“On this day, it was only a month until you’ve blessed this world for eight decades. But sadly, life decided otherwise.” It’s been 4 years already since my grandma passed away, exactly a month before her 80th birthday. It was during one of the last restriction-filled periods of 2021 so I wasn’t even able to be around. And true, she would’ve largerly disapproved of who I am right now, for her faith was stronger than her own self, but with the passage of time, I can understand why. And as I’m remembering her today, I’ve decided to write down this little exercise of mind; what would I do if I could talk to my relatives who already passed away for one more time?
Alright, time for something rather bland but at the same time thoughtful. It’s been just a bit over a year since I started making my online presence a little bit more visible. Previously, I barely had any since I nuked my Facebook account back in 2020 (good riddance), Twitter I set on fire the moment the ketamine-fueled egomaniac took over (very good riddance) and my fledgeling Reddit presence which ironically got me among the fluffy folks I doused in acid and let it dissolve back when it though it’s “the shit”. And to give credit where it’s due, it is indeed “The Shit”; the one rotting and festering pile of narcissistic and elitist brainrot that’d best launched into sun and scorched.
Anyway, enough rant. Last year I stared my journey in the realm of BlueSky and Mastodon. In the case of latter I already had my dwelling but mostly quiet and honestly, a little shaky due to the culture shock. But that’s where the story begins.
Wait what? What the hell? Rawi, do we need to intervene? No, you don’t. Or at least not yet. But the topic I’m about share my thoughts on is something I’ve been noticing for a bit and it makes sense when I look at how I was on the “supplier” end of this chain. Because now I’m sometimes on the receiving end as well and it opened my eyes to some things.
Wait, what? This is a new headline. Yes, it is. My relatively recent replay of the Mass Effect trilogy, combined with the events of the present kind of planted the idea that I maybe I could put some quotes from well known popular character and think about their meaning in the real world context. And since there are more than plenty of such quotes, that could and often times will be misinterpreted, let’s join the fray. By the way, feel free to chime in with some quote that comes into the mind of yours. The only condition is that I need to know the context, which will often mean I probably need to play the game or watch the movie or series. But enough rambling, let’s start with one of my favourite characters from the Mass Effect trilogy … Javik, the Vengeful Ancient.
… and aligning yourself with a villain doesn’t grant you power. Do I need to continue? Possibly not but I will anyway. Otherwise this would be one really short lesson.
We see this phenomenon all the time, especially recently with all the mess in the world. So many people align themselves with some verifiably evil people just so they too can “benefit” from the power. Or they’ll bend over before the seemingly stronger force just so their calm doesn’t get upset. But what do they gain? Well, my dear reader, keep reading and you’ll find out. (muhahaha, clickbait >:3)
“Rawi, are you sure you want to do this?”
”Yes, my already traumatised conscience. Yes, I am.”
I’ve indeed had this inner dialogue multiple times but only now with this outcome. I may have already hinted at my views when it comes to various philosophies or ideologies and mainly religions. The title pretty much sums my view up but also simplifies a lot so a longer and more detailed stream of thoughts is warranted. So, let’s begin.
A quote originating from an experience described by the resident blue dhole Soatok here which honestly hits quite well in our social climate. Even more than “Being kind costs one nothing”, as he mentions in the same post. And when you think about it, he has a point. How? Well, let me take you through the maze of my brain, of course with Soatok’s permission ;3
Lately you have seen me as someone you probably haven’t imagined. Instead of the rational even if sometimes sharp wolf, you’ve seen a beast, ripping of the chains and snarling at everyone and everything around. It was a scary image. So scary that even my inner self cried for help. And I’m here, looking back at those days, asking myself “What happened? How did I lose myself so much?” Well, here’s my insight.
Twenty. Twenty posts in this series that pretty much started my humble writing career. Well, more like posting carrer, but it still counts as writing, doesn’t it? Sometimes educational, other times hopeful and other times thought- or anger-provoking. And something tells me that the milestone is going to fit into the latter category.
Yes, you’re indeed reading this right. I haven’t made a typo there. Right here, I’ve just said “Perfect is the enemy of good.” You already know the “Don’t let perfect become the enemy of good.” It’s often said in context of practice but I’d like to give it a bit of a wider context. It’s also quite fitting given the present days. So, let’s dive in.