Category Archives: Philosophy

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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Assigning Worth

Posted on December 29, 2016 by John Swinburn

It seems to me that people who need help to escape poverty generally do not need, nor want, handouts. They need a break. They need a chance to demonstrate their worth in a world in which value is too often measured … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Empathy, Philosophy, Poverty | Leave a comment

Beginners

Posted on December 28, 2016 by John Swinburn

Beginners are forgiven their mistakes, because they do not have sufficient experience to warrant adverse judgment of their ineptitude. Being a beginner opens up an entire world of possibilities; virtually every aspect of an experience is a fresh opportunity for involvement for … Continue reading →

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The Propriety of Cash Gifts

Posted on December 26, 2016 by John Swinburn

Just over three years ago, I wrote an essay to explore the appropriateness of giving money as a gift. I waffled to the conclusion that the practice is, at best, questionable. The piece drew some interesting and thought-provoking responses from a couple … Continue reading →

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BIG Ideas

Posted on December 23, 2016 by John Swinburn

The perception of technological advances allowing customers to check out their own groceries differs radically, depending on one’s perspective. From the viewpoint of the grocer, investing in such technology means an investment in profitability or, indeed, economic survival. But store … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Economics, Intellect, Philosophy, Politics, Secular morality | Leave a comment

Thinking When I Shouldn’t

Posted on December 19, 2016 by John Swinburn

I am an atheist. You must bear that in mind as you read the comments I am about to make. I do not claim there is no god, but I have found no reason to believe there is one. In … Continue reading →

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Scars

Posted on December 9, 2016 by John Swinburn

I wrote a few days ago of trees marked for death. Only scars of the trees that blocked my view remain. Ground-level stumps serve as reminders of the massive trees that once tried to hide the house that now shouts … Continue reading →

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Absolution

Posted on December 3, 2016 by John Swinburn

Regret arises as readily from actions not taken as from mistakes made. The life unlived, due to efforts unmade, takes as much of a toll on one’s psyche as choosing the path of least resistance with a vengeance. Regret becomes a … Continue reading →

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Crossing My Own Borders

Posted on November 29, 2016 by John Swinburn

Just moments ago, I wrote an email to a friend that included a comment about tamales. I said “…my tamales do not compare to those made by little old Mexican grandmothers whose recipes for pork and jalapeño tamales involve lard … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Mexico, Philosophy, Writing | 2 Comments

Decency

Posted on November 28, 2016 by John Swinburn

“Find your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s such a pithy, positive, hopeful statement! I’ve been searching for my passion for my entire life and I still haven’t found it. I’ve found interests. I’ve found intriguing … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy | 2 Comments