#tap

...an optimistic mind-set finds dozens of possible solutions for every problem that the pessimist regards as incurable. ↗

— Robert Anton Wilson

#philosophy #problems

Invisible prose only!" rules out the sparkling style of [writers]. . . For [whom] vivid prose, and the visionary mind it evinces, rich with speculation, insight, and subjectivity, is the craft and offers a unique caliber of truth. Is there any other art form one would praise by saying it's "invisible"? By definition, art transcends the ordinary, calls attention to itself, and offers virtuosity as its calling card. One that makes it possible to do what metaphor does so well: illuminate what can't be wholly understood. ↗

— Diane Ackerman

#language #metaphor #writing #art

Inevitably it follows that anyone with an independent mind must become 'one who resists or opposes an authority or established convention': a rebel. ...And if enough people come to agree with—and follow—the REBEL, we now have a DEVIL. Until, of course, still more people agree. And then, finally, we have ... GREATNESS. ↗

— Nicholas Tharcher

#independent-thought #metaphysics #philosophy #independence

The widespread abuse of prisoners is a virtually foolproof indication that politicians are trying to impose a system--whether political, religious or economic--that is rejected by large numbers of the people they are ruling. Just as ecologists define ecosystems by the presence of certain "indicator species" of plants and birds, torture is an indicator species of a regime that is engaged in a deeply anti-democratic project, even if that regime happens to have come to power through elections. ↗

— Naomi Klein

#democracy

The nail that sticks out farthest gets hammered the hardest. ↗

— Patrick Jones

#different #metaphor #rebels #wisdom #authority

The menu is not the meal. ↗

— Alan Wilson Watts

#metaphysics #names #nominalism #philosophy #power-of-words

If television's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who won't shut up. ↗

— Dorothy Gambrell

#librarian #library #metaphor #television #television

Dreams dress us carefully in the colors of power and faith. ↗

— Aberjhani

#dreams #faith #inspiration #inspirational #metaphysics

Love taught me to die with dignity that I might come forth anew in splendor. Born once of flesh, then again of fire, I was reborn a third time to the sound of my name humming haikus in heaven’s mouth. ↗

— Aberjhani

#dignity #faith #haiku #heaven #human-mortality

Memories are bullets. Some whiz by and only spook you. Others tear you open and leave you in pieces. ↗

— Richard Kadrey

#memories #metaphor #pain #tears