Definitions are important things. We aren’t always speaking the same language, even if we’re speaking the same language. I get nervous. I’m not sure that means the same thing to me as it does to you, however. And what are we talking about – walking home alone in the dark, or swimming with sharks? Happiness is a dictionary. And, according to dictionaries, nervous is: easily … Continue reading Are you sure you’re nervous?
We live in strange times. The world of work has become very odd. Employment is supposed to be that thing you do that allows you to live your life. You work for the paycheques, and the income lets you pay your bills and do other things. Some jobs are callings, and some are just employment, marking time. But none of them should have an element … Continue reading Work to rule is the correct choice.
Laughter comes in various shapes and sizes, and not all of them are benign. There’s a big difference between laughing with and laughing at someone. I’ve never been very fond of the latter, not in real life, not in television, and not in film. Laughing at is mostly about punching down and the cheap shot, and mostly, I’m not that keen. This is unfortunate: it’s … Continue reading Laughter and humour.
I’m neurotic. I’m neurotic in the literal sense – I have neuroses. Lots of them. A neurosis is a mental condition not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress such as depression, anxiety, obsessive and compulsive behaviour, and somatic responses, but not a radical loss of touch with reality. Neurotics mostly don’t experience psychotic breaks. At its root, neurotic behaviour is an automatic, unconscious effort to manage … Continue reading I’m neurotic, an off-the-cuff joint.
From Famine to Feast 