THE PIZZAONIAN

Every new generation plays the morality game - judging history

 

The context of history:   

Every new generation plays the morality game. By that I mean they like to judge the actions of past generations by the morality of their time. While objective morality (if there is such a thing) does not change, subjective morality does.  

This is particularly true when current generations attempt to ascertain the moral compass of their ancestors, who lived, acted and were motivated by the emotions and horror that only direct experience creates.

In addition to different times, past generations had to deal with the anger and increased personal awareness of a horrific event that only they suffered with all of its shock and horror.   

This is why making historical judgments about past events is risky business.

One has simply to imagine how you would feel about someone who had just killed someone you loved, and how you would react against that person. Now let thirty years go by – do you think you would have the same reaction?

The act did not change, but time does change how we act. This is a lesson we do not seem to understand when judging our ancestors. 

Obviously, one has to be careful here.  This is not an attempt to soften the impact of horrible acts.  It is an attempt to understand how the emotions of those who directly experience an act are quite different from those who are completely removed from any emotional context.

History buffs like to point out that time makes for better analysis.  Maybe so, however, I don’t necessarily believe that.  Time supposedly creates objectivity.  If that is the criteria, so be it.  But this is patently unfair to those who directly experience history subjectively as compared to those who attempt to understand it years later.

This is true, even if later analysis proves to be more complete.  It still remains without the direct emotional perspective experienced by those who suffered the event.

These brief comments are not intended to prove right or wrong.  It is an attempt to give context not only to history but how we interpret history as well. And in the process, be a bit more kind in how we judge those that came before us.

And, perhaps be more kind and less judgmental in all things.

Brother Giovanni

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opd  8/15

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A funny thing happened on the way to Utopia - Awash in a deluge of information and marketing glut!

“Pizzaonia Emerging”   Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator

 

A Pizzaonian perspective .......

I am curious how most of us relate to a world that is awash in information glut.  How does this affect our daily lives, our perception of events, and the decisions we make each day?

Information glut is different than knowledge – information is raw material that has to be filtered for value.  It is a fair observation to say we now spend much of our time filtering rather than learning.  More times than most we discover that after filtering this raw material for knowledge, we find very little there.  

I do wonder how many of us can still recognize value and knowledge when we see it.  This is not because we are obtuse or ignorant, but simply an effect of having to spend so much time being distracted by the constant bombardment of worthless data that we don’t know is valueless until we spend the time to figure it out.

It does not make it any easier when we realize this amorphous glut of information is packaged by very creative, smart public relations and advertising experts, all extremely good at making the most useless news, miscellaneous material or product appealing on the surface. And guess who has to spend the time figuring it out.

Obviously selling products that none of us need is an essential part of an economy that has to continue to grow in order to survive.   The process by which you make me want something that I don’t need, and might not even want, has been elevated to the status of an art form. 

I had the opportunity to spend some time with a person who was very talented at creating demand for these types of products.  My question to her was, “I am sure you must think of the fact that you are spending so much of your life creatively selling useless stuff.” 

She told me that in the beginning it bothered her, but she got over it very quickly when she found herself making a very good living doing it.  I asked her how she justified selling  to people who might not be as knowledgeable being sucked into this type of deception.

“Jobs,” she said, “it’s about jobs, everyone needs to work and every time I help somebody actually buy something, someone, somewhere had to make and sell that something. For doing that they got paid.”

This makes sense.  Unfortunately, what has changed is that job is probably no longer here and is being made by someone else in some far away land.  And, if, the product is now being made here, there is a good chance that a machine made it.

This is the dilemma of a modern industrial economy.  It needs to sell more and more products, but requires fewer people working to do so.  This ultimately translates into the question that Henry Ford had to ask, “Who and where is the customer?”

We have always believed that our advanced technology will save us with good reason, it always has.  But is that still part of the equation?  Will technology advance to the point where it eliminates working people from the process? Many believe that not only will it happen, but the process has begun.

We are told we will create more jobs as our advanced technology invents new industries. However, that has a hollow ring to it.  How many high tech people do we need when compared to the amount of people in the world that need work to survive?

Enter the low paying service industry that is beginning to dominate the available employment opportunities.

Till next time, Brother Franco

opd 11/13

 

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So you think you have a good relationship.....

(C)2012

On relationships

 No subject gets more attention.  Successful relationships are the key to a so-called successful life.  However, are what we call relationships really relationships, or are they merely accommodations and little else?

Making this distinction is important since a good relationship can often be accommodating; however, not all accommodations are necessarily good relationships. 

Accommodations exist when a mutual need between parties is being satisfied.  It can be very specific and independent of any other need or contact with an individual or organization.

How do you determine the difference? 

Begin by thinking about what is being satisfied by your relationship.  If it is a true relationship, you will not have to think very long.  True relationships are all encompassing and you intrinsically know it.

We know when we are happy and all is well.  The same with our physical body - when the body is working well you are not aware of it.  It does what it must with ease and in silence. The same is true of relationships.

The problem is what happens when the relationship is not working.  Then, it not only needs attention; it demands attention because the dysfunction becomes part of your consciousness.

Only the honest survive here.  This does not mean the relationship will not survive if you are not honest, because for most it will.  However, it will cease to be a relationship in the full sense of the word and continue to be a tolerable accommodation.

For a person to be willing to risk it all in order to make it better is rare, regardless of the situation.  For most, learning to adjust and accept the status quo is as good as it is going to get.  However, for the one in a million who is willing to risk it all in order to communicate honestly  - the reward is theirs to treasure.

It is too bad it is only one in a million.

Brother Giorgio

0714

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“The world and its compulsive drive to extinction."

 (C)2012

Pizzaonian National Flag, courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator

 

As we watch the world with some trepidation from a Pizzaonian perspective, we seem to be witnessing the world’s inability to deal with the impending disaster of very real climate change. It should be clear to anyone who wishes to know, climate change is a serious problem the world is facing. 

What is disturbing is that climate change, regardless of how acute the threat actually is, has become a wedge issue that special-interest use to increase their power. 

No one seems interested in seeking solutions. To do so would end the conflict, a conflict the adversaries need to keep themselves in the limelight. What you get are polemics and accusations that make it impossible to find answers to this pending dilemma.

Is the climate getting warmer and would continue to rise slowly regardless of what additional pollution your way of life contributes to your already contaminated atmosphere? Probably.

Is the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by your industrial civilization contributing to the problem and speeding up what may be a natural process?  Probably

They are not mutually exclusive, as the proponents of each side would like you to believe.

Both are plausible probabilities that most rational people could agree on – but as stated before, finding solutions is not what the arguments with all of their polemics and posturing are intended to do. 

One item everyone should agree on:  the way industrial societies produce energy must change.  The end result, if change does not occur,  is not an option for sane societies.  The question is always, how?

An issue that should be obvious to the proponents of climate change is that the fossil fuel and coal industries are currently necessary and any transition to new energy sources is going to be slow.  What should be equally obvious is these industries have a huge hold on the economies of the world.

There are billions of dollars involved with deeply entrenched industries.  These industries also support thousands of jobs and a lifestyle that much of the world already enjoys, or aspires to reach, which makes any attempt at change a political minefield.

Simply preaching, “The world is ending, the world is ending unless you repent” falls on deaf ears.  Before change is possible, the political leaders of the world, particularly the United States, must find a fair and equitable way to make change reasonable for those who will bear the brunt of the pain. No solution is possible unless this reality is successfully negotiated.

This must be done before the inevitable becomes reality.

 

Sister Veronica

opd 12/12

 

 

 

 

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To be responsible for what happens to you - What a novel idea!

 "Pizzaonia Emerging" courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Staction, curator

 

Musings from Pizzaonia on the American condition

Today is unlike any time in the recent past.  We live in a time when all institutions are in a state of flux. Our institutions be they church, education, business or government are in such a state of flux they no longer are able to define themselves.  As a result, everyone with an opinion is defining what they are for them. 

What adds to the frustration is that these institutions have to project a sense of confidence that they are in control. Unfortunately, many no longer believe what they are selling and this creates a formula for chaos.  

The chicken and the egg question raises its ugly head here.  Are institutions merely a reflection of the people they supposedly serve, or do they lead the way and shape what the people are? 

I have suspected for some time our institutions are a reflection of the people.  If our institution’s values are failing, then our values as a people have are failing.  This at least puts the responsibility where it belongs.  

What a novel idea -- to accept as a people the notion that we are responsible for what happens to us.  Probably will never catch on.

 Brother Giovanni - commenting for the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network

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opd 1/16

 

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The in between time - when old values systems die and new values have yet to arrive...

 

Much has been said and written of the new times we are entering. As history reveals, we have had episodes like this before.  As we evolve, technology, world relationships and industries evolve as well. This is hardly new to a planet where its people have been existing for thousands of years. 

Unfortunately, what makes it very difficult for us living today, is that we have not evolved as fast as the world we occupy. Thus, we have the United States circa 2017.

The election of Donald Trump is an example of how difficult it is to accept our new reality. Mr. Trump’s election is the direct result of people trying very hard to preserve what was.

I call it the in between time – that time when the old value systems no longer exist and the new value systems that will replace them have not arrived.  These can be very difficult periods for many people that only time resolves.

This, of course, is what political leadership should be about.  It is the difference between leading the country where it needs to go or, exploiting the situation for personal advantage.  All too often it is the latter, not the former.

The best security and protection for a nation during times like these are to have a very informed public.  Granted, we all have our vested interests regardless how informed we are.  However, a knowledgeable electorate can usually find middle ground that both sides can accept to serve the most people.

That is why our founders felt freedom of the press was an essential agreement for a democracy to survive. Many diverse opinions and facts need to be heard and read. And, our Supreme Court has upheld that decision time and time again with their many rulings.

So where does that leave “We the People.” For one, responsible in many ways for what happens in our country. It has been said by many before when we elect our representatives and President “we are not just voters but accomplices.”

Till next time........

Brother Giovanni  

……………………………………………………

 

Conjectures of a recovering dilettante - “I aimed for the stars, fell into the mud, and discovered the lotus.”

Pizzao

"Pizzaonian Discovery" courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator  (C) 2009

Conjectures of a reconvering dillettante

Some random observations on reality and other stuff.......

The moment of existential truth is when we must choose the reality of whom we are - not who we would like to be.  We can never “be” as long as we are in the process of becoming.

Through loneliness and despair, we eventually discover “self”  - who we truly are without any of the illusionary trappings that we use to filter our reality. This is the moment of enlightenment that has the dual capacity to bring new life - or death to our souls.”

It is easy to understand this intellectually, but very difficult to grasp its full meaning emotionally.  We discover self through our emotions, not through our intellect.  Our intellect provides the road we travel.  Our emotions provide our destination.

And we eventually discover God in order to escape the isolation of self. 

 

“I aimed for the stars, fell into the mud, and discovered the lotus.”

Pizzaonius

 

 

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Quotes for reflection on a quiet November afternoon

“Fame usually comes to those who are thinking of something else.” Oliver Wendell Homes, Jr.

 

“Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.” Napoleon Bonaparte

 

Middle age: when you are sitting at home on Saturday night and your phone rings and you hope it is not for you.”  Ogden Nash

 

“If you cannot separate your selfishness from your service, than be selfish since your service will continue.”  Pizzaonian spelunker

 

“A forgiven heart left empty becomes the target for both old and new sins.”  Ben Campbell Johnson

 

“The only reason for time is so everything doesn’t happen all at once.”  Albert Einstein

 

To believe reasonableness works in politics is the same as believing Gomer Pyle would be a good choice to play the role of Henry VIII. -  UNKNOWN

 

“In my relationships the most difficult person to know well is me” Br. Giorgio, Director of Bakery Operations, Pizza digogo DiVinci

 

“It’s a sobering thought, that when Mozart was my age, he had been dead for two years.”  Tom Lehrer

 

“That which comes into the world to disturb nothing deserves neither respect nor patience.” Rene Char

 

“Doing what’s right – that’s easy. Trying to rationalize what’s wrong to make it right – that’s hard work.”  Pizzaonian spelunker

 

“It is the theory which decided what can be observed.”  Albert Einstein

 

"When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, you think it's only a minute. But when you sit on a hot stove for a minute, you think it's two hours. That's relativity." - Albert Einstein

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A tree, regardless of the kind of tree it may be, bears good or bad fruit – let that be your yardstick.

“Pizzaonia Emerging” Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute. Abe Straction, curator

 First a little history:

Brother Franco was recently reappointed headmaster of all Pizzaonian Monasteries.  As Headmaster, he requires all new monks to take his introductory seminars.  These seminars are designed to help each of us better identify our true aptitudes and guide us to more successful and fulfilling lives.

So many portalized Pizzaonians have led previous lives where serendipitous events have done more to shape what they do and the lives they have led than what their true vocations are and should be.  These seminars are designed to correct that.

To paraphrase Thomas Merton – a pear tree is beautiful because it is a pear tree.  If a human were a pear tree, he or she would spend most of their lives trying to become an apple tree.  Most of us get the point immediately.

With this is mind we begin with these initial remarks.  It should be noted that while the Pizzaonian Monasteries are Christian in perspective, they restrict their dogma to utter simplicity. It should also be noted that Pizzaonian Monks can profess any faith or non-faith  including atheism and remain in good standing as Pizzaonian Monks.

They keep their belief system to what Jesus described as “the way.”  When simply said this allows us to try to love are neighbors as ourselves, to love our God, and to make our guiding philosophy “to judge a tree by its fruit.”  A tree, regardless of the kind of tree it may be,

KNOW THY SELF

 

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." 

e. e. cummings

 

Within each of us is the desire to affirm who we are.  This is a two-sided coin.  It can lead to great good or inordinate harm depending on how you decide to proceed.

The good – what can be more fulfilling than to know that what you are supposed to be is actually happening.  The trick here is to make sure you are not kidding yourself in the process.  How do you do that?  The answer is not simple since objectivity is not easy to come by.  For many of us, complete objectivity may not be possible.

It is probably not a bad idea to presume you are not as objective as you think.  If we cannot use our judgment as the yardstick, how then do we know we are on the right track? There is no better way to measure how well you are doing than evaluating the results of your actions.

However, before you do this, you should set some positive ways to measure your progress in advance.  First, define your goals.  It is assumed in our opening statement that you already know what you expect to be.  This should not be a feeling but a definitive goal that can be expressed clearly.  There can be no ambiguity here – this must be clear before you start.

We have found that many of us do not survive this first step.  Knowing oneself is not an easy task.  It requires brutal honesty and a healthy sense of introspection. For many, it is wise to have someone you trust completely to help you on this journey. However, some caution here since for some this is a journey better taken alone.  So much depends on how well you feel you know yourself.

One yardstick is to gauge how comfortable you are with past behavior, and how much you tend to trust your judgment.  Rely on experience here – it shows the way. Much of what we will do in the future can be measured by what we have done in the past.

If the results of your past actions are not encouraging - do not be discouraged. The past can be equally effective by telling us what not to do as well as what we should be doing.

One thing is certain – completing this first step correctly with confidence in your method is vital for a successful completion of the journey you are about to embark.

Now start on step one – this is your job; no one can do it for you.  Who are you and what should you be?  If you are already on the journey – reevaluate where you are.  Just like any other journey a roadmap is required.  Often this first step is all that is needed.  It quickly starts the process, and your own motivation takes over.  This is good and the way it should be.

If this does not happen, don’t worry, you need to stay on track and work on it, we often test the seriousness our own desire.  Get with it – the results can be profound.

 

Brother Franco

opd 314

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Solitude- a brief oasis, a place of rest to refresh your mind and body

"Pizzaonia emerging" Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Instute, Abe Straction, curator

 

Musings from Pizzaonia - a short reflection on solitude.

Today we make so much of solitude and meditation.  Everyone writes about it, and many talk about it.  It seems to us that one thing always gets lost in any discussion about solitude. Solitude is not an escape; it is not a place where you get off. 

On the contrary, it is a method to help you continue your journey through life.  Solitude allows us to stay relevant for the world we must engage every day.

It is a brief oasis, a place of rest that allows you a quiet respite to refresh your mind and body.  In so doing, you can continue your journey with new vigor and enthusiasm.

How we choose to enter solitude is an individual experience.  Some can do it anywhere they are; others need quite isolation. One thing is certain.  We all need solitude to stay whole.  Without it, we soon lose our way.  Make sure every day has the solitude experience.

However, when you choose to enter your time of solitude always remember first its purpose.  Focus on your journey.  The road is always made clear to all who enter with an open heart and mind.

Before you leave, stay a moment - create a short oasis, a place of rest.  Until next time,

Pizzaonius

opd 12/13

 

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