Wisdom without Zealotry - Fragmentation and Isolation

 “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.” Bertrand Russell

How fortunate are we who have choice in our world. We can choose the food we eat, the entertainment we consume, ideals we follow, and the goals we wish to strive for. In the modern world many wonders have been created for the masses. The fortunate in this world are not starved for choice.

Or are we?

What tribe do you belong to? The left? The right? Capitalist? Socialist? Muslim? Christian? Rock? Country?

Do the words of your tribe define you? Do they make it convenient to put you in a convenient box for others to identify? To build a common structure with other like-minded boxes? Does this make it easier for others to attack those structures? What role does the internet play in this tribe mentality?

Computers can help you with the goal of defining you like no other tool before. Have you not noticed that you will have articles, products or other websites recommended to you? Did you notice that those recommendations become more specific over time? The web browser in your computer is helping to make it convenient to define you and put you in an easily identifiable box. The box of the tribes you belong to. It does this through your web browser history and the cookies that are saved for each site you visit that use them. These websites you visit and products you pick builds up that box just a little bit more. It also makes it easier to give you what you want. It makes it convenient.


Because eventually you will be seeing articles, products and websites that make it seem the world was built for you. It will allow you to have conversations with more like-minded people. Everything will be great.

It makes you feel safe.

And then that jerk wanders in. The one that does not share your views and does not have the same box that you have...they are not of the same tribe. They are the other.

Now you feel unsafe. Your world view is threatened. You want them to get them away from you and the place you have made. Your box is under siege.

Do you lash out? Do you convert? Do you unfriend them or block them? Do you isolate yourself? Do you then seek out only news and information that supports your tribe and world view? Do you seek it out even though it is fake or extreme? Do you claim the other is a lesser being than you thereby making it easier to demonize them? Dehumanize them? Commit acts of hate and violence against them?

Does this not make you more fanatical? More zealous?

Or do you learn? Do you grow? Do you step out of your box to look around? To examine your own box and tribe? Gain wisdom?

Take a breath and dwell on this: Is there anything wrong in going down a road that you know what to expect every single time? It will certainly get to where you want to go but you will never see other paths that will take you to the same place. Maybe it will take you to a worse place but then you will know not to take it in the future. Maybe it will take you to a better place.

If we stay in our boxes, that look like the box everyone else has around us, we will never grow. Never learn. You may hate others that think and act differently. You may never ask them why they like what they like and hate what they hate. You will never know the path that took them there. The reasons for taking that path. You will never start the conversation for mutual understanding. For living together in our society.

I'm not saying that we have to adopt other people's viewpoint but perhaps we can see the world from their position. Walk a mile in their shoes. They are the way they are for a reason and understanding the root of that reason may help them and help you move forward to improve things for all, or at least as many as possible. By doing that, we grow in wisdom a little bit each time because of the efforts we have made.

Is it hard to make the effort? Not really. We have to clear our browser history and cookies in our computer and do the same to our minds. Look at things not with blinders or filters but with open minds and ears. Remove the confirmation bias from the equation. If we do not, we will remain in our tribes...our boxes...and not understand others who are not the same. Dislike and hate those who are not us.

Don't be the fanatic or the zealot. For the fanatic is one who won't change their mind and won't change the subject. Be the wise one.

Inspiration
Wired: Echo Chamber
News Truthiness Graphic

Tofino - Radar Hill

Radar Hill was an old DEW line radar station during the cold war era. It is dismantled, a park, and has lots of great views of the surrounding area.

Tofino - Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Bay Beach is on the way to Tofino and has a very good interpretive center. Today, the wind and weather combined with dead kelp bacteria to create lovely sea foam. It was very fun to play in.

Tofino - Chesterman's Beach

We like to stay near Chesterman's beach. During storm season it is especially dramatic as you can see here.

Tofino - Pointe for Breakfast

During storm season in Tofino, having supper at the Pointe restaurant can be quite dark. Breakfasts, however, showcase the view. It on looks Chesterman's beach and the Pacific ocean.

I had the three egg omelette with beef short rib, goat cheese, kale, caramelized onions and an arugula side salad. It was very delicious and filling.

Tofino - Pointe Restaurant

The Pointe restaurant, at the Wikkaninnish Inn, has always been an excellent culinary experience. This time was no exception.

First was a series of amuse bouche: fried polenta, pumpkin macaron with salmon mousse and cooked turnip dipped in foie gras. Unfortunately no decent picture survives.

Then we had poached black cod with pumpkin consommé, pumpkinseed miso, crispy potato and marigold.

 Next was seared Qualicum beach scallop with "Northern Divine" caviar, cauliflower and white chocolate puree, and lemon balm.

The first main was roasted steelhead trout with wild rice, black garlic and mushroom puree.

The second main was grilled carrot and crispy lamb belly with honey glaze, dill and dried rice.

The last main was roast venison loin with fried sunchokes, preserved cherry and coffee jus.

The first dessert course was a slice of Comox camembert with cranberry jam and a baguette.

The last dessert was ginger cheesecake with quince sorbet and clove spiced tuile.

Everything was delicious and the wine pairings went well with each part. I will go down to just two wines with the meal next time though.

Tofino - Clayoquot Sound

In back of Jamie's Rainforest Inn is four acres of rain-forest with a short path through the woods to Clayoquot Sound and a bird sanctuary.

In all the times my wife and I have come to Tofino, we had never seen this side of the peninsula. When we have more time we are thinking of a nice kayak trip to explore the islands and such in this area.

Tofino - Remembrance Day

I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Tofino and was quite happy at the number of folks who turned up, about 200.

Was also surprised at the presence of the Canadian Rangers. I was unaware that they had a branch in Uculet (South of Tofino) as well as the fact they had a strong core of youth.

It was good to be there to honour our veterans and the sacrifices they have given.

Tofino - Wolf in the Fog

We have eaten at Wolf in the Fog when coming to Tofino before. It is such a highlight of our trip I thought that I would make a post of this time.

First we both had a potato encrusted oyster with apple puree and truffle oil. Best oyster appetizer I have ever had. Ever.

Next I had the Morrocan style octopus with chickpeas, tomatoes and peppers. Delicious.

My spouse had the Bamfield seaweed salad with shiitakes, daikon and wild rice.

Lastly I had the green soul aka the vegetarian dish. It was local mushroom potstickers with daikon, seaweed and a wonderful mushroom broth.

My spouse had the wild mushrooms on toast with pork jowl, egg and jus. Our other friends at the table also had the same thing and all said it was delicious.

We would definitely come again.

Tofino - Jamie's Rainforest Inn

This time when we headed to Tofino, we stayed at Jamie's Rainforest Inn. It is located on the main road going into Tofino and is a nine minute walk from Chesterman's beach. It also has an attached restaurant/pub. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The pics below are the standard king with fireplace.

We would stay here again as its a very good price for Tofino.