First Blog

WE are all familiar with the word “solve.” In fact, much of what we do is solve problems over a spectrum of circumstances. Every profession presents an array of problems to be solved, and often one’s ability to solve problems is a direct measure of their success. That “solve” is an important word is amplified by the number of solve-type words by adding a prefix. Here are a few. ·         Absolve: To set (someone) free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt. (Absolution) ·         Backsolve: To determine the inputs that would lead to a given output in a mathematical system. ·         Dissolve: To mix a solid substance into a liquid so that it becomes included in it. ·         Exsolve: To separate or precipitate from a solid crystalline phase. ·         Persolve: To pay wholly, or fully. ·         Preresolve: To make up one's mind beforehand. ·         Resolve: To make a firm decision to do something. ·         Solve: To find a solution to something that is n

It is almost foolish to speculate on why or how someone like Albert Einstein was a genius.   People like Einstein and Newton are essentially off the scale of human intelligence.   Yet, they live among us, make very human errors, and act in very human ways. So, we take them for humans, albeit just really smart specimens. As to Einstein, he told us his formula for discovery. That was through the thought experiment , wherein he would conceive of a physical situation such as what would happen as he looked in a mirror as both were accelerating toward the speed of light. This was, for Einstein, the beginning of relativity.   But what for you and I, had we been given this experiment? The implication is that Einstein dwelled on the problem endlessly until some ideas emerged.   Then, by sheer strength of will he managed those ideas into the beginnings of a theory.   Finally, it became a fait de complet. What is not mentioned is that Einstein also had an intense proclivity to indepen

Depth, humor, and politics, all have their perspectives in aging.  We need them surely.  Another facet of this great time is the clarity of vision. Or wisdom.  This is a time when we can see more clearly than ever - despite wearing glasses.  This is a time when the world becomes clear, void of the blur and emotions of youth, the confusions of achievement, and the abstractions of thought. Our vision becomes as simple as when we were children. This is not to say we are checking out or coming to a finality. It is to say this is a time when we can cut away the fog of all that heavy living.  Some achieve this from the beginning.  We never understood them; they were discounted as out of touch.  But in fact they were fully engaged with the depth of life as we could not comprehend it.  We do now.  We have returned to fundamental principles of life, and like me, have returned late in the game. It is a time for religion, for family, for politics, for fishing, for traveling, for sewing, for