My article 5 Ways to Handle After-Anime Depression surprised me with the amount of comments people have posted. Feeling sad or empty after finishing a story that resonates with you is a common experience for anime fans. Now, many people would roll their eyes at this idea. “It’s a cartoon! It’s not reality. Save your…
Category: Philosophy
The Value of Calm Silence
Because speech emerges externally from internal activity, whenever you are restless you speak thoughtlessly. You’re apt to be garrulous and flippant, speaking immoderately, talking too much, perhaps making up tall tales for the occasion, perhaps angering others by intemperate words. -Yamaga Soko Yamaga Soko (1622-1685) wrote many bits of wisdom to the samurai he knew….
For the Love of the Hobby: How Not to be the Best
I feel the drive to be the best, or at least be good, at everything I do. Beyond being impractical–after all, no one can be good at everything they do–trying to be good at a hobby can ruin the hobby. Sometimes, it’s good to be mediocre. It’s good to remember fun should come first. The…
Japan’s Ancient Wisdom and You
The wisdom of Japan and China remains valuable for us today. Like the wisdom of Stoicism, we can look toward the past for lessons on how to live in the present. If you are a Christian who studies Scripture, this idea shouldn’t be new. But many Christians hesitate to add outside wisdom to their lives….
Fact vs Truth in History
You’ve likely heard the phrase “history is written by the victors.” Because of this sentiment, historians feel skeptical about written histories sponsored by governments and winners of conflicts. In history, there’s also a tension between fact and truth. These sponsored histories may not be factual, but they are often truthful. After all, they explain a…
Goodbye, Shika: The Gift of Mourning
A few hours ago, as I write this, my cat Shikamaru died. He had developed FIPV, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, an incurable and fatal viral infection. Shika was only 4 years old. Losing a pet is a difficult experience, especially when there is nothing you can do. He had contracted the virus at birth, and…