If good sense stands alone, it will be taken as madness

This is one of the Penguin Little Black Classics "selections" that is surprisingly applicable to both the modern and the postmodern times, the Gen X and the Millennial generation. Taken from The Pocket Oracle and the Art of Prudence---a Spanish priest's collection of maxims on using guile and pragmatism to succeed in a dangerous world, I find this selection highly progressive and advanced from its year of publication in 1647.  Translated from Spanish by Jeremy Robbins, I find Gracian's maxims as 90% agreeable and 100% insightful. And it is certainly more than how to use your enemies. It's more of using your common sense.

I also believe most of The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene were based on this work by Baltasar Gracian because I see a lot of similar ideas (Never outshine your master, conceal your intentions, etc.) between the two books. Though it remains a theory given that I have yet to read the whole book by Greene and I'm using my assessment on its synopsis and back cover blurbs available in the book store and online.

Some of my favorite maxims (including the title of this post):

An image is made sacred not by its creator but by its worshipper.

Whoever wants to make their own opinion the measure of all things is an insufferable fool.

Enemies are of more use to the wise man than friends are to the fool.

The most independent person must still accept the need for friendly advice; even a monarch must be willing to be taught.

Get used to the bad temperaments of those you deal with, like getting used to ugly faces.

Your will must be tenacious, not your judgement.

Take a joke, but don't make someone the butt of one.

The masses, ever critical, will not recount your success, only your failures.

Ability and greatness must be measured by virtue, not by good fortune.

Genre: Maxims, Selection
Rating: 4 images out of 5

To change with change is the changeless state

Even if Bruce Lee was never my favorite fighter in history (he is in my top five though), this book deserves a 4 star rating for his wisdom, sincerity and character-driven philosophy far from his Hollywood-celebrity persona. His first idea ("Be water my friend") clearly grabs your attention and will assure you that you can expect solid punches for the duration of the book. Moreover, he is also skillful in illustrating dynamic scenes that perfectly fit into his popular (like the title of this post) and non-popular mantra.

Genre: Collection, Philosophy, Non Fiction
Rating: 4 nonchaku

Arnold Arre's Halina Filipina

Whether the author admits it or not, Halina Filipina is actually a good respite from the current crop of superhero/mythology tales in the local graphic novel scene. More than just about the title character, it's also about a beautiful love story between a Filipina-American learning to appreciate her roots and a local who despise things that destroys the Filipino. Together they learn and relearn what it means to be a Filipino. I personally like how Arre portrays "entertainment" as a cure and also a disease of our national consciousness. A simple jab to the jaw of game shows peddling instant high and temporary help just to earn ratings and millions of pesos in product endorsements.

Overall, this book deserves the accolade it currently earns.

Genre: Modern Fiction, Graphic Novel
Rating: 4.5 strands of straw hat

Sketchy, Doubtful, Incomplete Jottings of J.W. von Goethe

As a derelict reader of philosophy, I can only measure Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's musings on self-deceit, superstition, art, and ambition practically at face value. I imagined arming myself with a spade before reading this edition-- a Penguin books short collection from the German author/philosopher's original Maxims and Reflections (1749-1832) only to realize that I do not need any digging for deeper meanings because the proof is already in the surface. Well-known for his legendary novel Faust, most of Goethe's musings here are obvious to the open eyes.

"Nobody can make judgements about history except those who have experienced history as a part of their own development. This applies to whole nations. The Germans have only been able to judge literature since the point they themselves have had literature."

If he could only survive more than a century later, I am sure he will be thinking of how his countrymen judge their position in the world regarding War and Antisemitism. These next musings are not far from the first:

"Only those people who are both clever and active, who are clear about their own capacities and can use them with moderation and common sense, will really get on in the world as it is."

"Whichever way you look at nature, it is the source of what is infinite."

In general one doesnt need a mind of a genius to agree or disagree with his observations and maxims even if some were obviously outdated and most were flatly acceptable as they are. At the same time I could not consider them nearly as thought-provoking. Goethe's ideas were enjoyable as food for thought, but not so revolutionary.

My final pick from his collection may describe the current state-of-affairs regarding the book reading world, something to think about:

"The most mediocre novel is still better than mediocre readers, indeed the worst novel still participates in some way in the excellence of the genre as a whole."


Genre: Opinion, Maxims
Rating: 3 paintings

Michael Punke's The Revenant

I was expecting an explosive slam-bang ending but the epigraph (Romans 12:19) stated it clearly albeit differently. It's basically a revenge story with a surprising kill-joy ending, but the commendable quality of this novel by Michael Punke hinges on the realistic and brutal depiction of a frontier life ever since the historical adventures of Lewis and Clarke. If you love scouting and surviving the outdoor life mostly within the winter-spring seasons, you will enjoy this book.

The reader may be treated with a story of one man's obsession for vengeance, but the author's effort in searching historical documents about the life of Hugh Glass and the history of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company while infusing them with legend aptly defined the novel. What stood out here is the balance between fact and fiction, history and legend.

Passing that balance category probably made the novel also pass the threshold of a film material, as the movie adaptation will be released by December this year with the main hero Hugh Glass being portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. The ending may be different from the novel and I'm looking forward to it.





Category: Historical Fiction, Survival, Action, Adventure
Rating: 3-foot hunting rifle

The Wit of Wittgenstein

A serious and good philosophical work could be written consisting entirely of jokes.
Ludwig Wittgenstein

Illustration by Tamar Levi

Tyler Durden Returns

Chuck Palahniuk shares a preview on the return of Tyler Durden via his twitter feed. It will be published by Dark Horse Comics this year. It's been a great year so far for (comic) book nerds.

Some imaginary friends never left...

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

illustration by Rickey Beckett

DAVID & GOLIATH is my second Malcolm Gladwell read after THE TIPPING POINT (eight years ago) and the author once again provided intriguing and inspiring simplification of seemingly complex ideas and stories rooted in the socio-cultural layer of our history.

Three thousand years ago on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy killed a mighty warrior with nothing more than a pebble and a sling. David & Goliath were never part of a myth as David's story is more than a legend and more than a piece of inspiration. With support from history scholars and scientists, Gladwell was able to explain that things do not really mean what they seem---especially when you look down at the underdogs and misfits. And turning the table to the one who cast a look; the very thing that makes people so intimidating can be the source of their greatest weakness.

Additional to David and Goliath story, sample stories of the French Impressionists, the German bombing of London, the Northern Ireland conflict between Protestants and Catholics, the American Civil Rights Movement, even up to the modern day coaching of basketball prove that misfits can significantly overcome obstacles and disadvantages by using the "disadvantage" itself, among other rules (and breaking of some rules).

Gladwell made it clear that David is the complete antidote to Goliath no matter the size and the skill differential. You cannot fight fire with fire as David became water to Goliath's fire and we all know who emerged victorious and who is left lifeless on the ground with a hole in the head from that glorious day of battle in ancient Palestine.

Genre: Strategy, Psychology, Business
Rating: 4 big fishes in a small lake

A letter to my 24 year old self on my 34th birthday

I know what you've been through but take it easy brother, it's all worth it.

You were never born rich, your family has no influence whatsoever, no social status to bank on but be strong to maintain at your age the values of incorruptibility and trustworthiness. You will face hard decisions especially when a lot of people are involved but follow your heart and your conscience. Both will guide you to a path of righteousness.

Amid limitations and problems, believe that you can rise to the challenge starting on your own effort. When you're at the bottom, there is nothing else to do but to climb but do it one step at the time. Be aware that others are climbing the ladder too so be respectful and be helpful. Even if you choose to live a simple life, know that you still have to work for it. Just don't forget to laugh and learn from others. Treasure your folks and know your place in this part of the world.

Do not be afraid of leaving your comfort zone. Who said that a comfort zone is always static? Nobody. How about trying to see it in a different light? Make it reside in your heart so that you don't need to leave it, you carry it anywhere you go. Just be inspired and keep on dreaming. You have the strength to transform any place to become a piece of heaven. Use it to help your brothers and sisters. Share your blessings and practice humility. Appreciate kindness. Love and forgive but never forget the lessons. Say sorry when you need to. Appreciate somebody who comes along especially if she's the only one who can make you smile.

Knowledge may lead you somewhere, but attitude is everything. Take heed that nice words are nothing if they come from the carnivorous sheep. You will meet a lot of them. If you want to win, play it by God's rules and nothing more. Let them play by their own dirty rules. It's not all about winning, but learning and becoming a better person.

Don't throw away what you have learned. Use them well. You will find soon enough the importance of having a basic background before you take the next steps. You can study on your own but you can also learn from the group so choose your tribe wisely. Sharpen your tools as you wait, and respect the virtue of patience because, it really is a VIRTUE.

Last but not the least, remember about what Master Yoda said to the young Skywalker. It's either you do or you do not. There is no try. You can actually try, but most of the time, it's all about doing it or not doing it. Trying will only lead you to a lot of excuses. Choose to say "I will." It simply means you walk the talk and execute your plans. If the unexpected happens, don't worry there's still another day of possibilities waiting for you.

Seeking wisdom and guidance from Above wont hurt. So good luck!

Message

That's what war is all about.

Message. 

The louder, the better. 

I just rephrased that line from Spawn but if there's one World War II film that you're going to watch this year with a Sherman tank at its disposal, then this is probably that film. 

Gabo 1927-2014

"It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams."

― Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez

Booktripper Detours: Drones & Aerial Mapping

I had a great time revisiting my Photogrammetry subject and learning more about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) and  their application to Mapping from veteran practitioners and enthusiasts organized by UP Geomatics Alumni Association. Though its sad to say that the highly anticipated speaker from Philippine Navy failed to make it for the duration of the seminar due to a delayed commercial flight, this demonstration part by our friends from RASA were at least became the highlight of the day.

Launch ramp @ UP Track Oval

Gatewing X100 by Trimble

This old fella requires 4 Million PhP for total cost and upkeep 

Planimetric accuracy for X100  is about 5 cm, 

while the height accuracy is about 10 cm

Pre-flight check/calibration for controls and instrumentation

must be performed first to ensure efficiency of the flight plan

UP Dept of Geodetic Engineering Chair Dr. Ariel Blanco

do the honors of launching the X100

Up, up, and away... Battery for the old fella can last 

for only 45 minutes while airborne

Checking the position from the previously set Flight Lines. 

Set to auto-pilot for the duration of the flight.

Approach to landing position

Back to earth (actually hitting the track curb seconds later)

Booktripper reporting!

Leaving Las Piñas

LP is my reading home for many years.

But my GK Chesterton read remains unfinished. The sequel of This is a Crazy Planets remains untouched. Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane already won an award last year but still wrapped in soft plastic. Most surprising of them all is the latest Pugad Baboy edition left unfinished on the shelf gathering dust, dust, and more dust.

Before it became an annoying Matrix tagline I used to hate hearing it from my folks too but now I completely agree with its simple wisdom. Everything that has a beginning surely has an end.

Earth Walker

The World is a book and those who do not travel 

read only one page. 

St Augustine of Hippo

image source

Afterthoughts

As I await the slow-mo 0.11.4 patch update for my Path of Exile ARPG at the exit of tropical storm Maring, dragging monsoon rainclouds across Luzon on this 30th Death Anniversary of Ninoy, I couldn't help but ponder on stories left unwritten and read about real stories that keep on bringing warmth inside like an afternoon cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate. Choose your nourishment--your food for the soul. Hope is always a good thing no matter what they say.

More than just a good laugh

You will never run out of things to learn by just watching an animation feature like this one. Not counting out that it remains one of the best animations produced by Disney and Pixar, this is indeed more than just a good laugh for an audience of all ages, and its noteworthy to reiterate or review the classic lessons we learned as children decades ago as we pass it on to the younger ones.

First, I like the idea that you can always be yourself giving your share of load by not just being part of a swarm. Second, the idea that there is no perfect individual but there exists a perfect team. And it usually begin in a very different and not so obvious setting (friends that usually start as strangers or enemies, and vice versa). Third, the idea that following your dream is just the first step, and even if you encounter a big roadblock, you can always make a detour and carve a new path towards that initial goal. In short, even at the face of defeat, don't give up. Lastly, you can be the light that guides the way so that you can never live in someone else's shadow. How cool is that?

sources:

http://www.babble.com/celebrity/monsters-university-10-life-lessons-to-learn-from-the-monsters/

http://collider.com/billy-crystal-monsters-university-interview/

Genre: Animation

Rating: 9 stinging glow urchins out of 10

You Are What You Read

"I’m not afraid of death, but I resent it. I think it’s unfair and irritating. Every time I see something beautiful, I not only want to return to it, but it makes me want to see other beautiful things. I know I’m not going to get to all the places I want to go. I’m not going to read all the books I want to read. I'm  not going to revisit certain paintings as many times as I would like. There’s a limit."

Viggo Mortensen


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Selected Poems by William Blake

The beauty of the written word is never complete without realizing the strength of its equivalent spoken word. That is poetry in its basic form.

At a young age, William Blake saw angels in a tree sometime between 1765-67. This experience prompted him to study drawing, engraving, and lastly, painting--probably to record visions not generally seen by common people in his time. In his later years he suffered poverty and neglect but his rare talent in literature, illustration, and his visions earned him a unique position in British history.  Spiritual, mystic, or just a plain dreamer, one thing is certain and it's about his highly visual and symbolic literary skills reflected in his works.

Take these two stanzas from the introduction of Songs of Experience (the part where he introduces himself as a poet):

Hear the  voice of the Bard!
Who Present, Past, & Future sees, 
Whose ears have heard
The Holy Word
That walk'd among the ancient trees,

Calling the lapsed Soul,
And weeping  in the evening dew,
That might controll
The starry pole
And fallen, fallen light renew!

I observe some apparent misspellings but they are printed in this book exactly the way they are in the original engravings and notes by the author. Those words have the traces of being  archaic, progenitors of the present-day words easy to spot since they all sound common (shew-show, eccho-echo, extacy-ecstacy, akeing-aching, embrio-embryo, desart-desert, etc.). This is my reason for the emphasis of the spoken word here. Try reciting a passage or two, and you will like how they sound.

This is my favorite excerpt from There is No Natural Religion:

Application: He who sees the Infinite in all things
sees God. He who sees the Ratio only sees himself only.
Therefore: God becomes as we are, that we may be as he is.

image©Thomas Phillips

Nature is imagination itself--he declares in his letter to Dr Tusler. I could not agree more. Because as a poet if you cannot project to the audience the picture in your mind and its symbols, then you already failed as a communicator. The message is no longer the same and the bridge is lost between the creator and his creation.

Overall, this is a neat collection of selected poems by William Blake published by Phoenix Poetry. The chronology of Blake's life in parallel to historical world events in the final pages is a big bonus. This one is highly recommended as an introductory William Blake read.  


Genre: Poetry
Rating: 4 woodcuts out of 5

A subtle tweet message by Yoko Ono

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

How catchy and outrageous can a title get?

More than you can imagine. On the surface, you would think that this is just one of those novels with the basic 'around-the-world-in-XX-days' premise or perhaps another adventure and romp through 'space and time.' But this one is an exemption deserving to earn the reader's attention, especially for somebody out there who loves history and travel. This is not just an adventure story of one person--a centenarian with a Masters in Explosives title in his proverbial "resume," but a story of a group--and how they were able to unite themselves like a family when only weeks ago they were perfect strangers to each other, some even wanting to kill another. What the F right?

It's so tempting to compare Allan Emmanuel Karlsson with Forrest Gump. I can see it from book reviews in Amazon, Shelfari, and Goodreads. But I refuse to compare the two even if they have something in common, and that is coming from the simple lifestyle in the suburbs. The two may be fruits, but you can't compare apples to oranges (or to lift a comparison from the book--you can't compare vodka to banana liquor). With or without being aware of it, Forrest Gump have done something for American history. But Allan Karlsson have done lots of things for World History in crazy and funny ways. If you love WWII stories, you will appreciate this book more. Allan Karlsson provided his expertise and antics in World History after meeting an all-star cast of characters like General Franco, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Soong May-ling, Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Tse-tung, Kim Il Sung, the young Kim Jong Il, Lyndon Johnson, Charles De Gaulle, and Richard Nixon. And to top it all, there's an elephant, and a dog to join the party too.

As a novel I can say it's well-written by a Swedish author with a background in journalism. After Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo, the popular Nordic invasion of Western Literature rages on and it is here, surprisingly in the form of a funny story by Jonas Jonasson. It's a welcome and a cool departure too from serious themes of murder and detection by Larsson and Nesbo.

If you're a Filipino, just take it easy on the notoriety of formalin-induced Swedish meatballs made in the Philippines mentioned twice in the novel. Formaldehyde is of course, not country specific and anyone can do it anywhere but at least, it's nothing against the cardboard-filled Siopao buns made in China. Your choice--Bola-bola or Asado?


Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure & Comedy
Rating: 4.5 bags of Swedish meatballs from the Philippines