Sunday, April 7, 2024

Narrative Style.

 Narrator Styles 

+++++++++++


Narrative voice is another crucial aspect of storytelling. Here are the more common/used  narrative voice styles:


1. **First-person narrator**: The narrator is a character within the story, telling it from their own perspective using "I" and "me".


2. **Third-person narrator**: The narrator is outside the story, describing the characters and events using "he", "she", and "they".


3. **Limited narrator**: The narrator only has access to the thoughts and feelings of a single character.


4. **Omniscient narrator**: The narrator has knowledge of all characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations, as well as the ability to comment on the story.


5. **Unreliable narrator**: The narrator is not trustworthy, providing misleading or biased information.


6. **Objective narrator**: The narrator describes events without taking a side or expressing opinions.

 


7Stream-of-consciousness narrator**: The narrator presents a character's thoughts and feelings in a fluid, unstructured manner.


These narrative voice styles can greatly influence how the reader experiences the story.

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Here are five common types of narrative styles:


1. Descriptive narrative: This style focuses on creating a vivid atmosphere and setting for the story, often using sensory details to transport the reader.


2. Viewpoint narrative: This style is used to show the reader events through the eyes of a character, which can help the reader understand the character's thoughts and feelings.


3. Historical narrative: This style is used to recount events that happened in the past, often used in genres like biography, autobiography and historical fiction.


4. Linear narrative: This style is used to tell events in the order they occurred, often used in realist fiction to create a sense of a life unfolding.


5. Nonlinear narrative: This style is used to tell events out of chronological order, often used to create suspense or represent the narrator's emotional state or consciousness.

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Narrative tenses are verb tenses that are used to talk about things that happened in the past. There are four narrative tenses ¹ ²:

- Past simple: used to talk about a certain action or event that took place at a specific point in the past.

- Past continuous: used to talk about an action or event that was in progress at a specific point in the past.

- Past perfect: used to talk about an event or action that was completed before a certain point in the past.

- Past perfect continuous: used to talk about an event or action that was happening in the past and continued up until a certain point in the past.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

an explanation of ThE ThirTeeN O'clock bLuEs

An explanation of The 
Thirteen O'clock blues. 
(By j.stephen.h.)
        +++

The "13'oclock Blues" is a: state of Mind. 

That place we go to in our heads when Life Becomes Irrelevant, because every moment sucks. 

When..you're too depressed to live but afraid to die, and so you cling stubbornly to life out of pure spite, or for the sake of Existential Irony.. to the point where Time itself drags by slowly when you wish it would fly, and soars painfully by during those rare and happier moments that you wish you could freeze within your Mind forever. (but which ultimately freeze your Heart because they're  gone too soon.)

But perhaps we're all infants in the mind of an infinite universe and timeless in the eyes of eternity? Endlessly waiting..(for the clock to strike thirteen.)

Monday, February 26, 2024

Bernays/Lippmann/manufactured consent

 The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society," wrote Edward Bernays, the father of public relations, in his 1928 book Propaganda.


Bernays' words might send a chill down your spine, but they highlight the dangers of mainstream media propaganda. When the masses are manipulated, democracy suffers. The fourth estate, meant to hold power accountable, becomes a tool for the powerful to shape public opinion.


Walter Lippmann, a prominent journalist and political commentator, warned about the dangers of "manufactured consent" in his 1922 book Public Opinion. "The manufacture of consent... is capable of enormous refinements," he wrote. "The creation of consent is not a new art. It is a very old one which was supposed to have died out with the appearance of democracy."


Today, mainstream media propaganda has mastered this art. Soundbites replace substance, and clickbait headlines hijack our attention. We're fed a diet of sensationalism, while important issues are reduced to simplistic narratives or ignored altogether. The public is left confused, polarized, and powerless.


But we can break free from this cycle. We must reclaim our minds and the media. We must demand more than propaganda. As Lippmann said, "In the absence of a direct and fruitful experience, the human being... will seize upon any accessible substitute." Let's seek out the truth, and let's demand a media that informs, rather than manipulates.

Monday, February 19, 2024

The Shadow Archetype

 Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who delved deep into the workings of the human mind. His theories and ideas about the human psyche have had a profound impact on the field of psychology, and one of his most significant contributions was the concept of the Shadow Archetype. According to Jung, the Shadow is an integral part of our personality that we often ignore or suppress, but it is essential for our overall growth and self-awareness.

Jung defined the Shadow as “the unknown dark side of the personality” and believed that it contains all the aspects of ourselves that we do not want to acknowledge or accept. These can be our negative thoughts, emotions, desires, and impulses, which we consider to be unacceptable or socially undesirable. The Shadow is formed from childhood experiences, societal influences, and cultural norms, and it can have both positive and negative qualities.

The Shadow plays a vital role in shaping our behavior and personality. We all possess both positive and negative traits, and if we deny the negative aspects, they tend to manifest in unhealthy and destructive ways. Jung believed that the Shadow can cause psychological disturbances if it remains unconscious. He stated, “Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.” It is essential to acknowledge and integrate the Shadow into our conscious self to achieve a state of wholeness and balance.

One of the essential functions of the Shadow is to act as a reservoir of creativity and vitality. Jung believed that by exploring and embracing our Shadow, we can tap into its positive potential and use it for personal growth and development. He stated, “There is no light without shadow and no psychic wholeness without imperfection.” By accepting our flaws and imperfections, we can unleash our creative energy and discover our true potential.

The Shadow also plays a crucial role in our relationships with others. Jung believed that the Shadow is projected onto others, and we tend to see in them the qualities that we dislike in ourselves. Our interactions with others can bring our Shadow to the surface, causing discomfort and conflict. However, by owning our Shadow, we can develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of others, ultimately leading to healthier relationships.

Integrating the Shadow is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection and introspection. Jung believed that the Shadow cannot be eliminated but can be managed and integrated with consciousness. He stated, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” It takes courage and self-awareness to confront and accept our Shadow, but the rewards are immense – a sense of wholeness, authenticity, and inner peace.

The Shadow is an essential aspect of Jung’s analytical psychology, and its concept remains relevant in modern times. In today’s social media-driven world, where people tend to display only their positive side and hide their vulnerabilities, the Shadow’s role becomes even more critical. Jung believed that by denying the Shadow, we deny a significant part of our authentic self, and it can lead to inner turmoil and mental health issues.

In conclusion, Carl Jung’s concept of the Shadow Archetype is a profound and powerful idea that can help us understand and embrace our true self. The Shadow represents our darker impulses and unacknowledged qualities, but it also holds the key to our creativity and vitality. By acknowledging and integrating the Shadow, we can achieve psychological balance and inner wholeness. As Jung himself said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”

Friday, February 9, 2024

Phillip Mainländer: A Radical Vision of Redemption and The Death of God.


                       Philipp Mainländer: 
A Radical Vision of Redemption and the Death of God.
                       +++++++++++++

Philipp Mainländer, a German philosopher and poet born as Philipp Batz in 1841, left an indelible mark on philosophical literature with his work “Die Philosophie der Erlösung” (The Philosophy of Redemption or The Philosophy of Salvation) His ideas, though controversial and often bleak, continue to captivate those who delve into the depths of existential inquiry. In this essay, we will explore Mainländer’s central concepts, focusing on his philosophy of redemption and his unique conception of God. 

The Philosophy of Redemption

Mainländer’s magnum opus, “Die Philosophie der Erlösung”, stands as a testament to his radical pessimism. According to Theodor Lessing, it represents “perhaps the most radical system of pessimism known to philosophical literature” .

Let us dissect its core tenets:

Life’s Worthlessness: 

Mainländer boldly proclaims that life is worthless. He contends that existence itself is a burden, and the pursuit of non-being surpasses any desire for continued existence. This nihilistic perspective challenges such conventional notions as value and purpose.

The Supreme Principle of Morality: 

The will, ignited by the knowledge that non-being is better than being, becomes the supreme principle of morality. In this paradoxical twist, Mainländer suggests that "embracing the void leads to ethical clarity."

God’s Self-Destruction: 

At the heart of his philosophy lies the concept of God’s self-destruction. Mainländer envisions a lonely God, jaded by existence, committing what equates to cosmic “suicide;” and from this primordial act emerges: The Universe. (A Creation condemned to both death and redemption.)

Conception of God:

Mainländer’s God diverges significantly from traditional theological constructs. Some elements which include:

Lonely God:

At the beginning of all existence, there existed a lonely God, a simple unity. This deity,
(wearied by the burden of being), sought nothingness. Thus by committing cosmic suicide, God set the stage for creation.

Universal Death and Redemption:

Through God’s self-destruction, the universe arose. However, it carried within it the seed of its own demise.
The universe, (like God) is condemned to die. Yet, paradoxically, this very death becomes the path to redemption—a return to nothingness, the ultimate release from suffering.

Reconciliation of Religion and Science: 

Mainländer claims to reconcile Buddhism, Christianity, and Atheism. His cosmology posits the universe as an emanation of God’s self-destruction, bridging the gap between faith and reason.

Conclusion:

Mainländer’s philosophy challenges us to confront the abyss, to grapple with the inherent contradictions of existence. His vision of redemption through nothingness invites us to question our assumptions about life, morality, and divinity. Whether we find solace or despair in his words, one thing remains certain: Philipp Mainländer’s legacy endures as a provocative exploration of the human condition.

(Note: Mainländer’s ideas are not for the faint of heart. They provoke discomfort and demand rigorous contemplation. As we navigate his philosophical landscape, we tread on the precipice of existence itself.)

J.Stephen.H

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Tim Leary's

Leary's 8-Circuits of Consciousness
Theory and the Functions they serve.
              +++++++++++

Tim Leary's 8-circuits of consciousness theory suggests that human consciousness can be understood in terms of eight different "circuits" or levels of awareness. These circuits are believed to have evolved over time and have different functions. They range from basic survival instincts to higher levels of spiritual consciousness.


The first four circuits are thought to be related to our physical and emotional survival, while the remaining four are associated with higher cognitive and spiritual experiences.


According to Leary, understanding and exploring these circuits can help individuals gain insights into their own consciousness and unlock their potential for personal growth and self-discovery.


Timothy Leary's Eight-Circuit model of consciousness proposes that human consciousness can be understood via 8 levels, or "circuits," each with its own specific function. These circuits describe different stages of psychological development and levels of awareness.


Here's a brief overview of the 8 circuits and their respective functions according to Leary:

1. The Bio-survival Circuit: This is the most basic level related to survival instincts, nourishment, and defense mechanisms.

2. The Emotional-Territorial Circuit: This focuses on emotional bonding, basic social behaviors, and territoriality.

3. The Symbolic-Neuroelectric Circuit: This level pertains to language, symbolic thought, and the ability to create and respond to art, music, and literature.

4. The Socio-Sexual Circuit: This revolves around social and sexual behaviors, including reproductive instincts and the quest for intimacy and connection.

5. The Neurosomatic Circuit: This allows for a heightened awareness of the body and the ability to understand and control physiological processes.

6. The Neuroelectric Circuit: This level involves advanced levels of intelligence, such as logic, programming, and understanding the nature of reality.

7. The Neurogenic Circuit: This pertains to the ability to experience unity and inter-connectedness, including spiritual or mystical experiences.

8. The Psycho-atomic Circuit: This represents the ultimate level of consciousness, linking individuals to a transcendent, universal consciousness and expanded awareness.


According to Leary, understanding and developing these circuits can lead to expanded consciousness and personal growth. However, it's important to note that this model is a theoretical framework and is not universally accepted within the scientific community.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

on the ethos of modern technology and it's impact on society.

On The Ethos of Modern Technology and it's impact on Society. (first draft.)
                                     +++++++++++++

In recent years, the tech industry has faced criticism for its role in promoting addictive behaviors and detaching individuals from reality. From social media platforms to online gaming and e-commerce, technology has the potential to exploit psychological vulnerabilities and create environments that encourage excessive consumption and escapism.


One prominent example is the use of algorithms and personalized recommendations to create "filter bubbles," where individuals are exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences, reinforcing their worldviews and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. This can lead to echo chambers and the polarization of society, as individuals become less likely to engage with differing opinions and critical thinking.


Furthermore, the gamification of technology, such as the use of feedback loops, rewards, and notifications, has been implicated in the development of addictive behaviors, particularly in relation to social media and online entertainment. This can lead to a cycle of compulsive usage and reliance on digital platforms for validation and fulfillment, contributing to a sense of disconnection from the real world.


In this context, it's crucial for the tech industry to acknowledge its ethical responsibilities and actively work towards mitigating these negative effects. This may involve adopting design principles that prioritize user well-being and fostering a culture of digital mindfulness. Additionally, regulatory measures and public awareness campaigns can help address the societal implications of addictive technology and encourage more responsible usage.


At the same time, individuals have a role to play in critically assessing their own interactions with technology and making conscious choices about their digital consumption. Developing media literacy and self-awareness can empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape in a more mindful and balanced manner.


Ultimately, addressing the issue of technology-induced detachment and consumerism requires a collaborative effort from industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public. By fostering a culture of responsible technological innovation and promoting digital well-being, we can work towards a more harmonious relationship between individuals and the technology that permeates their lives.


Jeremy Hennessee.