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The astounding commercial success of a simple, mundane item of apparel is revelatory of two separate phenomena: (i) That Darwinian evolution applies even in the garment center, and (ii) that the neurotic need for conformity and perceived social acceptance, can exceed all foreseeable bounds.

Our American saga begins in its mid-nineteenth century with the celebrated gold rush, a non-martial replication of the lustful and lethal preoccupations of medieval Spain and Portugal.

Here, the inspiration, largely based on exaggerated reports of gold’s discovery, on myth and perhaps, an unhappy private life, hordes of American hopefuls set out to California in an historic search for riches. Sad to say, the extent to which this “American gold rush” was successful, seems to have been by far exceeded by the profits obtained by merchants, selling to the prospectors needed tools and equipment, including personal items for the venture. There was a universal need for all manner of goods, from shovels to pots and pans; suitable clothing and good boots were especially needed for the groundbreaking (and backbreaking) labor.

It was a Bavarian immigrant to the United States, one, Levi Strauss, a practical thinking entrepreneur, who pioneered the production of durable fabric for trousers for these men who worked in forbidding topography. He was inspired to create and manufacture reliably durable work pants, initially employing tent cloth, and thereafter, following the French development of a strong, dark blue fabric, “serge de mine” (“denim”), switching to the new fabric and added metal buttons for reinforcement at strategic places. His newly developed work trousers were a big success.

Before too long, others began to emulate the manufacture of this practical and durable innovation which was widely utilitarian, in agriculture, factories, and work settings everywhere. To describe the future development of the item in pure Darwinian parlance, it successfully survived because it was the fittest solution to a naturally presenting problem.

As is eternally true in all Darwinian evolution, the subject species of apparel mutated into commercially viable variants of its original progenitor. Originally called “dungarees” later, “blue jeans” then (and now) “jeans,” in step with the development of design changes which effected a remarkable transition from the practical and mundane to the highly fashionable.

This development, or evolution, of the product was in large part the successful result of the well-known American aptitude for advertising and marketing. As an illustration, slick and glossy magazine photos of top models sporting jeans together with accessories consisting of high priced and dazzling jewelry were disseminated to the public. Thereafter, with increasing demand, prices soared for this new and fashionable item of “haute couture,” which bore faint comparison to the Levi Strauss predecessor.

We are impressed with the development and great success of the product, still regularly undergoing significant and creative variations in cut and tailoring, fabric, color, and stitching. American ingenuity, creativity and marketing acumen are, certainly to be lauded.

We do, however, have a critical comment concerning a relatively new trend, apparently in vogue, consisting of the preferred wearing of torn and distressed jeans. It is difficult to believe that such stylishly damaged goods can command such high prices based upon this aberrant style.

In all fairness, we can comprehend (up to a certain point) the desire to “fit in” and to conform to the latest societal fashions; it is certainly pragmatic to desire acceptance and to do so by means of reasonable social conformity. There are times however, where such desire becomes neurotic and no less than “lemming-like” behavior; slavishly keeping up, indiscriminately with the latest nuances in fashion can exceed any measure of reason and become action comparable to that in the childhood tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” (See Blog#32)

If Mr. Levi Strauss were to return to Earth, only to discover the shameful travesty committed against his unique creative accomplishments (dungarees that resist damage) he would be shocked and chagrined. He would as a predictable reaction, in his next life, probably go into the bagel business where holes are, in fact, acceptable.

 

-p.

 

 

 

 

Suffer no fear for tropical storms,
They do relent, rebalance, reset.
Have no fear in the long, black night
It’s only day without the day.
But do dread the awful sound of wuka-wuka!

Do not fear the mighty blow,
All wind dies down before too long.
There is no fear for heat and cold,
It all just moderates in time.
But beware the wuka- wuka sound!

You mustn’t fear black smoke too much,
Firemen are surely on the way.
Nor panic from excessive speed,
Reduce will follow shortly on.
But so much fear in wuka-wuka! wuka wuka !

Never fear a try at love,
Yet another may do the trick.
Do not fear to fail at goals,
New starts will show before too long.
Only wuka-wuka sounds are dire!

Do not fear the surgeon’s knife,
The goal’s to free you from disease.
Never fear the longest road,
The end’s in sight before too long.
But you must escape the wuka sound!

You must avoid the black carousel,
Grim wheel that turns, just gyres and turns
No music here, all wooden gears,
That speak in fearsome wuka sounds.
Do fear those clacking wuka sounds.

Foul beasts are seen to stand and glare
From on the platform of that wheel.
With vicious smile and carnal teeth,
I could stretch to see but few.
Of this wuka-wuka menagerie
.
Better hope it will pass by.
The wuka-wuka at your face.
All would be lost, all good be gone,
Your fate: to see the beasts up close.
Wuka-wuka, wuka!

The first beast is called the “Trail of Tears”
One,” Armenian Deadly March”
A white one bears the name,”Jim Crow”
“Dresden” is the German beast
“Appomattox,” another horse
Next to a black one, called “Babi Yar”
A Yak who answers to “My Lai.”
Behind an ancient hound, “pogrom”
“Nagasaki” is the reddish beast, before
Twin ogres, “Isabella and Ferdinand”
“Hutu-Tutsi” both on the side
And to the right of one, “Nanking”
Wuka-wuka, and then wuka wuka, ever it clacks.

To the smiling skull atop the pole,
Above the center of the wheel
I screamed: ”Please, please answer me!”
“When will it stop?”
The faint reply was wuka- wuka, wuka-wuka

-p, {Leonard N. Shapiro 11/16/16}

 

As if matters were not challenging enough for American democracy, the recent election results portend a virtual race to the bottom.

The establishment of the American architecture of government was the brilliant, erudite and wise creation of our founders. With their collective eye on the disastrous history of Europe, featuring tyranny, revolution and hardship, they set about to create a unique, secular and egalitarian form of government (most especially, including the Bill of Rights) responsibly conceived and responsible to its citizens.

They created an entity with three independent branches, Executive, to execute the law, legislative, Congress, to enact into law the people’s will, and a Judicial branch, to assure ultimate justice. Each branch, legally, had the function, when needed, to control the excesses of the other, a separation of powers a/k/a “checks and balances.” All other influences were excluded, including, importantly, the Church. Let us briefly examine the present state of health of this utopian creation.

The Supreme Court of the United States was constituted as the one final arbiter of legal issues. Of course, with jurisdiction over all courts, its capacity to function would be rendered as a practical matter, impossible without some limitation placed on the number of cases acceptable for adjudication by it. A procedure, “The Writ of Certiorari” was established as the first and prerequisite hurdle, which, wisely excluded from acceptance any cases with political issues or political overtones, including those that could have any political impact, purposely guarding the separation of powers, a foundational principle of our republic. This “black letter” law and admonition, was an historical precedent applied with relentless consistency.

Gore v. Bush, a case unprecedently accepted by SCOTUS, was more than “suggestive” of a random political issue, it was, in fact, a decision as to who would serve as the President of the United States. Worse, if possible, the later Citizen’s United case held that a corporation was a (real) person with the right to free speech, which includes the right to donate (unlimited) sums of money to an election.  Unfortunately, our legislators spend major time raising money for their re- election and so are easily influenced by business or political groups willing to donate needed cash, thus overriding the interest of their constituents as their legislative and moral responsibility. Not only did SCOTUS severely damage our democracy by the Citizen’s United case, but the legal basis was confusing and almost laughable, were it not so devastating in impact. Every law school freshman has already been taught that a corporation is a fictional person, created solely for use in commerce, to limit the liability of entrepreneurs; so, a corporation can be a contracting party, and a party to a lawsuit. Every law school freshman knows that a corporation is not a real person (with rights) and it must follow that the justices of that august court know it as well. (See: Blog#5)

This disappointing and disgraceful performance by our Judiciary and Legislative branches, was made almost bearable by the commendable, responsible and truly excellent performance of our Executive Branch, in the person of Barack Obama. Despite a “bought legislature” and the unprecedented and incomprehensible performance of the judiciary branch of government, he successfully endeavored to carry out the moral responsibilities of a head of state. It is highly commendable that he, in fact, did, despite these encumbrances, manage to effect very many good results in healthcare, immigration and governmental policy, domestic and international. As difficult as the task was, under the circumstances, this was done with dignity, intellect and professionalism throughout his eight- year term of office.

Thomas Jefferson famously said, for a democratic government to work, what is needed is an informed and literate citizenry. The philosophical theory of Jefferson (also Bentham and Mill) was that freedom of speech and the exchange of various ideas would lead to the ultimate, rational resolution of problems. He certainly was correct in theory but it seems, lately, most idealistic in his expectations.

It may be that our national inventory of “informed and sufficiently literate citizenry” is lower than anticipated. The shocking result of the current election evinced the selection of an individual, singularly unfit for presidential office; an incompetent television dude, selected to fill the office of the most potent and influential leader of the entire world. This person, a dangerous, ill tempered, incompetent was elected, presumably, by the flat-earth, climate change deniers, the ill- informed reductionists, which pliny calls, the “troglodytes” of society, unhappy with their life and too ignorant and unaware to discern the true reason.

This President-Elect, moreover, has shown himself to be a semi-literate, ill-tempered, bigot and an egotistical, and arrogant person with limited intelligence and a surfeit of bravado. These traits spell disaster, domestically and, internationally and are no less than frightening.

Pliny recommends the reading, or re-reading of Sinclair Lewis’s novel, “It Can’t Happen Here.”

 

-p.

 

Our legal and inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, would merely be theoretical assertions of entitlement without the implementing factor of “free will.”

Free will principally encompasses the ability to, at our own discretion, elect from available alternatives. It also means the freedom to act and express ourselves without fear of official sanction. The exercise of our freedoms virtually has no limit, provided their exercise causes no injury. In short, my right to throw a punch stops just at the tip of your nose.

A puzzling question may be posed as to what liberty, or free will, can possibly signify to a believer in pre-determinism (“determinism”).

The ability to choose among alternatives is the most useful and impactful exercise of free will. Yet it must be borne in mind that every choice ineluctably implies relevant constraints, a price, upon our liberty consistent with the selected undertaking.

Conformity to traditionally approved behavior, customs and practices of a society or social group, to satisfy a felt need to “fit in” and be a regular member of that society or group, necessarily excludes behavior inconsistent with those traditions and practices.

The choice to marry and raise a family, mandates a strict code of social behavior as well as the usual obligations of financial and emotional support for that family. These latter obligations necessarily result in material constraint on personal liberties. Charlie is not going to play golf with the boys this Saturday because little Susie is performing in a school play; Katie will not purchase the fur coat because money is needed for a new living room carpet.

Even the choice of residential environment is accompanied by its consequential impact on liberty.  Living in northern Michigan mandates the use of heavy outerwear and boots which may not be one’s preferred attire. The choice of domicile was made by someone and may at some point in the future be changed by relocation; it is probable, however, that the new location would present its own nuanced  limitations on dress and lifestyle.

Religious affiliation, which requires relative uniformity of belief and the practice of established traditions, constitutes another constraint on freedom of belief and behavior. Despite the immutable fact that the specific religion was acquired by the random accident of birth (See: Blog#3) there does exist the possibility, at some point, of a change in belief system.

Thus, it seems to be the case that the exercise of free will is predictably accompanied by a certain measure of applicable, but foreseeable, restriction on liberty presumably, and hopefully, the result of intentional and calculated choice.

As a slight departure from theme, and as an addendum to its subject, we would observe that in the modern era, advancements have taken place in the field of neuroscience, which have cast new light on the phenomenon of choice. New and revolutionary understandings of the brain and its function, particularly in studies in brain chemistry, have led to revelations concerning the etiology of human behavior and choice. These investigations have included consideration of the possible presence of organic brain disease and more commonly, an imbalance of brain chemistry regarding mood disorders and aberrant behavior.

Psychiatrists, and most especially psycho- pharmacologists, engaged in the amelioration of mental and emotional disorders, have been assisted by such advancements in the understanding of brain function and brain chemistry. In fact, there are many such practitioners who would earnestly maintain that it is manifestly unjust and cruel to deal with such challenged people by way of the normal criminal gristmill, applicable to the ordinary miscreant.

Such an approach is certainly commendable from the standpoint of empathy and newly enlightened understanding. However, practical experience seems to demonstrate that society cannot successfully function and exist simultaneously with aberrant behavior. A challenged individual whose illness has obliged him to engage in “acting out” his affected perceptions (as opposed to merely thinking them) imposes an obligation, in the interest of society, to act. On such occasions, it is sincerely urged that such action be suitably consistent with enlightenment and understanding.

 

-p.

Inhabitants of those planetary zones where the change of seasons (as allocated by the yearly calendar) portends actual alterations in weather nature and the length of daily sunlight, have had the expected, regular happening of such quadrennial phenomena “baked in” to their understanding of the normal order of things; indeed, many consider themselves more fortunate than others whose residential geography lacks such variety. These changes provide the context for a myriad of life style experiences, from holiday and cultural observances to the enjoyment of traditionally appropriate sports.

Tramping through multicolored fallen leaves in the fall, celebrating Christmas and Chanukah and building snowmen in winter; in the spring, Easter and Passover and the start of the baseball season, sunbathing and swimming in summer are all popularly anticipated and experienced.

Food and beverages are selected and enjoyed as part of the traditional recognition of the presenting season:  hot chocolate, mulled cider and fire-toasted marshmallows (winter), iced beverages, gazpacho soup and cold watermelon (summer) to cite a few, albeit representative, examples.

There is no dearth of music, of every genre and period, whose title and thematic music are related to the seasons, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” (baroque), “Summertime” by George Gershwin (modern opera), “Summer in the City” (rock) and Berlin’s “White Christmas” (pop) to cite a few of very many examples.

Industry and commerce, of necessity, key their products and services to the relevant (seasonal) demand; in the swim suit season those manufacturers who limit their production to woolen coats are obliged to go into summer hibernation (probably, Miami).

While it is true that the specific day and date, as allocated on the yearly calendar, may vary somewhat from the precise date of the change of season, history and long experience have shown that the seasons do manifest themselves at or about the designated time. The eternal regularity and consistency of these predictable, fixed phenomena create in us an assurance of normalcy and existential security, concerning our planet and its secure rotational venue in the greater solar system.

However, and most disturbingly, recent times have seen marked and obvious changes in weather and atmospheric conditions manifestly at variance with these previously experienced in these quadrennial periods.   We have been experiencing unpredictable and disparate weather conditions generally inconsistent with long established seasonal assumptions. This is confusing and most upsetting. The least of our concerns is that we are obliged to dress as called for by the individual day as opposed to the season, as previously. A far more disturbing concern is that such changed phenomena may have its roots in the general over-all problem of global, man- made pollution and a consequent degradation of our planet and its atmosphere (blog#16).

While the scientific cause of the present (hopefully, ephemeral) anomaly seems not to be presently known, one would, in any event, be obliged to suggest that we all concentrate on cleaning up our act.

-p.

 

A press of lips reveals it all-
The touch o’er shadows merely words,
Prolonged, unsure, secure, polite?
A kiss can oft- times speak in verse,
No form, no rhyme, soft tactual beats.
Non-painted lips do say it best-
They speak full bore and spill the beans.

To forehead kiss the new born babe, says…
Be safe, I love, will I be here when -?
Kisses touched to elder kin, say…
I’m here! It’s me. And just how long?
Kisses to young children pray…
Will we be close? Shall I now fret?

First date kisses do inquire…
Shall I try, tears and joy, again?
Wedding kisses always say…
Let us both hope, the two of us.
Married folk at times will ask…
Are you still you? Is that you, my love?

-p

 

 

 

 

Contextually, and in keeping with the current popular interest in familial ancestry (extending, no less, to DNA exploration to uncover unknown ethnic origins) it might be timely to examine into the antecedents of our holidays and cultural observances.

As at the time of this writing, since the time of the calendar year is just prior to the Christmas season, we would select the history of that observance and as well, its related springtime holiday, Easter.

Winter festivities took place among many diverse ancient cultures for thousands of years prior to the time Christianity had its beginning. These festivals, as is the case with today’s religious and secular observances, derive from a cross-pollination of many features of the early Egyptian, early Roman, early Germanic, Viking and Druid cultures, all of which, apparently, worshipped the sun as a deity, in one way or another.

In our northern hemisphere, the shortest day (and therefore, ineluctably, the longest night) falls on December 21^st-22^nd. Many ancient peoples believed that the sun god was seriously ailing and in the throes of death at such time, as demonstrated by the increased darkness and the condition of nature.

The winter solstice observances and ritual celebrations were intended to cause the recuperation and restoration of the sun deity. At such time of the year, early Egyptians (and others) believed said observances would soon bring on the sun god’s return to strength and good health.

Early Romans also believed that at the time of the arrival of the winter solstice, their seasonal celebrations, including Saturnalia, would cause the return of good health or the “rebirth” of the sun god. Their proceedings would include stuffing their headgear with evergreen vegetation. The Vikings similarly   believed that evergreen vegetation was the deity’s holy plants.

The apparently miraculous (or holy) phenomenon of the evergreen tree which remained green, and even flourished all year (including the “dead” season) was of the subject of great wonder and the object of many religious rituals. Today, of course, the Christmas tree  is, by far, the most recognizable traditional symbol of the holiday.

The yule log tradition was a religious one, of traditionally pre-Christian Germanic culture, related to the anticipated return of the sun and the lengthening of the daytime; the latter called by them various names, one of which was “the Yule.” It was also a time of communal fires, feasting (on a Yule ham, among other things) singing, exchange of gifts and general celebration.

It is interesting to learn that the early American pilgrims sought to stamp out this “pagan” holiday with its popular celebrations. Oliver Cromwell called it a “heathen celebration of bushes and trees and other rituals” which he banned under criminal penalty. In the 19^th Century, however, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts enacted a Statute, establishing December 25^th as a legal and proper Christmas holiday.

It was believed that as a direct result of such ancient observances, when the time of the spring equinox arrived, the sun god (and nature) was caused to have their recovery; the world was then perceived as re-born and alive and fertile and the waterways melted and ran again. The bunny rabbit and the egg were revered as symbols of fertility and reproduction. The latter events clearly, it seems, unknowingly foretold the rites of the future holiday of Easter.

The ancient belief in the death of the sun god and nature and their subsequent rebirth may be seen to have a cogent relationship to modern belief systems and theology. However, it is not the purpose of this writing to, in way, comment or discourse upon past and present folkways and traditions, beyond the enlightened and learned recognition that societies successively evolve and grow organically, and in perennial fashion from their predecessors.

-p.

 

 

 

 

Speaking your mind without fear of governmental sanction is one of the commendable attributes of being an American. This is to be contrasted with residing in a country where “prior restraint,” or, censorship, is still practiced. In this country, censorship is regarded as a feature of the dim past, practiced by earlier, less enlightened societies. Our nation’s founders, and their contemporary political philosophers of note, believed that the free exchange of divergent ideas within an informed citizenry was essential to the success of democratic government.

The U.S. Constitution, in its “Bill of Rights” (Federal) and its 14^th Amendment (States) prohibits government interference with speech and the press; the free exercise of these rights are virtually unlimited, with the proviso that they do not cause injury. The usual illustration of this principle is the proscription against falsely crying “fire” in a crowded theater, which could lead to panic and injury. Indeed, unless a realistic potential for injury is clearly proven, a statement is fully protected; this is so regardless of whether the statement is within the societal mainstream of thought or not. It is a firm foundational belief that the culture of restraint of speech or of the dissemination of information is an attribute of dictatorship.

Officially repressed speech, in any form, is illegal and unconstitutional; books, articles, plays and other expressions may be looked upon with disfavor and even religiously banned, however, such assessments may not be enforced legally regardless of content. Restraints based upon “national security” may require court action to test the purported validity and necessity of such limitation.

Defamatory statements, “published” (i.e., communicated publicly) and causing injury to reputation or otherwise, are legally addressable by civil litigation seeking money damages from the alleged offender; the government is in no way involved.

The First Amendment also protects pornography, unless the same crosses the judicially determined line of “obscenity” which today includes, child pornography and works which are judicially found to be both “patently offensive” and “without redeeming value.” The celebrated literary icon,” Ulysses,” by James Joyce, was determined to be “obscene” and banned in the U.S. from publication and sale for several years. It is observed that the determination as to “obscenity” has always been subject to challenge and is applied in accordance with the evolving societal standards as exist at the time of such challenge.

We are particularly distressed and disappointed (often enraged) by those individuals who piously arrogate to themselves the missionary role and duty of protector of societal morality. These, reductionist and insular “chicken inspectors” seek to impose their own personal beliefs and standards on others. Their neurotic self-image, as possessing an intelligence especially capable of the discernment of the intrinsic nature of offensive and inoffensive, is no less than delusional.

Several years ago, we were present at a well- attended party, consisting of a heterogeneous group of guests, apparently, the business associates of the host and hostess. A stern looking, well dressed lady seemed to be sermonizing as to the moral necessity for government to oversee morality and prohibit “scandalous and lascivious” material (as she put it). There was a modest amount of contention on the subject, but we did not choose to join this discussion in consideration of the host and hostess, and so merely continued to quietly enjoy our drink. The stern self-appointed missionary of morality, apparently misinterpreting our silence as an indication of endorsement of her point of view, approached us and confidently continued her diatribe, now directing her energetic remarks to us, probably in full expectation of our acquiescent support. Instead of controverting her, we merely offered to get her a drink and a canape. She, in bitter disappointment at our lack of response, exclaimed, loudly: “Oh, you don’t care, do you, well, how would you like it if they allowed sex in the movies?” To which, unfortunately, we could not resist the reply: “Never tried it, but it might work, if the seats don’t fold up on you.”

You can no doubt, imagine her (dramatic) response.

 

-p.

There is, inarguably, no more basic life giving and sustaining substance than the (inorganic) combination of hydrogen and oxygen which we call “water.” No life, as we define it, exists in its absence; in fact, the search for extraterrestrial life consists, essentially, in the search for water or at least, some history of its presence on the studied planets.

We are told that our human body is comprised of no less than 60% water; additionally, we know from extensive and consistent research findings, that life on Earth evolved from primitive organisms living in the ocean (water). With such beginnings, it is no wonder that a commonly desired choice for vacation venue is the seaside, mankind’s nursery.

History records many bloody wars that have been fought over water, nationally and internationally; out west, cattlemen have contended with farmers for water, in the Middle East it has been the subject of tragic contention between Israeli and Arab and is more vital and precious than oil.

Health providers advise the drinking of eight glasses of water per day which, apparently, is inclusive of all liquids consumed, the latter all made with water.

As Americans, most of us are fortunate to reside in a planetary venue where “potable” (drinkable) water is abundant (with the unusual exception of such areas as Flint Michigan, where mismanagement and corruption has resulted in severe problems). Normally, there exists an ample, regular supply of excellent drinking water. It may be noted that the State of New York is reputed to be one of its finest sources.

Elsewhere on the planet where drinking water is less available there are water purification projects in existence, or at least, in the process of development; salinization plants are equipped to convert ocean water to healthy drinking water.

Not that long ago, were someone to suggest, as a business enterprise, the private bottling and sale of drinking water, the suggestion would have seemed akin to the proverbial offer for the sale of the Brooklyn Bridge. Indeed, Nature has fortunately provided us with abundant quantities of this essential substance; unfortunately, in some places, from me to time, in troublesome overabundance.

Historically, adequate supplies of tested, safe water has been provided by municipalities, as an accepted part of society’s infrastructure and as part of the public good. Notwithstanding these facts, recent times have witnessed the advent of the successful commercial sale of private bottled water to the public.

Despite the ready availability of free, high quality tap water consumers, apparently responsive to subtle marketing strategies, have taken to the purchase and use of commercially bottled water. Any visit to a local supermarket will, predictably, reveal entire sectional departments solely dedicated to the sale of bottled water (under alluring brands, such as “smart water” or some other misleading name) in attractively designed plastic bottles.

Ironically, many of the regular consumers of commercially bottled water are, as well, advocates for the protection of our planet and for a “greener” environment; yet their polyethylene plastic water bottles are not biodegradable and the enormous, and growing, quantity of empty discarded bottles have continued to cause horrific damage to nature and all of its living things, both flora and fauna.

 

The discarded plastic empties end up distributed all over the globe and cause death and the despoiling of the natural environment. Tap water is healthful and completely adequate in fully meeting the need for healthy hydration and, most importantly, it does so, without causing what may prove to be, permanent damage to our planet.

We would like to point out to the dutiful shopper, strategically packing a water bottle in her large purse as she leaves home, that the route to Bloomingdale’s does not, by any stretch, entail a trek across the Serengeti.

 

-p.

A valid analogy may be observed as between the process of human birth, and that of the creation of new and useful ideas and innovations; the latter process similarly evinces the entrance into the physical world of a previously nascent creation, with potential for independent function following its emergence from its prior internal venue.

The generation of new and original ideas from the flexible human mind is not specific to any gender, age or anatomical feature, except the brain. Like “rainbow electric current stuff” (See: Blog # 94); a spark is perceived, translated into the nuanced language of personal thought, and soon presses for emergence.

The progenitors are those with contemplative personalities who pursue the world of the arts and humanities, or, alternatively, those who actively pursue scientific and empirical inquiry. It is among these fertile members of society that a “eureka moment” may present itself, at any time, for development and subsequent revelation.

Not all such progeny, however, survive beyond the post-natal stage; but, the survivors often are among those that contribute to the progress and development of mankind. One major flaw in our analogy to childbirth consists in the obvious and important distinction that all newborn babies, without exception, are equally acceptable and valuable.

The creative insight internally expressed in the nuanced vocabulary of personal contemplation, is later articulated in external vocabulary, publicly. Thereafter, it is usually run through a gamut of critics and commentators, and those that survive may prove to be useful, conceivably, even of global significance.

There is to be noted, a marked difference between scientific, empirical breakthroughs and new and novel aesthetic creativity.

In the category of scientific innovation, there is usually a significantly longer period of gestation (contemplation). It is not unusual after revelation of the idea, that there is contention as to its progenitor. This can lead to lengthy disputes and often litigation. However, from a broader prospective, the application and use of the new development is of far more importance than its attribution; further development and application thereafter is often achieved “on the shoulders” of the innovative discovery.

In the area of aesthetic innovation, the situation is vastly distinguishable. In this hemisphere, the basic idea or underlying theme has been shared by countless minds. Here, it is the portrayal or representation of the universal, well- known theme, its mode of unique depiction that possesses the creative novelty and skill of the innovating artist. Later artists may further develop similar techniques.

The encyclopedic cornucopia of the human imagination is unlimited. Its vast literature only awaits use.

 

-p.