Untimely Meditations

Newt, Chomsky and history

David Pascoe — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:48:41 GMT

Watching political news these days is a bit depressing. It isn't that I am just learning these thing, but screaming at the TV just isn't working.

I have believed for a very long time that the most important element of Noam Chomsky's view of the world of politics is his very simple and straight forward view of conspiracy. He often says that it is a conspiracy of interests rather than fact. This is indeed true. If I have different view it is only that he doesn't explicitly discuss the many levels of misunderstanding of those interests that are just as active in historical causation. Yes, it is a conspiracy of interests, but often it is a conspiracy of misunderstood commonality and interests.

Nowhere is this as obvious as in that individual human historical actor: Newt.

Professor of History: We misunderstand what this means, as perhaps does he. He has a degree in Modern European History. He wrote his dissertation on Belgian Education Policy in the Congo (1945-1960). This makes him a very narrow expert. That he studied history is a good thing--I did that myself. That he has a deep historical understanding of American history is greatly in doubt. Recently he spoke of his being hired by Freddie Mac for his advice as an historian. What Belgian education policy in the Congo has to do with housing in the US is beyond me. He is an historical expert on little else, one may safely assume he has a somewhat broader understanding of European history. He has experience, political experience, in the area of housing. It is not, nor will it ever be, an historical understanding of that specific issue. While any understanding of any history will help frame certain questions, that is not to be confused with being able to advise someone as an historian. His claims are absurd not because everyone knows that he was giving political advice, but because he is not even qualified to give the advice he claiming.

Running for President: No, never, are you kidding. He is running to add to his credentials as a political hack. To sell his books and dvds. Claiming historical expertise is important for this aim. The last thing he wants to do is to get the nomination, much less run and win that office. It doesn't pay well enough. Education policy in the Congo will not really help that much if he is the President, and he knows that. He isn't stupid, just an egomaniac. Rising in the polls, and inevitably falling helps his long term goals.

Newt's conspiracy of interests are as much illusion as real. The misunderstanding here is not that he misunderstands his interests, only that he desperately wants us to misunderstand them. He is the Wizard of OZ! He is trying to pull all the levers from behind the curtain of seeking the nomination. He is pulling the levers not of statecraft, but of speaking fees and publishing.

On evolution

David Pascoe — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:44:12 GMT

I have been reading several books in the new field of evolutionary psychology. There is much here that is interesting. Key idea is the notion of brain modules that developed over time and are relatively unconnected to each other. Thus we are all multiple minded people. This helps explain how we can hold disparate, if not contradicting, ideas and views. Brilliant idea, but there is a lingering problem. I can't help but think none of these writers actually understand evolution. The old obsession with sex in psychology somewhat twists their view. Everything becomes a strategy for sexual success. The problem is this isn't really what is happening with evolution. Yes, reproduction is a basic element of living creatures. It is not the driving force of evolution. It is much more indirect than that. Random genetic mutation is the driving force. Any mutation that has positive adaptive consequences enters the fray and is sorted out through the process of reproduction. The key here is that this process is very indirect and occurs over a very long period of time. This tends to be understood in the abstract by these authors, but they tend to slip into arguing that it is more actively happening at each sexual encounter. It all reminds me of the argument that specific weather events are caused by global warming. No scientist of worth makes this claim, but the qualification is often lost in the wake of modern communication. It isn't that they don't agree about the nature of global warming, it is only that they agree to state it as precisely as possible. This results in an overall appearance of uncertainty which is more accurately simply a distrust of absolute certainty. Evolution, and science generally, is far better at framing the questions and allowing practical solutions than at answering any specific question with an absolute answer. Psychology doesn't always stay on this side of the road. There is too much of a tendency to declare that this or that explains everything. It doesn't. Read the books, but don't fall for the claims of being scientific. It is still psychology.

Reflections on the Constitution

David Pascoe — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:00:00 GMT

I spent part of the morning watching ABC's "This Week with Christiane Amanpour." Extended discussions of the constitution and immigration were pleasant if less than filling. Opportunities were missed right and left, though it wasn't the disaster that most often occurs on sunday morning. They are topics that deserves attention, if not exactly the attention it was given. Points were made and missed. George Will argued both sides of his mind. Little perspective was given, though attempted. It largely comes down to the essential problem of network television: time. It is a three month conversation attempting to be done in 15 to 30 minute segments. I am recommending James MacGregor Burns' newest book Packing the Court.

The Devil's Dictionary

David Pascoe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:24:00 GMT

Just finished reading Ambrose Bierce's wonderful book The Devil's Dictionary. While half of the books is quite obviously dated, the other half should be required reading before every election (or recall).

Capital, n. The seat of misgovernment.

Patriot, n. One to whom the interests of a part seem superior to those of the whole. The dupe of statesmen and the tool of conquerors.

Patriotism, n. Combustible rubbish read to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.

Wisconsin Politics

David Pascoe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:11:00 GMT

I am somewhat amazed by recent events in Wisconsin. While the media overall seems to have quite dramatically misunderstood what is happening, the people of Wisconsin are not only paying attention--they seem to fully understand! The recent release of emails from the governor to state senators is a case in point. This morning I heard one group of pundits say this is evidence that the governor has always been willing to compromise. I don't read it that way. It is clear to me that these emails were and continue to be an example of the governor's unwillingness to actually compromise. They are attempts to get one or two of the Democrats back to the state so the senate can pass the bill (something he quite openly discussed in the infamous phone call to the fake Koch brother). The majority leader in the Senate has always pointed out that the bill would half to be passed as is and then amended--sheer nonsense. The assembly has passed the bill as is and it would be a slap in their face to not pass the same bill. Does he expect us to forget how they passed that bill?????? I don't think it would pass judicial review. I maintain that they have not legally passed anything, parliamentary tricks notwithstanding. What assurances are there that any additional actions would actually occur?? No, the governor thinks that lying in the defense of ideology is fine. Wisconsin disagrees.

Politics and the mind

David Pascoe — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:33:00 GMT

Doc Searls pointed to George Lakoff. His books are now sitting in my to read pile.

Strange Sculpure

David Pascoe — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:30:00 GMT

Found this interesting site via Digg.

Self deception and business

David Pascoe — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 02:13:00 GMT

Just finished reading Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute. Very interesting book. Gives a wonderful twist on the idea of "in the box." These are not new ideas, everything here is found in Knots by R.D. Laing, but they are ideas well worth repeating. Highly recomended for everyone. It is impossible not to be caught in this web, and impossible not to want to be "outside the box." Thanks to "No Bullshit Management" podcast for the recommendation.

Voices in Slusher's head

David Pascoe — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:04:00 GMT

The latest installment of Voices in Your Head on IT Conversations is an interview with James P. Hogan. Check it out, as always Dave Slusher gets the most out of a conversation. Check out his blog and podcast(XML link) as well. While at it Amigo Fish will help you find new podcasts--cool. Because of this interview I will read Hogan's Kicking the Sacred Cow.

Untimely Meditation

David Pascoe — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:35:00 GMT

Living up to the name of my blogs: Untimely Meditations. Better late than never. The VP and CIO of American Airlines, Monte Ford, wrote a wonderful column in CIO magazine telling why vendors should be respected: "...it's the customer's responsibility to turn vendor relationships into partnerships, in which each party is willing to bet part of its success on the other's ability to deliver on its promises." Find the column here. I don't fly much anymore, but always on AA when possible.

Cluetrain revisited

David Pascoe — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:13:00 GMT

Doc Searls takes us back to the Cluetrain. If you haven't read this book: DO IT!!!! Everyone should try to understand the importance of this book in today's business environment. Everything has changed and will continue to change. Don't miss the opportunity to learn, laugh, and learn more.

Linkblog

David Pascoe — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 22:08:00 GMT

Have decided to use this bog as a linkbog

Moving Blog

David Pascoe — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 00:39:00 GMT

I am moving this blog to http://zenosox.wordpress.com.

Artwork

David Pascoe — Sat, 13 May 2006 13:49:00 GMT

The header artwork on this blog is a section of one of my paintings.

Truths are but lies

David Pascoe — Thu, 11 May 2006 00:01:00 GMT

The title of this blog is of course an homage to Frederich Nietzsche. It uses as its fundamental philosophy the notion that "truths are but lies we agree to recite to each other." Nietzsche said many things in this vein, calling truths "illusions we have forgotten are illusions." As with Nietzsche, there is a thin veneer of shock intended as well as a deep heartwood of meditation. Over time I will hopefully give examples of what I am talking about, but in the short term do not believe that I am making some mindless generalization. All lies are not equal. There are a great many that we should agree to recite to each other. I have science in mind here. It is perhaps our best lie. At its best it is constantly attempting to disprove itself. No better approach can be taken.