In our increasingly authoritarian world, I’ve been thinking a lot about social hierarchy. My interest has been especially stoked by the seeming indestructibility of Donald Trump’s charisma for that mass of people who think he’s the messiah. How does it happen that vulgar, monstrous, narcissistic, ridiculous men become world leaders and world destroyers, over and over?
Is that a bust of Charles Lindbergh at the foot of Charlie Chaplin’s globe?
Isn’t the photo of Nicole Kidman particularly harsh, or is it me? Her chin much pointier than it is in my dreams, her eyes not sexy or sweet.
I like your song and the honest essay on power. Thanks for the Talmudic tale, I don’t think I knew that one, but I’m old. I may have known it when my yetzer harah was a “Yetzer hooray”. Now tales in which he’s a hero just make me want to learn a new song. Maybe master a new song.
Thank you for this insightful entry. I am currently terrified by the prospect of re-election of a Fascist-minded president, once again giving us the DTs. I do try not to write the actual name out. In this world of indecision and danger, one which may all too soon cease to be livable for the human species, the loss of which might help the earth to continue its evolutionary way more successfully, we have at least art and science on our side. Some of it anyway. The pull of Yetzer Hara may be strong, and I certainly have felt it in my 85 years. The grass may die, but sprouts again. “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Thus spake Dylan.
Loved the song and the 12 string. I am very glad to be your friend! You started college @ 16?
All true but
As alta kakers
We have seen so many
Repetitions of the disgust
That the dark side offers
I smile thinking if my grandson
Frolicking endlessly
Until he falls asleep
Or the 300 ft pines swaying
With aves always in pairs
Soaring seemingly without effort
On the morning currents
Rock on good man rock on
Is that a bust of Charles Lindbergh at the foot of Charlie Chaplin’s globe?
Isn’t the photo of Nicole Kidman particularly harsh, or is it me? Her chin much pointier than it is in my dreams, her eyes not sexy or sweet.
I like your song and the honest essay on power. Thanks for the Talmudic tale, I don’t think I knew that one, but I’m old. I may have known it when my yetzer harah was a “Yetzer hooray”. Now tales in which he’s a hero just make me want to learn a new song. Maybe master a new song.
Thank you for this insightful entry. I am currently terrified by the prospect of re-election of a Fascist-minded president, once again giving us the DTs. I do try not to write the actual name out. In this world of indecision and danger, one which may all too soon cease to be livable for the human species, the loss of which might help the earth to continue its evolutionary way more successfully, we have at least art and science on our side. Some of it anyway. The pull of Yetzer Hara may be strong, and I certainly have felt it in my 85 years. The grass may die, but sprouts again. “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Thus spake Dylan.
Roni Fuller
I love the Talmudic tale of capturing the Yetzer Hara. And where you travel in this piece. Becoming Wise is such a complicated paradoxical journey.