Recommend some must-read literature

[Creepy-Snaps]

The way you think/talk about "getting ahead" of others is a bit distasteful to my liking.

And your general forum presence doesn't fit the ENFp sociotype at all. Maybe you're just pushing your mindset way ahead of us. Don't try too hard though.

Oh really? Distasteful to your liking? Good for you and your opinion.

Why wouldn't you want to 'get ahead'? You're not a 'everybody should be equal' socialist, are you, Parkster?

By the way, "Last edited by Parkster; Today at 02:56 AM." I saw what your originally posted. Why you felt the need to change your post to something more insulting, 2 hours later at night, is beyond me. But yes, it teaches integrity too.

Ohhhh PLEASE this is NOT literature, SIGH.

Recommend your favorite books. I look forward to reading them.

I believe it qualifies as a "book" and fits the context of this thread. Perhaps if you read it, FDG, you'd understand why I recommend it.

[Park]

Oh really? Distasteful to your liking? Good for you and your opinion.

Did you take offense at that, MD? Would you rather have me lie and tell you I like/agree with it? Maybe you would prefer if I kept every negative thing to myself.

Why wouldn't you want to 'get ahead'? You're not a 'everybody should be equal' socialist, are you, Parkster?

No, but there are certain aspects of humanity in which I do regard and do my best to treat everyone as equals. Some people have called me libertarian in the past, even though I do not subscribe to any particular philosophy.

And it isn't about "wanting" (or not wanting) to get ahead, it's about the concept of thinking about life as a horse race that goes against some of my values.

I saw what your originally posted.

Okay.

Why you felt the need to change your post to something more insulting, 2 hours later at night, is beyond me.

I didn't feel the need to change my post to something more insulting, so back off with your assumptions. I returned to the forum, read the post, and thought of something that better reflects how I felt about you said. I didn't think about it in terms of whether and/or how much insulting it is going to be received as. Emotional connotations are something I rarely ever think about (consider) when writing or talking to people. What matters to me the most is to be truthful and accurate in depicting my views/opinions/feelings/etc. If you* get insulted in the process, I don't care. If you think I said something with the intent to insult you, you're probably wrong. And if you insist on thinking I intentionally insulted you after I tell you I didn't, you're a douche.

But yes, it teaches integrity too.

Good.


*impersonal "you"

[Gilly]

Ups to k0rp

Anything by Herman Hesse. A prophet if there ever was one, and one of the most brilliant storytellers in our history.

[Creepy-Snaps]

Would you rather have me lie and tell you I like/agree with it? Maybe you would prefer if I kept every negative thing to myself.

I'd rather you control what you say. I'll simply quote the great Lou Holtz on this one: "Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them."

No, but there are certain aspects of humanity in which I do regard and do my best to treat everyone as equals. Some people have called me libertarian in the past, even though I do not subscribe to any particular philosophy.

Yes, I believe in some aspects we are all equal. I believe people can put themselves in a position to win, however.

And it isn't about "wanting" (or not wanting) to get ahead, it's about the concept of thinking about life as a horse race that goes against some of my values.

*edit* I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive. Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place? Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.

[FDG]

*edit* I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive. Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place? Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.

lol, wat?

[Slacker]

I don't think the world should be a horse race either.

Hmm two books I've read lately both coincidentally are set during the Holocaust: Sarah's Key and The Book Thief. Both very good.

[Gilly]

I'd rather you control what you say. I'll simply quote the great Lou Holtz on this one: "Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them."

Wow, you're a douche.

I mean, it's not like I LIKE hearing my girlfriend and friends and people on the forum bitch, it sucks and brings negative energy, but as long as it's not excessive, it's a very healthy practice to vent frustrations and negative feelings. Not doing so is a recipe for nothing but self-hatred, anxiety, and emotional isolationism.

I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive. Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place? Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.

Lol wow, you presumptuous ass. I actually don't get along with Parkster but I have to stand up for him on this one.

You, my friend, are a relic of the 1950s and what was once again reflected in the 1980s: sterile American success-idealizing who's-the-best-ant mentality and it's rather pathetic. In fact I personally find it repugnant. I can see it in your face in your avatar; you have the glazed look of someone who has been seduced to believe that he will be happy or get what he's looking for as long as he follows a certain formula. It's a lie and it will make you die unhappy and emotionally alone, whether you wind up in an expensive high-rise condo or a bougie mansion with 4 kids. Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere. You are being jerked around by your dick and I hope you realize it before you wind up with an even emptier look in your eye in exchange for a full bank account.

[Gilly]

If you want to read the most poignant short stories you'll ever encounter, read The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Absolute genius.

[Creepy-Snaps]

I mean, it's not like I LIKE hearing my girlfriend and friends and people on the forum bitch, it sucks and brings negative energy, but as long as it's not excessive, it's a very healthy practice to vent frustrations and negative feelings. Not doing so is a recipe for nothing but self-hatred, anxiety, and emotional isolationism.

I can understand where you're coming from. I thought the quote was rough the first time I heard it, but then I realized, anytime you vent to get out negative, it's only a short-term relief. It creates a bad cycle of needing to vent to feel better. It's tough to hold back at first, but when you can overcome your problems on your own, you become more confident and more independent. I don't feel the need to vent anymore about anything, I'm quite relaxed. I feel bad for others who still *need* to vent to overcome, sorry that they haven't discovered peace of mind yet.

Lol wow, you presumptuous ass. I actually don't get along with Parkster but I have to stand up for him on this one.

I asked him a question to confirm my suspicion. I left the door open to being wrong, so I didn't just "presume" I was correct.

You, my friend, are a relic of the 1950s and what was once again reflected in the 1980s: sterile American success-idealizing who's-the-best-ant mentality and it's rather pathetic. In fact I personally find it repugnant. I can see it in your face in your avatar; you have the glazed look of someone who has been seduced to believe that he will be happy or get what he's looking for as long as he follows a certain formula. It's a lie and it will make you die unhappy and emotionally alone, whether you wind up in an expensive high-rise condo or a bougie mansion with 4 kids. Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere. You are being jerked around by your dick and I hope you realize it before you wind up with an even emptier look in your eye in exchange for a full bank account.

I believe in empowerment, not 'compliance and subservience' which you "presume". In fact, I stand against people feeling like a 'hamster' or running the 'rat race' in life, I encourage people to think and take control of their lives. Any time you change, or step outside your comfort zone, it can be uncomfortable, Gilly. I'm going somewhere in my life, going to be successful financially, emotionally, spiritually, personally, etc., and would like others to come along. But hey, you're entitled to live your life however you want, and if you want to stand on the sidelines and criticize how I pursue my goals, you're more than welcome to.

[Gilly]

I can understand where you're coming from. I thought the quote was rough the first time I heard it, but then I realized, anytime you vent to get out negative, it's only a short-term relief. It creates a bad cycle of needing to vent to feel better. It's tough to hold back at first, but when you can overcome your problems on your own, you become more confident and more independent. I don't feel the need to vent anymore about anything, I'm quite relaxed. I feel bad for others who still *need* to vent to overcome, sorry that they haven't discovered peace of mind yet.

Lol, it's not "rough;" quit coming from this condescending perspective, like you know the road, and oh it's hard, but we must try...what the fuck is that? Stop reassuring yourself.

It's funny that you think I advocate people expressing themselves any time they want; don't misrepresent my position, that's a logical fallacy.

But maybe I haven't elaborated on my position fully. Personally I do NOT believe in expressing whatever whenever; that's selfish and counter-productive to both emotional health and healthy relations with the people you express yourself around. But it's NOT healthy to hold it all in. Any therapist will tell you the same; people go crazy that way. You have to dig down and be real or else you will wind up an empty shell of yourself with a heart burning in self-righteous contempt for the rest of the world. There has to be balance and compromise.

I asked him a question to confirm my suspicion. I left the door open to being wrong, so I didn't just "presume" I was correct.

The self-congratulating quotes in your signature imply otherwise.

*bunch of memes*

You can say whatever you like, but your attitude speaks louder than your words.

[Creepy-Snaps]

Lol, it's not "rough;" quit coming from this condescending perspective, like you know the road, and oh it's hard, but we must try...what the fuck is that? Stop reassuring yourself.

Have you tried calming yourself by doing something other than 'venting' and cursing? I've tried both, and I can compare and see which things have worked, and which haven't.

But maybe I haven't elaborated on my position fully. Personally I do NOT believe in expressing whatever whenever; that's selfish and counter-productive to both emotional health and healthy relations with the people you express yourself around. But it's NOT healthy to hold it all in. Any therapist will tell you the same; people go crazy that way. You have to dig down and be real or else you will wind up an empty shell of yourself with a heart burning in self-righteous contempt for the rest of the world. There has to be balance and compromise.

And how do therapists get paid? By curing people. What if everyone is cured? Wouldn't they lose their jobs and go out of business? It seems they have an incentive to keep people coming back... if you want to talk about 'compliance and subservience', I believe coaches and mentors who have an incentive in seeing you succeed, not holding you back like certain therapists, are the best people to listen to.

Generally, I agree with you. You should never feel like you are 'holding something in', I just found healthier ways of expressing myself than venting. There are specific people in my life I can talk with about problems. I don't dump my problems on anyone willing to listen, though.

The self-congratulating quotes in your signature imply otherwise.

Quotes from other people about me are not 'self-congratulating'.

You can say whatever you like, but your attitude speaks louder than your words.

I agree.

[Hot Scalding Gayser]

I believe in empowerment, not 'compliance and subservience' which you "presume".

You do not *truly* empower people because you fundamentally do not respect them. That's what its coming across like to others, it's this core empathy that you lack and any lack of empathy is always annoying no matter who it's coming from. People see your cheesy grin in that avatar and they want to troll you and light your skin on fire so you cry along with the rest of the human race. Sometimes all people need is an ear to bitch/listen to but you go straight for 'advice/fixer upper mode.' It's sort of a narcissistic self-defense mechanism to keep you from having to connect with people. My ex used to do that and it was a form of abuse to me. You become sorta that 'king of anything guy' Sara Barellisas sings about. It's like Buffy Season 7, the only reason why Buffy's empowering speech worked is because she tried for years after doing it the hard way and being a downer/trying to connect but failing. Your big 'advice givin moments' should be earned more or something.

You can't be a business man and this "inspirational person" at the same time unless you somehow make it really big in Hollywood, which actually combines socialism with capitalism. You come off as phoney. Leave the 'advice giving' to the artists who aren't selling themselves out to a company that's known for scamming others and should have been shut down long ago.

If you really want to be this dude that helps people and gives real inspiration, then I think you will listen to mine and Gilly's constructive criticism. Understanding how you emotionally effect others his *huge* when determining your own success. You do not want to piss off your customers after all, they are the ones that are always right because it is they who will make you the star, not the other way around.

I will back off you for now because I don't really like tearing into people even though it's fun in the moment. I like to be gentle but the only way I know how to make you change is to tear into you.

[mu4]

I believe in empowerment, not 'compliance and subservience' which you "presume". In fact, I stand against people feeling like a 'hamster' or running the 'rat race' in life, I encourage people to think and take control of their lives. Any time you change, or step outside your comfort zone, it can be uncomfortable, Gilly. I'm going somewhere in my life, going to be successful financially, emotionally, spiritually, personally, etc., and would like others to come along. But hey, you're entitled to live your life however you want, and if you want to stand on the sidelines and criticize how I pursue my goals, you're more than welcome to.

You've kinda of wrapped up the mechanism of your own control in the words of empowerment. It's newspeak and doublethink. (Read Orwell)

Terms like empowerment and taking control of your own life is in actuality removing the responsibility and roles played by the rich and powerful, the government, and various other organizations which influence your life. However by placing the full responsibility on the individual, it places all the full blame on the individual as well. It's quite dissocative to think this way.

The truth of one's individual control and sovereignty has always been a non-absolute, one takes upon a role, and performs that role in exchange for good/services/power/influence, and whatever benefit one might derive from that role. Empowerment is understanding your current role in society, and choosing the role you will play or won't. And it's not like you can even escape this role, even the rebel plays a role.

I think Shakespeare puts it pretty well in his work "As you like it"(Read Shakespeare)

All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. As, first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

Anyways, empowerment always entails a bit of rebellion, a good analogy is the rebellion of Lucifer against God, even through Lucifer was the best Angel, his rebellion against God is necessary. Al-through the conventional Christian interpretation is to remain a slave to God and worship God wholeheartedly without question. The empowering option is to rebel and question the authority of God and to not worship God but find one's own path to goodness. Metaphorically, the great writers have always been more or less on the side of Lucifer, for he is a more apt representative of man and in a way, the correct representative of man. (Read Paradise Lost)

Into this wilde Abyss,
The Womb of nature and perhaps her Grave,
Of neither Sea, nor Shore, nor Air, nor Fire,
But all these in their pregnant causes mixt
Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight,
Unless th' Almighty Maker them ordain
His dark materials to create more Worlds,
Into this wilde Abyss the warie fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and look'd a while,
Pondering his Voyage; for no narrow frith
He had to cross.

John Milton was a writer who was supportive of the deposing and execution of King Charles the I during his time so this story is with Lucifer as the protagonist.
This passage is about Lucifer going on a quest from Hell to Earth. This particular passage is used as the namesake of Philip Pullman's book series(read His Dark Materials).

In many ways, this story is similar to the story of man and the individual, the understanding of our roles in life, which we rarely choose and understand unclearly, and a rebellion against it, for good and ill.

[Creepy-Snaps]

Terms like empowerment and taking control of your own life is in actuality removing the responsibility and roles played by the rich and powerful, the government, and various other organizations which influence your life. However by placing the full responsibility on the individual, it places all the full blame on the individual as well. It's quite dissocative to think this way.

EXACTLY. Take control of your own life, taking full responsibility, you CHOOSE where you're at! If you're don't like where you're at, CHANGE it! Although you seem to want to blame others' power over you, and you seem to want a handout from the rich and powerful.

[Pa3s]

Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere.

I fully agree. Institutions like the church or the state set up lifestyle ideals in the name of "society" and tell you how to achieve them. However, they always profit themselves from your hard work to reach the said goal. You're better off if you question those ideals seriously and think about if that's what you really want.

[Park]

Wow, you're a douche.

I mean, it's not like I LIKE hearing my girlfriend and friends and people on the forum bitch, it sucks and brings negative energy, but as long as it's not excessive, it's a very healthy practice to vent frustrations and negative feelings. Not doing so is a recipe for nothing but self-hatred, anxiety, and emotional isolationism.



Lol wow, you presumptuous ass. I actually don't get along with Parkster but I have to stand up for him on this one.

You, my friend, are a relic of the 1950s and what was once again reflected in the 1980s: sterile American success-idealizing who's-the-best-ant mentality and it's rather pathetic. In fact I personally find it repugnant. I can see it in your face in your avatar; you have the glazed look of someone who has been seduced to believe that he will be happy or get what he's looking for as long as he follows a certain formula. It's a lie and it will make you die unhappy and emotionally alone, whether you wind up in an expensive high-rise condo or a bougie mansion with 4 kids. Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere. You are being jerked around by your dick and I hope you realize it before you wind up with an even emptier look in your eye in exchange for a full bank account.

I still think you're a dipshit, but kudos for being honest. And realistic.

[Gilly]

I still think you're a dipshit, but kudos for being honest. And realistic.

thx

[mu4]

Gonna recommend some stuff that you can't find easily and you can't buy in stores. The most well known writers and widely read authors in China/HK/Taiwan. I would say the equal of Dumas/Hugo in Chinese literature.

Jin Yong
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Yong

Gu Long
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu_Long

On this site in English(fan translations)
http://www.spcnet.tv/forums/forumdis...a-Translations

[Park]

I'd rather you control what you say. I'll simply quote the great Lou Holtz on this one: "Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them."

I'm sure there's a street beggar in Somalia who knows that, and I bet he never heard of Lou Holtz.

But I don't understand why you would quote something completely irrelevant to our discussion. I didn't share a problem with you, I expressed disagreement/dislike.

Yes, I believe in some aspects we are all equal. I believe people can put themselves in a position to win, however.

Win what?

*edit* I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive.

Perhaps...

Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place?

Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.

No comment...

But here's a question. Do you, MD, as independent and ahead in life as you are, need "greats" like this Lou Hooever to tell you how much people care about your problems and how to act upon them? Aren't you capable of learning these things by yourself/from your own experience?

[Creepy-Snaps]

I'm sure there's a street beggar in Somalia who knows that, and I bet he never heard of Lou Holtz.

But I don't understand why you would quote something completely irrelevant to our discussion. I didn't share a problem with you, I expressed disagreement/dislike.



Win what?



Perhaps...



No comment...

But here's a question. Do you, MD, as independent and ahead in life as you are, need "greats" like this Lou Hooever to tell you how much people care about your problems and how to act upon them? Aren't you capable of learning these things by yourself/from your own experience?

I can't teach calculus to someone who doesn't know algebra. I'm sorry, but explaining this isn't worth my time. You'll learn in due time anyway, as you go through life.

[Korpsy Knievel]

I can't teach calculus to someone who doesn't know algebra. I'm sorry, but explaining this isn't worth my time. You'll learn in due time anyway, as you go through life.

SELL HIM AN AMWAY BOOK ON THE SUBJECT THAT WILL PUT HIM WAY AHEAD OF HIS PEERS