Sometimes, even the very best course of action fails.
“Sometimes, even the very best course of action fails.” Bernard Beckett
In this environment it was a simple matter for The Republic to maintain its structure. People did as they were told because they were working together, focused on a common threat, a shared enemy. But time passes. Fear becomes a memory. Terror becomes routine; it loses its grip.
“In this environment it was a simple matter for The Republic to maintain its structure. People did as they were told because they were working … Read More
A society that fears knowledge is a society that fears itself.
“A society that fears knowledge is a society that fears itself.” Bernard Beckett
… from our vantage point it is now clear that the only thing the population had to fear was fear itself.
“… from our vantage point it is now clear that the only thing the population had to fear was fear itself.” Bernard Beckett
Are you saying a society wracked by plague is preferable to one wracked by indifference?
“Are you saying a society wracked by plague is preferable to one wracked by indifference?” Bernard Beckett
The mind is not a machine, it is an idea. And the Idea resists all attempts to control it.
“The mind is not a machine, it is an idea. And the Idea resists all attempts to control it.” Bernard Beckett
In the end, living is defined by dying.
“In the end, living is defined by dying.” Bernard Beckett
Which came first, the mind or the idea of the mind? Have you never wondered? They arrived together. The mind is an idea.
“Which came first, the mind or the idea of the mind? Have you never wondered? They arrived together. The mind is an idea.” Bernard Beckett
Our world is limited by the machinery we carry. Its very different to the 18th and 19th century Enlightenment scientists who were mostly men of God and thought it was their quest to uncover Gods great plan.
“Our world is limited by the machinery we carry. Its very different to the 18th and 19th century Enlightenment scientists who were mostly men of … Read More
I cant see any great evidence that humans have any ability to access anything other than the material world. Beyond that, who knows, but theres no good evidence that would take me to any particular belief.
“I cant see any great evidence that humans have any ability to access anything other than the material world. Beyond that, who knows, but theres … Read More
Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved, differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile. It can be blackened by fear, and superstition. By the year 2050, when the conflict began, the world had fallen upon fearful, superstitious times.
“Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved, … Read More
This is always the problem with building heroes. To keep them pure, we must build them stupid. The world is built on compromise and uncertainty, and such a place is too complex for heroes to flourish.
“This is always the problem with building heroes. To keep them pure, we must build them stupid. The world is built on compromise and uncertainty, … Read More
Unable to attribute misfortune to chance, unable to accept their ultimate insignificance within the greater scheme, the people looked for monsters in their midst.
“Unable to attribute misfortune to chance, unable to accept their ultimate insignificance within the greater scheme, the people looked for monsters in their midst.” Bernard … Read More
The only thing binding individuals together is ideas. Ideas mutate and spread; they change their hosts as much as their hosts change them.
“The only thing binding individuals together is ideas. Ideas mutate and spread; they change their hosts as much as their hosts change them.” Bernard Beckett
I cannot choose to ignore this feeling, of life slowly bleeding out of me. I cannot ignore the fact that life only makes sense to me when I see a smile, or feel another hand in mine.
“I cannot choose to ignore this feeling, of life slowly bleeding out of me. I cannot ignore the fact that life only makes sense to … Read More
Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism.
“Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism.” Bernard Beckett
Many scholars have complained of our tendency to see history only in conflicts, but I am not convinced they are right. It is in conflict that our values are exposed.
“Many scholars have complained of our tendency to see history only in conflicts, but I am not convinced they are right. It is in conflict … Read More
Consciousness is the feel of accessing memory.
“Consciousness is the feel of accessing memory.” Bernard Beckett
In the end, living is defined by dying. Book-ended by oblivion, we are caught in the vice of terror, squeezed to bursting by the approaching end. Fear is ever-present, waiting to be called to the surface. Change brought fear, and fear brought destruction.
“In the end, living is defined by dying. Book-ended by oblivion, we are caught in the vice of terror, squeezed to bursting by the approaching … Read More
Thought, like any parasite, cannot exist without a compliant host.
“Thought, like any parasite, cannot exist without a compliant host.” Bernard Beckett