2012.12.17
advent day 17
Via Cordelia, Another bit of childhood lore shattered:
Great New Yorker piece on artificially made languages (ConLangs), particularly Ithkuil. (Though I think the goal of removing redundancy from language is a fool's errand... but maybe a worthy thought-sharpener.)
Sometimes lately I've been feeling nervous, like my whole life is a sinking ship. Then I remember that's the human condition: the ship has always been sinking since it left the dock. So now I can stop and relax and enjoy the Orchestra's fine rendition of "O Nearer My God to Thee".
http://www.correlated.org/631 In general, 40 percent of people would rather play a tuba than a bass drum in a marching band. But among those who know what their Myers-Briggs personality type is, 52 percent would rather play a tuba.
I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions. I think moderate imperfections had better be borne with; because, when once known, we accommodate ourselves to them, and find practical means of correcting their ill effects. But I know also, that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.