humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
The Weight of Desperation
The Weight of Desperation In a small town nestled amidst rolling hills and whispering forests, there lived a young man named Daniel. His life had been one of constant struggle since the day his father fell ill. Daniel's father, a hardworking farmer who had toiled tirelessly to provide for his family, was now bedridden, his once-strong frame reduced to a mere shadow of its former self.
Could Love Actually Be a Net Negative for Humanity
Introduction I am not one to complain about tests being too hard. In fact, generally speaking, the more difficult any given challenge, the more compelling I find it. Even for me however to "write a personal reflection that explores the complexities of love" is a challenge for which I must cry uncle. To find something interesting, and more importantly, something which has not been said a million times before, by a million other people a million times more talented than me, about a topic that may the most thought and written about in the history of humanity, is likely not possible for a person of my limited abilities. That said, since I am already sitting here at the computer and fully committed to writing something, and since I have also decided that no matter what the outcome I will submit it to the above referenced challenge, I must go on, and if you are a are a fan of intellectually stimulating run on filled ramblings, then I invite you to read on. What is to come will no doubt not exactly fit the criteria of the aforementioned challenge for which this piece is being penned. However, in the spirit of difficult challenges I challenge the judges and you the reader, to try and find a way to make it fit. If I am up to the challenge surely you can be too.
Everyday JunglistPublished 2 months ago in HumansHuman trafficking in Kern County
The term “human trafficking” sounds so foreign and distant to so many of us. It is glamorized in movies and on television shows, but surely it couldn’t happen in our own backyards. We tell ourselves it doesn’t exist because it is not in our peripheral and we sleep better for it, but it is invisible by design.
Ellen KommelPublished 2 months ago in HumansWhy do we laugh?
Have you ever stopped to think about how peculiar laughter really is? When something tickles our funny bone, our body responds in a myriad of ways. We might flash our teeth in a smile, alter our breathing patterns, feel weak in certain areas, and even shed tears of joy. But why exactly do we engage in this curious phenomenon known as laughter? Let's dive into the science behind our laughter.
Fame
In the vast tapestry of human aspirations, few desires burn as brightly as the longing for fame. The allure of being known, recognized, and celebrated is a potent force that has captivated minds throughout history. In this exploration, we delve into the complexities of fame—its roots, the paths individuals tread to achieve it, and the shadows that often accompany the spotlight.
The Brahmin and His Enemies
Long ago, a poor Brahmin lived with his family in a small house. His disciples would help him with food and clothes. He somehow managed to pass his days.
Karthikeyan A SPublished 2 months ago in HumansNavigating the Balance: Toxic Positivity vs Genuine Optimism
I've been reflecting more lately about ways to be more intentional with my energy, and live my daily life with more purpose and productivity. In the midst of reflecting on this, I realized how important it is to really know the difference between toxic positivity and genuine happiness. I don't want to be disingenuous to myself, and pretend I'm all about being positive if I'm not feeling it. I choose to feel all of my emotions and go through the process of being human instead of giving myself trigger phrases like "You've got this!" and "Life's too short to be sad!" I get it, these are great messages to hear and tell others, but personally, I feel they just aren't 100% realistic.
Does true love exist?
Embracing Vulnerability A Dance of Hearts True love requires a willingness to be vulnerable, to expose the core of one's being without fear of judgment. It's a dance where partners share fears, dreams, and insecurities, forging a connection that transcends surface-level interactions.
Mountain TreePublished 2 months ago in HumansEchoes of Valor
Title: Echoes of Valor: A Soldier's Journey In the heart of a war-torn land, where the scars of conflict marred the landscape and the cries of the oppressed echoed through the valleys, there lived a soldier named Jack. He was a man of honor and courage, molded by the trials of battle and forged in the crucible of war. With each step he took, Jack carried the weight of his duty upon his shoulders, a burden that grew heavier with each passing day.
Solomon MaihatsiPublished 2 months ago in HumansEnglish, Neanderthals, and Linguistic Evolution
The Neanderthals In the vast tapestry of human history, the story of language is woven intricately with the threads of evolution and adaptation. One fascinating chapter unfolds when we explore the relationship between English, the language we communicate with today, and the Neanderthals, our ancient relatives. Let's embark on a journey through time, unraveling the linguistic connections that bind us with these enigmatic beings.
Mountain TreePublished 2 months ago in HumansThe Weight of Desperation
The Weight of Desperation In a small town nestled amidst rolling hills and whispering forests, there lived a young man named Daniel. His life had been one of constant struggle since the day his father fell ill. Daniel's father, a hardworking farmer who had toiled tirelessly to provide for his family, was now bedridden, his once-strong frame reduced to a mere shadow of its former self.
Why Am I on Vocal
I am not on Vocal to read the news again or to try to avoid them. Everything is news nowadays, except for the news. There are exceptions, of course, such as AI Is Finally Sentient. Welcome to Vocal!
Patrick M. OhanaPublished 2 months ago in Humans