Post Idea 1. "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach." Thoughts on George Bernard Shaw's controversial quote.
Post Idea 2. Anton LaVey's Satanic Bible does not, contrary to public belief, contain instructions for the sacrificing of farm animals or small children, but instead promotes a philosophy not unlike the Objectivism of Ayn Rand. What real life benefits could we gain from study of the occult, and/or what mundane beliefs/actions are more disturbing then we pretend?
Post Idea 3. Which is a better use of time, reading fiction or non-fiction? What is the most beneficial to an individual's development?
3. A friend of mine recently made the claim that consumption of non-fiction is a more productive avocation. He was referring to political philosophy rather then the persuasive drek mandated by state requirements, but I still disagreed. My thoughts on the importance of fiction are fundamentally the same as the importance of poetry, or even film as meritful, not just aesthetically, but because of the thoughts they provoke. Documentaries, or non-fiction books can be enlightening. Works of Richard Preston, Werner Herzog, Micheal Moore, or Kant have had profound impacts on myself as a person. But the insights from these works are analogous to the information you can gain from a standard education. No instructor could show you Howl or Franny and Zoe and teach you about life or love. Literature, and words, are vital for reasons other then the analytical. The beautiful and vital elements of life are not always rationalized. The most profound works for me, (these are meant as examples, rather then name dropping, still I apologize), the works of Delillo and Camus, are fiction that illuminate more about the human condition then an Emerson essay ever could.
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