Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Learned Man

Some might describe me as an intellectual, an academic. In the eyes of some I'm simply a compilation of accolades, awards, and certificates of recognition. I've been dubbed a "human calculator" on many occasions (we are all human calculators, some just happen to work better than others).

I study mathematics, a field that has a habit of making most people cringe and stay away (I can't say I blame them). Yet, I feel fortunate that my passion lies in this area, as it seems so intrinsic to the world that surrounds us.

I often find myself almost feeling bad for other people. To think, they don't have the opportunity to witness the world in the same beautiful way I do! Perhaps people of all types and backgrounds feel this way. We all have our own personal window to the world, and at times we wonder how these windows might differ. That in itself is a beautiful thing to me.

It's funny how natural it is to make the leap from intelligence to one's particular area of study in the classroom. Intellect has a tendency to get linked with academia and school-taught education, and yet I've done my most significant learning in settings that lie outside of the classroom.

Certainly, a whole host of brilliant educators have taught me a great deal of things and shared their knowledge with me. Still, what I've learned on my own I consider far more important and insightful. Above all else, I've learned enough to realize that I know nothing.

And I'm trying to change that.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

The Light that Slays the Darkness

I want to be hopeless,
in a fight I can't possibly win,
in a situation where I'll be made to surrender.

I want to be outside of "me," whatever "I" am in the first place,
to see with my two windows to the world the All that I know I'm a part of.

I want to silence my ego,
I've heard enough of what it has to say.
I'd much rather replace the noise it makes with the beautiful sounds of the sheet music.

I want the light to shine and show me what I know lies hidden in front of me,
to allow my senses to realize at least a glimpse of their full potential.

The Light that Slays the Darkness.