Author: Selim Anwar
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Banality and Haiku
I disdain the ordinary. As I view influencers snapping pictures of their cocktails in allegedly hip bars, I often snicker. I mock their attempts to monetize triviality. I am like “Henri le chat noir”, the star of the eponymous satire of French continental philosophy. I also express lofty disdain for the banal. So, I subscribe…
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Death and Honour
I will die. I think about it often and it terrifies me. This is, of course, normal, but how should I respond? I seek to live authentically. By extension, I hope to die similarly. A key component of authenticity is courage. Without it, I can’t live by my values. Chief among these values is honesty.…
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Regret and Authenticity
“Marry, and you will regret it; don’t marry, you will also regret it; marry or don’t marry, you will regret it either way. Laugh at the world’s foolishness, you will regret it; weep over it, you will regret that too; laugh at the world’s foolishness or weep over it, you will regret both. Believe a…
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The Politics of Motorcycle Touring
I used to live in northern Canada. I was there as a psychologist working for a First Nations community. I tried to use the tools of Western psychology to solve colossal social problems. As I should have expected, the work was a failure. While growing increasingly despondent, I tried various schemes to brighten my mood.…
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Global Perspective: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Context
First, I must state a caveat. Gratitude is regularly weaponized by the greedy and powerful. Many will tell you to be grateful while stealing from you. Gratitude is best defined by and for you. Second, environment matters. It is nearly impossible to cultivate gratitude surrounded by ungrateful people. The system of rewards will not be…
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Cultivating Gratitude: A Solution for Taming Greed
I desire to my detriment. Sometimes I’m unaware of it and yet other times my pulse races and my skin is goose-bumped. Regardless of its origin, I will suffer. Wanting is human. If I desired nothing, I would cease to consume food or attend to my safety. Further, pursuing pleasurable activities is a foundation of…
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