Reflections on Peace, Philosophy, and Life
Wikipedia defines it as "History (derived from Ancient Greek ἱστορία (historía) 'inquiry; knowledge acquired by investigation') is the systematic study and documentation of the human past."
I understand that. I understand that it is the study of the past. What I question is the purpose of that study. Simply put, does history help me become a better person? It can do that, I suppose, if I can learn the lessons the past can teach me.
- Details
I don't watch much TV these days - there is so much dross around. I can't stand reality shows; I used to like action films, but I can't cope with the violence any more. I tend to watch documentaries. I especially like watching shows which demonstrate the wonderful work done by so many for so many others. I'm talking about those people who demonstrate their humanity by giving their time and often their money and their skills to help others who really need help and support.
- Details
There are a lot of people on the planet, but, it seems, very few Humans. That seems to be an outrageous statement, but to me, it appears to be that way. Why do I think that? It boils down to the definition of what a human is. For example, Humans don't kill people. Why? Humans by my definition are those who have understood the value of being alive and appreciate that unique, but temporary condition. Appreciating that about oneself, automatically means understanding that basic truth about every other being on the planet.
- Details
I appreciate that at the ground level, religion provides many kindnesses and support for people.
My beef is with the organisations, the Churches and Temples, synagogues and Mosques and all those institutions and in particular, the hierarchies and power structures; frequently also the holders of those positions, especially at the upper end of the hierarchies. Look at their finances, and you can see very quickly that being in charge of such sums, will corrupt anybody. This list is from Wikipedia:
- Details
In the post-second World War, the Zionists started their war to create a "homeland for Jews". People like the Stern Gang and others were classed as terrorists by the British Government, who managed Palestine at that time. The Zionists argument, put very simply, is that Israel was the promised land by God and still is, although it hasn't existed for the best part of a couple of thousand years. To me, a ridiculous argument and one which very many Jews did not and do not support either.
- Details
I've been wondering what percentage of the world is currently run by autocratic governments, i.e. countries where the population doesn't have much to say in how the country is run.
I found a website called worldpopulationreview.com, which lists countries and populations, including a list of current dictators. Using their data for 2022, I came up with the following list:
- Details