A Thought on Thinking

What follows is both a rebuke and reminder to myself not to succumb to the deception that I have nothing original to offer. The idea is born from the notion that an "original thought" is one that no one else has conceived. If we allow ourselves to believe that original thought is beyond our grasp, then what follows is a surrender to the status quo and the forces that capitalize on our cognitive slumber and sloth.

Overcoming inertia takes an epiphany, a spark, followed by a tremendous amount of energy and singular direction to achieve escape velocity. Labor that results in a revelatory thought is no less an achievement simply because someone else has previously thought it. I need to continuously encourage my children with the idea that original thought is not a result born of the notion that one can come up with a unique idea that no one else has before. Rather, original thought is the product of applying a methodology (even if not original!) that facilitates critical thinking. If the result is "wrong", we can correct the error with additional facts or knowledge. But perish the thought that we have nothing to correct for lack of endeavor!

Thinking requires energy and labor that too many have been deceived into believing is unnecessary, or beyond their capacity.

Critical and creative thinking requires principle and process, and the ability to perceive and extend that perception into the realm of possibility. I know at one level that phrasing sounds a little hokey, but I believe it to be true.

Those who once told us to "question authority" now implicitly demand that we don't, a natural result of having acquired the power that comes with authority. That may seem like a political rendering of the thought, but it is not necessarily confined to the political. Science and philosophy both base their origins on the questioning and challenging of assumptions. And yet "experts" abound telling us that all is "settled" and thus no longer subject to review. Questioning "why" is essential to developing the capacity to think for ourselves. The result may undercut previously held beliefs, or may further fortify and substantiate those beliefs. But the fact is, some people choose not to engage in the exercise.

I know that few will ever read these words and ponder these thoughts. But the effort is worth it, because the thought, duly arrived at through the exercise of cognitive function, is both revelatory and original. Because I thought it.

And that is enough.

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Crooner Christmas

So, what shall we talk about? Heh. I don't have a clue. I really don't have much time to write at the present, due to an insane end-of-year push that has me working almost more overtime than I can handle. Stress levels run high, common sense falters, but of course failure is not an option, so it is full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes.

All the more reason for me to find solace where I can, and lately, that's been immersing myself in the music of yesteryear while I pour myself into the final phases of my project. I've mentioned before my rediscovery of music from the big band era, to include a growing appreciation for the crooners of old. Growing up in the '80s, I had little to no appreciation for the timeless quality and true musicality of that genre. But I suppose tastes can change over time. I'm now that guy that thinks that most modern music sucks. Some of it is okay, I suppose, but on the whole, what kids listen to these days I can do without. Official Over-the-Hill Gold Card? Check.

Lately, I kind of feel like the Harry Anderson character in that old '80s show Night Court. A recurring plot line for the show was Harry's fondness for the music styles of Mel Torme. Here's a classic scene:


I periodically lament the lack of pure voice talent I have. To be able to sing like Sinatra, Martin, Crosby ... that would be cool. But that takes nothing away from the enjoyment of the talent and style that comes with those who can. So I have been flipping around on YouTube in search of crooner Christmas classics. Here are a couple of links, just for fun:

Mel Torme - Christmas Time is Here

Bing Crosby - White Christmas

Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Crooning Christmas with Bing, Frank & Dean

Not crooner, but a big band rendition of Jingle Bells by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

I'm doing what I can to keep the humbugs at bay these last couple of weeks before Christmas. So as strange as it may sound, I'm just going to croon my way into the spirit this year.

Until next time, keep it smooth.