@The Aspie Corner vulnerable individuals as pawns in their political goals. Been frustrated for years how many forget the history of the Democrats leaders suppressing vulnerable populations. One target since the 80's has been whites not of the non-professional class or with disabilities.

Equality turned from easing everyone to a better life to lowering the accepted level to living conditions and persecution for all. The process will continue up the food chain as different economic groups fall.

Saw your post about being eligible for grants. It would be nice if the funds covered classes that expanded your political activism skills and philosophy.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFC3rXN0J1s]

@QMS is a subject I am uncomfortable writing about. My knowledge is too shallow. It is easy to find information that perpetuates modern assumptions.

• It is part of the new age practices to create a harmonious life (reminds me of prosperity evangelism.)
• The foolishness of Taoism in the quest of immortality and improved health (just look at the carnage of modern medicine with surgical complications, drug side effects, economic destruction of individuals/families and almost religious belief in its effectiveness by most of the population.
• Being based in superstitions and association with Chinese astrology. Yet, part of the verification Jesus is the son of God includes three wise men from the East and a bright star.
• Martial arts practitioners understand Taoism. Martial arts are a physical practice were developed within the practice of Taoism and understanding requires more than trained muscle, skin and bone.
• Lao Tzu is the source of Taoism. Taoism existed prior to the life of Lao Tzu. He wasAn important voice whose opinions were documented. This phrase found in Lionel Giles translation, The Sayings of Lao-Tzu,has always bothered me.
  

  Therefore the Sage, when he governs, empties their minds and fills their bellies, weakens their inclinations and strengthens their bones. His constant object is to keep the people without knowledge and without desire, or to prevent those who have knowledge from daring to act. He practises inaction, and nothing remains ungoverned.

In my writing if I lead people askew in your opinion, please clarity or direct where to find more information.
May the winds take you and your sailboat where you desire.

edited - link update and clarification

Windy and cool on this Maine lake today. Good for sailing.

Tao is the natural order of the universe whose character human intuition must discern in order to realize the potential for individual wisdom.

@detroitmechworks in America has limited the population to primarily places catering to what at one time would be considered adolescent behavior.

We don't really have a place where people go to see adult interaction anymore. And I mean ADULT interaction.

I haven't visit to many dingy bars, but ones visited in the past did not generate deep, thoughtful interactions. Schooling for children raised in the 1950's started the shift of a developing a product to work for corporations. Each decade the push to memorize a fact and recite on a test became more wide spread. No differences for opinions or nuances.

Some of us were lucky enough to have a family member, local school or a teacher that instilled learning for learning sake, how to explore ideas and debate opinions to clarify thought not win an argument.

I find that the older I get, the more I'm interested in communal/community oriented ways. The ego of youth has given way to the ego of the old, and I admit freely that the opportunity to interact with others in a format that does not require the outlay of funds is appealing.

I honestly wish there was a modern equivalent to the bath-house or Gymnasium/forum. Judo comes close, but it's extremely focused as the space is limited. If I had my way, I'd love a large open space to practice, similar to the enclosures they have in Japan and China. Of course, those have a much more communal spirit to their social interactions, so it makes sense. A large open space is far more valuable than people realize, and the elimination of them through copious amounts of STUFF is an extremely poor choice.

We don't really have a place where people go to see adult interaction anymore. And I mean ADULT interaction. Discussion of philosophy, conversation, laugh, tears, love, etc. It's been relegated to dingy bar rooms where the main goal is the product. Instead we are treated to a false interaction, based off viewings of viewings of viewings, presented to us and treated as truth. Even Theater has more verisimilitude that the remembered memories of how humans act presented on the screens.

Universities have lost all value as a social environment that prepares for the real world. Instead it's become a 4 year bacchanalia with occasional responsibilities and the ability to not have to deal with anything you don't want to. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised to see the spirit of the Academy debased by corporations. When you sell out, you shouldn't be surprised to see the quality of your product dropped to the bare minimum possible.

Aaaand I will end my old man ranting. I just remember that my children always tell me that they learn more from talking with me than they do in school. I don't know everything in the world, but unlike many, at least I don't think I know what I don't know.