Sunday, September 21, 2003
I had a terrible thought the other day. It was about a possible outcome of upcoming presidential election. In the last election Bush won the Electoral College but not the popular vote. Forgetting the recount debacle in Florida and the resulting Supreme Court decision, wining without a majority casts a dark shadow over the administration’s legitimacy. So what if the same thing happens a second time? There is a significant population that abhors Bush and his policies. How would these people react? Could there be violence? What will happen to America’s ability to promote democracy abroad?
However unlikely, the scenario I described is possible. As Bush’s popularity continues to diminish the chances of a close election rise. If neither candidate has a commanding lead come next October I’ll start being concerned. I wonder if anyone else has thought about this possibility yet?
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Something that’s been on my mind this week; which of these paths would lead to greater fulfillment, to become the best at those things at which you excel, or to work and improve at those things which you don’t? Let’s say a person is has some talent in both creative and scientific disciplines. That person can succeed professionally in either field, but in one area, say the scientific, his talent is stronger giving him the potential to become a leader in the field, while in the other he will need much more effort just to compete. Imagine he is torn, that his love for both pursuits is equal. The question is would either path lead to a more fulfilling life?
On the one hand, the desire to become the best at anything seems a bit egotistical. Yet people who are the best at what they do contribute greatly to society. On the other hand it is more challenging to compete at a disadvantage, the underdog always has more fun. What do you think?
Monday, September 08, 2003
Some interesting math! $87 billion, the amount Bush is asking congress to allocate for funding on going operations in Iraq, divide that by 275 million, the approximate population of the US, you get $316 per person. Remember those tax rebate checks for $300 we all got last year, hope you didn’t spend it. Cheers!
Monday, September 01, 2003
How does one manage their personal empire? My Labor Day weekend was spent at the intersection of celebrity and wealth at the east coast’s most exclusive and trendy vacation destination the Hamptons. Not accustomed to the lifestyles of the rich and famous I was amazed by the time and effort they spend managing their many possessions. One wouldn’t expect a celebrity to clean their house or pool, or to maintain their private tennis courts, or their yachts. Of course they pay people to attend to each of these needs. Thus they become managers of multiple employees, a nearly fulltime job. In fact it’s so much work that many of these people need to hire assistants just to cope with it. It’s no wonder the rich are so discontent.
That is not my idea of the good life, closer to my idea of hell. The more I experienced of the Hamptons the more I realized how much the quest for simplicity has become my life’s obsession. Whether in my design work or my personal life I am constantly asking how can I make things simpler. What is the minimum number of elements required to communicate this idea effectively? Can I automate this inconvenience and spend more time doing those things I enjoy?
I intend to be rather wealthy, like the Hamptonites I met this weekend. However, I’ll be spending my money ensuring I have enough free time to read books, cook spicy food, and spend time with friends. For those with simple desires finding happiness is simple.
