Thursday, April 30, 2009

Few words, Deep Thoughts

Austin has posted again, this morning on Southern Gothic

GO EAST


By not exalting the talented you will cause the

people to cease from rivalry and contention.

By not prizing goods hard to get, you will cause
the people to cease from robbing and stealing.

By not displaying what is desirable, you will cause
the people's hearts to remain undisturbed.

Tao Teh Ching
-Lao Tzu


I have only just begun to read this work.
This is the beginning of the third chapter.

I have nothing really to say about it,
except that it has, in a very brief period,
already had quite an impact on the way I
treat people, myself, how I understand my
beliefs, concerns, and convictions.

The way I organize my life, or un-organize it,
the way I hurl myself through space, or just
let myself be hurled.

I think everyone could take away something

from this writing. :)

your faithful servant,
wild turkey


The way I organize my life, or un-organize it,
the way I hurl myself through space, or just
let myself be hurled.

Something about this sentence that connected, there is something strangely freeing and wonderful when you allow to be un-organized and letting yourself go with the whatever happens. In both the process of doing it, and after you've done it. Maybe it is naive and presumptuous for me to interpret that sentence.

While there are things in your life you must organize and plan and have goals, there are other things that giving up control and allowing them to happen let you find something even greater than you ever imagine. And the first word that comes to mind is love.

Can love be control? Organized? Planned? Maybe I just the spout the words of a hopeless romantic but I say no. Love is ultimate expression being unorganized and allowing to be hurled around by it and surrendering to it. There is no rhyme or reason to who we love or why we love them it just is what it is. But it is not just eros love, but storge (affection), philia (friendship), agape (unconditional) as well.

But the sentence also shows a creative approach to life as well. There is something creative in the way your let life and patterns find their own way to you. Some of the best thoughts I've ever had were when in what some would come from the randomness of two or three things that coming together in a way I or no one else has ever thought before. Like creating art or creating a performance. Ok, well maybe I am now just justifying my disorganized ways. ; )


Again, another post from a man who uses few words that speak volumes.



The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Philosophical Taoism and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Religious Taoism but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, aided by hundreds of translations into Western languages.


* Dào/Tao 道 literally means "way", or one of its synonyms, but was extended to mean "the Way". This term, which was variously used by other Chinese philosophers (including Confucius, Mencius, Mozi, and Hanfeizi), has special meaning within the context of Taoism, where it implies the essential, unnamable process of the universe. Tao also means god, and peace.

* Dé/Te 德 basically means "virtue" in the sense of "personal character", "inner strength", or "integrity." The semantics of this Chinese word resemble English virtue, which developed from a (now archaic) sense of "inner potency" or "divine power" (as in "healing virtue of a drug") to the modern meaning of "moral excellence" or "goodness". Compare the compound word dàodé (道德 "ethics", "ethical principles", "morals," or "morality"). Te also means love.

* Jīng/Ching 經 as it is used here means "canon", "great book", or "classic".

46 comments:

destiny said...

I'll need a lot more coffee to digest this post.

Glad you liked the article on the college football player Wicked. Among the things I think this story shows is that the only way to truly earn someone's respect and support is by being honest with them.

Relationhips built on dishonesty are shallow at best and degrading at worst, be it relationships with your family, partners, friends, co-workers or fans.

Stubborn TB said...

Looks like Austin is moving closer to Buddhism now as well. I wonder how much Jakes interest in it has influenced him.

Can love be control? Organized? Planned? Maybe I just the spout the words of a hopeless romantic but I say no. Love is ultimate expression being unorganized and allowing to be hurled around by it and surrendering to it. There is no rhyme or reason to who we love or why we love them it just is what it is. But it is not just eros love, but storge (affection), philia (friendship), agape (unconditional) as well.Austin has talked about love and passion in the past and I think he also approaches it in the same way as you talked about in this paragraph.
And not just a deep romantic relationship but even more so a major addition to someones life - especially something very, very small ;) - would certainly make someone change their outlook on life and what is really important in it.

Ok, well maybe I am now just justifying my disorganized ways. ; )That counts as an excuse?!? Damn, why do I have to be so uncreative?

Seaweed said...

Like Destiny, I'll need much more tea to digest this post.... but you know Special I really want to because it strikes a chord within me also.

Thanks for your offering today and I look forward to delving into it in more detail.

S.

m said...

I think it's wonderful that we are getting these glimpses into the real Austin. Direct from his own pen, unfiltered by PR or whatever. Can't say that I understand him, but that just makes it even better.

Speaking from a 30 yr marriage, I am dumbfounded by love. Through ups and downs and all that life throws at you, it has remained a constant, for which I am very grateful.

J G Levitt is doing his own blogging too - saw it on ONTD. The internet is great.

m said...

Just checked yesterday's comments and see that I forgot my name in my last comment. It was pretty late. "Chiming in" was me and thank you for saving it.

Special K said...

Tao Teh Ching - can be interpret by each person differently and that's the way it was designed. No path is the same.

When I read the three statements from the Tao Teh Ching Austin quoted I thought:

By not exalting the talented you will cause the
people to cease from rivalry and contention.
Not flaunting your talent and just let you talent show through who you are will stop people trying to compete and trying to knock you down.

By not prizing goods hard to get, you will cause
the people to cease from robbing and stealing.
Not making the getting material things your main objective that no can take from you what is most important. (love,family, friends)

By not displaying what is desirable, you will cause
the people's hearts to remain undisturbed.
By not letting everyone know what you desires are you don't give the opportunity of them setting a goal of proving you wrong or their way is better, or they are better than you.

Speaking from a 30 yr marriage, I am dumbfounded by love. Through ups and downs and all that life throws at you, it has remained a constant, for which I am very grateful.So perfectly said M.

Wicked said...

***Can love be control? Organized? Planned? Maybe I just the spout the words of a hopeless romantic but I say no.***

I say yes. I think love is a decision, rather than something that just happens to you.

***There is no rhyme or reason to who we love or why we love them it just is what it is.***

I think there often is a reason why we love the people that we love. How and why love is able to endure, that, I think, is the question. And I think the answer is that human beings are hard-wired for love.

about damn time said...

Kelly McGillis finally comes outWe knew, Kelly. Really, we did.

Buddhist Doctrine said...

Oh that's right. Jake is a Buddhist or has practiced it. I should have known...

etc said...

Love today's post and song. I really like these thoughtful glimpes into Austin, that he is showing us. I too believe that sometimes it is best to let things happen, and the creativity that comes with being open to that, and the surprises it can bring. Where would we be without our reason and logic, but I think sometimes we are under an illusion of just how much control we think we have in life, and getting caught up in material things that really don't mean anything and don't last, just helping us to lose our focus of just what is meaningful in life. We need a little of the irrational, the random, and the unplanned in healthy doses, and the acceptance of that. Our brains are in two halves that are linked, for a reason. Not to say that we shouldn't change things for the better when we are able.

I think love just happens to a lot of us, at least at first, that initial spark. We then make the conscious decision to go with it, and to stay with it through the ups and downs. Maybe there is a reason why we love who we love, one that we are not consciously aware of, from the point of view of someone on the outside looking in, observing two who have fallen in love, but who knows really, and who cares? Let them love, for whatever reason, as long as it is a healthy relationship. Humans are hardwired for a lot of things, some positive, some negative - and in a broader sense, you can always choose to love. I'm coming up on 22 years married myself. :)

destiny said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
destiny said...

think love just happens to a lot of us, at least at first, that initial spark. We then make the conscious decision to go with it, and to stay with it through the ups and downs.xx

I totally agree with that.

Reading those passages Austin quotes, the one thing I really can't stop thinking about is that the philosophical ideas Austin is expressing appear to be the polar opposite of Jake's. These ideas do seem to be reflected in the way we've seen Austin go about his career and what little we've seen of his life, but from this post I get the sense he's done a lot of bumping up against the opposite beliefs with Jake and working in HW.

And once again I've got to wonder how does one stay with someone who seems to have such philosophical differences about how you live your life and what is important. If he is talking about love, then I read this as trying to see what would drive someone like Jake to do what he does, and maybe trying to find a way to live with that. But again, for how long?

More to say later.

Oh, and Kelly, yeah, we knew even if you didn't. I still remember all the stories I heard about her getting drunk and throwing herself at women on several occassiona at one of the lesbian bars in NYC around the time of Witness. It's sad that it took so long for her to accept who she is.

Wicked said...

***Love today's post and song.***

Another from the Red Hot compilation.

Remember all the rumors about Kelly and Jodie Foster when they made Accused?

destiny said...

Yes, I do remember those too. Plus I always heard she was a mess, emotionally, which is also evident in what she said in coming out. I hope she does a full interview, it would be interesting to hear more about her struggles.

Special K said...

I too believe that sometimes it is best to let things happen, and the creativity that comes with being open to that, and the surprises it can bring. Where would we be without our reason and logic, but I think sometimes we are under an illusion of just how much control we think we have in life, and getting caught up in material things that really don't mean anything and don't last, just helping us to lose our focus of just what is meaningful in life. We need a little of the irrational, the random, and the unplanned in healthy doses, and the acceptance of that. Our brains are in two halves that are linked, for a reason.


I think love just happens to a lot of us, at least at first, that initial spark. We then make the conscious decision to go with it, and to stay with it through the ups and downs. Maybe there is a reason why we love who we love, one that we are not consciously aware of, from the point of view of someone on the outside looking in, observing two who have fallen in love, but who knows really, and who cares? Let them love, for whatever reason, as long as it is a healthy relationship.
Sorry for a big cut and posting, but they are great thoughts ETC.

Off to celebrate my nephew's birthday. What did he want all the junk food his mom won't let him eat? So that's what I got him, and a gift card. Hey that's want Aunties are for. : )

Elinor said...

Hello you all ,

Hope you are fine, I missed this blog terribly but I was ill and in same time had to prepare my exam!!! ( I spend my time in bed with my books , trying miserably to record something in my mind but in vain lol)
Fortunately I am better now and ready to discover news , well I see there is no interesting news except Jake is gone to a mystery place and witty Austin is back.

No sure to understand everything he is trying to mean in these few words but I agree with you all , he has a philosophical conception of life I like.


"And once again I've got to wonder how does one stay with someone who seems to have such philosophical differences about how you live your life and what is important. "

Even If I tend to agree it's depressing cause I wonder too! I don't like to be pessimistic or to think of things I don't want to think but can't help!

If I judge his personnality I would say he is made to be with someone out of spotlight, I mean who isn't in the business. He doesn't seem confortable with HW life and how I understand him !!

Oh well I don't know, my brain is tired, time to sleep.

bye bye and have a good evening!

Ps: sad you decided to do a break PrairieGirl, cause your funny and intelligent posts will be missed but hope you're fine and happy.

norwegian girl said...

i`ve had a really bad day today:(my six year old son had company with a girl the same age home from school today. she found a needle and my son got a sting(is that what it`s called?)
he took a blood-test today. he`ll have to take another one in three months, than one more in six months.
they said there are very little chances he`s got infected, but six months is a long time to wait for an answere. doe`s anyone here know anything about cases like this and how much the percents is for being infected?

m said...

Re the Jake/Austin love, I think when they fell in love, Jake was a lot different than the man he has become. We've seen the change at a distance. Austin has to live with it. So loving Jake is a challenge, but once in love, as we've been discussing, it's not something that can be controlled. So Austin tolerates because he continues to love. People do fall out of love though. I have seen it happen to friends and family members and I hope it does not happen to our boys.

:) said...

(((Elinor)))

(((Norwegian girl)))

prairiegirl said...

That is really unfortunate, NG. I don't know anything about the likelihood of infection/contamination. Are they testing for hepatitis? I am sorry to hear your little boy has to go through these tests for that long period of time.

Hey there Elinor - no, I'm done with my break. I am sorry to learn you've been ill, but I'm glad that you are well on the road to mending. We don't bounce back quite as quickly as we did when we were little, do we? And so, are you all done with your testing? Is this for your quest to be a guide? Are you now awaiting word if it's a go or not?

It's funny; I was just wondering lately where Austin's musings on SG had gone to and if he was done with that for awhile. And there one is.

Destiny, yesterday you were talking about Ted & TT mentions. I think Ted ought to just let TT ride off into the sunset very quietly. He can still call out on J & R; heck, it's not like no one knows who TT is anyway. TT has had his day in the limelight and, just like all things that are the latest & greatest, there's always going to be something newer, something more exciting, someone younger & all the rage. Especially in Hollywood. Clearly, as I see TV promos, go into Borders stores, and see the rag covers, this vampire stuff and R. Pattinson are all the rage right now.

Not that I get it, though. This Pattinson guy does not do a thing to me. I am not seeing what every other female in the world is, apparently. But then I was never a Mel Gibson or Brad Pitt admirer, either. I seem to go for the ones who don't get the publicity - William Fichtner & Colin Firth.

But let it go because it's not going anywhere. It's stagnant and it's not sprouting anything new. Let it die and then, if something new comes up, then mention it. But it doesn't do anyone any good to just keep repeating how TT's cemented in the closet, never coming out, for the 500th time No, so-and-so is not Toothy, think younger..more studly, etc etc, you know what I mean? Same ol', same ol'.
Just stop it! lol
Let the Toothy saga go by way of the silver filling. I don't think anyone would miss it.

Dr. Who said...

Needlestick injuries in children study:

OBJECTIVES. Although anxiety exists concerning the perceived risk of transmission of bloodborne viruses after community-acquired needlestick injuries, seroconversion seems to be rare.

The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of pediatric community-acquired needlestick injuries and to estimate the risk of seroconversion for HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus in these events.

METHODS. The study population included all of the children presenting with community-acquired needlestick injuries to the Montreal Children's Hospital between 1988 and 2006 and to Hôpital Sainte-Justine between 1995 and 2006. Data were collected prospectively at Hôpital Sainte-Justine from 2001 to 2006. All of the other data were reviewed retrospectively by using a standardized case report form.

RESULTS. A total of 274 patients were identified over a period of 19 years. Mean age was 7.9 ± 3.4 years. A total of 176 (64.2%) were boys. Most injuries occurred in streets (29.2%) or parks (24.1%), and 64.6% of children purposely picked up the needle. Only 36 patients (13.1%) noted blood on the device. Among the 230 patients not known to be immune for hepatitis B virus, 189 (82.2%) received hepatitis B immunoglobulin, and 213 (92.6%) received hepatitis B virus vaccine. Prophylactic antiretroviral therapy was offered beginning in 1997. Of the 210 patients who presented thereafter, 82 (39.0%) received chemoprophylaxis, of whom 69 (84.1%) completed a 4-week course of therapy. The use of a protease inhibitor was not associated with a significantly higher risk of adverse effects or early discontinuation of therapy. At 6 months, 189 were tested for HIV, 167 for hepatitis B virus, and 159 for hepatitis C virus. There were no seroconversions.

CONCLUSIONS. We observed no seroconversions in 274 pediatric community-acquired needlestick injuries, thereby confirming that the risk of transmission of bloodborne viruses in these events is very low.



Hope this eases your mind, (((NG)))! :)

Full Text:

Pediatric Injuries From Needles Discarded in the Community

Dr. WHO disclaimer said...

Just to say, hope this eases your mind, but I know you will follow your own Drs. advice about the followup tests, NG! (I'm not a Dr., I just play one on TV!) ;)

norwegian girl said...

thank you Dr. Who (on TV...hehe), PG and :) for you`re thoughts c",)

To Dr. Who said...

Brilliant!

update from Ted said...

Dear Ted:
Do you think Judas Jack-Off and his boyfriend will ever come out of the closet? Or will they keep their marriage secret (if they ever get there, of course)?
—sexymamie

Dear Once Burned:
Judas' BF knows he's toast if he wants their relationship out there any more than it already is—so, he's settling. Like most of American marriages.

more ted said...

Dear Ted:
Just as the Toothy Tile updates were getting routine, but still much appreciated, you introduce the delicious Crotch Uh-Lastic. Please tell me, which one is more eager to come out, and who will come out first? Will this be a competition?
—Ann

Dear Shot In the Groin:
Crotch. By a long, long shot. He's too smart for this BS, anyway.

Wicked said...

***but once in love, as we've been discussing, it's not something that can be controlled.***

I disagree. It is always a decision to stay in the relationship.

Elinor, glad you're okay.

NG, hope your boy is okay. I think he will be. I've read similar studies to the one linked by Dr. Who.

Florida Tom said...

For me surprising but wonderful news about about Kelly McGillis coming out. I never have heard any gay rumors about her.

Glad you feel better Elinor.

Sorry to hear about yor son NG. I am sure he will be fine.

norwegian girl said...

Thank you both, wicked and tom. love you both:)
my husband finally found the needle and handed it over to our neighbour(who works with that kind of stuff). At least that one is gone so no more kids might get infected.
i`m still worried, but like my friend said,: "you`ll go crazy if you`ll go on"...I can`t,so i won`t!

Special K said...

Back from birthday cake, and yes he loved all the junk food, what teenage boy wouldn't?

((Elinor)) Glad you are feeling better,its horrible when you are sick and trying to study.

((NG))Sending good thoughts. And it will be ok. Dr. Who sent you some good info. (healtcare info like that was in my past work life)


Looking at that last quote one more time.

By not displaying what is desirable, you will cause
the people's hearts to remain undisturbed.
Wonder if this has something to do wabout him and Jake, because there has been so much discussion that tends wants to knock his decision to be with Jake and all of Jake's faults. Just a thought.

Looking at them together in the pictures we have seen in the past two months, I don't think of the word tolerate when I see him looking at Jake.

Austin is clearly his own man from all that he is showing in his writings, and makes his own decisions. And I guess he has, as he's still with Jake.

destiny said...

(((NG))) sorry to hear about your son. That is scary.

And sorry you've been sick Elinor, glad you're getting better. Our bad luck streak seems to be continuing around here.

I agree with Wicked, staying in a relationship always involves a decision, whether it's a conscious one or not. And people stay in relationships for all kind of reasons.

Tom, you do know that we're going to have to take away your honorary lesbian card for not knowing who Kelly McGillis is. :-D

destiny said...

I do agree that Austin is his own man, making his own decisions about his own career and who to be with, Jake.

I don't think that quote about hiding what is desirable has to do with Jake. If it is, that is a pretty disturbing view of your loved one, imo. That puts me in mind of muslim extremists who think you have to hide your women. And what is there to be disturbed about, other than the fact that they're gay?

Not that I have any other ideas as to what that means. I know he probably wanted people to think about these lines for themselves, but I'd love to know how Austin interprets them.

Reading things like this can be very interesting, and there are certainly good ideas that one can bring to one's own life. But it's also true that in the time this was written what was valued and expected was recognizing your place in society and your family, and not trying to fight that, but instead to obey your emperor, your parents, etc.

destiny said...

Okay, I was googling around on this passage Austin quotes (because my eyes glazed over when I tried reading my old college book on Thought in Ancient China), and came across this excerpt from a book. Not Displaying What is Desirablexx

The verse is on page 14, with a discussion of it following.

It says what I was inclined to think, except I wasn't sure since the line about desire is repetitive to the first. This person is basically interpreting the whole verse (and the link includes more) as being about how your ego's desire for possessions, status, power and desires cannot make you happy.


Of course like any religions or philosophy about life, these are ideals, and ideals are not easy to achieve. But again from what we see Austin is trying to live that way, while from what we see of Jake it seems like he thinks money, power, fame, etc. will bring him happiness. He certainly can't be finding happiness in bearding and lying.

And the whole idea of finding happiness in the moment, I kind of get the feeling that has happened with Austin and his career. Earlier we saw a bit of disappointment over not getting to be in the new Milch series, but now I get the feeling he is finding a lot of happiness in the moment that is OTH, making new friends, the blogging, a movie to work towards.....

destiny said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
not surprised said...

^^Couldn't let it go. Had to prove you're right.

perez said...

Marie Osmond's daughter is a lesbian

Florida Tom said...

Tom, you do know that we're going to have to take away your honorary lesbian card for not knowing who Kelly McGillis is. :-D


Destiny I knew who Kelly was. She was the pretty actress in Top Gun. I just didnt know that there were rumors floating around that Kelly was gay. I guess I been a little fixated on Jake and need to get out more:-)

Florida Tom said...

Oh my God the Mormons arent going to be happy today.

prairiegirl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sadly not the case said...

Marie spoke out in favor of Proposition 8. She was/is a bigot.

Florida Tom said...

I am sorry if I offended you in any way PR. I was raised Catholic but dont consider myself a big fan of organized religion. I do very much respect all those who love their church and religion.

Florida Tom said...

With the rumored retirement of Supreme Court Justice Sutter how awesome would it be if President Obama nominated the first openly gay Supreme Court Justice. Barney Frank is certainly qualified. It would be interesting to know other openly gay qualified candidates.

Special K said...

Tom - the word is that Obama is looking to appoint a women to the bench. But the one name out of the Bay State that is being floated out a potential pick is our governor, Deval Patrick. (who is as you might remember a parent of gay child)

prairiegirl said...

Naw, it's alright, Tom. I was just getting on here because I was going to re-phrase what I had said. And I am so Dr. PG is going to do a little surgery here!

Special, give me a second, please!!

destiny said...

Not surprised, I think I have a pretty good idea who you are. If you're going to critisize me, at least have the courage to use your regular name.

I was fascinated by what Austin wrote, and was just trying to work through what he could possibly mean, which is why I probably went a bit overboard with the posts last night. People are free to agree or disagree, offer up their own theories, start their own discussion on another topic or scroll on by.

prairiegirl said...

Okay, here we go!

I think Perez Hilton needs to produce a direct quote from Marie before making a headline/post like that. Not only that, there are no further details on the relationship between Marie and her daughter. Hopefully, they have no relationship problems. If I read and recall right, Marie Osmond spoke out against Prop 8 when it was on the ballot last year.
And Steve Young is Mormon and he spoke out against Prop. 8.
This was really an irresponsible opinion made by this guy.

I'd like to comment further, but heh heh I'm at work and although my super is gone today & the BIG BoSS is at her daily meeting, I can't take the time I would like (ol' me and my 1000 Preview's before I post) so I'd rather wait.

Everyone have a good morning!!!