long way to go. In order to form a more perfect Union, let us balance our successes from the past with the problems of the present. We must learn from our mistakes and continue down the path of progress set by our founders. In order to form a more perfect Union, we must engage in civil discourse and consistently consider reform. In order to form a more perfect Union, we must uphold our primary ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. In order to form a more perfect Union, we must be patriots, swearing to uphold these values and ensure their manifestations are available to all citizens. Happy Independence Day.

Summer Bubbles

A playbook for this summer doesn’t exist. Nowhere on the CDC or WHO websites does it really give proper guidance on how to operate the next few months. With cases spiraling out of control in the United States and Independence Day weekend upon us, it seems prudent to figure out how we will keep each other safe. It appears the most realistic option is to create a bubble—a small group of people that agree to only see each other and significantly limit contact with anyone else. I don’t know what the ideal or maximum number to this bubble should be, and it would be nice if the United States government provided some direction, but a practical bubble makeup probably includes immediate family members and a few close friends. If you’re seeing your immediate family and only a couple other people on a regular basis (and taking precautions while visiting, specifically socially distancing and staying outside), it’s reasonable to believe you can keep your bubble insulated. In this way, people can still enjoy the weather and pursue leisure activities while staying safe. We’ll have to muster some creativity to think of how we can alter our traditions and normal activities, no doubt. We will have to be disciplined with our bubbles and resort to virtual hangouts with other friends. But this option is the only one that seems plausible, as our society refuses to do basic things like wear masks or social distance. With agreed upon bubbles, we have a chance at both staying safe and enjoying the summer. It’s not ideal, but until we beat this, ideal isn’t possible. This weekend let’s be smart and safe, and enjoy celebrating the principles and values that make this nation great.

World Narratives

Everybody thinks the world is going to shit. You see it all over the internet, people bemoaning 2020, definitively saying the world is falling to pieces. It’s not. Don’t fall into that narrative. People have been saying that for millennia, and they’ve all been wrong. It’s getting better. Overall, things are improving. Progress throttles down to a snail’s pace sometimes, and it often gets messy. We might not notice it all the time or even personally reap the benefits. But someone else might be gaining, and they’re worth it too. To despair is to waste. Be grateful for what has been accomplished, and set out to accomplish something of our own for future generations. Uncover your calling. Effect change. Create meaning through service. After all, there is life after death—for our children. Let’s gift them the opportunity to lead lives we can only conceive in dreams. 

Commanding the Mind

So I’ve started reading Dune for the first time, and as I was thinking today I recalled an apt quote from the book: “the mind commands the body and it obeys. The mind orders itself and meets resistance.” How true can that sometimes be. I think even the most disciplined people struggle with it at times. And how much have the events of 2020 exacerbated the struggle? In some way, you just have to feel, reset, and continue. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s not only about preventing the lulls, but limiting their length to minutes, not hours, days or weeks. That journey, personal to each and every one of us, leads us to our potential. How simple the phrase is; keep calm and carry on. 

Mortality and Meaning

We all die. Listening to Take me Home by John Denver on the way home today, I reminisced about visiting my great grandma in Southern California just before she died.

Virginia mothered 9 children and had a huge extended family. She was old and on her way out, and everyone was visiting to say their goodbyes.

Even at 12 years old, I was vividly aware of the absolute mortality of the situation while spending those last few days with her. I knew it was my last visit, our last conversation, the last hug.

Seeing our life on the grand scale makes you reflect. You want to enjoy life and spend time with your tribe. You want to have fun, to feel alive, to love.

But what really gives us meaning? While listening to those country roads I realized it’s your contribution to humanity. It’s the donation of your time and energy on this earth to the progression of our species. One can derive meaning from her/his effort towards creating a better future.

There will be an after, after us, for others. Meaning comes with handing the torch.

The Covid Reality

I got tested for Covid last week because I came into contact with someone who subsequently tested positive. From firsthand experience I can say, when it’s you and your loved ones, it gets real real quick. It’s naturally hard for humans to extrapolate to other people’s feelings on such a large scale—millions of people infected worldwide, 120,000 deaths in the United States—how difficult is it to resonate with those arbitrary numbers? Having gone through this, I can confirm that the virus has not gone away, that you can still get infected, that it can potentially change your life. The symptoms are so wide-ranging, you really don’t know how your body will react. I’m not writing this to scare people, but to illuminate what it’s like to go through testing, to wonder whether you’re positive or negative, to exhale when learning you’re negative. This disease is still new. There is so much we don’t know. And so I appeal to everyone to please wear a mask, to socially distance as much as possible, to be smart and stay safe. We as citizens need to continue to implore our leadership to continue testing and more intelligently consider reopening. Results should take hours, not days. Testing methods vary widely—I know 4 sets of people who have been tested, and each testing procedure was different. We must continue to conduct studies on this disease and break the results down into terms that laypeople can understand. We have a long way to go, regardless of whether the Denny’s or local pub is open in your neighborhood. If we remain vigilant, we will get through this quicker and more safely. It’s actually a very simple choice, despite its difficulty. What will you choose? What will we?

The Nature of Progress

Progress is often slow, messy, and costly. It requires tremendous effort and resolve. But it’s worth it. It matters that we live lives our great-grand parents could only dream of; that a poor person in the first world enjoys better living conditions than bygone kings and emperors of the past. We will never reach an acceptable status quo, because there will always be more progress to be made and more problems to solve. But just because the horizon is unreachable doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push to get there. If it means a better life for our children and our children’s children, is it worth it? Will you accept the nature of progress and still fight for it?