Category Archives: Philosophy

Another life, another time

Posted on October 5, 2012 by John Swinburn

Walking along the the Lake Chapala waterfront in Ajijic, Jalisco, I cannot help but wonder if the “good old days” in the USA might once have been like this.  There are couples strolling along the malecón and families gathered around … Continue reading →

Posted in Mexico, Philosophy, Wisdom | 5 Comments

I may be approaching adulthood

Posted on October 2, 2012 by John Swinburn

The time approaches for me to determine what I will do to reignite the economic engine.  I have enjoyed my near-year of indolence more than I can possibly say, but I have a fear of running out of money, soon, … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Philosophy | 7 Comments

When I Die

Posted on October 1, 2012 by John Swinburn

When I die (which I hope will not happen for many, many years), if things go according to what I am in the midst of planning, representatives of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Willed Body Program will pick up … Continue reading →

Posted in Death, Philosophy | 7 Comments

A Love Affair

Posted on September 27, 2012 by John Swinburn

For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with early mornings.  This morning, out of the blue, I think I came to understand why. After I awaken from a night’s sleep and shake off the haze … Continue reading →

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The New Malthusian Imperative

Posted on September 26, 2012 by John Swinburn

If the world’s population is allowed to grow unchecked, there will come a time when the planet cannot sustain those who inhabit it.  Simple extrapolations of population growth, coupled with measured analyses of the rate of growth in food productivity, … Continue reading →

Posted in Demographics, Economics, Essay, Philosophy, Religion | 4 Comments

He who knows he has enough

Posted on September 26, 2012 by John Swinburn

I keep a book on my desk: The Essence of Zen: An Anthology of Quotations.  When I feel the need to reflect on myself, life in general, and the world I live in, I pick it up.  I find myself … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Must We Be Subservient?

Posted on September 24, 2012 by John Swinburn

I am writing this post to try to sort out, in my own mind, an issue involving people and work.  Perhaps putting down in black and white my evolving thoughts will help me come to grips with the issue. Specifically, … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Philosophy | 2 Comments

Tilting at Windmills

Posted on September 22, 2012 by John Swinburn

I was surprised and pleased to see the size of the turnout at a seminar this morning, sponsored by Dallas Water Utilities, on water-wise landscaping.  I estimate there were a couple of hundred people in attendance. Unfortunately, the demographics of … Continue reading →

Posted in Demographics, Philosophy, Water | 2 Comments

Considering the Concept: Selfishness

Posted on September 21, 2012 by John Swinburn

A good friend, someone I’ve never met but who has become a good friend nonetheless, made a comment to me that piqued my interest.  He said he was considering writing an analysis of selfishness, what it is and how it … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Selfishness, Wisdom | Leave a comment

The Mortar of the Morning

Posted on September 20, 2012 by John Swinburn

I am back at home, fresh from a five mile walk.  I sit at the breakfast table, the casement windows open wide so I can enjoy temperatures hovering in the low 60s.  The clear sky this morning is bright but … Continue reading →

Posted in Happiness, Housiing, Peace, Philosophy | Leave a comment

The Game is Not Worth the Candle. Again.

Posted on September 19, 2012 by John Swinburn

If you are among the few who have read my comments in years past, you may recognize my assessment of the political choices that face us this November: the game is not worth the candle.  It hurts me deeply to … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Politics, Religion | 2 Comments

Little Luxuries, Big Essentials

Posted on September 17, 2012 by John Swinburn

Fall weather is upon us, for the moment, at least temporarily ameliorating my loathing of the north Texas climate. With temperatures in the mid-sixties to start the day, I can tolerate Dallas weather for the moment. I welcomed yesterday’s on-again, … Continue reading →

Posted in Dreams, Philosophy, Wisdom | Leave a comment

All Talk

Posted on September 8, 2012 by John Swinburn

I keep coming back to it:  I find religion in general and churches in particular repugnant in many ways, but I admire and appreciate the ability of churches to marshall the resources of their members to do good things.  You … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Religion | Leave a comment

Foundation

Posted on August 10, 2012 by John Swinburn

To the extent that I have acquired any wisdom during the course of my life thus far, which is highly debatable, it has been acquired through good luck and good people, as opposed to having grown from any innate capacity. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Wisdom | Leave a comment