January 2011
1 post
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I just finished reading The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story. The author uses this book to set the stage for a three book series. His writing style paints beautiful pictures that capture your mind as you follow the story of Kvothe. Kvothe’s own telling will keep this book in your hands until it’s completely absorbed...
February 2010
1 post
Rationalize
Question: Would you ever take from your children by means of extortion? How about from your neighbor’s children? How about from anyone’s children? Politician: You don’t understand. It’s the only way I can do anything for my countrymen. I’m just doing my job. Voter: You don’t understand. A majority of us said it’s OK to take resources from others....
October 2009
1 post
Why Negative and Positive Rights Cannot Coexist
Equality is an idea with which most people would agree. But what is equality really? For some, it may mean that all are afforded access to and, if need be, provision of the necessities in life (e.g., food, water, medical services, shelter). For others, it may mean that all are equal under their given authority (e.g., the state, our god(s)). Maybe it is a combination of these, or maybe this is...
September 2009
1 post
Within or Without
If it’s impossible not to be taken over either way, it is better to be taken over without giving consent or legitimacy to one’s captors. If there exists a way from under those who oppress, it is through non-violent resistance to those who hold a monopoly on violence — the state. Violence is the captors’ tool, and the state is the captors’ prison for those they...