Into The Wild Wednesday, Apr 30 2008

I had heard about this book (and obviously the movie) from a few friends and wanted to see it for a while now. Last Sunday night, after returning from a three-day camping trip — during which the first night’s dinner was canceled due to uncooperative weather — it seemed sort of fitting to watch this before bed.

First I’ll give you my thoughts on the movie. It’s a damn good movie. Just trust me on that. I was in my bed, dead-tired after three days of rock climbing & camping, and I didn’t even consider falling asleep for a single second while watching it. The cinematography, the music and Emile Hirsch (The Girl Next Door, Alpha Dog) as Christopher McCandless, aka Alexander Supertramp, were amazing. The movie has a good flow, cutting between his “current” situation in Alaska and his various experiences prior to venturing into the Alaskan wilderness, starting out quite playful, almost innocent, and turning more serious towards the end. While making his way north, he encounters, and in some cases deeply affects the lives of many characters that come across as genuine. Too many times there’s an array of distractions rather that supporting charters.

As for my commentary about the actual story, be warned that the following paragraph(s) will most likely contain spoilers.

If you know me, you know that I am no fan of marriage. I don’t despise it — though it may appear so at times — but I feel the need for a proactive indifference, similar to coping with a bully on the playground … except that marriage won’t go away, no matter how long you ignore it. I feel this way mostly because of how much the concept is abused on a daily basis. This is more or less where the movie starts for me philosophically. The happy McCandless family is a complete sham. You have two people who don’t love each other — possibly don’t even know what love really is — that got a piece of paper that proclaimed them married. Soon after, they started making babies and played out all the little plays, that in their mind looked like things a family would do. It was all a farce. It was all empty. No one made any attempt to understand and actually care about each other. Christopher was undoubtedly a very driven, intelligent guy who lived his life by a code, and the realization of what emptiness he was borne from pushed him on this quest to find himself and define who and what he really is. His great enemies were all the things his parents were so preoccupied with. A great big house, a nice new car. This, I think, is why: Had the foundation upon which any young person builds their life — one’s family — had it not been as materialistic as it was described to be, he most likely would have not grown up with such contempt for everything material that society places a value on. Had his family life been more about relationships, he would have accepted money as a tool, not a false object of desire.

While his quest to find himself, was on occasion a bit dangerous, the end was not so much tragic as it was just plain stupid. What he did, and the way he chose to do it was an atrocity on his own life and everyone who did love him him. If he’d just had a real map he could have easily walked out his situation, as a hand-operated tram crossed the river only a quarter mile from where he was. And that’s only the beginning of the travesty he committed. He was completely unprepared, in every way imaginable, to cope with the situation he was about to put himself into. There’s courage, and then there is just plain ignorant stupidity, and it’s particularly upsetting when it’s committed by someone who is neither ignorant nor stupid. Sure in the beginning he did alright – but a drunk driver is a pretty safe driver until he has to react quickly to some unforeseen event. What’s ironic, in a very sad way, is his transformation into what he quite possibly despised the most: his father. Throughout the movie he met people and affected all of their lives in some positive way; he was loved, admired and cared for. Yet he chose to throw it all away, ignore those who opened their hearts to him, and do something incredibly selfish, which perceptibly hurt all those who cared about him. His lack of concern for the relationships he formed resembled his father more than any of the men he idolized.

I think it is often the case, that if we blindly try to escape something, without understanding the root of it and its effect on us, we are likely to end up where we started.

In the spirit of the movie, I leave you with this quote:

“What we need for our happiness is often close at hand,
if we knew but how to seek for it.”

— Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Atlas Shrugged Wednesday, Apr 23 2008

A few weeks ago I finished what may be the most amazing and thought-inspiring book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand; the Bible of Selfishness as they call it. The book is considered Rand’s magnum opus, and its 1,200 pages, particularly Galt’s speech (which is 60 pages long) lay the foundation for her philosophy of Objectivism (yes, it’s that kind of reading).

The book is set in the 50s and the mood in America is changing. A prosperous country, with a thriving industry is slowly turning to the ideas of Communism, embracing brotherlove and the Common Good. Meanwhile high-profile members of society — inventors, company owners, musicians — are disappearing without a trace. Quickly it becomes evident that most of these people are prime movers — men and women who make the society move forward. All of them highly motivated, smart and creative were the ones who came up with the solutions to society’s problems. What they got in return was hatred and contempt very similar to what companies like Walmart are experiencing today.

Rand’s book is the capitalist’s Bible and it lays some straight forward rules. To get paid you must produce. Your worth has to come from somewhere. Your “need” is not a valid claim to anything. If you want something you must take by the power of you own mind — you must earn it. I agree with her rules and her philosophy, but mostly just within the scope of her book. I think her idea of a utopia where everyone works hard and money is root of all good is just as absurd — in the real world and with real people — as the idea of prosperity for everyone in a Communist society. But the more likely scenario is that her book was not meant as the Capitalist’s Manifesto, and its intentions are not to incite a riot and overthrow the government (which in her book could be best described as a filthy swamp full of slithering bottom-feeders and purposeless creatures, always concealed and waiting to inject their poison into whatever comes within their reach) but to perhaps to look at one’s own actions, thoughts and accomplishments. To establish a code for how to live one’s own life, and a be productive, think critically, and most importantly, to never depart from that code.

What has intrigued me since I started reading the book, is how much I agree with Rand on her social and political views, from an individual standpoint, of course. At the same time, an acquaintance of mine, who also seems to share her views, would drive me insane and into the most absurdly harsh arguments I’ve ever had with anyone. I could never understand him until I had read the book. I suppose I now understand what drives him as a person, but I still believe that this individual is a bit misguided, because he 1. takes her word as literal gospel, and 2. neglects one fact that separates the novel from reality: the unyielding integrity of character and the moral law — which you will not find in most people. In Rand’s world the world is separated into two kinds of basic people the movers who make it all happen (by producing and/or inventing new things) who conduct themselves by a strict code of ethics in business and pleasure, and the looters (mostly the government and industrialists with close ties to the government) who get what they feel is owed to them by bending the rules in their favor. What my acquaintance constantly seems to forget, is that we don’t live in a society where the industrial tycoon is truly and always a man of his word. Where prosperity is created through ideas and hard work of the individual rather than the exploitation of workers. I have no issue with the prosperity of the selfish — I have no claim to anything they own. When, however, the prosperity of the selfish becomes the a tyranny of such men, that is when we all begin to have a problem. We’re most certainly not a communist society, but the aristocracy of money has largely been replaced by the aristocracy of pull, as she puts it — just look at our current administration and how its conducted itself and its relationships to some of the industry giants.

One of the main characters, Francisco d’Anconia delivers a mini-speech (mini as in only 5 pages long) to some guests at a party, who are revolted by his ideas and his lack of selflessness. How many times have we heard, “Money is the root of all evil?” This should be a nice change of pace:

“So you think that money is the root of all evil?” said Francisco d’Anconia. “Have you ever asked what is the root of money? Money is a tool of exchange, which can’t exist unless there are goods produced and men able to produce them. Money is the material shape of the principle that men who wish to deal with one another must deal by trade and give value for value. Money is not the tool of the moochers, who claim your product by tears, or of the looters, who take it from you by force. Money is made possible only by the men who produce. Is this what you consider evil?

“When you accept money in payment for your effort, you do so only on the conviction that you will exchange it for the product of the effort of others. It is not the moochers or the looters who give value to money. Not an ocean of tears nor all the guns in the world can transform those pieces of paper in your wallet into the bread you will need to survive tomorrow. Those pieces of paper, which should have been gold, are a token of honor — your claim upon the energy of the men who produce. Your wallet is your statement of hope that somewhere in the world around there are men who will not default on that moral principle which is the root of money. Is this what you consider evil?

“Have you ever looked for the root of production? Take a look at an electric generator and dare tell yourself that it was created by the muscular effort of unthinking brutes. Try to grow a seed of wheat without the knowledge left to you by men who had to discover it for the first time. Try to obtain your food by means of nothing but physical motions — and you’ll learn that man’s mind is the root of all the goods produced and of all the wealth that has ever existed on earth.

“But you say that mony is made by the strong at the expense of the weak? What strength do you mean? It is not the strength of the guns or muscles. Wealth is the product of man’s capacity to think. Then is money made by the man who invents a motor at the expense of those who did not invent it? Is money made by the intelligent at the expense of the fools? By the able at the expense of the incompetent? By the ambitious at the expense of the lazy? Money is made — before it can be looted or mooched — made by the effort of every honest man, each to the extent of his ability. An honest man is one who knows that he can’t consume more than he has produced.

The speech goes on for a few more pages, but it outlines some basic problems that are in some ways terrifyingly similar to those that have beset our economy recently, and where the experts predict it will go. One reoccurring theme that identifies the moochers, is their indifference to everything. Why do I have to worry about that? It’s not my responsibility! I see this a lot when it comes to politics and social issues, and no one can argue that the average American citizen is pretty ignorant when it comes to world events. Most people I’ve asked can’t even remember when September 11 happened. Yes, it’s far easier to tune out the reality of it all and tune into a manufactured reality available to you at the push of a button on your comfortable little couch. This happens in Rand’s book. I read today in the WSJ, that serious food-shortages are being predicted or at least soaring prices that will further batter our economy with very little chance for recovery. Price of wheat has tripled over the last three years. This happens in Rand’s book. I read yesterday that Europe is turning back to coal, for its power plants partially due to soaring oil prices. This also happens in Rand’s book. I know, I know, every generation whines how bad they have it. I can’t speak for the generations of the past, so I’ll speak for what I see today. I see people who are content. I am content. A co-worker says, “My God, gas will be four dollars a gallon pretty soon.” On the way home I see them in their gas-guzzling SUV. I say “Good. I hope it soars to 10 dollars a gallon by this summer!” Shock. “You’re crazy,” they say. It is too bad, but until it happens everyone will just complain without doing a damn thing about. When it happens I will ride my bike to work and everywhere else. Until then, I am content and find the situation bearable. Just like everyone else.

Many are inclined to say, and in fact have said so to me, that there are no more “prime movers” in society. That one man can no longer make a giant step for mankind. Where this perversion of indvidualist thought comes from is quite intriguing, especially in a country that is known for its unlimited freedom of opportunity, but is not something I would have thought about prior to reading this book.

I read somewhere that a majoirty of readers said this was the second most influental book in their lives, only to be surpassed by the Bibble. I would have to agree.

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Quick update Wednesday, Nov 21 2007

I need to …

put up/send out pictures from our Halloween party — a Victorian themed Masquerade Ball — which was just plain awesome. Best estimate is that around a hundred people in fantastic costumes showed up for a good time (some reluctantly leaving around 4:30 in the morning)

put up pictures from Stephen & Stacey’s drinking container party as well as pictures & design sketches of my Deux Ex Machina drinking container that as many have assured me, should have won for most creative. Despite its awesomeness — such awesomeness it would make Chuck Norris nod in approval — it didn’t win for a number of reasons that can be best summed up as: people didn’t get what it did. I’ll explain when/if I ever get around to putting up the pics. That was also a great party and I’m already looking forward to next year.

process all the pictures from my last photo shoot with Carrie, a new acquaintance I’ve made, who has been willing to spend time modeling for me.

come up with more ideas for photo shoots

get packed for our annual Thanksgiving climbing trip

go through a few thousand images, and judge them for the everyman photo contest. two sections down 4 more to go.

On a completely different note, since my last real update I have …

celebrated mine and Laura’s one year anniversary (night of our Halloween party)

completed all possible 200 miles of the two-day MS150 bike tour and raised a little over a thousand dollars, thereby accomplishing both of my goals. next years goal: ride 300 miles in three days by riding the hundred miles from St. Charles to Columbia, then follow up with the 200 miles at the MS bike tour.

read the entire Harry Potter series and thought they were all great.

read Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. I enjoyed that one as well though I felt he fumbled it a bit at the very end. The first book, The Golden Compass, should hit the big screen sometime in December 2007.

read almost all books, all the ones I cared to read, by Neil Gaiman (American Gods a while back, then Good Omens, Stardust, Neverwhere, Anansi Boys)

seen the Stardust movie earlier this year as well. Didn’t live up to the book, of course, but was throughly enjoyable.

seen the live action Transformers movie and nearly peed on myself out of sheer joy.

been to a Renaissance Festival (in Kansas City) which was an awesome experience

entered two mountain bike races and won neither of them.

broken my wrist during a dirt-jump crash landing about eight weeks before the aforementioned MS bike tour. spent six weeks in a brace.

done the moonlight ramble.

traveled to Puerto Rico and made friends with some locals

discovered some cool new bands/artists like Beirut, the Decemberists, the Pipettes, Grizzly Bear, Amy Milan, Andew Bird, etc.

I’m sure there is a thing or two I forgot, but as it is 12:30am, I am out.

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Speaker for the Dead Friday, Sep 29 2006

This blog title should actually say: What I just read (after waiting 6 months to get the book)

It’s true. I went to my local library some time ago to get the sequel to my beloved Ender’s Game novel, only to find out I’m 12th in the queue. Somehow 12 people took well over 6 months to read a 270-some page novel. I got the book on Monday and was finished with it by Thursday and that’s with class from 9 am till 9:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and work in between.

WTF, people? If you want to hang onto the book for weeks at a time then go buy a copy. Seriously, they should have literacy exams before you’re allowed to get books from the library. If you have to sound out the big words you’re card is gone like that. Zap! I’m all for pushing literacy in this country, because God knows it’s bad enough — I think we rank somewhere between Kazakhstan and Bangladesh, but I don’t have any sources to back that up so don’t quote me — but who ever has reading and/or comprehension issues should be reading whatever books fix reading and/or comprehension issues, not Ender’s Game sequels.

The way I see it, these cats read Ender’s Game, right, and they loved it. Genius children in a military school training in zero gravity and always trying to stay a step ahead of each other. Andrew Wiggin who calls himself Ender, of course, emerges as the guy who simply walks ahead of everyone without even trying. What’s not to love there, right?

If you don’t want any spoilers about Ender’s game, as obvious as they may be, continue by reading the next paragraph. Well after the formics are destroyed (oops, spoiler warning) Ender has a nervous breakdown because was makes him so great is his ability to empathize with other people and as it turns out other beings. Another one of Ender’s life philosophies — You must love your enemy to understand them, and beat them — surely plays a role in his breakdown after he discovers that he is responsible for wiping out an entire species.

Ender’s Game was quite action packed and from what I hear they are making it into a movie due out in 2008 sometime. Speaker for the Dead, however, is not nearly as action-packed and is a lot more … philosophical.

Speaker for the Dead is mainly about Ender’s redemption (to me anyway). Since the ending of the first book I could almost feel how guilt stricken Ender was, and a promise needed to be upheld. SFTD occurs many thousand years after the original novel, for Ender and his sister Valentine have been traveling from planet to planet at relativistic speeds (and not getting much older). Ender is a “Speaker for the Dead” which is now an official title as his first books The Hive Queen and the Hegemon — the first telling explains the conflict between humans and formics and the second tells the story of his brother Peter, Hegemon of the Earth — have spawned an entire religion and many speakers who travel and tell the life of the deceased in a very different manner. I’ll let you read the book to figure out what I mean. Ender’s name now used as a curse word, it has far surpassed the infamy of Hitler and Stalin and is almost synonymous with Xenocide which refers to genocide of an alien species. No one knows that Speaker Andrew Wiggin is actually the original speaker for the dead as well as Ender the Xenocide, since that would make him some 3000 years old.

I really don’t know where I was going with this other than to illustrate the burden that’s not just hanging above Ender each day, but is being constantly flung in his face.

So you can see there is a lot more depth to this story as well as the one involving the “piggies” which are another intelligent life form living on a far away planet. So my thought here is, all these cats liked the first book with its action packed chapters, but they struggled to finish the much more important second book because there really weren’t any explosions – only mysteries and questions and Ender’s quest for redemption.

Well next time you want to challenge yourself, please don’t do so at my expense. I suppose I could have just bought the book but that is not really the point now, is it ?

Anyway, the book was awesome and I went to get Xenocide (part III) and they don’t have it at all in the library system. I hope they can order it from somewhere.

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The Rock Warrior’s Way Tuesday, Jul 4 2006

I haven’t updated my blog in a little while mostly because I’ve been too busy enjoying real life (take that you web-addicts) and by real life I mean rock climbing. Wanna call me an addict, whatever, get in line.

So recently a good friend of mine was telling me about a book that deals with a very different aspect of rock climbing (Most books usually deal with training and technique). The book is called The Rock Warrior’s Way by Arno Ilgner, and its focus is mental training.The obvious reaction to the title is probably: well yeah, it’s pretty damn scary to be up that high. Maybe that is the problem some people have but the book deals with so much more. I have never been the kind of person who freaks out or loses their composure, but there was an entire universe of things I was missing that the book pretty much highlighted for me with a big fat marker. I’m not going to go into detail because chances are you won’t understand it or care about it either way.

Arno was in St. Louis last night and after doing a slideshow presentation at our gym him, some climbers who came down from Kansas City, my friend Callie (who knows Arno and actually suggested to him to come to St. louis) and I went to dinner. Being the youngest climber among them it was pretty awesome to hear the stories and learn from their comparably infinite ammount of experience.

Happy 4th everyone …

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