Why writing rules

Can get confused about writing I think, as have been confused and realized wanted to talk to others about areas of confusion about writing.

Like, wrote an open source program years ago, and eventually started this blog to help promote and support it. So am I a writer?

Wrote code for computers, and write blog posts as well as much other but consider myself to be a wannabe writer as do NOT make money from my writing.

But what if I wrote songs? Would I think of myself as a wannabe songwriter?

People say writer and I was indoctrinated to think fiction writer who actually has made money with a book that has sold well.

That is messed up folks.

Writing built human civilization and continues to build, like with code I wrote that lead me to create this blog. Is not about money and MOST writing is not fiction.

So why the emphasis on fiction? To tell people that being a writer is hard and that few can survive at it. So just leave writing to the special people society blesses with money for pleasing it.

Because writing is the most powerful tool available to human beings in general.

Thankfully, I wrote open source and my code to help Java developers write code--is still mine.

Coders have had writing they exchanged for a salary to people who can barely code who made BILLIONS from it. But we were told--being a writer is hard. Better to have a boss, be told what to do, when to do it, and where to do it, for all of your adult life until you can retire. Then put out to pasture then you can rest.

Were taught to behave. Were taught to be controllable.

Because writing is very powerful and writing is key to human civilization.

So I talk songwriters. Sure, is hard to make money as one for many, but do they exchange their songs for a salary? I think jingle writers do.

Two occupations are afflicted with giving writing in exchange for some money: press and software developers.

Some small group got billions on code handed to them for a salary. Got billions and wasted billions while acting like were geniuses.

Others pushed our species to brink of extinction controlling press writers with salaries.

Were young occupations where modern versions emerged in 20th century. Are very young compared to songwriting. Press writing and writing computer code were ruthlessly exploited because people did not know better.

Was lack of experience made seem reasonable to hand writing away. Songwriters do not.

Owning my own writing now makes sense to me. Will not accept foolishness that I should hand away to anyone.

Am like a songwriter now. Writing songs is as old as humanity while writing them down is only as old as human civilization.

Because writing built human civilization.

One human species? Yeah.

The urge to group humans by those who invented race was not just about delusions of their own superiority, was also about an easier handle.

Like in the United States for American slaveowners, group punishment required group identification.

But is like with the label Asian as used in my country. To an American racist, if you have some people from China, some people from South Korea, North Korea and Japan in the same room? They are to THAT racist all SIMPLY Asians.

And said person may make various claims about them as a group, as if their nationalities were irrelevant. But also if they are subordinate in some way, like are employees at same company? That racist might talk of a group policy--towards Asians.

So is also a way to lower the importance of human difference. Like by claiming that frictions for historical reasons between Koreans, Chinese and Japanese are irrelevant for that person, an American racist can in effect claim that such things are tiny in comparison to a perceived greater dominance.

Does give me problems will admit, as various titles for groupings in the US have shifted finally to Black for many, or African American. But for Black folks who go visit the African continent, can be jolting have heard: In a place where your skin color does not supposedly provide any grouping at all.

Being dark skinned in Africa? Why would that be considered a race indicator?

Of course race is a social construct, and we can trace out why was constructed, but does not change continuing impacts. Like slave masters also wanted to be able to whip their slaves for punishment, but whipping an adult, never whipped? That person can go into shock and die. A solution might brutally use to prepare for the shock? -- Beat children to get them ready for the whip as adults. Was myself beaten with a leather belt by my father so brutally at 6 years old, my legs were bleeding. Slavery ended over 150 years ago. We have to face these things though.

Talk more on my blog Lost in Commentary: Facing the legacy of American slavery

So why not talk these things? I find the subject fascinating even though can be distressing. But one of the weird things about racists is the belief that they had awesome ancestors which makes them awesome too. So have noticed this insistence as if the history of American slavery somehow diminishes my ability. It does not.

Have talked some on my blog Seriously Commercial: Greek slaves would have laughed

People can have all kinds of wild ideas: especially when people wish to diminish or dominate others. But what YOU believe? Is still really up to you. I say that to also say: no excuses.

In our times the web lets truth flow freely. So you can read up on humanity, and learn how we are one species. You know, if you're actually curious, you know, about being human.


James Harris

Pure attention reality and measuring impact

Readily admit did not react well when finally got objective evidence of a decent audience response to some of my ideas. Which is an interesting way to put it. Another way to put it is: struggled with handling properly global interest across several areas from a coding effort with an open source project to my math ideas and beyond.

This blog was made by me over a decade ago to try to get a handle on the beyond would think, from the title. Seems lately to be where I try to process things. And for over a decade there have been people out there keeping up with my content and apparently linking to it, and finally got more thankful. You're all kind of the unsung heroes of my story? Yeah, those of you who fit that description are. I DO focus so much on myself. But for so many years it all just seemed so strange.

For so many years have wondered what is real and how to know. That can really make life a struggle because you still have to make decisions regardless, on the daily.

So much has been and still is a mystery to me. And yeah, mystery matters but I mean that to be about not showing too much to your audience. Some people like to peer behind the curtain, but more just want the performance.

Objective reality here though is telling: have maintained global interest by objective measures from 100+ countries, where THAT number comes from downloads of my open source project for over a decade.

The blogs like here, except for Lost in Commentary, trend to 50+ countries where am relying on third party sources with much from Google. Like I use Google Analytics for country counts as can look at on a yearly basis and even compare between years. I also rely on Blogger stats to some extent, but they are less extensive, for some reason. What's up with that Blogger?

And is very mysterious to me who you all are--out there, all over the world.

Maybe I should work on that, huh? Will consider. There are HUGE positives to me with how things have gone. And have talked here much about the web benefit of being in control, yourself. But the big negative is: then how do you make money? Which to me seems kind of pathetic. Never thought money-making focus would end up driving so much. But also is forcing me to settle things.

We can get a pure attention reality where you share your thoughts and people can be interested, or not. Without so many intermediaries who could too often in the past simply be gatekeepers, who could block people just based on their moods or discretions.

In our times we can know just how terribly that worked as SO many people who would never have done well in the old systems, are getting global now. Guess can count myself as one? Guess I should.

So yeah, I need to work on the mystery. Who are YOU who may be reading now? For those who have supported me through the years, amid the ranting, and the endless repeating of how unsettled I am, and who knows what else wacky, thanks!!! Reality is, most of my global attention is just from ideas that I share without some huge production.

For that to work though, especially to stay at the global level is about the audience for the content.

That is just how such things work.

Measurement though is so much about other people. Sure I can control the content here, and my decisions to post or not, and edit or whatever.

But measuring things like how global this blog is? That is out of my hands.

Information about interest comes from others.


James Harris

Comfort contemplating historical resistance to ideas

One of the best things that happened for me YEARS ago when trying to process struggles with my own ideas, from wondering if were valid to wondering how might if ever be accepted was to look at historical examples. There are some stunningly tragic stories. And there are a few that helped me much! Where explaining that comfort is useful I think.

Like recently posted yet again about Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis who ended up in an insane asylum where he died after he tried to push medical doctors in his times to wash their hands before treating pregnant women.

In our times we can witness fights over innovation like, I like to note that you have taxi companies fighting hard rather than embracing letting people book and pay for rides using their smartphones. Thankfully less tragic than a man dying so awfully when he was working to save lives, so to me is useful there as well as emotion is maybe more weird.

Also telling we are not so advanced as a species, still. Could put up quite a few examples actually but have seized upon a few that I think are easily shared, easily checked, and hard to challenge.

We humans evolved. For me was something had to accept as an adult as was taught by fundamentalist Christians, and when was a kid learning, what was taught all seemed to make so much sense! Which turns out is good for human community. If everyone questions everything, then human society falls apart.

Is fascinating to consider that like mythologies are no longer taught by most as valid religions in our time, and as science continues to develop and maybe gets taught better, eventually humans will find it remarkable that doubting evolution was a thing.

Questioning everything? Would be hard to get much done. As like will dutifully work at this post which am editing now, after having worked hard to produce. And post updated version, confident others will read! But how do I know? How do I know anyone is ever reading anything I put on the web? Such thoughts can hamper DOING things. And I look at these words, before will go live. What shows is what I let remain. How do I know YOU exist? I imagine you when writing. Check web stats as best can and other things. Trust that the web works like I think it does. Effort made. Words will be put up. Our belief in systems is important.

Still we must constantly question to keep our many varieties of human systems healthy and valid am sure.

Like to think there are those people who DO keep questioning and work to be one myself, though I do not try to question everything. Naturally focus in areas where believe will have much meaning for my life, and have felt greatly rewarded by that questioning. But answers can also bring challenges.

So yeah, you get stories where people can prove things beyond any reasonable doubt, and still face fierce resistance, which only subsides over time. And eventually folks can wonder over things like, how could medical doctors ever have fought fiercely--to not wash their hands before treating people?

Which is a comfort for the discoverers and other innovators. Humanity can be understood. And is not really terrible actually as long as you do not just run into walls. People may throw walls up in front of you, when you can prove you are right, but try not to run into them. Because that will hurt.

Joking a bit, as the point is--can run into resistance which is NOT rational. Which cannot be overcome by rational means by the discoverer. That sentence bothers me. Is it true? What does history reflect?

Historical record indicates that over time the truth wins out.

Like eventually science found out about microbes, and was understood that hand-washing could destroy dangerous ones. And we have an easy to understand explanation of how protects patients--from their doctors, who in the past killed off quite a few by spreading deadly infections.

So took other discoverers. Like research of Louis Pasteur came after Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis.

Will admit as time progresses with my own story recognize how much is shifting rapidly. But does help appreciate the discoverers. People who question much, are important to others like them as well, for that additional reason.

Which to me is useful perspective worth sharing.


James Harris

Our common global potential

Am paying more attention to how often notice local stories from around the globe. Also other ways when find myself considering distant nations by various measures, where am learning much about people there. Which to me is a great benefit of the ease of information distribution of the web.

But also means am looking at people getting global attention.

Where do think we need to talk it that way. And have a feeling that often? Is not felt that way for those folks! Where will go meta with my own experience.

Meta just means: self-referential

And self reference helps me keep my facts straight. Like February 2004, decided to put up an open source project for software developers with vague ideas of what MIGHT happen. Wanted good things but was wary then of what I thought might happen if did ok.

Now over fourteen years later, is a relatively small open source project where has at best that I noticed managed a bit over 9 downloads per day, but has been less than that lately. Where that is from a LOT of countries, though again not as many as plenty of other open source projects with which I have compared.

Such things helped me greatly. And besides some web stats for a long time told myself could not notice much impact at all. But as the years have gone by, and have other things that pull global interest as well, have finally accepted--did change my life and in good ways too.

Learned much, and am better appreciating the global reality which gave me the experience, which is web enabled.

Ended up tossing just about everything I thought I knew about what happens if you get global attention. Reality is cooler though. So much speculative before realize had no reason to know better.

Where that POTENTIAL is there for any of us in the modern age, as even if you do not share at all, or are not even on the web, so would not be reading this post more than likely, someone else might share. And next thing, some other person is someone am considering, as ponder to myself the global reality of the web which means I am learning a person's story or something about that person, despite being so distant otherwise.

Which I think is often great. Definitely helps us appreciate core humanity I think. Is worth it then, to ponder how often is true for you. As definitely helps to get a better picture of people all over the world, and not just from nations which used to grab...I think the United States did.

Am not sure. Grew up in this country so realize have no clue how much attention Americans tend to grab around the globe really. We do tend to talk like we get a lot, but am more suspicious lately.

Regardless, am sure will change! Or should say, will continue to change, as web opens up our planet, and knowledge flows more easily around the globe.


James Harris

Beyond mysticism and attention reality

Years ago was more put off by web things realize are quite consistent with web facilitating easy movement of ideas. Where focus on key things like information distribution really helps a lot. But like, who are the folks most likely to be VERY interested in some area of human endeavor?

Generally the MOST interested people in an area of human endeavor are the people most involved in that arena, whether that be because of skills or in some other way that involves a lot of their time and effort.

So like in OUR times a relatively new performing artist can start with plenty of famous fans, who are the most known performing artists. And they can contact that person, easily, thanks to the web.

Which is kind of to help folks who might still not be used to our web reality. It's really not that big of a deal, and is NOT a short-cut to success either.

Finding grassroots, where you build from levels not near the top are actually more difficult in our web environment. Is harder to quietly build your thing, without being noticed by folks who can actually be rather disruptive no matter how nice they are to you. Which is not the fault of that person necessarily.

Web disruption can come in many ways. And no, is not necessarily the case even if you're a brilliant new performer you will find yourself being contacted by very famous people out of the blue just like nothing. But if it does happen? Do not be surprised.

With myself do try to keep down behaviors I find suspect. Like how often find silly or egregious errors in things have posted, which I may clean up over days.

Those kinds of things throw off the upper level people. Who I realize may be the FIRST to read, as they are the most interested, and web enables.

Attention reality in our times can be simpler. But am explaining more, like talking how I do meme injections, where introduce simple ideas, which I expect to move. Did so in a prior post where discussed the meme injection: telemarketer mentality don't badger me

Also talking it more does strengthen but purpose here, with I guess a very potent functional meme isn't to put more energy into it, but to explain why explaining how I tried to do it.

Where is a relatively minor one. There have been far more MASSIVE ones that have flown through recently, like me talking race. So you can get the general principle. Is same across the board.

Information flows in our times. And before long people will be used to the consequences which shift things very markedly from the ways of the past. I think getting beyond any kind of mysticism, is very good. And is great for me! Took me a long time to settle down with many things.

Because yeah, disruptive technology is not just disruptive for those whose lives are changed by moving into their industry. Can also be disruptive for people like me who have to shift so much from how things were before.

Was brought up for an entirely different world. Do prefer the web reality of this one. But there is just so much to process and learn.


James Harris

Talking fair advantage

There can be a HUGE problem with arbitrary lines in a society, where I like to define things.

And will admit have many times noticed situations where are competitive, when some person, usually a guy will SUDDENLY talk race, as is clear he has no advantage.

Which is one thing, but if you have been taught that you have race as a fair advantage, and are losing otherwise so think you can psych out another person by bringing it up? Then can be something where you may feel comfortable.

Where I would look at such a person, at times, suddenly smug. He thinks he has won something, and is sad, as is without merit.

Would find myself mentally shaking my head, thinking to myself, yet another one.

Life lessons for such people can be harsh. Where with me, of course remain polite, but no, not useful as a psych-out. But it does help for me that I have encountered it routinely enough, am not surprised by it. Just disappointed.

And is actually pseudo-class as if say, are in the United Kingdom, and someone notes he is a member of the English nobility, guess what? Is a legitimate class position recognized by society.

But here in the US, there is no such class system at all, not even in decline as is there. So that person? Who thinks he can rely on race to overcome his shortcomings? His belief in fair advantage was probably taught to him, by his parents or community, in a nation that does NOT recognize it.

Which yeah can lead to violence.

Few people realize that actual class does involve violence, as failure to acknowledge social rules is not exactly a good way to get ahead in society. And like to bring up the United Kingdom as one of the most famous where no, am confident class is NO LONGER violently enforced, but it was, in the past.

In Old England--insult the king, could lose your head.

Here in the US, you have people with that attitude and they can go on killing sprees. Which has been big in the news last few years. Where it does help to recognize the problem of pseudo-class and pseudo-nobility who can run rampant in a society when not checked.

Merit rules are just better.

So how did the US get this problem? Well that story have talked much! Where honesty is best. Besides it is an interesting story. People who somehow get taught they are innately superior who just go down in flames when forced to actually compete on merit.

Yet there are others who support them, and believe in things that are not true. And to them? Race is fair advantage.

Web disrupts in a very basic way: facts tell.

Is MUCH harder to simply lie about success in our times. Like in the past not only were arbitrary race rules used for some to steal the accomplishments of others, but also they were as has also been more publicly clear, often brutal to women. So yeah, you'd have guys quite comfortable with lack of ability who would claim credit and rewards of success, for things actually done by others.

The web makes that harder to do.

Web enables merit rules with facts shared. Which is a great thing actually.


James Harris

Out of a shell and public facing

Does feel good to freely admit now was chasing math discovery as a reaction against American racism. Quietly resolved to not only find something that would blow away racist notions, but which could be done without a doubt. Which meant math.

Still am nervous on the subject though. Which I think is understandable.

Focus on math was to get around people fighting to deny the truth. Math has that ability to be perfectly provable.

And was right to so focus! Had accomplished my goal by summer 2002, and beyond my wildest dreams by 2004 with something else, and have done more since! And not surprisingly various systems pushed back so have been slowly teasing them apart, where weirdly enough not all were racist.

Where have explained those systems so here can talk more about other, like what happens to you when you have global reach, which for me was thanks to the web.

It messes with your mind.

People think it is about press and money and I thought so as well, until was dealing with things, and not having those just meant could process quietly without it being all over the press or embarrassing myself in situations around people with money.

Turns out the press just chases after people who get attention, usually. So was like am just one of the biggest they willfully ignored, and at first was mad then was glad! Especially as learn more about the reality of how things work. Usually for even most celebrities the press is a rarer thing which is about promotion, or is about something negative. So who cares?

When was in San Francisco, was often furious too as did not understand what was going on and was worried would not achieve my dreams when already had really but how to know? Also found myself strutting around at times like this huge global figure. Of course was looking not only at web stats which I emphasize but DOING things as well.

Like will admit did NOT directly influence the 2008 election in Obama's favor. But was active around that election in other ways. And have taken a position not to pick political figures, and not to influence elections. Which has been important overseas.

My view is that politicians should earn their positions, which means winning elections on merit.

So yeah, like am fascinated by British politics but by my ideals will not directly interfere with them. DO at times like to help make fun of them, but I know that is part of their culture, with some things just hilarious! Like here in the US we like ripping on presidents.

For nations that is important, so no--my one planet, many peoples and one human species philosophy is also about not interfering, where look at national boundaries as of HUGE importance. It would take quite a bit for me to cross that line and would talk it out much before would do it.

These are the kinds of things that press should have been questioning me on, and they know why, but for others sounds pretentious am sure, unless also know why, and maybe wondered. So no, despite my interest in the area was dedicated to the idea that any person for the presidency should earn the position on merit only. So will not endorse a candidate on something as specious as race, as am ONLY looking for merit. For now will not endorse any political candidate. That could change for the US only though.

Made up my own political party to help me in this area, which is not official so can claim myself as only one following it. Which helps me separate from others in American politics.

For years really went into a shell in many ways, which got worse when got laid off from my regular job doing data entry at a major insurance company. Maybe was more like what one would expect for a global figure. Happened after I decided needed to put my picture up. Decided was my duty to show a Black man in a different way, who had global reach.

The willful lack of discussion around me in certain areas IS deliberate am sure. And am like that kind of thing worked in the past. With me just lets me take you apart without you saying anything about it, if you are certain organizations like press or certain businesses or political people.

And have done it. Have done it many times and it amazes me that people can learn things that worked for over 150 years after slavery which do not work with the web, and quietly go down in flames, knowing am telling them am doing it. I like to let them know ahead of time, you know?

Ever more sophisticated techniques developed for a 20th century world. But in 21st century can simply explain them. And study them with some fascination. In essence were systems working to NOT have merit rules so mostly males who lacked sufficient ability, could be successful regardless.

Now their authority is being checked.

THAT is the part other people maybe do not witness and cannot understand when some dysfunctional yet powerful organization simply crumbles when I told them would do it, where will admit that requires help! And lots of it. And they just implode. Web enables. Or in other words do NOT completely understand how it all happens either just that it is possible because of the web.

Then headlines then around the world, but not the correct explanation.

Is important to admit I do NOT completely understand the process and was a source of much back-and-forth with myself for years. So you reality check, which is the other reason to inform ahead of time. But also found limits. And very important limits with web help in general, especially if was a personal problem, as in, never worked for a personal problem. Seemed to routinely work for global problems, and you can get a vast range of emotions on that one. Like I have this job without a paycheck for it, and realize, yeah, actually I do.

Leaving me with the task of also finding still a paying occupation, which also I learned has to be completely separate! Where for some time seemed so wrong, and now am like, oh, I understand better. Still is kind of thing is better to learn sooner than later--before you become impoverished. And have discussed my current financial desperation on another blog. Yup, talking a personal problem, so yeah DO keep trying. Do talk so many things out now.

And you think then I can simply be moved by being ignored? I think that is funny. Gave me time to process but have pushed myself recently as ponder my responsibilities. Part of me simply wished to just withdraw from the world as much as possible. And for years in many ways did, into a protective shell.

With much progress and the web picking up steam in shredding so many of those prior systems was ironic to note to myself, maybe I never needed my dream anyway. The web by allowing information to flow freely is helping radically debunk delusions of innate superiority of a ruthless and cruel few still left with them.

Regardless feels good that not only DID I achieve my goals, but was right--needed math. AND got to quietly process through reality of high levels of attention, without that making headlines around the globe.

Public facing is very important for me because is a constant thing with my global presence. My blogs and other social media do most of the heavy lifting there though. They are very good at it too. While my global is easily checked by others. And more and more understand a lot more about why certain things are done in certain ways, as reality is, for each of us, how we look public? Matters much.


James Harris

What good are answers

Human beings today have the most advanced technology in the history of our species, like what allows me to communicate with you and people like you all over the planet. In the past MOST humans worked agriculture, in early economies where humans were slowly figuring things out.

Yet agriculture was greatly aided with the arrival of technology with machines which meant a much smaller percentage of people are needed working in fields. And as much as the rise of industrialization brought horrors, for people in factories, it also brought greater wealth for populations, so what happened with arrival of computers?

Unlike before computers as a form of intelligence from the start could be part of employers simply not paying people the actual value of their efforts, which yeah, GREATLY improved the wealth of a small percentage, but has nearly crashed human civilization, more than once now.

Is weird. I use that word a lot I know, but in looking at how easily it was done, so that even now in countries like my own, which is the United States, you can witness puzzled people who do not really know the value of their work. And various systems were very much powerfully at work to kind of program a lack of questioning. And with all that money? Many of the super wealthy weren't that much happier. And have watched some of them work in ways that could destroy their own countries to gain MORE wealth when are already MASSIVELY wealthy, which I call wealth hoarding. Is like they hoard money like other people hoard other things. And can try to gain more even at risk of their own lives. Is weird, yeah.

And oh yeah, there is the dragging with reacting to one of the ways our species can exterminate all life on the planet which is with climate change if get a runaway greenhouse effect.

Where should search on that if do not know of it. Search: runaway greenhouse effect.

I like the article from National Geographic, did get when did that search. And yeah, definitely want a very small chance but reality is we DO NOT KNOW for sure. And what sense risking total extermination of life on planet Earth? There is none. There is no sense to it whatsoever. And again think there are things related to wealth hoarding at work.

Why would MILLIONS of people go along with such things where so much is painful for them? In the US think is a lot about the mass market, and advertising which focuses carefully on groups in a way that leads to more easily convincing people of things. There is almost a worship of money in modern culture which was absent in past American culture. When I checked? Realized wealthy people could easily shift advertising for such, and they could easily control much of mass culture with entertainment where writers often present very ruthless views, as if are common.

That HAS shifted recently as the web is pushing back. And suddenly so much behavior that was presented as ok, is looked at with perspective. My analysis is that the entire American entertainment industry was corrupted with entire story lines at times having no other purpose than to push amoral points of view, or worship of wealth, or of the wealthy who were often presented as if gods on our planet. Definitely, yeah weird when you look at now and see how obvious it was. Well at least it was to me. Would puzzle over it often wondering what was going on.

They were deliberately programming populations now believe. Was very effective as well.

The web has removed much of that power though, thankfully. So am watching attempts at trying to regain control with trying to control the web, which is shrugging that off.

Another reason I was working on entertainment will now admit. Have pressured much of that out of it already, simply with a functional definition. Lots of things presented as entertainment? Were attempts at mind control, which doesn't really work as good, you know?

Was strangely enough not that hard to do. Am puzzling still over how much I can do, where there is a purpose, like improving entertainment globally, where publicly state is what am doing, then get lots of quiet around it. Is weird.

And entertainment is steadily improving as what I see as parasitic, is that the right word? In talking about ruthless control techniques have been talking tools used by people who functionally behave as parasitic humans. They work to absorb more than they give, and seek control in ways that enable that behavior. Ok, so yeah, is parasitic behavior I think, where as such influence is removed our entertainment is improving, which is great!

So we have so many answers with so much science and technology yet seemed to be mysteriously committed to potentially exterminating ourselves. Yeah, is weird.

With answers to lots of things can be depressing am sure. But like is good news in there. Like you probably should be paid more. So check to be sure! Unless you work in the financial industry should add. There? Probably...well will let people figure it out, but am NOT concerned finance people are underpaid.

Our species has advanced so much! And I got to help with my own discovery! So cool! And grateful to be able to help while puzzling over problems in getting that recognized, also means have looked into these other things.

But yeah, maybe should ask more questions, whomever you are. Like long ago, people like us, worked very hard primarily in agriculture and might look at our societies with great puzzlement. With so many freed to do other things, how so much the struggles?

We need to value human effort. Proper pay is your help for civilization. Giving it, and receiving it.

We will get there am sure. With answers people can start doing important things, like asking more, and better questions.


James Harris

Effort reality and questioning artistry

You can work at something with quite a bit of effort, and hone it over a period of decades using as many skills as you have in an area. The product of that effort may not interest your fellow humans.

And yeah, a human being can work at something, but doesn't mean is good, or interesting to others. And hobbies are great too. Where there is value in the effort regardless.

That reality though that a person can pursue art in some sense, where that gives no support, is something have long taken for granted. Even for people who take the label of artist there is that reality of doing things for others to get paid. You have to support yourself, unless you're supported by others which includes inheritance or winning the lottery.

And I tend to think that is a purity in and of itself, when dragged from even the idea of doing art, must simply work, for enough money, to live a life that isn't too messed up. Though lots of stories of artists who do not manage that one.

So how do you know what you are doing is art?

My thinking is, you do not. And history is full of stories where people were told what they did was art, and celebrated as great artists...who simply disappeared so you have to dig to find those stories. That is not fun. Have not worked to find many. Can be as easy as checking reports of leading figures in the art world at any period when that is recorded, not just noticing ones still considered great.

I do not think actual artists care, but maybe is a romantic notion. In love with art for art's sake? Pursuit of it being the love affair of a lifetime not dependent on opinion of others?

Driven in some way in looking through history books can marvel at people who put in maximum effort for at times almost no return in their lifetimes, and created some of the greatest masterpieces.

Or can again consider Leonardo da Vinci who carried around the Mona Lisa for years, fiddling with it. So was not a commissioned work. Saw a documentary which suggested was actually a copy of a commissioned work. Seems there is consensus he had done a painting of Lisa Gherardini.

And seems credible, he delivered. But something about the painting had him do another, possibly on some old canvas which he repurposed as evidence indicates there was another painting started beneath the current Mona Lisa. And with that lack of pressure Leonardo da Vinci could simply create art.

What grabbed him from the original? Who knows. My guess? Was her smile.

People can tell you all kinds of things. And I can muse as I wish, and pondering art as something that intrigues me. And do appreciate artists and personally do not question a person's right to take that title, because how do I know?

Actual art will shine through for the rest of the lifetime of our species, with a timeless quality that is telling. Takes time to know.

Oh yeah, so to me, sure you can work very hard at things with every ounce of your skill for a long period of time, and get NOTHING from your fellow humans in return for all that effort, and so?

Maybe you have art.


James Harris

Discovery is worth it regardless

Well a very thorough assessment with bouncing ideas off web which is part of my process concluded no conspiracy with regard to my difficulty making money. Focused on lack of business connections which to me in retrospect is like, duh. And once again to me revealed that simple explanation is usually correct.

But was fun as well and covered a lot of territory, where put a lot out in a tweet stream as bounced ideas in an interesting process know how to do more than explain. Is very thorough though.

Still there are things here that fascinate me as to demonstrated at this point.

Yes, have these major discoveries. Actually have solid guess about what is going on with math ones, but is weird to watch play out over so many years. With other things am now thinking different things may be in play as well.

The age of the discoverer may simply be passed.

Today is more about celebrity and people jealous over and fighting for attention.

The simple notion that truth is important in and of itself is lost in the modern world. Academics primarily chase their own type of celebrity claiming is about funding. And a public increasingly sees it all as some kind of entertainment, which has made it more difficult to talk certain things, like climate change.

People know they just don't like the idea of climate change. Is like they can't figure out how to turn the channel on the subject. But slowly is gaining more awareness is not a movie or a television show, but is a very dangerous thing that will impact us all.

Maybe I am the last. Here at the early part of the computer age when maybe AI's will take over better anyway. Having struggled even with massive discoveries that would have been eagerly cheered and accepted in the past.

If so that is so...weird. Eventually will figure out some kind of way to get major discoveries their due.

But to be the last great discoverer of humanity. What an honor would rather not have.

Maybe not though as how would you know? Still the resistance am facing? Is kind of telling.

Human beings have moved on somehow in some weird and deep way. Besides, I locked up quite a few. Defined mathematical proof, and found a better way to define science and entertainment and so much more.

Still I know there is an infinity of knowledge available. But a finite amount relevant to the human species. Still there is so much more cool and important that is a major discovery that could be discovered I believe. But maybe I would always so believe just as part of who I am.

Scientists are relentlessly working with what past major discoverers opened up. Eventually yes, they will also am sure be finding much more with mine as well. But that is different from the big ones.

Those massive discoveries that just shift so much. They are so cool. Take SO much effort to find.

Humanity though? Just may no longer be that curious for anyone to bother, or even if they do, get it properly acknowledged. Reality is, we do have enough things for very comfortable lives, if we can quit messing each other and our planet up.

Maybe the lack of that pressure...no. Will refuse to believe it. Am NOT the last great discoverer.

Will simply trust that am not, on faith. Humanity will stay curious enough. I just know it.


James Harris

Money people scare me

Some of the most valuable celebrities on the planet--are dead. When analyzing their lives as pondered attention reality for many reasons, have noticed with some concern that over and over again there are people in the past barely visible who often started these celebrities out, who make money from them--dead or alive.

And starkly, alive a person can be a harm to a legacy. Which we can notice better in our times.

Am sure certain people figured it out long ago. Money people terrify me as spin what sounds conspiracy. And admit how can I be sure? But we can study so many cases.

Just consider what is happening to the value of certain intellectual property in our time as personal truths are making certain content plunge in value. Have looked at situations where if a person had died before certain things became public, we're looking at intellectual property that could have been more valuable in the BILLIONS in US dollars.

Checking celebrity backstories, over and over again, find wealthy people in the background who funded them to get them off the ground.

And people miss this reality but for me became something had to study. And will give one of the good guys for perspective. And talked Ronald Wayne in a G+ post in my Politics Collection back August last year. Since G+ is going away have to copy to here:

So much matters how people talk things, and report. Like with the founding of Apple Computer now Apple Inc.

Have watched LOTS of documentaries on subject as find it fascinating. And Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were both in their early twenties, living with their parents, when had this hobby computer they figured could sell BIG. They had sold to some of their friends.

Was Ronald Wayne who gave them lots of business expertise, and then stepped away from the company early. He was already wealthy in his own right, and had lots of free time to help two eager young people, where one documentary noted they were kind of smelly. Early folks like Mr. Wayne also helped them clean up, including dress nicer. Is so amazing and you need to do the research to see how dramatic that was.

That two smelly young men, living with their parents, would go on to found one of the greatest companies on the planet? Had a lot to do with expertise they did not have, which was the knowledge of business provided to them, by people like Mr. Wayne who then simply walked away. To me he is a heroic figure. Our country owes much to him.

Countries around the globe that look at the US, pondering how this country does so well with innovation?

Need to study that story and ponder.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Wayne 

He actually gets grief from people talking as if he messed up in simply helping two smelly twenty-somethings get their computer company off the ground with his substantial business know-how. And exited rather than exploiting his helping founding Apple for all it was worth.

I think he is a telling hero. And he was and is highly successful. Why should he wish to be ruthlessly wealthy? What more was there for him to gain? Relentless pursuit of more money for no reason.

Today look at any number of celebrities with concern, who may not realize they may be more valuable dead than alive, with bursts of sales generated by an untimely death.

Also am wondering about situations where surmise people were turned to drugs deliberately, by others who knew what they were doing. Our species can be this way folks. There are people in our species who can be so cruel, and cold and calculating.

Conceivably is easy: get'em hooked on drugs early helps for control but later can help you cash out on'em.

Luckily in our times can just look at track records. Check the money people and how many have done great, as people they supposedly helped so much have gone down, over and over and over again, in highly predictable ways.

Maybe celebrity DOES just tend to lead people down dark paths relentlessly. Maybe the money people are not as terrible as I fear. But then suspect that there should be positive evidence in their favor.

Human beings are about a totality of a life. We tell ourselves in so many ways.

And a world has just accepted that so often highly talented people for some reason tend to die tragically leaving VASTLY more money to be made by certain people, who could remain hidden before. Television didn't talk about them much if at all.

Now the web lets you study them. And study what other things they have been doing too.

You will find it--enlightening.

With my own situation have been stunned to realize how much looks like I need money people. And ponder them sitting out their like spiders on a web, knowing that creative folks like me need them, under current systems.

That they can just sit patiently and wait.


James Harris

Checking people on depth

There is that feeling am appreciating as knowledge piles up, and we can all over the world start assessing things on the web based on history. Like have been on this blog for over 10 years. Which is something am noting to myself as a reason for staying with Blogger. Where also a shout-out to the people who help maintain the platform! Thanks! And of course also, please keep working at it.

Where am NOT against people starting anew as actually is one of my favorite things, catching fresh early, and watching people grow. Is actually more fun than looking at well established. But as a practical matter, is so much harder when you just start looking for that audience for whatever reason.

For those who have been putting things out here on the web public for a long time like myself can appreciate that people can check you on things. Where of course they can check on what you leave up, but also there has to be that having been done to have something there.

So yeah, I try to review things. However, also like checking myself, and pondering at times what was thinking or believing years ago.

Importance of depth on the web is something am now considering as go meta and check how I check people. And yes, DO appreciate the new, where actually you build up a reputation very rapidly on the web. While also I appreciate having that depth of web activity, which means with me?

You can spend HOURS just scratching the surface. Sometimes I just stop myself with my own content before I lose days considering it. Of course who knows how others feel about it really, which is not my concern actually. If a person isn't interested, then will not bother with it, right?

Of course. Am same way myself.


James Harris

Our valuing knowledge reality

One of my favorite posts talks the subject of how do we know.

So is so titled: How do we know?

And one of those subjects brought up there as have pondered it often is that of a doctor who figured out that doctors should wash their hands before treating pregnant women. Things did not go well for him. He was ridiculed for what was considered a ludicrous idea in his time, but so believing in it, as women were dying, he pushed and was committed to an insane asylum, where he died.

Talking Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis for those who do not know the story or wish to check where link to the Wikipedia. But he actually comes up quite a bit! With good reason if you ponder how a man was destroyed for trying to get doctors to wash their hands. And of course in our times is standard medical practice though yeah, keep having to get at them and other health care providers to do as much as needed!

So sad someone trying to do so much good, whose life in its tragedy as well as triumphs as he was right, becomes a cautionary tale.

Our species has learned much. But also much with trial and error, and harshness for the discoverers.

There are other dark stories but his stands out to me, as is so easily and quickly told, while also easily referenced.

One should not assume that just because you are right, things will go well for you, if you are right.

But how do you know?

My conclusion is it is important to relentlessly ask yourself that question, as better than not.

Ask myself that a LOT. How do I know? Or sometimes also, why do I think I know?


James Harris

Benefit of past experience

Is fascinating to me to be comforted by being in a situation similar to past ones with my latest math thing. Now though web is a lot more evolved, and I've learned a lot more, so can look at the situation with a lot more calm, even if options still remain limited.

Closest experience with a past result that really is telling was with my variation on prior ways to count prime numbers. Yup, still a big deal, but I discovered it 15 years ago. And looking at how that works is informative.

The math folks refuse to talk about it appropriately. That's how that works.

What I've done is make sure the information is available, and well explained, including talking on this blog more than once. Like with this post from May 2013.

And now also realize that for most even if they trust am correct, what can they do? And now am more focused on governments. Readily admit have informed US Government more than once, and put out more general notice to governments on my Some Math blog. Yet that is not guaranteed either.

Why not?

Conceivably they are aware of me, but also rely on senior advisers who are likely to be, of course, mathematicians one would think. Or closely connected to the math community.

Good things don't move our world as rapidly as things that are not. Is like with climate science, which may seem like a non sequitur. But has been known for quite some time that increasing levels of carbon dioxide posed a danger, but things may move forward now, why? Because we're seeing climate change impacts.

What would make a government official look long and hard at advisers would be catastrophic things that would force it. Which I find depressing and do NOT wish for that but merely state my pragmatic assessment.

There is a certain detachment though, as have steeled myself for certain things. Feel like, have done my best, so how could I do better? Still working on it.

Down the line though the information does travel. And as people are aware of it, there is a slower process that means eventually will come into its proper place.


James Harris

What value truth?

There is an oddity to emotion am pondering, like when feel that bite of negativity, when worry that people aren't buying what you're selling...when you're not selling anything, and are sharing important information.

Recently was helped out a lot when came across the term gaslighting, where link goes to the Wikipedia. And was reminded of it recently, and thought was striking from Lauren Duca in this column she wrote which gave her a lot of attention.

Then realized recently was actually even earlier came across it from Dylan Farrow telling her story with abuse allegations, in an open letter she wrote published on the blog of Nicholas Kristof, which you can find here.

And was this sentence which just found for this post:

There were experts willing to attack my credibility. There were doctors willing to gaslight an abused child.

And have my own story of abuse where posted about it yesterday on Seriously Commercial where also linked to a post had done over a year ago.

Have been talking my abuse story since I was 12. Was believed should add, through that time. But I do think there were people who looked at me at times, like what was I selling? When I wanted to find, a feeling of safety again. Yes, have had LOTS of therapy. Maybe now am better at understanding and getting it out in a helpful way.

What is the value of truth is there across it all. And to me, we can too often see society see little value, but why? And I think for me it does all relate. That looking back at boundaries crossed for me so young, and maybe fighting to repair, am stuck still with a useless dynamic I need to let go.

Is not my job to worry about what others are feeling as if the truth should change. The truth does not change.

The value of truth is.

As stories pour out, of boundaries breached by so many that truth will change much. The truth itself will not change, but in accepting it, maybe societies will be better.

Easy enough to write oddly enough. Looking for goals in there for myself. Ways to measure progress for me as well as society. How will we know, better?


James Harris

Static nature and truth

There are those words that can take on different meanings with technology, and for many static became associated with noise associated with certain systems. Where the point in that context was the randomness of those systems was unchanging. Static means, not changing. But it has the added meaning in our times of being noisy to many.

For me the word then has a fascinating applicability to something that IS important in that truth is important as to how it does not change. Like if a person robs a bank. Either that person did or did not rob the bank. If that person did rob the bank--that truth does not change.

Where picked a criminal example deliberately. As one philosophical problem in the US can be where people do not believe there is such a thing as truth. They will actually tell you that everything is shades of grey, but if that person goes and robs a bank, do you think that may work at all in defense?

Our personal perception can be one thing, but how our fellow human beings react to us, can be another.

In questions of truth, the unchanging quality of truth is extremely useful in my opinion. Which helps in determining whether you are witnessing a truth, or an opinion.

In my opinion, many people may be one thing, but I can learn that opinion is wrong, and change it.

But in truth, we are all human beings, which is a question for science, which has determined that with extraordinary certainty, which arrived with the science of genetics.

Our opinions in that regard though can affect human behavior, while the truth can effect better behavior, as the truth can lead to better interactions with our fellow human beings.

Those two words are so similar, and wonder would it make a difference to say, can effect human behavior? Yup. It FEELS different which is an opinion, as write here now. But is it a truth?

Static actually has fascinating properties in the context of physics, which I know as have a degree in that area and remember the training. Was an odd thing for me, which is emotion on which I reflect here, as my view of static was shifted. And is interesting to understand those properties, which can take over a word, for many.

Does it even feel right to say truth has a static nature? Or go against the grain?

Questions can open doors to perception am sure. So much about what we believe, how we believe, and from where our belief arrives.

The truth does not care. Like if you rob that bank and wish your fellow humans to dismiss what you call the noise of testimony against you, which you might claim as just so much static. The judge may look at you wondering, what planet you think you're on.

And render judgement which will change your life, whether you think is shades of grey or not.

With philosophical discussions maybe, later in your prison cell, where will the truth lie?

That is so harsh as an ending. It is interesting though that static shifted in our times probably because with radio static it was just this noise. And radio was a big deal. Oh and static on television too, which probably is where most get that sense of it being about noise.

There also is a truth: the reality of how many people experience a word in our times, for which have adjusted.


James Harris

Why knowledge rules

The discovery that a person can produce a mathematical argument that looks correct by long accepted rules, which can be shown to not be correct by those same rules is remarkable, if true.

Consider also that a world routinely accepts that the knowledge does not exist to keep computer systems from routinely being breached, with massive flows of freed information as a result.

What if the actual answer though is that a subtle flaw allowed people who lacked ability to be put in a position to secure the world's systems? Then would not be much of a surprise.

Evaluating such a scenario presumably would require VAST amounts of expertise well beyond most people. And is the kind of arena where governments play.

However can still show you why knowledge rules, as imagine you're in an airplane, and you learn that the pilot is well-trained but the co-pilot is a fraud. And things are ok, until the pilot becomes incapacitated.

Knowledge rules because there are any number of situations where that person you need, needs to have valid information, which is useful knowledge and be able to use it.

One problem we can have in societies is when systems get vast enough that there is not enough checking of authority at all points, where knowledge rules. And plenty of people can believe odd things, like maybe anyone can actually do the job of the American president? Why not? If you can get elected, what more do you really need to know?

Yet, if our current American president screws up enough you may die in a nuclear blast. And your awareness of this reality does not change it.

The fate of humanity may be simply to mostly die, stupid.

Now then, do you understand better why knowledge rules? Have a nice day. Where ever you may be in this world, there are decisions to be made which will affect you, whether you wish it or not.

So much better if the people making those decisions? Know what they're doing.

Talking obvious things. There is a weird thing in the US though which I call a distorted feudal echo.

Some people have a distorted view that somehow some kind of class has a right to positions, even if that is stated as against American ideals. But even in feudal times, people actually in charge, like maybe a regent, were expected to know what they were doing.

Importance of being able to function well with authority is as old as humanity actually.


James Harris

Comfort in ideas

The web has let people disconnect from points in space for relevance to words or other content, so you can be anywhere in the world with web access, and share ideas.

That is such a big change it can be disconcerting. But it can also be comforting.

For me for years found my curiosity driving me to figure things out. And felt like had some success, as well as frustrations but has been a great adventure. Where more and more appreciate how you can think about things or as I like to say, muse and come up with some ideas, and put them out here on the web, and see what happens. And nothing may happen. But that's ok.

The ideas can be products of imagination, or creativity in problem solving, or kind of mysterious as where do ideas come from really?

Once in our world they can be endlessly reproduced, shared widely, and in our times that can be done with zero costs to the producer. So for instance I can take a picture and it can move all over the world without me being aware.

Yet value remains or the Mona Lisa in her home in France would no longer be the most valuable painting in the world, though her image is probably the most shared in the world. Should I even link there? It's not necessary. The fame and celebrity of the painting make that irrelevant.

So how is that possible? How can an image be shared endlessly but the source remain valuable?

Do people lose as their ideas flow around the globe if they cannot control that use?

Open source software says no. And without open source we would not have the web world that we do.

Yet how do you find values in ideas in the modern world? If you produce an idea, or as I prefer, discover it, how do you retain value? Can you?

Most of those who come up with ideas--yes those are ideas too--saying no, say is because humans are thieves who would prefer to steal than pay. That view of humanity is cold, dark, ruthless and can fuel certain types of business practices.

My view is there are basic rules, which simply need to be learned. And when people see value, most will return the favor given to them. But don't try to make people bend to your will.

The revolution in information distribution that is the web reality is just beginning to transform our world, as it is in its infancy. For instance, information still flows rather slowly in many ways in my opinion. Connections are still being formed through vast networks slowly connecting our world at speed. We have social media in its infancy, despite its clear power, especially political power and growing influence over commerce.

We have the Wikipedia but need more. We have vast amounts of human knowledge coming online, but need it all.

We are just beginning to see the possible.

Yet so much is just some musing. Some words typed by me as I think about such things. Ideas that can be easily shared, and if some others see value? Great! If not, am not diminished in the sharing. Started typing a few minutes ago. And fifteen minutes or probably a half hour after editing is not so much for me.

Ideas are there. Sharing is becoming a natural way. And the ideas? They can duplicate and flow as much as needed without diminishing. Ideas are harder than diamonds when correct. Flow better than water. And change, without losing anything.

Ideas are the catalysts which drive our future. And ideas are the comfort of tomorrow.

Ok, now to edit some. I'm tiring of typing.

And I think am done editing for the most part, but who knows. May still fiddle with this post here and there, indefinitely.

It fascinates me though, how easily it can all be. To go with the feel and flow, write some words, and put them up.

More fun than to not do it, for sure.


James Harris

Web audiences can move well

One of the BEST things about the web which can give you pause when you put up content, as I do, is the ability of audiences on the web to move rapidly, either towards your content or away. Like I've found certain topics can dramatically drop interest in this blog by objective measures, while others can ROAR it up. Either thing can be disconcerting but such shifts are simply natural.

And objective measures are really important, and I rely more on tools that tell me things feel like are more informative in that regard, like linking behavior. And to me, the fluidity of the modern web audience is a HUGE plus, because you can get to a place where you're comfortable putting up whatever feels right as you and your audience have learned what to expect.

I learn much about what I like to write about, by what I write about, and often am somewhat surprised. As the feeling is not as informative as one would think. I can feel a need to write something and think I know why but understand better in time. And readily admit that more ideas come to mind for posts than get posted, where I have 4 blogs, but am not so anxious about constantly putting up content. So the reason for that many is really about focus, where that content is going, and expectations for me as well as those who like to read there.

And reality is, am more an audience member myself than a content creator I think. Because spend so much time looking at things produced by others, and is good to realize that in our times, we can just pick and choose.

You hold the modern audience by merit more.

It's a great thing.


James Harris