Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Yes, Other People Exist Too!
The other day I was waiting in line at Chick Fil-A for some delicious chicken. As I did I glanced around and observed others waiting in line. If you ever get a chance you should observe others as well. It is fascinating to me just how varied we can be – we can be doctors…
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Not Just Yourself, Your Best Self
In high school I was a fairly straight-laced kid. I did not get into trouble much – the biggest issue was me throwing a penny across the room one time, (which at my school they treated seriously). I dressed about as normal as normal is. I did not stand out much at all. After high school…
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Doing Too Much for Too Little in Return
In economics there is something called the law of diminishing returns. It basically states there is a point where a company can produce so much of something it produces negative results. In other words, more does not always equal profitability. Life itself has a law of diminishing returns – attempting to do too much can be unprofitable. I…
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Live Small in Order to Live Large
I’ve heard many people ask – some sincerely and some sarcastically – what is a Hokie? The answer is simply I am. A Hokie is a loyal Virginia Tech fan. Whether one loves the school for its academics, its athletics or its culture we are Hokies. There’s no getting around it, Hokies are some of the…
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Bump ‘Em
Occasionally in American pop culture something comes along and permeates almost all cross sections of life. The fist bump is one such example. From professional athletes to the school yard to even the white house the fist bump is well known and well used – and even well loved. The fist bump works well because…
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Remember Now, Not Just Afterwards
Recently here in Knoxville there was a memorial service for Pat Summitt, the famed women’s basketball coach at UT. Many different people spoke of how they remembered her – a good coach, friend, confidant, person. It is a good thing to remember people after they are gone – who they were, what they did, what…
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The Acclimation of Nothingness
The human body is an amazing thing. It can be pushed into boundaries one would never think of. One of the more amazing attributes (for me at least) is our ability to acclimate to our environment. This is not to say all environments will be suitable for us – the vacuum of space being one…
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Sometimes You Have to Fake it Until You Make it
In Texas Hold’em the worst hand one can be dealt is a 2-7. Statistically it is the hardest hand to win from. However, with the right amount of skill and with some luck one can bluff their way to a win even with that hand. Having the best hand definitely gives one the advantage, there…
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Not High Class or Low Class But World Class
A few years I put up a To-Do List at my desk. It was a simple list with just one item, to become world class. At the time I was reading about what separated the middle class from the “world class,” that is those who are ultra successful. I’ve always wanted to be ultra successful,…
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There’s Always Something to Do
“There’s nothing to do.” Too many times I’ve heard this from others, even from myself. It’s a very common statement and also one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves every day. Regardless of how many times we say it or with how much conviction we have when we do, there is always something to…
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