Quote.

I just couldn't pass this one up...

Absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute power. -Eric Hoffer, philosopher and author (1902-1983)

O stone be not so.

So many things to choose from, so many potential paths exist. Oh, to have the ability to live each consecutively or in parallel but aware of each and every one. Perhaps that is heaven. Perhaps that is the knowledge for which I seek. Or, perhaps my name is Ormus and I have no wisdom to offer or use.

The Last Samurai

Now this is a movie of stature and quality. I'm sure it has been dramatized from the true story to make it more interesting for the locals, yet still it holds power. It speaks to me and moves me in a way that no other movie has ever moved me. There were hints of these feelings in the original Star Wars (Episodes 4, 5, and 6) but nothing of this power, nothing of this magnitude. Even if you do not study martial arts or have a fascination with Eastern culture, it is likely that you will find something in this movie which you will enjoy. "Life in every breath, every cup of tea...this is Bushido."

Quotes.

The perfection of art is to conceal art. -Quintilian (Marcus Fabius Quintilianus), rhetorician (c. 35-95)

I really liked this quote because it goes with my belief of "beauty in functionality". If something is functional but not pleasing to the eye, it is still beautiful to me because it works. If something is attractive to the eye but does not fulfill its function (i.e. a sports car with no engine), then I do not find beauty in it (at least not the same kind of beauty). If something is both pleasing to the eye and functional, the best of both worlds has been achieved.

No more fear.

No more fear. Do not try to control me with fear, my government for I trust in a higher power than you. Do not try to control me with rumors of terrorism and violence. Do not take away my rights in the name of safety. Do not crush me with your propaganda for your lies are empty and hollow and so thin that even I can see through them. Know your place; govern in the best interests of the people, not your pockets or your power. In short, don't call us, we'll call you.

Quote

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), novelist (1819-1880)