The Wandering Pen

“Place thine head beneath my feet.”  “Say what?!”  “Place thine head beneath my feet that I may bless thee.”  “Do you know who you’re talking to? Drop that leg!”  “A thousand curses shall be thine portion if ye do not as I ask.”  “To hell with you!”  “You dare not leave, young man! You will be paralyzed from the waist down if you leave this shrine without doing as I have commanded. Bend the knee, and place your head beneath my feet.”  “Why did you switch from ‘thine’ head to ‘your’ head? It’s obvious you’re scared. Someone is about to defy you and put you in your place. You have been using the ancient tongue and the fears of the multitude to control lives, but I’m going to burn this shrine to the ground and demonstrate your powerlessness before the people.”  “Young man! I beg you for your own good. Do as I’ve asked, or face the wrath of the gods!”  “Wow! I understand your desperation. Someone is about to bring down this pillar of falsehood an...

I once took a loan of #1,000,000 at an interest rate of 24% per annum (or 2% monthly) from my bank. I assumed at the time that I would end up paying the bank a total of #1,240,000, with the extra #240,000 being the total interest. I expected to pay the sum of #103,333.33 monthly, with my last payment being at the end of the 12 th month. My calculation was as shown below; Assuming Loan taken = L, total interest = ti, annual interest rate = i,  Total amount to be paid = T, and monthly payments = m, T = L + ti T = L + L x i  (where ti = L x i) Recall that L = 1000000 and i = 24% So T = 1000000 + 1000000 x 0.24 = #1,240,000 Therefore, my monthly repayments will be, m = #1,240,000/12 = #103,333.33. However, at the end of the first month, my bank deducted approximately #94,559.60 from my account. At first, I thought they made a mistake. But then I imagined that these money-hungry entities might make mistakes crediting an account below the expected amount, but it is almost impossibl...

Just as traffic rules have been established by humans to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, and standards have been set in various domains to safeguard and enhance the quality of life, rational agents inevitably devise values in an attempt to bolster the survival and wellbeing of every member of their society. This article explores how values are formulated, the limitations of humans in creating values, and dispels the notion that values are solely dependent on religious belief. Rational agents, characterized by their ability to make decisions based on logical reasoning and empirical evidence, inherently seek ways to enhance their survival and wellbeing which are instinctual goals for carbon-based lifeforms. Recognizing the obvious benefits of collaboration, groups of these agents will converge on rules of engagement that promote the common good. It is unsurprising that all surviving human societies have laws and norms promoting public safety, including traffic regulations...

 One evening, as the sun dipped below the skyline and the city lights began to announce their presence, Emma and Alex settled into their favorite café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the distant sounds of traffic, creating a familiar yet melancholic atmosphere. Sensing Emma's troubled demeanor, Alex leaned in with genuine concern. “You look sad. What’s the problem?” “This place and everyone in it is making me sad. I can’t wait to go home. I’ll be leaving tomorrow.” “My dear, this moment is all we have. We may not see tomorrow. Happiness is a choice. A change of perspective is all you need.” “Are you saying I should force myself to be happy now and not plan for a happy future because I might not live to see it?” “I’m not saying that. Hope, plan, and work for a better tomorrow. But stop postponing your happiness. Look up and see the interesting world around you. A change of perspective is all you need.” “Oh boy! You’re pissing me off!”  (Laughs)

We seek food and avoid danger for our personal survival. We seek mates and protect our young, ultimately for the survival of our species. Every other activity we fill into time, is to make our lives bearable or enjoyable.