Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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The Coming Water Wars
Why are so many Capetonians not willing to ration their own water? Over the last few weeks a drama has been playing out in Cape Town. That drama has been called Day Zero, a moment in history when 4 million citizens will be time warped from all the benefits of modernity, to a mediaeval existence…
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The Need for Transparency
Look out below! Here’s another bizarre twist to the saga of the Mexican border wall. Donald Trump wants it to be see-through. “Transparent”, as he calls it. Why? Here is the answer, straight from the President’s mouth: “As horrible as it sounds, when they throw the large sacks of drugs over, and if you have…
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The Bunny
I try to avoid the subject of Donald Trump. However, right now I am just so disappointed that I have to vent. In cricket, when a new batsman comes on the international scene, he is normally quite successful in his first few games, and makes big scores. After that, he either settles down to be just very good, or…
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Lessons in Florida Law
I was driving in a four-lane (two in each direction) boulevard, in the left lane, preparatory to turning left onto I75, In front of me was a bald guy on a Harley, I think a “Lowboy”, if I understand the designation correctly. I had been in his vicinity for about 20 minutes, and I had…
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Christmas Dinner with Strangers
Jenna and I went out for Christmas Eve dinner at Ruth’s Chris, pretty decent steakhouse, if a bit on the expensive side. We were given one of those tables for two that they reserve for times when they are very busy — they have a long upholstered bench along a low wall, one person sits…
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A Fable for Our Times and Tribulations
This is an ancient story from the San people of Africa (slightly adjusted) that can be read as a parable for our present times and troubles. Elephant and Rain got married. The animals were excited: this was a real power couple. They both enjoyed the attention, paparazzi and all, but it wasn’t long before their…
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The Widening Income Gap
Of all the many banners being waved around the world by disgruntled protesters from Chile to Australia the one that reads, “We Are the 99%” is the catchiest. It so turns out that it is also supported by some solid economic data. A report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) points out that, on average, income…
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