Category Archives: Philosophy

Stuck in My Brain

Posted on April 15, 2018 by John Swinburn

My recent post about a guy picking up the tab for my wife’s lunch and some comments that followed prompted me to think quite a lot. My thoughts, both purely philosophical and emotionally introspective, led to no firm “position” on … Continue reading →

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Euthanizing a Sick Year

Posted on December 31, 2017 by John Swinburn

I’ve skimmed along the surface of an angry, tumultuous time until I’ve finally reached it: the last day of 2017. This year, one of monstrous upheaval, forced us to reckon with the reality that U.S. world dominance in transitory. By … Continue reading →

Posted in Justice, Philosophy, Politics | Leave a comment

Sitting in Judgment

Posted on November 12, 2017 by John Swinburn

I’ve given considerable thought of late to whether the behavior of movie stars, politicians, and other public figures who are accused of—or actually admit to—being sexual predators warrants nullifying the value of any contributions they may have made to society. … Continue reading →

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Who Are We?

Posted on August 13, 2017 by John Swinburn

Calvin stood motionless as he observed the magnificent beast walk past him, just a few feet away. Apparently, the unicorn did not see Calvin. Otherwise, the animal would have bolted. Instead, it was the picture of serenity as it grazed … Continue reading →

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Wabi-sabi

Posted on July 18, 2017 by John Swinburn

Two years ago today, I read an article entitled The Art of the Mistake, by Alice Driver. The article moved me to tears. I doubt others would be moved to tears the way I was. But the ideas offered in … Continue reading →

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All Things in Moderation

Posted on July 17, 2017 by John Swinburn

The purposes of our trip to Oklahoma and Kansas were twofold: 1) take a long-delayed road trip, with the intent of “chilling” a bit; and 2) gather material from and become familiar with Kansas—Manhattan in particular—as a resource for a novel … Continue reading →

Posted in Essay, Frustration, Government, Philosophy, Politics, Rant | Leave a comment

Aha

Posted on May 21, 2017 by John Swinburn

I’m late in writing this morning because I’ve been thinking, the kind of thinking with which writing would interfere. Most of the time, writing propels my thoughts, but some thoughts require me to abandon writing for a while so I … Continue reading →

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In Disgusted Defense of Ann Coulter’s Right to Speak

Posted on April 28, 2017 by John Swinburn

As I read news of the cancellation, reinstatement, and subsequent cancellation of Anne Coulter’s speech at the University of California at Berkeley, I question the intelligence of the people who violently oppose the her speech. Do those people not understand … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Intellect, Philosophy, Politics, Rant, Ruminations | Leave a comment

Psycholinguistic Musings

Posted on April 27, 2017 by John Swinburn

Sinew. That word can evoke, for me, images of sturdy steel bands, thick in the middle but narrowing almost to points on the ends; ribbons of metallic lies constrained at either end by truth. It’s as if truth confines the streamer of … Continue reading →

Posted in Language, Philosophy, Ruminations, Writing | 1 Comment

Ethiopian Food and Human Decency

Posted on April 24, 2017 by John Swinburn

I’ve discovered that my wife and I are not the only people around Hot Springs who enjoy Ethiopian food. Recently, I posted a query, to a Facebook group dedicated to Hot Springs area restaurant reviews, about whether my unsuccessful efforts to find … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Food, Philosophy, Politics, Serenity, Stereotypes | 2 Comments

Broken Promises

Posted on April 16, 2017 by John Swinburn

I did it again. I sat outside on the deck, staring up at the sky. The stars and planets, again, transfixed me and held me in a state bordering between awe and confusion and deep appreciation for mysteries beyond my capacity … Continue reading →

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Renaissance

Posted on March 24, 2017 by John Swinburn

The opportunity exists, in the midst of a Trump-incited plunge toward base vulgarity, for a renaissance of decency and decorum. The opportunity exists for a return to standards of behavior that value humanity and compassion. Key to seizing that opportunity is … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Hope, Philosophy, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Servitude

Posted on March 15, 2017 by John Swinburn

I spent part of the day yesterday viewing a decrepit old plantation house and some of the grounds and outbuildings of a 3000 acre plantation. As I toured the grounds, I compared in my mind the home built for the … Continue reading →

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Sudden Changes

Posted on February 15, 2017 by John Swinburn

Sudden shifts in my plans are nothing, not when those shifts are launched in response to massive dislocations in others’ lives. My wife and I had spent a very restive night at the Best Western Premier in Bryan, Texas, thanks … Continue reading →

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Ritual

Posted on January 26, 2017 by John Swinburn

When I awaken these days, I understand more clearly than in the not-so-distant past the solace in ritual. Ritual offers comfort. Carefully practiced ritual grants predictability and uniformity in times of chaos. Ritual provides at least a temporary protective shelter from one’s sense … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Religion | 2 Comments

A Roundabout Tribute to Maggie Roche

Posted on January 24, 2017 by John Swinburn

I’m a fervent admirer of a handful of musicians. People who know me may understand the depth of my admiration for Leonard Cohen, whose deeply meaningful poetry set to music moves me beyond anyone else’s art. Yet, even in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Language, Memories, Music, Philosophy | Leave a comment

Reflecting on What’s to Come

Posted on January 22, 2017 by John Swinburn

Let me preface my comments with these words: I absolutely despise Donald Trump; I believe he is a despicable human being whose rise to the Presidency cannot be explained entirely with logic. How a madman with the capacity to undermine … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Compassion, Education, Empathy, Philosophy, Politics, Wisdom | 2 Comments

A Sad Day

Posted on January 20, 2017 by John Swinburn

Today is a sad day for the United States of America. After eight years of a President who is arguably the most poised, dignified, decent, and respectful person to have ever held the office, the position will be assumed by … Continue reading →

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Control

Posted on January 16, 2017 by John Swinburn

I find it helpful, on occasion, to gently remind myself of the many things over which I have control. The results of that tender reminder are two-fold: 1) I expose my negativity as an obstacle to happiness; and 2) my outlook on the … Continue reading →

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On Racism: I Will Miss the Obamas

Posted on January 14, 2017 by John Swinburn

A white person—especially a white man—in the United States today, try as he may, is unlikely to be capable of eliminating racism from his thought processes. Our history and the institutional racism upon which this country was built and on … Continue reading →

Posted in Civility, Philosophy, Racism | Leave a comment

Taking Shortcuts to Mediocrity

Posted on January 9, 2017 by John Swinburn

Last night, I adapted a tried-and-true (if overly simple and insufficiently spicy) recipe for Shrimp Fra Diavolo. I adapted the recipe in several ways, the two most obvious deviations being the substitution of cod for shrimp and cauliflower for rice. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Creativity, Food, Philosophy | Leave a comment

Justification

Posted on January 8, 2017 by John Swinburn

We think the world owes us an explanation. It doesn’t. We owe it one. We owe the universe substantive  justification for why we should be allowed to remain here; an argument validating our existence. If there’s purpose, it is not some external “thing.” Purpose … Continue reading →

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Minimal

Posted on January 8, 2017 by John Swinburn

For years, I’ve been drawn to the concept of a minimalist lifestyle.  Several years ago, I stumbled across an online video created by a young guy who designed and built tiny houses and who had created an online video series … Continue reading →

Posted in Greed, Happiness, Materialism, Philosophy, Self-discipline | Leave a comment

Observations on Animal Instinct

Posted on January 7, 2017 by John Swinburn

Despite its many bungling attempts to protect us (e.g.,  the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends an absolutely natural response if one confronts an active shooter or other such attack on one’s person (i.e., … Continue reading →

Posted in Fear, Frustration, Philosophy | Leave a comment

Prelude

Posted on December 31, 2016 by John Swinburn

We’ve reached it. The final day of 2016, the day on which we can put this year to rest and, for many of us for many good reasons, say “good riddance!” Yet, without this year, we would not have reached … Continue reading →

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