Every now and then I get the desperate urge to write something down. Its often apropos of nothing whatsoever, and it frequently fits on the back of an old GAG Club flyer.

Rather than gradually filling up my flat with old flyers with illegible scribbles on the back, i thought I'd pop some on here instead. I'm not guaranteeing that some of them aren't at least vaguely contradictory, and it's worth bearing in mind that they are in rough chronological order (most recent at the top). If there are any comments you'd like to make regarding anything you read here, I'd love to hear them either via email or a note on the guestbook.

Politics/Philosophy:
I see political leanings as being reasonably measured on a left/right basis. I also see what might perhaps be classed as humanitarian/spiritual or, philosophical leanings be measured by the scale authoritarian/libertarian. If is this latter scale which I believe should govern the framework within which political debate and action can occur. Once the latter issue is fully resolved, we can let the politicians do their work.
Meaning:
Yes, the universe has meaning. It has meaning because of you, and me. If something happens that has meaning to you, then you have participated in the creation of that meaning. Meaning has been created. The more you are aware of your interactions, the more your interactions have meaning for you. And so, the universe becomes more meaningful.
Spirituality:
As is probably obvious to anyone reading this page, I've spent a lot of time lately exploring my spirituality, and looking back, its something thats been a part of my life since my teens. Perhaps I'm just making up for lost time, there never seemed any time for contemplating the nature of reality in school (!). I don't think its just me, I sense a growing feeling in people that what with capitalism, war and the ossification of organised religion, many of us have neglected this important aspect of our lives for some time. Now though, with our societal wealth, amazing abilities to travel, and amidst the IT revolution, we have the chance to learn. We have the ability to make realisations and decisions about the nature of our lives, and to make the changes we want to make.
God XI:
To invite belief in God seems to ask for belief that existence is given, and that God is the giver. If it is in some way helpful or accurate to think of existence in this way, rather than simply seeking to accept it as it is, then I can see a better argument for saying that my existence was given to my by my parents. I certainly don't think it does any harm to explore feelings of gratitude, something I feel better able to do as I start to come to terms with the possibilities of life.
Buddhism:
I like Buddhism, it doesn't ask me to believe in any thing more than the reality of my existence - well, the bits Im interested in dont anyway! And that was what the Buddha taught, to seek your own answers. I do find he offers useful signposts on that road, and helpful clarification.
God X:
I just sat, listening to music, and watching the visualisation on itunes, thinking itd be more effective still with less light. Looking at the lamp and willing it to go on, produced no effect, so seemingly I'm not God. Then, without thinking any further about it, I found myself standing, going over to the lamp, switching it on, and switching off the main light before returning to my seat. So it seems, I am.
Revenge/Outrage:
Such is the righteous indignation prevalent in our society, I have to wonder if the jails are really there to protect the innocent from the guilty, or the guilty from the innocent.
Acceptance:
To wish for things to be other than they are, is effectively to wish not to be alive at this time. I don't regret my birth, so I embrace what is.
Control:
To control others is to limit myself as well as them.
Violence and War:
In as much as anyone is to blame for the Iraq War and other such atrocities, I think anyone who advocates violence in any situation is equally culpable.
Drugs3:
Maybe we should be grateful that drugs are illegal. Look at Brave New World for an example of what might happen if the establishment embraces them!
God IX:
We all perceive the same reality. We each ascribe different interpretations to our perceptions of the nature of that reality, and some of us give it names. We're all on the same page.
Change:
Where there is the need for change, there is impetus for change.
Interconnected Earth:
We aren't on the planet, we are of the planet.
Morality:
In times to come we may well have need of a different, perhaps more subtle or complex morality, but for now I think this will do: - Freedom = good, Repression = bad.
Leadership:
The goal of all leaders should be to safely devolve any power they've been unfortunate enough to acquire.
Growing Up:
These days I think it takes many people until their mid thirties to grow out of adolescence (or perhaps just me ;-)
Intoxicants:
OK, I’m cutting down on drugs, smoking less, drinking less, even drinking less coffee. If tea is harmful or addictive, please don’t tell me!
Psychedelic Spirituality:
Despite the ever present persuasions from many quarters of society, Im by no means convinced of the existence of any sort of higher consciousness such as God, angels, higher beings and so on, yet it seems that it is often these same sectors of society who seek to deny me access to the very substances and methods that might facilitate my enquiry.
Do what you want:
It sounds like a shallow philosophy, but its not. I enjoy doing what we do best, and I do best what I enjoy. I believe that if I do what I do as well as I can, then I will succeed.
Reincarnation:
How great is your life that you want it to go on forever?
Deism:
A quite reasonable sounding belief that suggests that ever if the universe was indeed created in some way, that's no reason to believe that the creator has any further influence beyond that initial action.
Smoking:
People don’t tend to smoke weed to stop their mind, so much as to slow it down to a realistically manageable pace.
Prohibition:
If only the amount of money spent banning and enforcing bans had been spent on finding ways to take drugs safely.
Belief:
How can we expect Religious types to take our beliefs as seriously as they take theirs if we're unwilling to show it ourselves?
Quality:
We need to re-learn to do things well, not quickly and quite well, but well.
Democracy:
The only wasted vote is one that's not cast.
God VIII:
To believe in God is to accept the existence of something which has no creator. Then why believe that the universe has one? Which isn't to say that the universe wasn't created - it may well have been. We may yet learn to create universes ourselves, or to put it another way, perhaps like the gene and the meme, the universe is itself a replicator.
Enlightenment:
Clearly we're not enlightened yet, we still wear clothes, have money and have locks on our doors.
Birth and Death:
Doors at the opposite end of the same corridor.
Christians:
No wonder they think they’ve got it tough – they spend their lives measuring themselves against someone they believe to be a god.
Love:
There’s no reason not to try and love everything – we don’t have a limited supply.
Understanding:
Whats the difference between knowing something and knowing something? If you really knew the earth was travelling at 18 ½ miles per second, you’d fall off.
Split Personalities:
We’e so used to there being so many different ones of us – this is who I am when im at work – this is who I am when I'm at home, this who I am with my partner, this is who I am with my friends etc but we can achieve a level of unity that incorporates all of those things into ourselves – how much easier is that going to be?
Monism:
Once we accept that we are “god”, maybe we’ll stop feeling the need to act like one and be content with our humanity. Change:
External change is difficult and frequently temporary, but making a good internal change can last you a lifetime. If you’ve reached a point in your life in which you have some time on your hands, what should your purpose be? To carry on working hard in the hope of maintaining that position, or to make full use of your time to explore and celebrate your life and yourself. The more whole you are, the more successul you’re likely to be.
Illusion:
When you face the troubles in your life, its really only your illusions (you can call then opinions if you like) that are under attack.
Spirit:
Those people you really admire, who seem to radiate a spirit of joy – its not that you are simply recognising that positivity and light, you are responding to it. Why? Because you too share that spirit (many thanks for Lisa for teaching me this – long may your spirit continue to shine).
Tax:
I wonder is it possible to tax health and education separately from the rest? From what little I understand about politics and econonmics, my impression is that politicians often get away with all sorts of nonsense, maintaining taxation levels because of the need for investment in these two key areas.
Some Aphorisms:
- The worst and the best are happening all the time, at the same time.
- Equity not equality.
- Be a strong link in many chains.
- Do what you want and enable other to do the same - the rest is just opinions.
- Be responsible, don't feel responsible.
- There's nothing harder to turn down than an open invitation.
- Prohibition kills.
- Walking in the middle way requires knowledge of the extremes.
- People see success as a way out of stress and anxiety, not realising that success without balance just means more stress.
- Rock and Roll is dead, Classical is dead, Jazz is dead - we’re alive.
- Resistance through existence, passion through peace, peace through noise, wisdom through laughter, anarchy through love.
- Be an emotonal slut – put out
- speak with one voice.
- Theres no need to feel so strongly all the time, its enough just to feel.
- Remember, the establishment is in the minority, we are the many.
- If you really want to be heard, wait until everyone else has spoken.
- Terrorism is both the best and the worst justification for oppression.
- If my hand could think, would it think my head was God? Probably not considering some of the things it ends up doing.
- Relax - right now you're simultaneously helping everyone in the universe - by not interfering with them.
Unity:
If you're feeling low or alone, think of yourself “I am present in all things”. Its true, you are, because we are all one - you are present in me, you, a mountain, a microbe, a breeze, a melody and a kiss.
Trust:
In limiting our exposure to others by limiting eye contact and other direct forms of communication, are we afraid of the commitment involved in offering unconditional love? All our activities and affairs are different ways of saying one thing – “can I trust you?”.
Imagination:
We’re presented with so much information, and opinion presented as information, that we are all in danger of forgetting to use our imaginations.
Change III:
If you really want to change the world - by direct action, by example and by communication and always with love.
Change II:
You cannot really change yourself (and therefore anything really) by changing your life, but by ordering your priorities and activities, exploring your passions and drives and resolving your issues, you can create the environment for change.
Change:
Remember that any of us can change the world at any time. Jesus was a carpenter and Ghandi was a lawyer, the next could be you, now. Remember Hitler, Stalin, Bush and Blair and make your choices wisely.
Composition II (and life!)
Improvise until you find a theme, then improvise around that theme.
Composition:
If you use keys or structure as a goal or set of rules then you are limited. If you use them as patterns or associations of notes and chords that could potentially work together then it can be freeing. Likewise if you see money as a goal or framework for your life, you’re limited, but if you accept it as a means to facilitate your choices, you are free.
Success:
There's one easy way to guarantee success - don't stop trying until you succeed.
Crime:
I suspect we could wipe out crimes against the person virtually over night if we all carried personal alarms and made a promise to always help anyone who has cause to use it. Whether or not that could work in the face of people who seem to think that defending their home or their car is more important is another matter.
Humour:
Finding other people funny is easy, its finding yourself funny that takes some doing. Ridiculousness, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Perceptions are themselves a part of reality, a very important part in fact, and so its important to accept that you are ridiculous. In fact, everything is.
Recreational Intoxication:
People don’t get drunk and high to get to work. Work is easy because it distracts the mind, it’s being free that’s difficult.
Modern adolesence:
I got too old too fast then got stuck for twenty years.
Stand Up IV:
Laughter produced by a joke is often a product of a link between two concepts, is a little like the spark given off when electricity leaps between two conductors. All the world may very well have been a stage in shakespeare’s day, but these days it’s a comedy club.
Music Industry:
People seem to worry that sharing music means that artists will suffer. Im not sure I see that. If a musician sells a Cd for £5 that they have produced, copied and promoted themselves, that’s almost pure profit. Artist who worry about losing money as the record industry struggles should seriously think about opting out of it, or better still, never entering it. The goal should be to make a fair living doing what you love, not getting rich or famous.
Christmas:
If you take religion out of it for the moment, I think peoples attitudes towards the festive season much depends on their work life balance. Much of the positive side to the experience relate to a shift in emphasis away from work and towards social interaction. This is a welcome rest even for those who feel they achieve a reasonable balance most of the time, but for the many who don’t, well, its no wonder they start looking forward to it before autumn is even over. US Politics:
All comments about George Bush and the neo-con hawks aside, isn't there a simple problem of scale here? Can one man really hope to govern nearly 300,000,000 other people?
Brian Wilson:
In addition to tellings us that pop can aspire to art, another thing I take from Brian is that its ok to make music about being happy. We’re so used to the best music being about negative emotions and most of the happy music being a bit crap, that’s a message its easy to forget.
Activity:
People seem think its always better to be doing something than nothing, but I'm not convinced. One thing that would make people less keen to be doing something all the time, would be the realisation that doing things often achieves the exact opposite of what you set out to. Trying to achieve any of the following goals – peace, love, community via the use of force for one obvious example.
God VII:
One thing that no one has ever done is to prove or disprove the existence of God, so the one thing we can say for sure is that we cannot be certain either way. That leaves a simple question. Do you want to base your life on an assumption? God seems easily explicable in genetic terms. As apes, we occupy a genetic niche of flexibility in which imagination is key. The talent for conjuring up notions of what may be is vital to continued existence in a challenging environment. Species that can, try to recognise unexplained events and to explain them as best they can so as to make an appropriate response (ie to run away if there’s a predator involved). The safe bet in really hard to understand cases is to assume the worst – which might lead to the odd mistake, but doesn’t involve being eaten. Taken to its conclusion, at some point when we began to question the nature of reality itself, it was only natural that some would posit the notion of a cause and thus a potential threat.
God VI:
Presumably the best response to Epicureus (Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?) is to say that god gives us free will. That is to say that contrary to the Good Samaritan, God would not deign to interfere with us even if it was to our benefit. So, either God is not good, or our idea of good is not the same as God’s which denies one the other powerful argument for God – that favoured by C S Lewis in Mere Christianity – which is that our notion of what is good and what is evil are so strong and universal that they must be absolute and have come from God.
Death penalty:
what can be worse than killing someone, and so why do it?
Hoist by their own petard?
If we are going to use the word at all, at what point do we have to start applying the word “evil” to people who preach abstinence in sex when all the evidence shows that the only effect is to lower the use of birth control. At what point – if we accept that its ok to "outlaw" things – do we seek to outlaw the catholic church which refuses to condone birth control in countries where a spiralling population is guaranteed to produce more famine and disease. At what point, if we are to accept that violence is wrong, do we refute a government that lead us to illegal war?
Morality:
Theres no morality better than no morality. I wrote that phrase a few days ago and since then have mentioned it once or twice amongst friends, and met with some quite extreme reactions. Some people seem to find the thought of acting without morals quite offensive, despite acknowledging the horrific persecutions, wars and oppressions that have occurred and are occuring in morality’s name. After having read a little about Buddhism (the basics of it, not the more complex philosophy or the religious trappings) and found some eloquent expressions of simple truths, I was intrigued as to what the clever feller had to say about the subject. I googled “buddhist morality” and got this from here. "To keep away from all evil, cultivate good, and purify one’s mind is the advice of all Buddhas." We must understand what is meant as good and evil in the Buddha’s teaching. Again the Buddha explains the criterion of morality when he advises his son Samanera Rahula:- "If you wish to do a certain action, first reflect whether the action is likely to harm yourself or others or both. If the action is likely to cause suffering, refrain from doing it. If the action is likely to cause happiness and no harm can arise from such a deed, do it again and again." So we’re agreed then, make up your own feckin mind ;-)
Causality:
Is an illusion as often as not. We look for it when its not there in an attempt to assign order to a seemingly unpredictable universe. This feeling coupled with my feelings on events make me very sceptical about conspiracy theories!
Events:
Im fast coming to the conclusion that theres no such thing as an event. It’s a linguistic construct helpful to us to recall or imagine moments in time, but the reality is better described as the confluence of indivuduals, each with their separate actions and reactions.
Religion III:
The politicisation of spirituality.
Clubbing:
Young people today come together in an environment of music, love, intoxicants and rhythmic beats in way that would make more sense to our ancestors than our predecessors.
Laziness:
I’ve been called lazy all my life – still am in fact. It’s a criticism (an insult more often) that tends to come in tandem with some remark about how much I could achieve if I only bothered too, or an unfavourable comparison with a perceived societal norm and the consequential suggestion that I’m letting down those around me. From my persepctive, whilst I admit it doesn’t like im doing a great deal some of the time, the last thrity year or so have been seriously intense and have flown by. I find as life goes on that increasinly, I aspire to be lazy – I want to take the time to start to appreciate life more and explore things that have always taken a back seat to survival. That reminds me, the washing up needs doing!
Answers:
Some very smart people have figured out a lot of very smart stuff in the last few centuries, but much of it seems to have been working away from and obscuring the simple truths.
Harold Pinter on The Caretaker on BBC Radio, 1960:
“I feel that instead of any ability to communicate there is a deliberate evasion of communication. Communication between people is so frightening that rather than do that, there is continual cross talk, a continual talking about other things, rather than what is at the root of their relationship”
Drugs2:
Let's for a moment split drug users (I'm naturally including cigarette smokers in this) into those that are happy with their habit, and those that would prefer to stop using, but feel they are trapped in a lifestyle or physically addicted to a substance. Prohibition helps none of the above. If you have a habit you are happy with - you've balanced the psychological and emotional benefits against what you understand of the dangers and decided that for now at least its a part of your life style you're comfortable with, then your only problem is that the state deems otherwise, something which they have no right to do. Similarly, prohibition exacerbates the problems facing the addict, pushing people towards crime and away from acceptance, assistance and understanding.
Oneness:
As some smart people have been saying for bloody ages, we're not separate to the planet/god/the universe, we're part of it. Seemingly the smart part, god help us.
Politics:
Last few months I’ve been watching and reading news quite voraciously and thinking a lot, many of those thoughts recorded here. Whilst I’m aware that in the great scheme of things I know f*uck all, I’ve formed some strong convictions. I don’t know how much involvement in politics is in my future, tho I’m looking forward to consulting with local Green candidate Nick Whittingham on local drugs policy soon. Neither do I really expect many people to look at this page, never mind wading through all my ranting. But I do like getting my ideas up here, and getting into debate. I have hopes for democracy; I wonder if the incredible IT revolution which we’re currently experiencing is the answer? A possible future where in addition to chats at home, work and in the pub, most people are actively engaged debating issues online and presenting their opinions for public consumption. Ultimately, if we are to each have our own unique, personal and inviolable virtual domain, (a concept which must surely have crossed Bill Gates’ mind, or at least desk) then why can’t we also be voting, not for politicians, but on issues? Each issue dealt with on its merits, on a case by case basis, by the direct will of the people. Now that’s democracy.
Smoking:
The right way to resolve the dispute is to introduce a system that protects the rights of both smokers and non-smokers. One option is that Smoking Licenses could be issued by a governing body which ensures that both groups have local access to facilities. Powers of the licensing board could include the ability to order a place to have at least one no-smoking area, if no suitable alternative can be found. Government loans could be made available for compulsory alteration works, I don’t think people need lose business, some people might want to change their habits if this sytem were introduced, but many won’t and those that will might start going out more often. NB the smoking of marijuana should be permitted anywhere the smoking of tobacco is!
Ironing:
I was just thinking I need to wash my stage shirt, but that involves ironing and last time I used the iron for by dress shirt for the National Youth Choir reunion concert, it left a brown mark (presumably because I hadn’t used it in years). I’ve never been one for ironing by any means, but its only just struck me how ridiculous the the notion that you don’t look right if youre clothes haven’t been squashed flat by a hot iron really is. Anarchy in a creased shirt, I must be getting middle aged.
Man and Animals:
I don’t eat as much meat as I used to. Still treat myself sometimes though, I’m not a vegetarian, not yet at least. It seems clear to me that the food chain is a natural part of life. What concerns me is that we are being slow to ensure that the animals we eat (and wear etc) are not suffering unnecessarily. Buying free range eggs seems as obvious a thing to do as buying fair trade coffee and tea, but when buying most animal products, there’s no gurantee, or an even indication how the animal was treated. This is what causes me to want to cut down on my carnivorous tendencies. I’d like to see a system whereby all food stuffs, and potentially other products as well are labelled to indicate if the treatment of the animal has met agreed standards.
Music:
I’ve given lots of thought to the way music has progressed over the years, and wondering where it will go in the future. It’s hard not to believe that much of the great music has been written, but I don’t see that as a bad thing. More the case that those before us have paved away, given us an incredible wealth of inspiration, and laid the way for the future, which I believe is going to involve much more in terms of participation. Whereas in the past, music was written by an elite and performed by a minority, the future suggests that the power to make music will soon be in everyone’s hands, and it will become a much more common and communal activity.
Human Rights:
In the UK we’re lucky enough to live in one of the most libertarian society’s in recorded history. People in other countries are less fortunate sadly, and it is partly for this reason I’m in the Green Party and Amnesty. Back home there are very few things I’m ever wanted to do that would land me in trouble with the law. A normal brush with teenage shoplifting aside and some unlucky motoring escapades aside, I live within the law in every way except for the use of certain recreational substances. We’re hung up about drugs, and also sex. I’d like to see us liberalising rapidly towards being comfortable with drugs, sex and nudity. Ok, I may be giving away my hedonistic side here, (no secret to some!) but really, you’d think the sixties never happened the way some people go on.
Advice:
Here's my advice, don't ask for it.
Aphorisms:
I came up with this little beauty earlier "Have faith, not Faith" and then was suitably amused to come across this from Douglas Adams "Capital letters were always the best way of dealing with things you didn't have a good answer to.".
Prayer:
I don't pray because the suggestion that I might possibly have a better idea of what's right than whatever it is I'm supposed to be praying to, seems to defeat the object, who knows tho, if we all wish hard..?
Duty:
Its not just doctors who should take the Hippocratic Oath, so should soldiers, politicians, priests and teachers.
Total Tolerance:
A lot of people who think that they are very tolerant are quite intolerant of those they deem to be substantially less tolerant than themselves. Racists, fascists, murderers, terrorists and paedophiles are all to easy to hate, but the simple truth is that everyone is worthy of respect and love and that adding your own intolerance and hate into the situation only adds to the problem.
Religion II:
Just read this from Einstein:"There remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Love for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion". This sums up very well where I seem to have arrived at, for now at least. It's not a direct quote tho - instead of the word veneration, I've used the word love. I was also tempted to add the word currently before the word understand ;-) The better I understand what it is that I mean by the word God, the greater my conviction that organised religion is one of the largest contributing sources to the gap between God and humanity.
Ghandi:
Watching Richard Attenborough's amazing film recently I saw a picture of the actual personification of the philsophy at which I seem to have arrived. "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall - think of it, always." .
Concept:
Is it impossible for a concept to exist on its own? How can you understand or explain a concept without reference to another concept? Everything around us seems to be dual in nature, yin and yang if you like, and yet we still seem to be looking an original concept and a means to explain it. Perhaps it is because God as a concept is a singularity that it is inexplicable.
God V:
If you ask question about your belief in God, then also ask yourself, when is a word, a word? Across the room, you see a piece of paper. On it is something which may be a random ink mark, or it may be a word. You cannot see it well enough to be sure which. It's only a word when it is recognised as such by you.
The Bible:
Just because part of a book is true, that doesn’t mean it all is.
Law:
The strength of the concept of law as a moral code is our ability to change it. So thank God we keep religion out of the state.
Tolerance:
In the face of true tolerence, intolerance simply ceases to exist.
Violence:
To use violence in order to get your own way is akin to a cry for help. If you are attempting to exert authority over someone, then implicit in that is the admission that it would be possible for someone to exert their authority over you.
Pressure:
Pressure needn’t be a part of life. It’s a moot point as to whether applying pressure to someone makes them more, or less likely to do something. As many now realise, most of the pressure we experience is that which we put ourselves under completely unnecessarily.
Optimist or Pesimist?
Even though I believe in the best, I sometimes fear the worst.
God IV:
The word God, like the word infinity is an answer to a question we cannot answer. The phyicist, unsure whether or not something can exist that has no end, creates his notion of infinity, whilst the creationist, afraid to believe that something can exist that has no creator, offers us God.
Thinking:
A lot of people tell me that thinking is bad, or depressing. In fact thinking should be very relaxing, because thinking is understanding and with understanding comes love. It's worry that is useless and causes stress, we need to learn to differentiate between the two. Either it will happen, or it wont.
Religion:
I'm starting a new religion. There are no members. As soon as anyone joins, I will leave. The question is the answer, love is real.
Society:
Our goal must be to further refine the nature of our society until it is so tolerant and inclusive that no one ever has a problem fitting in. When you bear in mind how fundamentally similar we all are, it has to be a reasonable goal. We must aim to further the rights of the individual over the corporate, and to differentiate between acts which harm others and those that only harm ourselves.
Party Politics:
Two party politics has had its day. The major battles have been won and with luck and good judgement, centrist policies will continue to prevail. I see a future in which several parties govern on a coalition basis and one day a time when decision-making can be placed in the hands of co-operative individuals.
God Mk III:
The notion of God is partly an attempt by man to define what is good. Another definition of what is good would be “that which makes us truly happy”. Since we are the only known sentience in the universe, then what seems to be good, must be good. In as much as it is possible to assign any kind of purpose to reality, then our will must be it. What makes us truly happy is responsible co-existence. If God has a plan, we're it.
Drugs:
There is no doubt in my mind that the moderate use of soft drugs can be a valuable and positive part of the modern lifestyle. The pace of society has been quickening for some time. Smoking cannabis can help some people relax when they want to, and we undervalue relaxation, something which many find it hard to achieve. Taking pills can help ensure an evening is enjoyable, and love is shared, and the feeling of well being need not be temporary, the positive effects can be carried over into daily life. Until society accepts this, we continue to draw attention away from the all too real dangers of excessive, or irresponsible drug use. Bill Hicks put it better "'I had a great time on drugs. Sorry! Didn't murder anybody, didn't rob anybody, didn't rape anybody, didn't beat anybody, didn't lose... mmm... one f**ing job. [Drawls] LAUGHED-MY-ASS-OFF. And went about my day." He might have added "then some f***er arrested me, I went to jail where I was driven into a cycle of despair, picked up criminal tendencies and a smack habit, lost my job and my partner and my life. Thank you society, we love you.."
Life:
Do what you want and try to enable others to do the same. The rest is just opinions.
Motivations:
As I look around, I try to see people’s motivations. Whether I’m looking at people at their best, or at their worst, I see people either trying to make life better for others, or for themselves. I understand and respect both.
Rules:
When is a rule, a rule? I’ve been an avowed anarchist for .. oh, several months now which is to say that I want us to live in a society with no rules. I’ve so far been thinking in terms of a gradual reduction in the number of rules, but I now see things slightly differently. I now see the journey as more of a question not of reducing the number of rules, in fact as society changes and is further refined, we will continue to need more for some time, but instead a steady shift away from punitive action to reparative. In particular we should do more to reduce our over-reliance on incarceration and the death penalty should have been illegal internationally years ago.
Stand Up MkIII:
The preaching of tolerance.
Jesus/God:
Jesus knew how important it is to be loving and tolerant and to take responsibility for one’s own actions, and he told everybody so. Quite a lot of people listened, though they didn’t all get it. The Romans weren’t exactly respected for their tolerance, though some of them did concede he had a point. The problem was not enough people were listening, and not enough people were realising just how true it is. Jesus obviously felt chosen, and for all I know, perhaps he was. He rejected all those who told him what to do, but created an alternative. I believe that we are all god, because god is reality. When Jesus started going around telling everybody that he was the Son of God, people started really listening perhaps because it is pleasing to assign human properties to reality so we can relate to it easier. Sadly, he found himself in such a blindingly intolerant and unloving society, and he saw things so clearly, I'm not surprised that he felt like he’d been chosen in some way.
Jesus:
He does seem to have been quite a guy. He spread the "Do as You Would be Done By" message and didn’t accept the right of people to impose their will on others. He even died for his cause. I'm just not sure it's appropriate to elevate him any further than say Gandhi, Luther-King or that bloke who set fire to himself in Tiananmen Square (to name but three).
Responsibility:
Why are we so keen to devolve responsibility, whether it's to God, or the State or just to our lovers, family and friends? It’s hard, but it’s so much better to accept responsibility for our own emotions.
Stand Up Mk IV:
Philosophy plus Humour.
Beliefs:
I have strongly held beliefs and have been called opinionated with good reason. Its not that I don’t question my beliefs though, not even that I question them every day, more accurately (lately anyway) I am in a constant state of questioning.
Finances:
As I realise that my limited savings are about to be more than swallowed up by my tax bill, I feel almost relieved, why? In some ways, struggling to survive is easier than worrying about the future, paying that next bill is a simple identifiable and achievable goal. I suspect that it’s also the case that the more comfortable we are, the more we feel we need to be. Is it a more powerful drive for the rich to become richer than for the poor to become comfortable?
Christmas:
People I know seem split about 60:40 in favour of either "buying into" the whole Xmas thing (whether Christian or not) or rejecting it and insisting on telling me that its "banned" in their house. I can't see why we need rely on a particular time of year to celebrate our life and loves, and the commerciality and inconvenience is undeniable, but on the other hand it is a long standing holiday season with an accent on spending time with loved ones and generosity of spirit and that can't be all bad. I say enjoy what parts of it you feel comfortable with, and sod the rest.
Anger:
If you’re angry with someone, that is because they are not being who you want them to be. The problem lies in the fact that you are having trouble accepting who they are.
Selfishness:
I am selfish. I am unselfish. If I do what makes me happy then I am better able to contribute positively to the world around me. My needs and those of the community are the same.
Perversion:
I know they're only words, but lately I've heard a number of otherwise very tolerant people refer to some acts as "peverse" or "unnatural". We'd have a whole load less hassle if more people started to realise that what happens is natural, and what's unnatural is selecting certain modes of behaviour and labelling them as unnatural. Even rape is natural. Doesnt make it right of course, because imposing your will on others is unfair. Condemning any kind of behaviour as unnatural, perverse or whatever serves only to stigmatise and oppress, making reasonable debate and actual help and support much more difficult.
Reality:
Parmenides said "What you can think of has to be, since it can be, whilst nothing cannot be. Think about it." So then when we use out brains in various ways (imagination, learning, deduction) are we definining reality, or creating it?
Nudity:
One of our remaining taboos. Somehow, the more one thinks about man's place in the universe, the more bizarre it seems that we are offended by each other's bodies. I think there's also a strong libertarian argument to be considered.
Proportional Representation:
I’m starting to think that PR is a crucial move, tho of course it arguably relies on those who have a great deal of power being prepared to risk losing some of it. So many people will only vote for one of two or three parties because of the first past the post system. Its not just about the Greens, how about some independents now and again? OK, so the BNP might get a seat, but that doesn’t seem any worse than driving them underground – what’s so wrong with having a dialogue with these people. Perversely, although I'm standing as a "paper" Green candidate next year, I'm also starting to think that we should leave party politics out of local politics. Let's see more independents and hear some real views, not just party lines.
Science:
Real science is learning to ask the right questions. Separating the scientific and the spiritual feels like a mistake. It may be a physicist, a psychologist, a para-psychologist, a theologist or a philosopher that makes the next big breakthrough, but I have a feeling it might just be someone thinking much more broadly.
God MKII:
I don't believe that God made man in his own image, rather that through religion, man has made God in his. The bible is a fascinating read, but why are we anthropomorphising God? Is God in fact just our attempt to anthropomorphise reality? God is a good word, but here's some others: love, connectedness, eternity, spirituality.
Maturity:
Don't be afraid to appear childlike at times, the moment you stop is when you feel like you have nothing more to learn, and then you're finished.
Democracy:
It's probably reasonable to say that we need government for now, but ultimately our aim must surely be to improve the world around us by voluntary, positive action.
Parenting:
If a useful working definition of the aim of growing up is that we seek to better understand ourselves whilst attempting to effect change where appropriate and accept who we are, then as a parent we should surely seek to avoid actions which narrow the possible range of selves open to the child.
Transvesticism and kinky sex:
I suspect a lot of what we think of as "kinky" is born out of repression and the stubborn refusal of society to to accept anything beyond an unnecessary, unhelpful and outmoded norm. Not all of it tho, some is just good old fashioned human variety. What is more silly, a man wearing female clothes, or the very notion that certain clothes are appropriate only for a certain gender?
Birthdays:
I’ve never much liked my own Birthday, but not quite sure why. I see now that ironically it’s the one day in the year when you least get to do what you want, because other people are trying so hard to do what they think you want.
Theory of Everything:
This theory of everything that people are looking for – as ludicrous as it may sound, that’s what im after basically, but im not prepared to get bogged down in science in order to find it. Once upon a time thinkers of the day thought about *everything* and I think stopping this was potentially a mistake. We’ve been sidetracked by detail for too long, let’s find some truth!
Subconscious:
Listen to your subconcious, sometimes it's smarter than you are.
The Greens:
I've heard the criticism that we're a party for the people who have no party, and I think to an extent that's true. We are extremists in the sense that we think big changes are appropriate. If you are an extremist, you're probably either a Green or a facist. I like the party for that very reason. We're kind of a "one No many yeses" party. We agree that the status quo is not good, and recognise that that is the first step necessary before going forward.
Three Rules:
I can tell you three things about the sort of person I want to be when I grow up. I think its fair to say that most people in the world could be more happy, the tricky thing is figuring out how. 1) I think we can contribute by doing things. Actually doing things that make the world better, improving the lot of others, leading by example,
having a direct effect. and 2) by communicating this idea to others, inviting people to behave a bit better and more thoughtfully. But, 3) I do not believe that its helpful to try and impose your will on others. People whom I think have lived well by these three measures are Brian Wilson of course (!), Gandhi - a powerful example, and perhaps Jesus was the best of them all. Hitler, one could argue got it part right, but tragically ignored number 3).
Choice:
If you want to be in a band and you can't find one to join, start one. If you want to perform stand up, but can't get enough gigs, then start a club. If you want to be a journalist and you can't get published, start your own magazine. Need I go on? The best way to learn is by doing. Yes, I mean you ;-)
Responsilbility:
As I see it, there are two reasons for deciding what to do with your day. a) because you realise that you have responsibility for your own actions. If so, then do what you want, be selfish, have the day off, enjoy! or b) because you feel responsibility for others. If so, think seriously about what you could really do best to make the world a better place in one day. If the answer is "Why, what I'm doing right now of course!" then fine, but is it?
Work:
What is work? A useful definition is that it is doing things that we're paid for. However, some time ago I stopped differentiating betwen what is work and what isn't. Why? because it's not important. Do what you feel, or believe is important, often people will pay you for it. If not and you feel obliged to work to earn money to guarantee a certain comfort level, then listen to yourself closely, you might be overestimating how much comfort you need. Some people make the mistake of thinking of their work as separate to their life, something to be put up with. It's not separate, in fact its potentially central.
Bland TV:
is a sympton of humanity's desease. we don't need this level of comfort. Challenge yourself, explore your abilities. Engage in life.
Free Will MkII:
You know that scene in Pulp Fiction where a gun is pointed at Samuel L Jackson's character and he says (words to the effect) "This isnt the first time a gun's been pointed at my head". He is not allowing anyone to make him do what he doesn't want to do, even at gunpoint. How many of us delude ourselves that we *have* to do something we don't want to ... even though we might never have seen a gun.
Mental Problems:
What is a mental problem? Do you perceive reality differently to the perceived norm? If so, welcome. If you are suffering, then I would suggest that whilst shared responsibility and questioning are good, acceptance is also important.
God:
I know someone who thinks they are God, how do I know they are wrong? I think when mad people are waving their arms around, it's because they're wondering if they are god. I've recognised a universal truth, I dont know anything. Who I am? I am what I am! I question, but I accept. I am God.
Universities:
There's much talk of how to fund universaity places, but it all seems to be founded on the assumption that getting more and more people into University is the goal. Does no one else think that academic progress should not actually be the be all and end all for our young people? Up with education, down with school! ;-)
American Corporations:
"I hope that we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations, which dare to challenge our government to a trial of strength" Thomas Jefferson 1816. "This is a government of the people, for the people and by the people no longer. It is a government of the corporations, by the corporations and for the corporations" Rutherford Hayes 1876. "There can be no effective control of corporations while their political activity remains" Theodore Roosevelt 1910. These aren't "nobodies" talking, these are presidents. When will people start listening and realise that power lies with them should they choose to exercise it.
Language:
One correct answer to any question "what is such and such" is "its a word". Words are labels we use to descibe concepts and in all probability, every word has a slightly different meaning for every person in every context. Thus all arguments are essentially semantic. However, this doesn't mean they're not important, as it is our interpretation of the world around us that ultimately matters.
Nanny State:
When will people catch on to the fact that people act more responsibly when they are given more responsibility. By definition!
Free Will:
Next time you catch yourself saying "I wish I didn't have to do such and such" remember that no one can make you do *anything* without the threat of physical violence, and that only works if you're not prepared to risk suffering for what you believe. Of course compromise is sometimes appropriate, but that is *your* choice.
Capitalism:
It's become clear to me that we in the so called developed nations have allowed the urge to consume to take over instead of our need to survive. I don't believe a drive to succeed, or even the wish to be materially rewarded is inherently wrong, but I do feel it is wrong up until such a time when everyone on the planet has basic human rights.
Prescription vs Description Mk II:
If the path from the road to your house runs around the edge of your lawn, many people will walk in a straight line between the front gate and your door thus wearing away the middle of your lawn. Have they done the wrong thing, or is the path in the wrong place?
Invasion:
I would only ever invade another country in order to offer its people food, water and shelter.
"Bad" Audiences:
Comedy serves in at least two ways, as art and as entertainment. Depending on which is a comic's speciality or preference, some audiences will suit them better than others. In a good conversation, both parties will often working to try and themselves understood clearly. In stand up, an audience is asking the comic to do most of the work. Not much point in them asking, if they then don't listen.
Time:
I think we will understand time better in the future. I don't know what the mathematicians and the physicists think about that, but then it might not be them who figure it out, it might be a musician.
Stand Up Mk II:
Stand up isn't comedy, comedy is truth. Life is comedy.
Prescription vs Description
It's perhaps no coincidence that Noam Chomsky was a linguist. One of the very few things I learned over one year studying linguistics is that it's a science that atempts to describe its subject matter, not to lay out rules to follow. When will our lawmakers catch on? Obvious examples for you: prostitution is referred to as the oldest profession in the world, and every culture in human history has used intoxicants, and yet both are mostly illegal.
Idealism vs Pragmatism:
I think most of us are idealists at heart, its natural to want the world to be a better place. The question is, how far out of our way are we prepared to go?
Blame:
I don't know how much actual wrong there is in the world (by which I obviously mean human society). What I do know is that there's a great deal of mis-communication, selfishness and failure to see another's point of view.
Need:
The needs of the many outweighs the needs of the few ... and greatly outweighs the needs of the individual. Yet there are people starving in the world and I can afford a holiday.
Choice:
We live in a free market economy - you get what you pay for. We're lucky that we have the opportunity to shape our environment by supporting whatever style of business we prefer. If you want to live in an ethical and caring environment, its perfectly simple, all you have to do is to do business only with ethical and socially responsible organisations. They're there if you look.
Stand Up:
One of the reasons why stand up is so important is this: as long as you are able to be entertaining with it, you are given the opportunity to convince people of your point of view. This mirrors a shift in society generally, and is why the entertainment business is so important - ie increasingly, everything is the entertainment business.
Politics:
What puts me off heavier future involvement in politics more than anything else is that the more I get involved, the less I would feel comfortable being honest. (Of course when I say that, in the back of my mind I'm secretly thinking that I might yet become the first politician (ever?) to be completely honest and get away with it).
Green Issues/Class:
Much as I take seriously our worries about litter and graffiti etc, I can't help wondering if they're rather middle class concerns. Its not that the working class don't care, they just can't afford to. As to whether or not its even appropriate to talk in class terms anymore .. that's another question.
Forgiveness:
The Christians have sort of hijacked forgiveness haven't they? In fact not only have they hijacked it, but to hear them talk about it you'd think that it only had value as a concept because someone tells you so. In fact, forgiveness is a vital part of any real friendship. I don't have one close friend who hasn't disappointed me or let me down at some time, or who doesn't have a single obvious character flaw, but if I wasn't able to forgive these things, I wouldn't have any friends. Thankfully most of my friends are able to do the same for me at least as often if not more.
Time:
What is it that scares us all so much that we fill up our lives with so much irrelevant crap?
Big Business:
You've got to admire the way big companies aren't afraid to destroy a few thousand people's jobs in order to make their share holders a bit richer. At least some of the people out of work from the 1,500 job cuts by Lloyds TSB recently might have enjoyed watching the (Lloyds TSB sponsored) 6 Nations Rugby Tournament .. maybe they might have even entered the competition to win a holiday to take their mind off things (sponsored by Lloyds TSB of course). Meanwhile the Post Office despite plans to lay off 15% of its workforce, continues "delivering value" (presumably whilst its ex-employees are busy in the pub devaluing their livers) ..
Interventionism:
It's a tricky one aint it? By instinct I'm an almost total pacifist, but when I think of people being tortured or killed for being black, gay, female, of a certain religious or political persuasion etc, there are times when I say yes, in that instance I would stand up and fight. Are there moral absolutes?
Religion:
Whoever invented God has a hell of a lot to answer for.
Addiction:
What's the difference between an addiction and simply doing something often that you enjoy immensely? Answer - you only find out if for some reason you try and stop doing it - if you can't stop then you're addicted. If you never try and stop, you never find out.
Sex and Music:
are similar in many ways, except that listening to someone else making music can be almost as much fun as doing it yourself. Actually its an odd thing on the face of it, given how important music is to me, that I very rarely listen to it alone. Partly because it means so much more to share it I think, but also because I'm afraid it won't sufficiently occupy my mind, and then I might start thinking about … what?
Restaurants:
"I love restaurants. You’re sitting there and all of a sudden, there’s food. It’s like magic." Brian Wilson 2001
Negativity:
The problem is, once you start feeling negative, things quickly go from bad to worse, then you walk past a McDonalds and think "Jesus Christ, we really are living in a world of shit".
Life:
The fundamental problem of life is that it generally takes longer to earn money than it does to spend it.
The Beach Boys:
Would probably be a better regarded band if their tunes were less good. The incandescent arrangements, the extraordinary versatility, the vituoso mastery of the studio, the sheer beauty of the sound of their voices. Most people just don't notice these things when they hear a good tune.
Suicide Note:
To my friends and family, you were sometimes less than I needed, but always more than I deserved.
Obituary:
He lived his life his own way and sometimes made people laugh.
Americans:
The nation that spends enough money on "defense" to feed the world and pollutes more per capita than any other nation. In the whole of the 90's what annoyed them most? Some guy putting his dick in the wrong woman.

 

OK, rant over ... for now! (well its cheaper than therapy ain't it?)