Since we are discussing the concept of civilization, it is worth noting that Margaret Mead (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mead) argued that true civilization didn't actually begin with the discovery of fire, the invention of pottery, or even the wheel. Instead, she believed it began with healing. She pointed to the mending of a broken bone as the definitive turning point. In the animal kingdom—and certainly among humans—a broken leg is often a death sentence, as an individual becomes unable to forage for food or escape a hungry predator. Human beings realized that maintaining health and physical integrity was paramount; to heal a fracture, one must set the bone, immobilize the limb, and provide dedicated care for the patient. This process requires specialized knowledge, significant effort, willpower, and time.
If you wish to act with civility and uphold our shared humanity, then lend a hand to those in need.
True civilization existed long before the arrival of the local grocer or a bottle of Vileda.
Plus, that final scene where they ask, "What exactly do you think you've won?" really drives home the point—that woman who fought her way to the top was never actually higher than she was in that exact moment. It’s a total Pyrrhic victory.
It’s not bad. Honestly, the ending is pretty damn good.
I found myself feeling exactly the same way.
It isn't just that the country is at war; there is a war raging within the court itself. A gendered conflict, if you will. The winner claims the Queen, or so she believes. One woman is Black, arrogant, brutally blunt, and overtly authoritative, seemingly devoid of empathy. The other is white, seemingly innocent, sweet-talking, manipulative, and utterly unscrupulous. Throughout the first half of the drama, we are presented with the obvious portrayal of Lady Sarah as a cold, power-hungry individual who finds herself facing a rival in her relative, Abigail, whose presence only serves to make Sarah appear even more abrasive.
The person they are both fighting for is a Queen broken by the crushing weight of her duties, family tragedies, and illness.
And as these two women vie for her affection, the distinction between hero and villain becomes increasingly transparent...
...until that final scene reveals a sudden, unexpected twist where neither virtue nor malice triumphs, but rather pure, unadulterated madness.
Casey Bennett said:I assume you intended to write "lower than" rather than "higher than."
I did not compose the message myself; I merely forwarded what was written. However, based on my own research online, the information provided in the previous post appears to be accurate. The virus is reportedly susceptible to temperatures exceeding 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, it is recommended that one washes their hands with warm water and exposes clothing—such as winter jackets or hats that aren't laundered daily—to direct sunlight. There is already speculation that the upcoming warmer weather will begin to gradually curb this menace.
I am somewhat uncertain as to which forum would be most appropriate for this, though the content itself is quite significant.
The following information was forwarded to me from a pulmonologist at the Mayo Clinic, providing additional clarity regarding the nature of the virus, and I felt it prudent to share it here for your consideration: Because of its physical properties, this virus is relatively large and heavy; consequently, it does not remain suspended in the air but rather settles on surfaces. It can persist on one's hands for approximately five to ten minutes, linger on clothing for several hours, and remain on metallic surfaces, such as door handles, for up to twelve hours. Furthermore, the virus is sensitive to temperatures exceeding 73°F. Therefore, it is advisable to wash your hands with warm water, spend time in the sunlight, and ensure that clothing is laundered regularly. Due to its size, it does not pass easily through standard protective masks. A five to ten-minute window of persistence on the hands is a considerable amount of time, during which one might inadvertently touch one's nose, eyes, or mouth, or consume food. Thus, frequent washing with warm water is essential. Naturally, one should also avoid crowded areas and confined spaces. Initially, the virus colonizes the nose and throat, causing a scratchy, irritating sensation. Crucially, it does not cause nasal secretion, which serves as a vital way to differentiate it from other viral infections. While the infection is present in the upper respiratory tract, one should consume warm liquids and warm water, while strictly avoiding cold beverages or ice. Gargling—perhaps using Betadine—is also recommended to prevent the virus from descending further. During this stage, you may experience a dry, irritated cough without any mucus. This phase typically lasts two to four days. To reiterate: the absence of nasal discharge is the key indicator. After roughly five or six days, the virus may descend into the lungs. At that point, a fever often develops. A dry cough and shallow breathing are clear indications that the virus has reached the lungs. Ultimately, our primary objective should be to prevent the virus from migrating to the lungs. Maintaining a distance of more than ten feet from anyone who is infected is the safest course of action. Please share this with others.
Chris Myers said:That individual is on my ignore list*. You are more than welcome to follow suit. ☕
(*I only occasionally encounter his writing when I'm reviewing PDFs for moderation purposes, strictly out of a sense of duty.)
I am certain you aren't the only one who has him blocked. Personally, I refrain from using the feature because most of what someone says eventually resurfaces through others quoting their posts anyway.
If you don't mind me asking—what exactly prompted you to put him on your ignore list?
I intend to take this a step further by formally requesting a partial ban for this specific user, given their constant pattern of hostility, veiled insults, disparagement, and incessant arguing that creates an utterly intolerable and mentally draining atmosphere across nearly every discussion they join.
Their modus operandi has remained unchanged for years; they begin a conversation politely, but the moment you say something they disagree with, they proceed to harass you for days on end, manipulating context and consistently addressing their interlocutor as if they were some sort of newly deranged individual.
Even the most composed person could be driven to a breaking point by such psychological terror, as this is clearly a case of continuous, insidious bullying spanning several years. I am honestly unsure if there is a single active member on this platform who hasn't been stepped on by them. The difficulty lies in filing a report, however, because they choose their words with such precision that there are no overt slurs—only subtle, twisted insults and condescension.
I find myself in complete agreement with my colleague steelridge58. On several recent occasions, Gusti has crossed the line of decency by attempting to drive other women off the PDF due to mere differences of opinion. Such behavior is entirely unacceptable on a discussion Forum and has never been an established practice here.
The subject matter itself is inherently absurd, and I find it difficult to believe that anyone with any sense of self-respect would choose to participate in such a discussion. It is equally insulting to women and men who possess even a modicum of intelligence. Furthermore, it serves as an affront to the very concept of being a person, regardless of one's gender.
Lock this thread, leave us to Andrew Booth29, and let's all move on peacefully.
Since music is constantly playing in our household—we are professional musicians, after all, with my husband being a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, and my little niece currently studying the violin—I can state with absolute certainty that my cat isn't particularly fond of any of it. However, she seems genuinely intrigued by the sound of the violin. My niece is still quite young and is only in her second year of lessons, and while the cat usually runs away from her because she tends to smother her with affection, she actually sits and listens with curiosity whenever the violin starts playing. She flees from every other instrument we own. 🙂
Perhaps every cat possesses its own unique temperament.
I no longer expect music to strike a deep emotional chord within me, though I admit that happens occasionally; rather, I simply enjoy being captivated and enchanted by a performance. I don't have a single favorite song or composition. There are many pieces I have heard only once, yet they left such a profound impression that they remain a permanent part of my listening history. The same applies to certain performances—not necessarily because they are technically superior or more virtuosic than others, but simply because they feel more soulful and alive.
It is truly ingenious how Nero and Popeja manage to act like such hellish sadists while hiding behind the angelic veneer of the most sophisticated human poetry.
The music of Saint Monteverd is breathtakingly transcendent—it exists entirely beyond the reach of emotion, mesmerizing the soul with its sheer beauty:
A harp could never compare to this. 🤦
When you consider the power of the human voice, everything else is merely a pale imitation.
I will simply say that I envy you and anyone else who has managed to shed that heavy, forced burden we call ambition.
I find myself in a somewhat similar position, though I wouldn't label myself as exceptional except in the specific areas that truly captured my interest. Now, approaching my 40s, I hold a solid mid-level management role at my company with clear opportunities for upward mobility; professionally speaking, I haven't hit my ceiling, but quite frankly, I have no desire to climb higher. I am perfectly content where I am currently situated. While a promotion would certainly mean a larger paycheck, it would also bring significantly more responsibility, and I find that I much prefer prioritizing my family, spending quality time with my parents as they visibly age, traveling, and enjoying life without constant stress. To be blunt, I have no intention of dedicating more than four hours a day to my career. I operate strictly on a "minimum input, maximum output" principle, and that is exactly how I plan to manage my workload until I eventually retire. That being said, I am in no rush to reach retirement because I genuinely enjoy the work I do.
Whenever I feel those little flutters or nudges in my abdomen, I tend to interpret them as my baby saying hello; honestly, I find that kind of attention quite lovely.
However, what has truly caught me off guard is this unbearable pain and numbness spreading through my arm. My pinky finger on the right side keeps twitching, and there is this persistent, uncomfortable ache that lasts all day, making it nearly impossible for me to even make a firm fist.
Furthermore, I would like to formally request that this thread be closed immediately. The original author has long since departed, and the user Sisyphus has resorted to verbal bullying against anyone who dares to hold a differing opinion.
In general terms, the discussion has devolved into a haven for trolls, making it quite unpleasant to read 😢
Those critiques were really just reflections of some old disappointments of mine. Back then, I used to hang out with poets and had published a bit of work myself. I remember getting caught up in this haze of resentment toward a certain plagiarism-prone hack because of how many books he'd put out and the awards he'd scooped up. Since I already had a few drinks in me at the time, I gave him this condescending look and told him, "This isn't exactly a sprint." To which he replied, totally deadpan, "You're wrong; this is exactly a sprint."
He was a fool, but he wasn't wrong. Too much posturing for too little pay.
The context here is exactly what we're discussing—measuring the average ego size within certain groups of people. Art and spirituality are essentially the same thing (with the only difference being that art leaves behind something tangible). In those realms, you need a certain level of defense, both from what's inside you and what's outside. I view the ego as a sort of barrier between the two, existing simply to prevent one from spilling too much into the other. Sometimes, though, you have to dissolve it through certain substances just to trigger the necessary reaction. And after that, it rebuilds itself—sometimes it even comes back larger, stronger, more beautiful, and more seasoned than before.
The ego requires nurturing through the discipline of self-criticism 😁
This is simply a component of the spiritual journey—the process of questioning, weighing options, and maintaining balance. After all, what is the ultimate goal of spirituality? I cannot say I have lost my way, but rather that I have come to realize that the journey itself is the destination. Our ego can certainly throw us off course or create obstacles, yet it remains an integral part of our being that we must accept. There are countless reasons why our egos manifest in various ways. We are often misinformed or taught from a young age to focus too heavily on our uniqueness and individuality. One must truly understand oneself to recognize the traps the ego sets along the way.