Musings on a Saturday

"The fool who knows his foolishness is wise to that extent." The Dhammapada

"On a daily basis, you must take more care of your mind than just money, money, money!" Dalai Lama

As I reach the bottom of my coffee cup I'm preparing to head off to the store. That will probably be the sum total of all I really accomplish this weekend. The rest of the two days will be devoted to getting over this retched cold that is starting up in my head and lungs.

I spent last evening watching one of my favorite shows Doctor Who. It was a Dalek episode and a very good one. I continue to be blown away by David Tennant's acting abilities. One of the main things that I got out of the show however is the fact that for a "kid's show" they really threw some very heavy philosophy up on the nature of good and evil and the importance of compassion. What makes it more interesting is the fact that I am also reading the last Harry Potter novel which does the same thing. My own novel also delves heavily into the nature of good and evil.

I know their are a lot of people who dismiss science fiction and fantasy as irrelevant but these people fail to see the depth that exists in this genre. Many so called Christians get on their high horse and preach against the "evil" they see in fantasy because they totally misunderstand what magic is all about. When you get right down to it the miracles that Christ performed can be classified as magic. Magic as in science can be used for good or evil. It is a matter of intent.

My older brother who is normally clueless when it comes to fantasy is talking about the number of Christian references that is in the last Harry Potter book. Fantasy frequently delves into the nature of good and evil and how evil corrupts. In the classic Lord of the Rings the story of Gollum is really a tragic one. Gandalf shows great compassion for the tormented creature. In Doctor Who last night the Doctor showed compassion towards his greatest enemy the Daleks.

Compassion is a quality that seems to be lacking more and more in this world. What makes us different from the animals is that we have the ability to practice this virtue if we so choose. The study of good and evil in the fantasy genre helps not only children but adults form a more moral outlook upon life. Fantasy isn't frivolous writings. Fantasy has an important element of philosophy in it and it makes you think. That is a good thing.

My mother was up last night and I showed her my newest pictures. This one is her favorite and is called Songbird. I love making Mom happy.

The real counter is 5782.