Limiting Myself
January 30, 2017
G.D.O’Bradovich III
introduction
On Thursday of last week, we had a serendipitous encounter with potential Apprentice Denver that exceeded the typical exchange of greetings and his hurried departure. A powerful ally, if turned to the darkside, will he be.
During the course of our hour long conversation, the topic turned, or was subtly steered by Yours Truly, to the flat earth and its perceived “controversy”. Shortly after our admission of ignorance regarding Newtonian physics, potential Apprentice Denver suggested that Yours Truly should not unduly limit studies of appropriate topics. In essence, he was suggesting that Yours Truly intentionally avoids topics, or viable avenues of research, that may challenge preconceived and ultimately erroneous opinions. Clearly, his opinion of my abilities, research, and curiosity is not correct, due, in no small part, to my reticence regarding certain topics. The hubris of youth personified.
Incipit Excursion
It is possible that potential Apprentice Denver, as a Gemini, seeks mental stimulation and cognitive challenges from Yours Truly. We suggest these engagements may indicate an admission that Yours Truly does, in fact, possess at least either one virtue, or one quality, that potential Apprentice Denver values. We caution the Gentle Reader that our speculation is a possibility, not a certainty.
Excipit Excursion
Yours Truly, in a moment of desperation, retaliated that if Denver did not have sufficient previous goodwill, he would join the short list of people who are persona non grata. (We refrained from using the Latin phrase, as the youth is confused with such esoteric topics such as the correct meaning of English words and proper reasoning.) “Who could foresee that” the twin would recognize my attempt at fear and threat of subsequent alienation as a farce, and, in the vernacular, “call me out”?
During the course of our hour long conversation, the topic turned, or was subtly steered by Yours Truly, to the flat earth and its perceived “controversy”. Shortly after our admission of ignorance regarding Newtonian physics, potential Apprentice Denver suggested that Yours Truly should not unduly limit studies of appropriate topics. In essence, he was suggesting that Yours Truly intentionally avoids topics, or viable avenues of research, that may challenge preconceived and ultimately erroneous opinions. Clearly, his opinion of my abilities, research, and curiosity is not correct, due, in no small part, to my reticence regarding certain topics. The hubris of youth personified.
Incipit Excursion
It is possible that potential Apprentice Denver, as a Gemini, seeks mental stimulation and cognitive challenges from Yours Truly. We suggest these engagements may indicate an admission that Yours Truly does, in fact, possess at least either one virtue, or one quality, that potential Apprentice Denver values. We caution the Gentle Reader that our speculation is a possibility, not a certainty.
Excipit Excursion
Yours Truly, in a moment of desperation, retaliated that if Denver did not have sufficient previous goodwill, he would join the short list of people who are persona non grata. (We refrained from using the Latin phrase, as the youth is confused with such esoteric topics such as the correct meaning of English words and proper reasoning.) “Who could foresee that” the twin would recognize my attempt at fear and threat of subsequent alienation as a farce, and, in the vernacular, “call me out”?
"isn't it queer? losing my timing so late in my career."
Of course, I could never ignore, or disparage, potential Apprentice Denver; firstly, there is nothing that he could say that would change my opinions regarding him, as a person, and, secondly, he possesses virtues and qualities that I value. I have serious reservations that he understands the objective reasons why I value him, and I doubt he will realize the rare, all too rare, nature of his virtues.
The Capricorn balance sheet does not conform to generally accepted accounting procedures. The two virtues of productivity and humor are duly listed as assets, and these are neither reduced, nor impaired, by the liability of occasional, and defensive, bellicose behavior from the Cancer Gemini. Therefore, the assets found in a Capricorn balance sheet are almost nearly equal to equity. In conclusion to this part, we may observe that the exact quantity of equity is unknown, as it is determined by “fuzzy math”, whereas recognition of virtues is accomplished by reason.
We know that potential Apprentice Denver’s past attempts to reconcile Yours Truly’s astute, nay, brilliant mind with a projected personality who adheres to a flat earth model leads to, if not arguments, then, moments of exasperation from both parties. My knowledge of his frustration flows directly from his repeated attempts to appeal to the authority of various sciences, notably astronomy and physics, whose opinions, or claims of unimaginable exactitude, I do not share. Appeals to authority indicate a good memory, not the presence of reason. A powerful ally, if turned to reason, will he be.
Like Socrates, I eagerly state my ignorance, for to do otherwise is unreasonable, but in my darker imaginings, I feel that Denver is desirous of my claiming knowledge that I do not possess, with the express purpose of easily demolishing my weak and untenable position. Firstly, I will not deceive someone when the supposed, or implicit, goal is fact finding and, secondly, I intentionally avoid any scenario that may potentially lead to Denver gaining a superior debating position. Did I mention his bellicose tendencies?
“I will kill my brother, and to overshadow my crime, I will build a great city, naming it after myself, and its fame will make my name immortal.”, said the evil twin.
We explained to Potential Apprentice Denver that our research and conclusions are available on our website, thereby indicating that he will find, if he would simply seek. We hoped the Gemini would forgo further potentially divisive conversation to read for himself, but all for naught. We have suspected he has not ventured to the website, for he was confounded that we almost invariably refer to him and his type as “Cancer Gemini”.
Denver enquired what would happen, or more accurately, how we would feel, if the website were deleted. We replied that everything would be lost, as “hard copies” do not exist. He could not know that we have have seriously considered deleting the account for the past few months. we have not deleted it, firstly, because of our vanity, our pride in our accomplishments spanning many years, and, secondly, the Gentle Researcher would be greatly and, unnecessarily, hampered in his efforts to reach an understanding of our work, generally, and the Great Work, specifically.
One can truthfully state that the Great Work will continue with, or without, our website, for in the expectation of things not seen, We have sown seeds for many years and in sundry places with the hope of an abundant harvest. We responded to potential Apprentice Denver, perhaps disingenuously, or perhaps not, considering his virtues, that we were not concerned about the website’s fate, and if he would like the password, then we would provide it and, interestingly, he did not acquiesce to our offer. Destruction, as we have learned from Donald Darko, is a form of creation.
The Capricorn balance sheet does not conform to generally accepted accounting procedures. The two virtues of productivity and humor are duly listed as assets, and these are neither reduced, nor impaired, by the liability of occasional, and defensive, bellicose behavior from the Cancer Gemini. Therefore, the assets found in a Capricorn balance sheet are almost nearly equal to equity. In conclusion to this part, we may observe that the exact quantity of equity is unknown, as it is determined by “fuzzy math”, whereas recognition of virtues is accomplished by reason.
We know that potential Apprentice Denver’s past attempts to reconcile Yours Truly’s astute, nay, brilliant mind with a projected personality who adheres to a flat earth model leads to, if not arguments, then, moments of exasperation from both parties. My knowledge of his frustration flows directly from his repeated attempts to appeal to the authority of various sciences, notably astronomy and physics, whose opinions, or claims of unimaginable exactitude, I do not share. Appeals to authority indicate a good memory, not the presence of reason. A powerful ally, if turned to reason, will he be.
Like Socrates, I eagerly state my ignorance, for to do otherwise is unreasonable, but in my darker imaginings, I feel that Denver is desirous of my claiming knowledge that I do not possess, with the express purpose of easily demolishing my weak and untenable position. Firstly, I will not deceive someone when the supposed, or implicit, goal is fact finding and, secondly, I intentionally avoid any scenario that may potentially lead to Denver gaining a superior debating position. Did I mention his bellicose tendencies?
“I will kill my brother, and to overshadow my crime, I will build a great city, naming it after myself, and its fame will make my name immortal.”, said the evil twin.
We explained to Potential Apprentice Denver that our research and conclusions are available on our website, thereby indicating that he will find, if he would simply seek. We hoped the Gemini would forgo further potentially divisive conversation to read for himself, but all for naught. We have suspected he has not ventured to the website, for he was confounded that we almost invariably refer to him and his type as “Cancer Gemini”.
Denver enquired what would happen, or more accurately, how we would feel, if the website were deleted. We replied that everything would be lost, as “hard copies” do not exist. He could not know that we have have seriously considered deleting the account for the past few months. we have not deleted it, firstly, because of our vanity, our pride in our accomplishments spanning many years, and, secondly, the Gentle Researcher would be greatly and, unnecessarily, hampered in his efforts to reach an understanding of our work, generally, and the Great Work, specifically.
One can truthfully state that the Great Work will continue with, or without, our website, for in the expectation of things not seen, We have sown seeds for many years and in sundry places with the hope of an abundant harvest. We responded to potential Apprentice Denver, perhaps disingenuously, or perhaps not, considering his virtues, that we were not concerned about the website’s fate, and if he would like the password, then we would provide it and, interestingly, he did not acquiesce to our offer. Destruction, as we have learned from Donald Darko, is a form of creation.
"moses' wooden staff."
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam make the identical claim of being the one true revealed religion. Roman Catholicism and Mormonism claim that they receive continuing revelations. With over forty thousand denominations, Protestants also have abundant supernatural revelations. Only by applying correct reasoning can one discern which claims are true and which claims are false regarding revealed religion, generally, and supernatural knowledge, specifically.
"newton hit by the apple."
Newton made certain suppositions regarding the nature of our world and the planets and these assumptions been accepted by modern astronomers and physicists. Science is always open to modifications and if, in the future, these basic assumptions are determined to be incorrect, then these sciences will need extensive revision. We suggest that astronomy can claim an accuracy to one part in twelve million since it, unlike chemistry, for example, does not touch upon reality. “Reason is calling.”
"darwin had the gall to ask."
The extraordinary claims of evolution require not only extraordinary evidence, but the absence of other viable explanations. We doubt that any scientist would suggest that a human born with twelve fingers and twelve toes should be assigned the nomenclature of Homo Sexdigitus, as this phenomena is known to exist. Yet, if these bones were to be only found the fossil record, without living examples, scientists would be eager to offer convoluted explanations for Homo Sexdigitus’ extinction. Once again, we must apply reason to the claims of evolutionary theory, generally, and for humanity, specifically.
"See you in the next world? only if you make the list."
We only are aware of one list in our extensive religious studies: the Book of Life, found in the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ. Per this book, only 144,000 male virgin descendants from the twelve tribes of Israel will be allowed into the heavenly Jerusalem. The remaining Gentile individuals will either be found in the Book of Life, however, their reward is not in Heaven; or not found, and consigned to the Lake of Fire. Explicit and implicit contradictions between this single book, the remaining twenty six books of the New Testament, and the entire Old Testament must be resolved by applying reason.
conclusion
On Sunday night, Apprentice Christian, accompanied by his athletic entourage, joined Yours Truly for delightful inquiries and engaging conversation. Apprentice Christian frequently claims, under the guise of humor, that he will excel Yours Truly in the sphere of the Occult Arts and Sciences. We wonder how Apprentice Christian would respond if he discovered that I am not concerned about being surpassed by either him, or other youths, as the implied purpose, or goal, of teaching is for the Apprentice to exceed the Master.
Saint Paul listed faith, hope and charity as Christian characteristics. Love, he continued, is the greatest of these and Yours Truly agrees, not because of the Apostle’s undisputed authority, but because of his astute reasoning.
“Put on … as the Elect of God … long suffering” as “love seeks not her own”: bearing “all things” and enduring “all things.”
Yours Truly looks forward to the day when Potential Apprentice Denver realizes, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the reason why Yours Truly refuses to engage in arguments with him about the merits of the flat earth, the ignorant Orthodox Church, and viable long term forms of government. For although knowledge will pass away, love, the Apostle assures us, will abide forever.
After multiple revisions of this essay, it has become evident that certain Apprentices have been recognized for less potential, and for less insightful contributions, than potential Apprentice Denver [Vide Apprentice Christian's initial effort.]. As Yours Truly’s encounters with Denver and Brayden over the previous year have resulted in several valued essays on various topics, to further delay Brayden and Denver their deserved Apprenticeships would be unwarranted and punitive. Therefore:
In acknowledgment of Denver and Brayden’s previous assistance, continuing contributions, and support to Yours Truly, to the Great Work, and to Occult research, by the plenitude of power invested in me by the Ancient and Esteemed Order of Hierophants, it is duly proclaimed, exclaimed, and declared that Denver and Brayden be awarded the highly valued, long sought after, and rarely granted title of Apprentice, with all rights and privileges of this position hereby, and henceforth, recognized.
So mote it be.
The Gentle Reader will reach his own informed conclusions concerning my supposed self imposed limited learning.
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach the correct conclusion regarding my reserved interactions with Apprentice Brayden and Apprentice Denver.
Saint Paul listed faith, hope and charity as Christian characteristics. Love, he continued, is the greatest of these and Yours Truly agrees, not because of the Apostle’s undisputed authority, but because of his astute reasoning.
“Put on … as the Elect of God … long suffering” as “love seeks not her own”: bearing “all things” and enduring “all things.”
Yours Truly looks forward to the day when Potential Apprentice Denver realizes, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the reason why Yours Truly refuses to engage in arguments with him about the merits of the flat earth, the ignorant Orthodox Church, and viable long term forms of government. For although knowledge will pass away, love, the Apostle assures us, will abide forever.
After multiple revisions of this essay, it has become evident that certain Apprentices have been recognized for less potential, and for less insightful contributions, than potential Apprentice Denver [Vide Apprentice Christian's initial effort.]. As Yours Truly’s encounters with Denver and Brayden over the previous year have resulted in several valued essays on various topics, to further delay Brayden and Denver their deserved Apprenticeships would be unwarranted and punitive. Therefore:
In acknowledgment of Denver and Brayden’s previous assistance, continuing contributions, and support to Yours Truly, to the Great Work, and to Occult research, by the plenitude of power invested in me by the Ancient and Esteemed Order of Hierophants, it is duly proclaimed, exclaimed, and declared that Denver and Brayden be awarded the highly valued, long sought after, and rarely granted title of Apprentice, with all rights and privileges of this position hereby, and henceforth, recognized.
So mote it be.
The Gentle Reader will reach his own informed conclusions concerning my supposed self imposed limited learning.
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach the correct conclusion regarding my reserved interactions with Apprentice Brayden and Apprentice Denver.