Breadth? Depth?

2012-01-11T00:14:00.002-05:00

A little of both?

(part 1)

Perhaps one of my biggest frustrations is the fact that a single lifetime isn't enough within which to do all the things I'd like to do; to learn all the things I'd like to learn; to become at least proficient, if not masterful, in innumerable skills all to my interest. Indeed, sometimes my greatest burden is an insatiable curiosity. I could always use more knowledge and expertise. Versatility and adaptability are seldom the problem - learning is our trademark in the animal kingdom.

So what can one do when faced with such impossible odds? Pick a skill or subject out of a hat and dedicate a lifetime of work and study to those, or explore every possibility while sacrificing that coveted degree of mastery in anything? Furthermore, should one restrict one's choices in order to accommodate opportunity, personal strengths, marketability, popular opinion, personal passions, parental guidance, environments, possible consequences and ramifications, social influence, monetary gain, one's upbringing, a certain set of ideals, religions, philosophies - necessity?

It's already really hard to make such a choice with limited exposure to certain skill sets. A lot of people, for example, will never know whether they'd like to try their luck on quantum physics because they will never hear of quantum physics in their lifetime, as capable as they may be. Or even if they do know that such field exists, and even if they do have great interest and capability, they might not have the opportunity or resources to pursue this or that ambition. That is, even when limited by opportunity, how might one decide?

Renewal

2011-12-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Ah, the jolly holiday times when most of us feel a heightened sense of goodness, generosity, well-being; when sentiments such as rebirth and renewal flood our hearts.

It is now that most of us reflect upon the past year and conclude that, despite some setbacks and misfortunes (2011 wasn't particularly kind to me, either), things ended up pretty well.

And now comes a fresh start: the holidays, refreshment for the body and spirit; the new year, full of possibilities and resolutions.

Let us not forget, however, of those who cannot look back and say all is well; of those whose sense of well-being is undermined by solitude and struggle.

Let us be generous, now and always, to those in any kind of need so that we can all move forth with courage and resolve against the tides of Fortune. So that, together, we may conquer 2012!

Spread the good will! Happy holidays!

(and welcome the renewed Plangite blog! =D )

Oh, Fortune!

Breadth? Depth?

Renewal