James Pyles's Blog, page 96
February 1, 2019
Quoting: Antidote to Arrogance
Arrogance is one of the most negative traits, and it leads to many counterproductive words and actions. What’s the antidote for arrogance? Awareness of the enormous size of the universe – and our microscopic position in comparison. In every Jewish blessing, we say the words “King of the Universe,” which is a constant reinforcement to […]
January 31, 2019
Life After the State
David had lived underground all his life, his existence tied to the Hive habitat that had been manufactured hundreds of years ago, and his body, blood, work, all in the service of the state. He couldn’t have imagined the exquisite beauty of the garden he was now walking in, sunlight warming his back and shoulders, […]
January 30, 2019
A Little Fallout: Bias and the “Humanities”
Several days ago, I posted a link to my essay Concealment: Should I Have Used a Pen Name? in a private writers group on Facebook. The admin always holds links in mediation prior to approval. Usually the process takes a few minutes to an hour, but after a day went by, I figured I’d gone […]
Quoting: How to Give Advice
Giving positive advice to people who are open to hearing it, is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can do. Be careful not to give advice when it is unwanted, even if you are well-meaning. A prerequisite for giving advice is to have the humility not to give advice unless you are certain […]
January 29, 2019
Quoting: Boost Your Confidence
When you are confident that you can do something, that itself mobilizes more of your talents and skills. Increase your appreciation for the Almighty’s power and how He can give you the Divine assistance to succeed. This is the ultimate way to increase your level of confidence. See Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s “Gateway to Self Knowledge,” […]
January 28, 2019
Concealment: Should I Have Used a Pen Name?
It’s too late for me to use this option (probably), but an incident (two, actually) occurred last week that got me to thinking. I’ve already considered the idea that breaking into science fiction and fantasy as a conservative, religious, white, married, cisgender old man (and if you exist at a particular social and political extreme, […]
Quoting: Feel the Joy of Being Alive
If we truly appreciate the gift of life that the Almighty gave us, we will constantly say, “No complaints, I’m alive.” When you experience joy for being alive, these positive feelings create a context that free you from the thoughts and feelings that create complaints. Sources: For a series of probing questions on this topic, […]
January 27, 2019
Quoting: Be Objective About Your Actions
There is a strong tendency for an evil person to consider himself good, and for a truly good person to consider himself bad. The rationale behind this is simple: Their criteria of good and bad differ greatly. A good person desires to help others, and when unable to do as much as he idealistically wishes, […]
January 26, 2019
Quoting: Overcome Fears Blocking Action
When trying to influence someone and you find that your first approach is not effective, try to figure out what specifically is holding him back from accepting your position. For example: What fears might he have? What obstacles might he be focusing on that would make it difficult for him? Then show the person why […]
January 25, 2019
Quoting: A Soft Reply Turns Away Anger
“A soft reply turns away anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) When you communicate to others in a soft manner, this will calm someone who is already angry at you. This refers to both your tone of voice and the content of what you say. Be mentally prepared to apply this to someone who is likely to speak […]
