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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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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The Pizzaonian Space Institute – amazing new photos of black hole from the Pizzaonian magnifier camera - Mozzarella space probe

(C)2012
Pizzaonian National Flag - Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute

 

The Pizzaonian Space Institute released today new, extraordinary photos of a black hole as seen from the Pizzaonian magnifier camera on board the Mozzarella space probe.  (See below) 

What makes these photos unique is their high resolution and magnification, 10,000 times greater than the original photos first published. 

The Mozzarella space probe has exceeded all expectations by continuing to resist the effects of high gamma radiation and heat levels beyond human imagination. 

More as it develops ………………. 

Abe Surdity, bureau chief, The Pizzaonian, a division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network

Photo of Black hole as seen from the cameras of the Mozzarella space probe, magnified 10.000 greater than previous photographs

(copyright)2017   Pizzaonian Space Institute   

Black hole as photographed by Pizzaonian Space Institute Mozzeralla space probe, Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator

opd612

Conjectures of recovering dilettante - "Power"- the elixir of the Gods, delusional politicians and other like-minded folks

(C)2012

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

“Power is always charged with the impulse to eliminate the human variable, from the equation of action.” Eric Hoffer

You could argue over why the above is always true.  What is not arguable is that it is always true.  What is it in the human condition that makes the need for being in control (power) a constant?

Be it politics, business or religion, no matter how veiled its projected humility may be, seeking power is the inevitable outcome.

Every political party, every business and every religion seeks power.  Some are obvious. Others are very good at masking themselves as defenders of the truth and common good, but their quest for power makes them no different from the rest.

In religion, the most interesting dogmas come from those faiths that claim to have no dogma.  With the mask of humility and acceptance, they immediately claim the moral high ground. This well disguised assertion of humility and openness gives to their faithful the authority of invented moral superiority – that is power.

In politics, it does not take long to understand, regardless of how much each political party states it is serving the “best interest" of their country; each party is first serving itself. After all, in order to serve you must first obtain power.  That’s why the cynical among us say, “in order to beat the system you must become the system” - a clever way of saying, “in order to beat corruption you must become corrupt.”

If true, this explains a lot.  And the beat goes on……..

Brother Giovanni, commenting, from Pizzaonia for the “The Pizzaonian.”

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opd 216

Why we need more committed dilettantes - to end political, ideological myopia

"PIZZAONIAN EMERGING #3"  Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, Curator (C)2013

 

 “..ideological myopia -a failure to realize compromising a little is better than staying stuck in the present path.” C. Nobel 

A traditional dilettante could never be an ideologue.  It runs counter to the tradition.  The mere thought that someone could be so sure of themselves that they never need to compromise is to any serious dilettante - complete folly.

We need to make clear that by dilettante, we mean a “lover of the arts” rather than it’s more popular meaning “a dabbler, or someone who moves from one idea to another.”

“A lover of the arts” is not an artist, but one who appreciates art, but even more, respects culture as the foundation of a well-defined life.  In order to respect culture you not only must be thankful for your own life, but the vagaries and idiosyncrasies of all other life as well. Simply said, you respect the human condition and embrace humanity warts and all.

From our distant perch, it seems in your world, there are two places that produce the most ideologues.  They are emerging countries trying to gain a foothold, and established dominant countries struggling to keep their vaulted position in the order of things.

Everyone else in the middle seems quite content to live in relative tranquility at least in comparison to the two extremes.  They seem to have put their faith in the people rather than in institutions or governments.  As it was said to me years ago “Governments come and go but the people are forever.”

This also makes sense since it is the people who form cultures not governments.  One could argue that the institutions and governments of our world reflect the culture of the people, and in the beginning this is probably true.  However, unfortunately, this is always short-lived.

It is only a question of time until institutions become worlds of their one, living in a bubble that serves their purpose rather than the general good.  It seems to be the inevitable nature of power to insulate itself from outsiders who seek to share it or be included.

This is hardly a new condition.  It has existed from the time of the caves.  As soon as some cave dwellers realized they had bigger clubs than “the other guys” they formed their own exclusive circles.

George Orwell said it better than anyone in Animal Farm - “All pigs are created equal, but some pigs are more equal than others.”  You need to look at any advanced democracy and see this being played out each day.

What else could explain the “madness” going on in the U.S. Congress?  This is a perfect example where a so-called democratic institution claims to represent the people as it serves its myopic self-interest.  Enter the intolerant ideologues who would destroy the country in order to save it.

As we said at the beginning, give us the dilettantes every time.  They are much too interested in the wonders of the world to seek power.  And if they did seek power, they soon realize that this interferes with their dilettantism and move on to better things.  As a result, the worlds they live in are much safer and better places.

John Frank Giovanni commenting for the "The Pizzaonian"- a division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network, Diverti Mento, Editor Emeritus

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