Ramblings of a Retired Mind

  Ramblings of a Retired Mind Enough! "Ok, that’s enough," said Number Three. "But I haven’t finished my paper!" pleaded Number Seven. "Yes, you have. We have rules," replied Number Three with finality. "Who made the rules? And why didn’t we discuss them? Was there even a vote?" Number Seven pressed on, the temperature rising. Number Seven, ever the independent spirit, was no stranger to confrontation. Even as a child, they nearly came to blows over a debate about which president was greater—Lincoln or Kennedy. Facts weren’t always needed—only passion. “ Opinions can’t be wrong! ” became their unofficial motto. Today was no exception. "Maybe we should just take a step back?" suggested the ever-moderate Number Four, hoping to diffuse the tension. "A step back?" scoffed Number Three. "Rules are rules. Without them, there’s chaos!" "I just think we should all cool off and revisit this with clearer minds,...

                 Ramblings of a Retired Mind                                                           Evil How do you react when confronted with evil? I’m not talking about watching a TV program about a serial killer or reading a novel that toys with devils and demons. I mean real evil—unfiltered, unmasked, and often unacknowledged. Everyone responds differently. Some turn away. Some freeze. Some make excuses. And others pretend it isn’t there at all, hoping that ignorance might somehow serve as protection. We see evil forcing itself against good every day. And yet, paradoxically, we flock to theaters to watch the latest movie about a demon-possessed child or a charming sociopath. We think we’re on the good team, always. We spot evil in others with disgust, but...

  Ramblings of a Retired Mind: Teams Seers, prophets, tarot card readers, and various Chicken Littles have been predicting the end of civilization for generations. Every era seems to carry its own dire warnings. Why is that? It could be because there are always people who see the glass as half empty. But to me, the greatest threat we face isn’t a natural disaster or divine judgment—it’s our addiction to teams . From the moment the first group of humans climbed down from the trees, we’ve divided ourselves—Team A versus Team B. It’s woven into our species' DNA. All of human history can be viewed through the lens of one team rising, only to fall to another, more cunning or better equipped. Tribes, nations, kingdoms, religions—civilizations have been built and broken over team rivalries. Even Darwin might just shrug and call it “survival of the fittest.” But I doubt the dinosaurs would’ve voted for Team Comet if they’d had a say. From Tribe to Tailgate: Our Need to Belong Our team ...

                 Ramblings of a Retired Mind                                                   Noisy People At my age, I get it—some of us struggle with hearing and end up speaking louder just to hear ourselves think. That makes sense. But then there are the naturally loud talkers—the ones with no concept of volume control. Those are the ones who really get under my skin. I’ve got a bone to pick with the steady invasion of unwanted noise in my world. How many times can someone excuse it with, “Oh, they don’t realize they’re being loud” ? Please. If I can understand every word of your conversation from across a football field, you’re not just being loud—you’re broadcasting. Many people fall squarely into the “too-loud” category. This is true of both sexes; it is not regulated to just on...

  Ramblings of a Retired Mind The Start Where to begin? The urge to write—to express—is something that has always lived inside me. I’ve long been someone who sees the world and feels compelled to put it into words. Sometimes, those words burst out in a flood, and those nearby can only wonder, “When will he stop?” So, I’ve decided to start a blog. A place to share my thoughts, observations, and the occasional rant. Some readers may nod along in agreement; others might shake their heads and think I’m completely off base. So be it. That’s life. As Jules Renard once said, “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.” And so, here we are. I hope those who find their way here will take something from what they read—and feel free to share in return. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is enti...