Good Morning Digital Neighbors & Local Friends! How about a visit thought another new book? Dictionary of the Strange, Curious & Lovely: 3500 Most Beautiful English Vocabulary Words - Robin Devoe
Absurdism - the doctrine that the universe is not rational
Do we have to debate this one? While I believe in a Rational Deity, I am not sure how much of that has been communicated or maintained in the universe. Even if, and again I doubt, I could find layers of rationality in nature, human beings break the mold. Human beings - capable of rationality in rare moments of thought and solitude, but willing to sacrifice it frequently on at the altar of emotionalism and convenience, happily surrendering it in the rush of group-feel and herd-think. But that we are capable of it, from time to time, is a hopeful sign. Rationality, reason, higher thought, can help us overcome or at least transform some of the turmoil of darker emotions and inclinations. Rationality can highlight the beauty that springs from our emotions and lift them to higher realms. While I tend to harp about emotionalism as a modern affliction, no one wants to live in a world devoid of emotions. Thankfully there are individuals and episodes of the wonderful dance that reason and emotions can bring to culture, one can hope there may be more in the future if more can hear the music. Happy Monday Friends!
Somewhere in Idaho
Today marks the three hundred and thirtieth birthday of the Frenchman François-Marie Arouet, better known by his nom de plume, Voltaire (1694-1778).
Born into a bourgeois family during the reign of Louis XIV, the “Sun King” (r. 1643-1715), Voltaire suffered tragedy at a young age when his mother died. Never close with his father or brother, Voltaire exhibited a rebellious attitude toward authority from his youth. His brilliant mind was fostered in the care of the Society of Jesus, who introduced him to the joys of literature and theater. Despite his later criticisms against the Church, Voltaire, throughout his life, fondly recalled his dedicated Jesuit teachers.
Although he spent time as a civil servant in the French embassy to the Hague, Voltaire’s main love was writing—an endeavor where he excelled in various genres, including poetry, which led to his appointment as the royal court poet for King Louis XV. Widely recognized as one of the greatest French writers, and even hyperbolically referred to by ...
Padre - Tom Miller invites you to a Coffee Talk, Speakeasies, Schmoozes, Tea Times, Afterhours and other gatherings.
https://teams.live.com/meet/93792382189049?p=DiBHsYfuECPgDrG7vO
2026 Coffee Talk with the ADD Irregulars
Thursday, January 1, 2026
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM (CST)
Occurs every day starting 1/1 until 12/31/2027
Coffee Talk - Daily beginning at 6:00 AM Central Time Zone - USA
White Pilled Wednesday - A break from the heaviness of news and current events to focus upon things more personal & positive for the first hour of Coffee Talk.
Afternoon Chats - Most Tuesday, Friday & Sundays 2:00 PM Central
Other chats as posted in the community.
