Pointlessly.org - Latest Comments

Re: Communication – finding the right balance

Roshanrm — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:48:13 -0000

God...tell me about how much people dont like hearing the truth....I've become more outspoken and straightshooting than ever and I feel like this has disadvantaged me....And now I have to make up for preaching the truth or my "truth"....And I fear people just think Im arrogant or something like that...

It sucks, because now you have to do damage control and do a PR job for your reputation...but the hardest part is just restraining yourself....

Re: Moby Dick Quotes

bpadraig — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 11:20:45 -0000

Thank you. Helped me with some writing.

Re: How do you think?

Roz — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:32:17 -0000

Hey Roshan! Yes of course I remember you! Thanks for your thoughts on this topic.

I feel like a lot of this is something that those in cognitive science/neurology (?)/psychology study as a science!
You're right, though, words ARE inherently incapable of carrying total meaning. But it seems like it's perhaps the..easiest way we think? Or we THINK that thinking in words is easy because we can put a name to it...
I don't think we switch as easily between systems & design thinking, since I feel like some of this is done by training as well?

Re: How do you think?

Roshanrm — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:47:57 -0000

And again I am amazed at how similar the things that we care about are. I think a lot about thinking too! (And then i think about thinking about thinking...!)

What I have found is that your thinking processes if you observe them (while having also nurtured them), is a very integrated form of thinking. Think of it as the thought exists on the plane of the emotional state. If there is no plane then there is nothing, thus some sort of emotion (incl goals, ambitions) is the originator of thought. And the emotional state that you are on not only effects but also affects your thinking.

I wonder toor whether I/everyone thinks in words....i kind of dont want to say that i think in words though.....they are inherently incapable of carrying total meaning....

And I think that our thinking is integrated seamlessly into all forms of thinking. We switch between systems thinking and design thinking and other types seamlessly.

Roshan
(hope you remember me at least...)

Re: “How are you?”

Igor — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:22:55 -0000

Я пришел отсюда http://walldecor.com.ua/ а видел тебя на твиттере ))

Re: Excess, wealth, and materialism and how that fits into a career in social enterprise

Amber Moller — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:10:36 -0000

nice post roz! I am proud of you for calling out these desires -- both wealth AND a *meaningful* career/job. as we both know, money doesn't buy happiness but a fulfilling mission in life (and actually pursuing/achieving that) is what may bring happiness (at least for us). I also like the vegas tie-in....it's so easy to get caught up in the moment. I'm not gonna knock it because I know we all had fun...but it's definitely not everything. Life is about having fun and making the most of the relatively short time we have, but fun mixed with the desire to make meaningful change in this world = THE BEST :)

Re: Moby Dick Quotes

James Fahy — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:49:22 -0000

excellent quotes! So much wisdom in one book :P

Re: The Overindulgence of Mindless Activities

Cecilie — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:51:08 -0000

I think it's hard to define what really is a "waste of time", because if one enjoys doing something then I don't think it is a waste of time. No matter what it is.

Re: The Overindulgence of Mindless Activities

Akhila — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:34:47 -0000

This is a great post.. because I do relate to you quite a bit. I feel like when I dedicate a lot of time to things like fashion, getting dressed nicely, going out and hanging out with friends and others, and also watching TV shows or movies.. that it is a waste of time, and that I could be doing something far more productive with my time. I could be learning, or volunteering, or thinking of some big ideas. But I realized that personally, I want to enjoy life. I want to enjoy every moment - whether it is learning or whether it is partying, or just having a late night conversation with a friend. I think every person has to find out how to make the most of things, but I think there is a place in life for pure carefree times and total fun. I feel like there has to be some balance, otherwise you ARE squandering some of the greatest parts of life!

Re: The Distinct American Identity

Roz — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:53:24 -0000

Hi Angela,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I did read your comment and did want to reply! I think you make a great point that I think I missed in my train of thought about the continuously changing nature of "American culture." I guess my post was a reaction to "American culture" as perceived by my peers/those in my generation. And I definitely realize that the idea of trying to define American culture as flawed -- it can be so subjective, which is why I'm sure my opinions about this issue are very judgmental and skewed, as they are shaped by my own personal experiences.

The concept of 'culture' and 'identity' is something that is so interesting and yet quite ambiguous to me... But I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post, and thanks again for sharing your feedback. It's always nice to hear others' thoughts/opinions.

Re: The Distinct American Identity

Angela — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:05:57 -0000

Hello, I stumbled upon your blog while looking for handouts from Hubert Dreyfus' lecture on The Brothers Karamazov. I was lucky to discover that Berkeley offers podcasts of some of their lectures...pretty sweet for a student who is awaiting admissions decisions! I haven't, yet, gotten to your related blog, but I have read your assimilation blog. As a 28 year old "WAS" (minus the P) with very different experiences, I enjoyed reading your personal experiences and perceptions and was intrigued by your questioning of Americans and assimilation and cultural definition. I would like to add a small, but relevant, piece to your point. When you think of Americans subscribing to American culture and ultimately being, I guess, awed by people who don't know various pop culture references, remember the continual struggle among the generations to define themselves, socially meld, and "get" each other (in every country even). An adult from the fifties has a very different perception of American culture than, perhaps, their own child of the 60's. Basically, what defines American culture is constantly changing in and of itself, not to mention the other rich cultures adding to the mix (more slowly, yes, but existent). In essence, the very idea of trying to define American culture is flawed. Everyone is trying to assimilate in one way or another, consciously or not. I hope the only definition American culture holds onto is that it continues to change. Thank you for sharing your experiences and I hope you have a culturally rich day :)

Re: Past and Future Travel Plans

Roz — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:44:09 -0000

Oh my gosh.. the ENTIRE YEAR!? Damn girl, that's intense! I'm quite jealous. I'm sure you'll be traveling all throughout Europe too, though, right? Why Ireland for the summer?

I've been to Europe twice before (first time = all over Italy, second = London & Paris) ,but I've never been to Greece! I'm excited to hear that Santorini is amazing... Hahaha I"m not sure how I feel about a 5-hr meal but seeing as I will be there, I should probably try and adhere to some of their cultural norms... I will definitely remember Retsina! Thanks for the suggestions!!

Re: Past and Future Travel Plans

Roz — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:42:23 -0000

Wow, that sounds awesome! Sounds like you'll be having an absolutely amazing summer :)

Re: Past and Future Travel Plans

hgriggs — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:16:50 -0000

Holy shit! That sounds like a fantastic summer! I'll be in Europe too, only I'm studying the entire year. I'll be in Ireland for the summer and Spain for the subsequent two semesters.

I'm jealous that you're going to Greece though! I went to Santorini in the summer of 2008, and I think it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The Aegean is absolutely stunning. Athens is also an interesting place, though I didn't spend much time there. The streets are crazy confusing, and the people drive like bats out of hell. The food, though. Oh god, the food. The Greeks spend like five hours eating a single meal. And the wine is fabulous. Try Retsina if you like dry wine. Anyway, I'm going on and on. Have you been to Europe before?

Re: Past and Future Travel Plans

Drew Meyers — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:29:56 -0000

Yes, I visited Greece in 2005 during my 2 month backpacking trip. My friends
and I are planning to rent an apartment there for a couple months and just
hanging out. Planning to visit Turkey as well while I'm over there.

Re: Past and Future Travel Plans

Roz — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:13:21 -0000

Hi Drew, thanks for your comment!
Have you been to Greece before? Are you planning on mainly vacationing in Greece, or are you there for something else too? Yes, definitely keep in touch!

Re: Past and Future Travel Plans

Drew Meyers — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:17:07 -0000

Sounds like a blast - I love Europe and it'll be a great experience. I actually plan on being in Greece most of this summer (likely staying on Santorini) with a few friends of mine and it would be cool to meet up with others from the states passionate about traveling while there. Keep in touch! @drewmeyers

Re: Convictions, interconnectedness, and getting out of despair

Roz — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:54:18 -0000

Hey Hannah..I totally hear ya on the projects and papers. Such a pain!
I definitely feel like life/existence in general is something that I cannot explain, and I think that's why I attempt to define my life for myself, rather than based on other doctrines/theology/etc. And as you say, attempting to find the purpose *can* be what's so fantastic about it. That's probably a point I should remind myself of more often, because sometimes I think I get too wrapped up in it and get into despair..but that's just only sometimes.. :P

I actually totally agree with you about death. I obviously don't want to die either, but the way I see, if I die, I die. And since I don't personally believe in an afterlife or anything after death, I can't see how death would be a 'big deal' to me if I were already dead and cannot feel what it feels like to be dead or know that I'm dead, if that makes sense. In the endless cycle, we physically do not die in that sense..but to me the 'scariest' part about death is losing my mind/brain/ability to be conscious of what's happening. So when I am dead, I'd see myself truly dead in the sense that my mind is no longer working, even if my physical body will remain 'alive.'

What we study in my philosophy class *is* this notion of the fundamental core of Christianity and the unconditional commitment, love, and tolerance. It's something my professor also defends, but in practice it becomes something totally different. What's intriguing to me about existentialism is the attempt to 'secularize' this type of unconditional commitment to God and somehow make sense of it in this semi-nihilist world we seem to live in.

Don't worry, you don't sound like a nutcase to me. If anything I probably sound even more like one!

Re: Convictions, interconnectedness, and getting out of despair

Hannah — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:02:20 -0000

Okay, I've been insanely absent for a while... as school ends, the papers and projects pile and pile...

Though I haven't read Dostoevsky, I can relate to your argument about whether or not god exists. I struggle with this frequently, often swinging to one or the other. I feel frequently that there is something here that I cannot explain. Something cosmic, something I am a part of. It is not greater than me nor I am greater than it. But I feel something mysterious in nature, and it's beautiful, but I just don't know what it is. Is it god, or what we call god?

Along the same lines, you talked about pointlessness. As for me, though I am not necessarily a nihilist, I don't think we have some sort of be-all, end-all role in life; I don't think we should follow 'god's will,' because there isn't a will to follow. Though I don't know if I will ever find a purpose in life, there is something fantastic and wonderful about it. And though I don't want to die, I don't fear death. I think death is a simple fact, and a cycle--my flesh will decay into the earth, which nourishes the plants, which are eaten by animals, which are then eaten by bigger animals, who die... and become part of this truly endless cycle. So how can we ever truly die, if that is what happens?

I have studied Christianity for a long time, and I think that the ideology that is found in modern churches to be bloated and false. Though I am not a Christian, I will defend the core of its belief system, which is this beautiful message of unconditional love and tolerance. The bible, specifically the New Testament, is riddled with contradictions, though most Christians will vehemently proclaim otherwise. And when you point out specific examples with the verses right in front of them, they will rationalize it and further try to convert you. Yes, I have had experience with this and it has made me bitter and angry.

I should stop talking. Sorry if this made little sense. I probably sound like a nutcase.

Re: Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

Roz — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:34:38 -0000

Hi Deanna! It's great to hear all the lifestyle habits you practice that are environmentally-friendly :) I do pretty much everything you mentioned as well. Good to see we're both on the same boat!

Re: Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

Deanna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:03 -0000

I never thought about the economics of global warming before. But it makes sense. What am I doing? Well, I have been trying to conserve energy whenever I can. I take the stairs instead of using the elevator. I keep my heaters turned off unless I really need them, using blankets and sweaters instead. I don't leave lights on in my house. I used to wash my clothes in cold water but the new building I am in doesn't give you that option :(. I take the bus or walk everywhere ( I don't own a car though...haha).

Re: A “Craigslist” for Microfinance-d Businesses?

Roz — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:17:35 -0000

Hi Eri,
You're right. So one way to approach this is to make two separate sections of the site, or categorize the microfinance-d businesses into two categories: local and "worldwide."

For example, the platform could work as a medium for local microfinance-d businesses or even other businesses in the area to connect with one another, for sourcing or anything other need. The only problem with this is competition and whether or not these small businesses in the local area are differentiated. Because if two businesses are selling the same thing - such as fish - then connecting the two of them may not be the best idea.

Another approach to the "local" microfinance-d businesses market could be through the tourism industry..in which travelers can read about these business (think "Yelp.com"), rate them, or write comments about them.

On the "worldwide" category, it would be to connect US or other worldwide consumers with products that they could buy. There are some companies that already do this, such as World of Good that sells hand-made artisan goods made in developing countries in the United States. This "Craigslist" form of website could serve as an online marketplace for consumers to "shop" in various countries for various types of goods.

These are just some more fleshed out versions of my idea.. what do you (and others) think?

Re: A “Craigslist” for Microfinance-d Businesses?

Eri Hariono — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:29:10 -0000

You have a capital idea Rosalind! The only question is: usually the microfinance-d borrowers' product are mostly local oriented, so with craiglist thing, 'how' to promote their products (or, services?) world wide?

Re: A “Craigslist” for Microfinance-d Businesses?

Roz — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:28:48 -0000

Hi Joe,
Thank you for your feedback. I believe the self-sustaining model is definitely a necessity as well. The question is how to make it self-sustaining. As you said, it IS going to "wherever" they are, which I am a bit limited seeing as I am still attending school. But I am open to more feedback about this idea in hopes of perhaps pursuing it in the future!

Re: A “Craigslist” for Microfinance-d Businesses?

Joe — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:13:46 -0000

This needs to be a social business. I believe you need a self sustaining model period! Actually I think this way about most projects! Great idea! Actually doing on the ground research ie. going to "wherever" they are and seeing what they need or want is the first step to any project.