Consciousness is awareness; it is also playing by the rules, projecting an acceptable version of yourself and burying everything else underneath. It leads to sophistication, and after a while, we dare not acknowledge our instincts. They are called base instincts because we are expected to rise above those. Humans have to differentiate themselves from animals. … Continue reading Subterranea
An accomplished research scientist in the field of electronics once said, “I understand Electronics completely, a bit of Physics and Maths. What I could never figure out is why two people like or dislike each other.” It unveils the enigmatic nature of human relationships, a puzzle that continues to fascinate and intrigue us. Electrons, by … Continue reading Fundamental Forces and Human Behavior
I was touched by a Facebook post today, and I've used the screenshot as the cover image here. The simple things— a comfort zone we carve from the chaos. We trim, reshape, and restructure the moments that once jolted us with their rawness. What feels gentle now was once seismic— life-altering, when it first arrived … Continue reading Simplicity of Roots
The Diary of Anne Frank and compilations of letters by Jawaharlal Nehru, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Emily Dickinson brought the personal into the public sphere. While celebrities have written the letters, Anne Frank’s diary revealed the horrors of a situation that attracted worldwide attention. Is it a violation of personal space? What exactly happens when … Continue reading JOURNALS
The female protagonist of Ayn Rand’s novel, Kira, says in a farewell note, “If we live, and if we want to meet again.” The words have remained with me ever since. FAREWELLS There are the long-awaited farewells where we wish we would never meet again. There are others we lament then, but later realise that … Continue reading Farewell
Brain health is a topic of interest for all beyond a certain age. I’ve seen people with high intelligence become demented, but in some cases, they retain their core competence. I’ve met a writer and doctor who have lost short-term memory but do their professional activity with great alacrity. The changes you discuss here may … Continue reading The Power of Choice
The incident I recount to you is Version 2 of reality, a truth that is as relative as it is subjective. Version 1 is what happened. But in the hands of each individual, it transforms into a unique narrative, a personal version of reality, a story that is theirs and theirs alone. Each person present … Continue reading My version of Reality
Bike-shedding helps when a difference of opinion is evident, you want to avoid a serious conversation. You are just opening a conversation with a stranger or casual acquaintance When you lack decision-making powers or competence on the more significant issues Bike-shedding hurts When important decisions are postponed due to bike-shedding, the entire plan is adversely … Continue reading Bike-shedding
Self-portraits are easy and challenging for artists. They serve as a mirror to their souls, reflecting their innermost thoughts, feelings, and struggles. At the same time, depending on the artist's intent, they can be a tool for self-promotion or self-exploration. They don’t have to find a model but can be accused of presenting glamourised versions … Continue reading Self-portraits
If normal is being like everyone else, I’d not like to be normal. As I make this declaration, I'm acutely aware of the paradox it presents. Life, to a significant extent, is about conforming to societal norms. I work during the day, sleep at night, eat food cooked with the same ingredients that everybody else … Continue reading What is normalcy?
Creative Experiments and More 