Off Topic One of my favourite philosophers ...

... and I'm serious!

I've read many books on philosophy and admire much of the writings of many great thinkers from Socrates to Descartes. But, without any sarcasm, and in all honesty one of the greatest truisms came from Popeye the Sailor Man.

Something he said many years ago, and has stuck with me, is ...

... : “I am what I am, and that's all that I am.”

I've had that pop into my mind many times over the last half a decade and it's as true today as it's ever been.

It's my belief that people never change, by more than a tiny notch, in their entire lives.

I've heard recently that people 'go on journeys, develop, grow, etc' but I truly believe that's absolute bollix.

Look at people you've known for years, including yersel, and ask, 'What real change has there ever been?'

In my experience people never fundamentally change, ever.

 

I had a child at 16, I can tell you I changed massively, all for the good.
I do get what you mean though, mind saying that I'm am much more easy going compared to when I was in my 40's. I think as blokes we realise we are on the wane around about 45 and just get more relaxed about life.

 

Look at people you've known for years, including yersel, and ask, 'What real change has there ever been?'

When i was young i used to try and shag any lass that had a pulse.

Now that i'm married i don't shag anyone, pulse or no pulse.

I'd say that's a real change

 

"I'd say that's a real change."

It's not though, you'd still like to and think about how it would be.

The restraint doesn't come from within ...

... it comes from your lass, society and your mother in law

 

I've changed massively. As a kid, I was unbelievably shy and timid. I couldn't have thought of anything worse than fighting and conflict.

Not long after I left school my old man dropped in front of me with a heart attack and he died on the spot. That unleashed a beast in me and it produced an anger that I still carry around today. I got into drugs and gangs which of course in that lifestyle leads to fighting and whatever else. It took people close to me a long time to accept (and believe) what I was getting into it and the way I started to live my life. Although, I dropped all that ****e, I still know that I'm a totally different person than the one that I was growing up.

 

"That unleashed a beast in me and it produced an anger that I still carry around today".

Mmm ....

 

It changed me as a person. I wish it didn't.

I'd love to still have that innocent character that I was born with instead of being a bit of a prick, frankly.

 

Thanks, Smug this thought-provoking post reminds me of few things that I’m supposed to be doing.


One of the task that I’m supposed to be doing is designing a tattoo –I’ve been instructed: it’s got to be a small simple tattoo, text only, that reads ‘It is what it is’ in a circular Ouroboros like symbol. I’m not a huge fan of tattoos but I said I’ll do it.

This all stems from:

I was out having a chat and a couple of drinks with one of my daughters earlier this week, one of the many things we spoke about is where do we go next in the grand scheme of life. She has recently finished Uni and has now enrolled to study for her MSc. I'm currently writing (toiling) on my proposal for a doctorate that I'm supposed to be starting in January. The problem being is that I know the ‘answer’ to my subject matter, albeit, I’m not sure what the ‘question’ is!

I mentioned to her it’s all very tiring, I’m getting gradually older to be a ‘academic’, and what I expect of myself could be too much to pursue something that seems at the moment quite beyond me.

We drunk some wine – she stated that my mind and conversation seem always sharper and alert after a couple of glasses of alcohol…


Naturally, I agreed with her it does often seem that way to me – she asked me why that happens. My usual reply was ‘It is what it is’ (or my usual retort when I don’t know the answer).


So Smug in a long winded response to your post: if you fancy a beer next time you’re in Sunderland and would like some ‘philosophical’ chat – please feel free to give me a shout.

 

Be great to meet up mate!

 

In a nutshell most people loosen up a little when they've had a couple of glasses which in turn can lead to some very philosophical discussions.

I'm quite loose most nights

 

S

So you believe that nature trumps nurture?

 

Harry potter's stone

 

I "like" Carl Jung.

 

Hasn't he passed it yet?

 

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/709859-give-me-a-child-until-he-is-7-and-i

 

TBH I wasn't sure if it was Aristotle who said that ....

... or Gary Glitter.

 

My lad is just turned 16. Wasn't getting a game because he was a bit weak but very fast. 18 months ago he decided to do something about it off his own back. He gets up at 5.30 every weekday and walks half a mile to the gym and weight lifts (not weight trains) for an hour. 6 months ago the local GAA coach rang me and asked him to come back (obviously heard through the grapevine about this big strong lad who went missing for a year). He's playing full forward and is a bull. 6ft and over 12 stone and fast as feck - deadlifting 190kg. No PED's just very committed with a good although expensive diet. I'm very proud of him.

 

Brilliant mate, you should be proud!

 

Wish I (and some of our players more importantly) had the same motivation.

 

he who dares wins ............thought provoking