Youthful Life: X

Truth - law and order, when administered fairly, prevent anarchy. Society needs boundaries, rules, and regulations to avoid chaos. If the natural order of the universe is to gravitate towards disorder then humanity is diametrically opposed to the way things are. We have to give up some of our freedoms to gain protection, parameters, and oversight. That sacrifice however is supposed to come with the insurance that more often than not what we have gained will outweigh the cost of what we have lost. In a time where civil unrest regularly is part of the national conversation, this is policing. "To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time." James A. Baldwin We need law enforcement. We need authority. We need police. We need policing. We need police to to think better, do better, and be better. Police play a critical role in ensuring that our society does not denigrate into dystopian catastrophe. They are charged with...

Truth - There is a difference between intelligence, intellect, and wisdom. Intelligence refers most often to feelings whereas intellect is rooted in a distinguishing facts. Wisdom is having experience, knowledge, or good judgement. Oftentimes the words are used interchangeably but the distinction is key particularly in a world that values certain demonstrations of intelligence. What does it mean to be smart? "I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing" Socrates There's this commonly held belief that people with certain educational attainments or who hold some job titles have this omniscient infinite knowledge. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and others with MDs, Ph.Ds, JDs, and all the other terminal degree letters behind their names are who comes to mind. When you have had the access and opportunity to have such an extensive formalized education, there is this level of social respect that is also gained but is it placed rightfully or not? Those a...

Truth - Relationship above all else is paramount to the human experience. We exist in relation to one another. We persist because of our connections to those who matter to us. We grow, change, and survive because we have interact with others. Isolation, solitude, and loneliness in all its forms is the antithetical of who we are and how we are. In moderation they can give us solace but in excess they present themselves as threats to our humanity. This is connection.  "Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you." Saint Augustine Here's my story of dealing with mental health and thoughts of suicide:  #LiveForTomorrow If I had the power to change anything the world it would be that saying how you actually feel all the time could be socially acceptable. The way society's and socialization work truly are mind-boggling. We learn the...

Truth - Siblings are the best gift your parents can ever give you. A question I often as people is whether they are an only child or not. As someone who often gets mistaken as one, the question gives some insight. I always follow up as to how close they are with their siblings, an even more telling answer. Everyone's familial situations are different. Deeply messed up stuff happens, and the people who are related to us can be awful. When families have healthy relationships though, the results can be truly awe-inspiring. You never know joy until you become an uncle. "When I was young, an eccentric uncle decided to teach me how to lie. Not, he explained, because he wanted me to lie, but because he thought I should know how it's done so I would recognize when I was being lied to." Brian Eno Being an uncle is by far my favorite personal identity. Beyond being a son to wonderful parents, and brother to four of the most dynamic people I have ever known is something ...