Ok

I read one of Parfit's essay on personal identity. And then I thought of what psychology and sociology might say on personal identity. And then I thought that while they may have interesting insights to offer, nothing can be more exciting, intellectually, than philosophy.

I am not one who seeks to show that philosophy has practical applications. I don't think there's a strong need to, unless when making a shrewd move to preserve or extend the vitality of the discipline. There is something about the abstractness of philosophy that makes it attractive to me. Very few people care if the A-series or B-series conception of time is correct, or neither. I don't think it's a matter of grave importance. Nonetheless, I find it pleasurable reading articles on them, and it's a pleasure no other discipline can give.

The unsurprises in my life

Why am I not surprised that the very person who planned a group discussion at 6pm would say: I got to eat dinner, I will join you guys at 7.

Why am I not surprised that I spent 25 minutes waiting for the bus?

Why am I not surprised that I spent a lot of time and energy figuring out how to prove a logic equation, a task that yielded no tangible benefit for me, when I have a lot more pressing tasks at hand?

Why, too, am I not surprised at the inordinate amount of traditional media coverage given to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew? Two things to note here. First, some of the people's tributes' and articles strike me as quite sexist. It's as though some Singaporeans equate a successful woman to one who tends to her husband silently, unwaveringly, and with a dedication to details. While such traits are commendable, I would be quite annoyed if I were a female and if she were hailed as a role model for women.

Second, their relationship is touching. But we must be more circumspect here. I think that any couple relationship that lasts that long would have at least a handful of memorable, touching moments. The difference between the Lee couple and normal couples is that the former receives a lot more attention from the media. So, for example, we get to see a nice moment where they ride a camel in Saudi Arabia together. I will suggest that the same kind of montage can be crafted for any couple that have spent so much time together. Chee Soon Juan has other things to say here.

(Why too am I not surprised that a sex-video scandal between 2 ACJC females is prime news in our national newspaper)

Why am I not surprised that people don't get back to me when they said they would?

Why am I not surprised that many people find the major religions so appealing?

Why am I not surprised that people don't care enough about the environment or factory-farmed animals? (Myself included)

Why am I not surprised that despite my valiant efforts to encourage people to try certain things, people don't want to?

Why am I not surprised that Okto has pulled Battlestar Galactica off for the 4th time now, without prior notice, without any excuse? Now I got to go through the same process of resending my emails, waiting for their reply, and then threatening to refer this to *someone* higher up when they ignore my emails 3 times.

I think I will just go listen to some music now.

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