I recently discovered hubski on a reddit thread (where I post under a different name), and thought I'd check the place out. I admit I haven't been part of any discussions yet, and am definitely still getting a hang of how the site works. But I like the philosophy behind it.
I tend towards more substantive discussions on reddit (or at least try to), but that's becoming increasingly hard to find. There's a lot of meta unhappiness that I just don't care about very much, and I don't feel much of a sense of community over there (if I ever did). I'd rather have a smaller circle of people that I enjoy talking with.
So a little lot about me. I'm in my early 30s. I'm a martial artist (Ving Tsun kung fu, specifically). I work as a lawyer employed by a large government bureaucracy. I don't really think lawyering is my calling, although there are aspects of it that I like from an intellectual side. But I'm far more interested in the philosophy of law and good governance than I am with the ins and outs of the Uniform Commercial Code. Kung fu is my passion, and I hope to be able to teach full-time down the road.
I still consider myself a gamer somewhat, although I don't do that as much as I used to. I have a hard time getting lost in a game compared to when I was younger. I read a lot, and usually bounce between several books at once.
This bouncing is a pretty common theme. I was actually tested for ADHD earlier this year, but don't meet the diagnostic criteria. I still have a lot of the relevant symptoms, though, particularly needing a lot of stimulation, bored easily, and difficulties with forming a self image (which is distinct from having poor self-esteem). I crave input (hence the name).
Reading-wise, I tend to prefer more idea-centric things. Sci-fi is my primary interest in fiction, and even then I prefer books with Big Ideas most of the time (although sometimes I do enjoy a good military or space opera). I like finding ideas from all over. I also believe that knowledge can be a weapon in the wrong hands; politicians especially try to use history as a source of legitimacy, and are often distorting things when they do so. Being informed is an important shield.
My approach to religion is similar. I would consider myself a devout monotheist, but I don't fall under a traditionally Christian outlook: I believe we all have a spark of the divine in us, and Christ did not do so more or less than the rest of us. I mostly identify as Quaker, but am still trying to figure out if that's truly where I belong. The little I've read of Kierkegaard has resonated with me (I like his idea of the absurd, and the idea of faith being an end rather than a means) and I also really enjoy the joyousness found in Sufi or Sufi-inspired works. But then I'll turn around and resonate with something in the Dao or Zen traditions. Most of my more autobiographical writing (particularly on matters of faith) is over on Medium.
So, this is a little bit of what I'm about. May we have interesting discussions.
Yeah bro, as OftenBen and ThatFanficGuy have said, I'm always game for talking about religion. I'm a huge fan of religions in general and I've always been fascinated in religion as its played a role both in history as well as with cultures. As OftenBen hinted at, I personally like to keep the discussions not necessarily open ended, but a bit toned down jargon wise. I think it keeps things more accessible so other people can jump in. I see that you practice Wing Chun. I'm a bit of a fan of martial arts myself, everything from Kung Fu films to Boxing and MMA. The #martialarts tag kind of doesn't really see much use, but if you ever want to share something, I'd love to see it. It's nice meeting you!
I am too with the right crowd (and I'm getting good vibes from everyone so far). I can't say I have too much in the way of terminology to hand, given that I'm totally self-taught from a theological standpoint (something Quakerism encourages). I'm also super wary of tribalism, which can show up in religion easily. Or martial arts, for that matter, which has made me wary of talking too much about them in the past. I'll add that I too love some kung fu films, or really just martial arts movies in general (so I loved The Raid (1 and 2), John Wick, etc.).
A bit of tribalism in both aspects is understandable. In both, a lot of time, effort, and study is involved making them very much a part of who you are and how you see the world. As such, disagreements seem greater, as they often not only feel like disagreements but a challenge to your personal identity. Setting ego aside during discussions of both can be very helpful. I'm curious in your Wing Chun studies, do you guys ever apply Buddhist, Daoist, or other eastern philosophies in your training? I don't have much experience with Chinese Martial arts, but talking with boxing and wrestling coaches and taking and observing their classes, I see a lot of the blue collar American work ethic in their approach to training. As for Kung Fu films, if you enjoy those, I'd highly recommend you dabble in Westerns and Samurai films. You'll see very similar stories and similar character types in both of those. All three can be very entertaining, even the more campy ones. P.S. John Wick was the tits.
Somewhat. This concept of a "center line" is a huge aspect of Ving Tsun. When you start, it's just an imaginary vertical line down the center of your body, and your priority is to control it. But the more you learn and study, the more it takes on a much broader idea of balance. You can't be too hard, or too relaxed. You can't train one thing to the exclusion of all others. You can't train to the exclusion of life. When I expressed some frustration to my sifu (teacher) about how dull my job can be, he mentioned the possibility of too much yang. Not in the sense of some weird metaphorical energy, just the idea that I was pushing life too hard, and that sometimes you need to just be still and go with it, even if you don't want to. But it's something we don't generally talk about until you've been there a lot longer. I wouldn't say it's overt, though. My teacher isn't a Daoist, but his advice on things usually ends up having that flavor, such as the example above. By way of another example, our emphasis on physical relaxation means this verse from the Dao De Jing (chapter 43) applies as much to our physical actions as anything more metaphorical: Override the hardest things of the world That which has no substance Enters into that which has no openings I've certainly seen that in my training; a relaxed hand will fit into spaces that it seems far too big for. But honestly it's tough to explain without context, i.e. the listener having some experience with the art. My impression is that these eastern religions don't really separate things into distinct spheres the way we tend to in the West. *My family spells it Ving Tsun (rather than Wing Chun) because of some internecine politics that I'm only dimly familiar with. Perhaps. I've seen some samurai movies that I like, but westerns usually don't do it for me. My enjoyment of kung fu movies is almost exclusively the spectacle of combat, not really the story (or what passes for one) that holds it all together.I'm curious in your Wing Chun studies, do you guys ever apply Buddhist, Daoist, or other eastern philosophies in your training?
The softest things of the world
Westerns, etc.
You might think this is a dumb question, but have you seen any of Tony Jaa's films? They have their flaws (sometimes a lot of flaws), but there's no denying the choreography and action in them are downright amazing. Similarly, under the #martialarts tag, I've posted a few technique breakdowns. You might want to check them out, as they're pretty nifty. Since you're a fan of martial arts films, there is one western I would highly recommend to you, The Good, The Bad, The Weird. It's a Korean western that takes place in China and it's just absolutely fantastic. You can find it on Netflix.Perhaps. I've seen some samurai movies that I like, but westerns usually don't do it for me. My enjoyment of kung fu movies is almost exclusively the spectacle of combat, not really the story (or what passes for one) that holds it all together.
I've seen the first two Ong Bak movies, but haven't gotten around to the third. I like his quite a bit. I have to say, South Korea is doing some of the best movies of just about any genre these days. Oldboy (the original) remains one of my favorite flicks of all time, and The Man From Nowhere is up there in terms of good action movies that actually have some semblance of story. I'd seen the listing for The Good, The Bad, The Weird on Netflix, but hadn't checked it out yet. I'll be sure to do so, especially now that I'm caught up on Game of Thrones.
Watch The Protector. Do not try to follow the plot. It's awful and jumps around. The fight scenes though? Especially the staircase? They're magical. The Man From Nowhere was pretty good. It's a bit intense at parts, but all around the choreography was amazing. South Korea and China both have a lot of great films out there right now, from romances to heist films to comedies. I'm glad Netflix and Hulu both have picked some of them up. Japan really needs to step up their game.
Welcome! I look forward to seeing what you bring to the table. You seem to have a few very interesting perspectives on all the great things you're not supposed to discuss in polite company. I'd like to make a disclaimer and a recommendation. Disclaimer: While I'm pretty deeply interested in spirituality, to use the slipperiest of all words, you are probably best served by considering me an agnostic anti-theist if we ever discuss Religion in any organized capacity. Which leads to my Recommendation: #talkreligion Is an ongoing discussion I think you might be interested in. rd95 and ThatFanficGuy are cool dudes. Edit because of something I just noticed in #talkreligion I think the fact that TFG is a non-native English speaker contributes to the value of these discussions. They must take place in language that crosses over well, so the ideas have to be conveyed in simplistic language.
Ongoing, but slow. Feel free to contribute to it at any point! rd95 and I started it, but I like to think of it as a metathread, not restricted by the two of us. I've held some angry thoughts on religion at one point, which finds its reflection in what became the first of the #talkreligion posts. A lot has changed since then, but I'm yet to formalize the results in written form - or, in fact, in any form. If any of you would want to discuss religion and/or spirituality, feel free to hop onto IRC. I spend a lot of time there and find the freeform more helpful in getting towards some resulting thought, personally.
I really miss the days of having an IRC channel to hang out it. What server do y'all use? Is mIRC still in vogue or is there something better?
Great, I'll check out that tag. As I said, I believe there's Truth to be had everywhere, and there's plenty to learn from each other.
Given the title, I'm a little disappointed that you didn't work "I'm a man of wealth and taste" in there somewhere, but welcome all the same.
johnnyFive, Kung Fu Lawyer. That's one hell of a business card! Welcome to the crew, I think you'll dig it here. If you have any questions, let me know. Feel free to mention Hubski to any others in search of a "thoughtful alternative." Check out our primer page for newbies https://hubski.com/primer If you'd like to get to know some of your fellow hubskiers, check out the #meethubski tag. Glad you found us.
Welcome aboard, johnny! Looking forward to discussing some things. Personally, I would recommend elizabeth's YouTube vlog series on her travels around the world. She's an avid traveller and had some written material about it before, but I'm not sure I can find it at the moment. Her current - Vietnam - adventures are interesting and curious. Which are the Big Ideas? EDIT: if you're looking for more real-time discussions, feel free to hop onto Hubski's IRC (you can use the link in the footer). I spend some time there, mostly US' evenings and mornings. We discuss whatever comes to mind.Sci-fi is my primary interest in fiction, and even then I prefer books with Big Ideas most of the time
That does sound interesting. As for big ideas, I don't know as I have any one in particular. I more mean stories that get into deeper ideas about being human. So writers John Brunner, Frank Herbert, Gene Wolfe, Richard K. Morgan to an extent, etc.
So, perhaps "deeper ideas" is a more appropriate name for it? Doesn't sound to me that something about human beings can be big, but it sure can be deep. If I understand correctly, you mean the human nature in all of its aspects. If so, have you ever seen or played The Last of Us? The characters there aren't perfect, but that's what makes them human. Is that the kind of ideas that you refer to?I more mean stories that get into deeper ideas about being human.
That's an interesting thought. But I do think humans can be big in the sense of impact (sometimes for good or ill), and perhaps in terms of nobility, etc. Or if a human saves the universe from existential doom :) Perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you mean, but I also don't think a story has to have major impact in order to be big.
Right. Or I guess it's more of a one-hand-clapping thing. Can the movement of the universe be momentous without a consciousness there to appreciate it? By the same token, doesn't everything connected to thinking beings matter?
Welcome to Hubski! Reads like you've got quite a life going for you that could bring an interesting synthesis of ideas to discussion. Look forward to seeing you around! Looks like Ben got you covered with the religion part as well. Tags/threads with relation to books and games and such aren't far from reach here either. I can relate here on multiple levels. This will sound like an odd plug/spin, but with regard to bouncing around with reading books (WORKING ON IT MYSELF!) I found graphic novels very easy to digest starting out. Oddly enough, it started with anime and ventured into manga. While I'm at it, did you know that the manga/anime series Ghost in the Shell was an influence on the creation of the Matrix? Guess my point being that manga/anime has some phenomenal explorations of 'big ideas' so to speak. May as well throw in a plug for the anime series Psycho-Pass as well. Great Sci-fi content and food for thought. Back on track, though, thank you for taking the time to share and welcome! :)I was actually tested for ADHD earlier this year, but don't meet the diagnostic criteria. I still have a lot of the relevant symptoms, though, particularly needing a lot of stimulation, bored easily, and difficulties with forming a self image (which is distinct from having poor self-esteem). I crave input (hence the name).
Psycho-Pass was really good. I like animes that make me think and question stuff. This one made me question the ideal world I thought about. While it did not involve centralized government (or in this case, Sybil system), I found their solution of a gathered consciousness of outcasts pretty interesting... Give me MOAR of this :D
Glad you enjoyed it! I don't really have a big a repertoire as I would like in that area. Good ones off the top of my head that are "intellectual" per se or at least make you think more than your average ones are already pretty popular for what they are. My list would be mainly sci-fi and a bit deviant from Psycho-Pass's theme. Also, I've yet to catch up on it, but season 2 of Psycho-Pass is out. I really loved their solution as well, and there aren't many that I know of yet that stood out as much, but I'll do what I can! - Ghost in the Shell, the original movie, oh baby. Closest thing to Psycho-Pass I could think of. It's a keeper. Explores the thoughts of what is considered a life-form once we can put human conscious being into cyborgs and once algorithms become self-aware. - Full-Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, You can hear about this anywhere. After finishing FMA, I'd opt to see this if you haven't already. Delves into subplots the worth of a human soul. Very action and plot oriented. - Darker Than Black One of the first anime's I ever watched. I can't really remember the plot so much but remember it was very good. - Gantz (the manga), An all time favorite for me. Delves into the thoughts of life-after death, terrestrials, cloning ethics, so many things. It's very long and can get graphic. Roughly 360 chapters with a fulfilling plot. - Spice and Wolf, dialogue heavy, slim to no action but interesting in terms of mercantilism and trade. Follows a merchant in medieval times and his companion, cute story with interesting comments on merchants and economy. - Eden of the East, The whole series is a sequence of movies. I can't say it was amazing, but a good watch. Kept the interest, but nothing to head-y per se - Mushi-shi, the last in a line of progressively deviating interesting animes (save Gantz). This is another traveling main character like spice and wolf, but with a vastly different plot focused on fictional animals. No REAL plot to drive it but a good one with interesting stories and beautiful art. Hope this keeps you satiated. :D Down the list it becomes interesting in a different light, not quite so much for questioning big ideas. None-the-less, pick and choose as you wish. Of course, enjoy!
Thanks! I have a harder time getting into graphic novels, only because I don't like having to keep up with issue after issue. So it's more a logistical thing than anything. That said I have found a couple that I quite enjoyed, namely The Preacher (will be interesting to see how the TV adaptation turns out) and Saga. I enjoyed GiTS, although the Stand-Alone Complex seemed a little too watered down for me. I like mostly the classics (e.g. Akira, and I read the manga too), but here too it's hard to keep up with new stuff. Oh, and I love One Punch Man.
Ah-ha! You and I both, for that very reason I limit myself and searches for complete novels or anime. Akira is on my list as well as quite a few more (as if the list seems to end, ha!). OPM is one of the few I would put on the list of worth keeping current. Agreed! Since I can gush a bit seeing as you're already into the genre, an epic - in the classical sense, not alluding to works like Naruto, Fairy Tail, etc. - that I cannot promote enough is Gantz the manga. It's about 384 chapters, very action packed, seinen for spotty romance, but an ABSOLUTELY amazing exhibition and plot progression of the Hero's Journey with an underlying stream of Sci-Fi engendered philosophy.I have a harder time getting into graphic novels, only because I don't like having to keep up with issue after issue. So it's more a logistical thing than anything.
Ah yes, I'm familiar with that one, but haven't gotten to it yet....
Welcome! I'm interested in your username. Any relation to Jonny 5, co-frontman of political rock-rap group Flobots? (You may know them from their hit single Handlebars, which also happens to be like their shittiest song, so I refuse to link it.) I'd also love to discuss religion. I am no longer a Christian, but I'm always down to talk about the Bible. I have particular interest in Islam and Buddhism as well, plus a bit of a fascination with religion in general.
Greetings! Nope, it was actually a reference to the robit from Short Circuit. He craves INPUT, as I do :) I had only heard Handlebars, but I like the one you linked. I'm not big into hip hop, but do like some of the more socially conscious folks (Saul Williams, Dälek, etc.). Religion-wise, definitely! As I mentioned in my post, there's much that I like from Islam and from (Zen) Buddhism (Mahayana was a little too nihilistic for my tastes from the little I've been exposed to it). I realize it's hard to sum up something like one's entire theology quickly, so I won't ask that. But let's instead start with what you've been thinking about recently?
Hey, I do that self image thing too except I've always heard it as "unrealistic self appraisal ". Apparently it sometimes happens as a result of your emotional needs not really being met as a child, I could recommend some books on that if you think that might relate to you.
That's actually the term I typically use, and both that and the underlying lack of emotional needs being met are definitely on point in my case. I've skimmed through some of a book called Running on Empty, and there was a lot there that hit home. I've since bought it but haven't had a chance to delve too much into it yet. But yeah, any recommendations would be great!
I just finished that book ! It actually would have been the first book I recommended ! If you ever want to talk about it feel free to PM me, I devoured that book and already recommended it to so many people. I find that one covers a lot of different things and then from that you can kind of find a few more books that suit you. For me I need books on assertiveness, putting my needs first and communicating better. There's was a lot of great tips though that I've started trying out, I've faltered a bit but I'm getting there. Good luck :)
Excellent! And yes, I'd like that. I'll PM you when I have a moment to get my thoughts together.
I'm not the most knowledgeable about religion or their practices. My parents rose me in an episcopal church until I was about 20 I went at the behest of my stern father (also a lawyer like you and judge in recent years). Here is something I wrote as I was thinking on religion and I believe I'm still similar in my feelings. But, everyone experiences different things and I can accept that and enjoy hearing other perspectives when people keep emotions out and logic in. Here follows some words of my perspective to a degree..as I re-read it I'm nodding and shaking my head at times: I am something like a New Thought Taoist maybe? I believe that all matter is of God and therefore is inherently good, but can become corrupted by negative thought and action. I believe that God continues to work in the world through the spirit energy He created within all life. I believe that many prophets have come and gone to help break the pattern of negative thinking and free us from mental prisons. These prophets were more in tune with the divine energy of God. I believe in energy, love, and a divine balance. We did not exist until we were born and we will no longer exist when we die. Our energy may remain in some form, but no one will know until their body dies. Our purpose is to help each other live with joy and love in our minds and to continue the advancements of scientific truth to uncover deeper meanings in this life. I believe that we can change what we believe as new information becomes clear and true to our minds. I believe in karma, right and good action will bring the same back into the world and negative action will bring that negativity into the world. Nothing is real until we decide that it is real. God is good, God is energy and love.
There's a lot for me to like in what you said. I'm of the belief that rather than being bodies with souls, we're souls with bodies. William Blake wrote once about how "that call'd Body is a portion of Soul discern'd by the five Senses, the chief inlets of Soul in this age." I think my theology may be more traditionally Christian in some respects (I do think there's an afterlife of some sort, for example), but I also really enjoy the Daoist idea of balance that you mentioned. I'm definitely pro-science, and I also agree with the role of prophets and our responsibility to bring good.
I'm really back and forth on the afterlife issue. I hope that there is one, because there are so many people (AND PETS!!!) that I'd love to see again. But, I find it hard to wrap my head around, since I don't remember anything before this life. Maybe someone here does? That would be an interesting story. Something similar to...was it Ramantha?...that the lady channeled in 'What the Bleep Do We Know?". I often wonder about spiritual mediums and that sort of thing. I Have had some unexplained experiences, that others explain away as psychosis or something similar. (No aliens or anything like that as far as I know). But, there is some kind of awe inspiring energy out there in this existence and who am I to say what it can do. I'll still most likely be a bit skeptical until I die and find out, hopefully not too soon.
I know what you mean, and hope is a big part of it for me too. But I too have had weird experiences that aren't quite explained away so easily. As for remembering things from the past, I dunno, but wouldn't presume to say for sure. What I do find interesting is how often small children seem to maintain some weird connection to another part of the universe. My daughter has on a couple of occasions had conversations with "mee maw" (what my wife called her grandmother, who died years before my daughter was born), despite never being told that name. It was kind of eerie. I wonder when we lose that?
Hi. Not surprised to hear that law is not your calling. That is the way law school works. Only one of my friends from law school is still a Big Law lawyer. And he loves it! He was an accountant that specifically went to our school because he was fascinated by tax law and could do all tax and securities after 1st year. But most friends abandoned the profession pretty quickly. I've always referred to law school as both a concrete foundation and a flexible springboard. Lots of people in corporate finance. One friend runs a franchising company, another is a psychologist for lawyers mostly with addiction issues, one runs a cell phone company, another runs a bank, another is a sports agent, etc. One of my (former?) friends is a homeless bi-polar schizophrenic. Looking forward to some of your quality posts in the future! Welcome.
Thanks! And yes, what you describe is similar to my own experiences, although your people seem to have done better with their alternative paths than those I know. Most of the people I still see are in pseudo-legal positions that don't involve typical client representation or trial work.
_refugee_ is close, but Big Law has a more specific meaning within the legal community. Basically it means working for a large firm (hence the name), which have their own culture. They pay very well (you can expect to start fresh out of law school making $150,000/year+), but they will also work you into the ground. That salary comes with 60-80 hours per week with few if any breaks for several years, at least. There's a reason addiction and suicide are quite prevalent among lawyers. But these jobs typically involve representing large corporations and the like, since they're the only ones typically that can afford you.
Pretty much. As an aside, I quite enjoyed the game of the same name.
I think, though I may be wrong, that someguyfromcanada is making the distinction because a lot of people who get law degrees end up not actually doing the typical "lawyer" stuff that you think of when you think "lawyer." For instance, there's corporate law, which really means you sit around at a desk all day and people come to you and describe a situation and go, "OMG did we break a law?" and you say, yes, or no, or maybe, or "but we could defend this so it's okay" - my interpretation is that a Big Law Lawyer is someone who actually goes into court and pontificates before juries and so on, as opposed to all the desk jobs you can get with a law degree.