Tikno Viewpoint

Fair by Logic or Feeling: A Test of Wisdom

2026-06-09T23:16:51.944+08:00

The definition of "fair" according to the Cambridge Dictionary: treating someone in a way that is right or reasonable, or treating a group of people equally and not allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment. Well, that's the ideal. But can idealism always be implemented into practice effectively? The answer is not necessarily yes.

A few days ago, I was chatting casually at a coffee shop with friends. One of my friends told a story about parents who divided their wealth between their two sons. Both sons had their own families, but their financial conditions were very different. The first son was quite wealthy, while the second son was relatively poor. Their parents gave the larger share to the second son. This made the first son feel he was being treated unfairly. He felt his parents favored his younger brother.

This story steered our casual conversation toward the topic of fairness. There were two opinions. First, their parents should divide it equally to be fair. Second, their parents have a sense of fairness based on empathy. This second opinion was caught my attention to write this post because it is in the gray zone between black and white. I think the first opinion could be called "fair by logic" and the second opinion "fair by feeling" (but I prefer to call it "fair by wisdom").

Of the two opinions above, I think the legal field faces the most challenging challenge. Judges must be adept at balancing legal provisions with society's sense of justice. For example: the law states that stealing someone else's property is punishable by five years in prison. Should a thief who steals a loaf of bread receive the same sentence as a car thief? Do you often hear that access to justice is often more difficult for the poor than for the wealthy who can afford expensive lawyers?

Being fair does not always mean giving the exact same thing to everyone (logical fairness), but rather ensuring that everyone gets what they need to succeed (empathetic fairness). Our greatest challenge is knowing when to stand firm on rigid rules, and when to act with empathy to embrace the diversity of human condition. In short: being human, not robot.

In closing, I have a most intriguing question: Does the veto power at the UN hurt the sense of justice for the majority of countries in the world?

Photo by dp singh Bhullar from Pexels with free use license.

Is Multipolar World Really a Global Democracy

2026-05-23T20:55:41.567+08:00

The United States stood alone as the world’s sole superpower after the Soviet Union collapsed, where one dominant player wields the vast majority of military, economic, and cultural influence. We call this circumstance as unipolar world. That is essentially one setting the rules for everyone else.

But if you look at the news lately, that single-power dynamic is slowly shifting, especially since the rise of China. We are moving towards a multipolar world - a setting where power and influence are distributed among a few major powers: the US, China, and Russia. Global stage now is like a game of throne. Their intense competition will be reshaping our world to multipolarity.

Given these realities, I have a big question that might spark some debate. Is a unipolar world actually a "global authoritarianism"? Is a multipolar world really a "global democracy"? I'm interested in looking at it through the lens of the availability of choice. Some people argue that a unipolar world is like a global authoritarianism. When the sole superpower rules, smaller or middle-power nations lack of free choice. They are constrained to follow that superpower's wishes or face crushing sanctions and isolation.

By that logic, a multipolar world sounds like a democracy. It creates choices. If smaller or middle-power nations don't like Washington's wishes, they can turn to Beijing or Moscow. The rivalry among the three major powers for influence and to draw others into their orbit indirectly creates leverage for smaller nations — like a bride being courted.

Is multipolarity truly democratic? The reality is complicated. In a true democracy, everyone is treated equally under the law and has an "equal say" (means that everyone has the same right of voice). In a multipolar world, smaller nations don't necessarily have equal say — they often become pawns or proxy battlegrounds in the superpower 3D chess games.

Furthermore, history shows that when three kingdoms compete for dominance, it is always the people who suffer. Hopefully, they can manage that rivalry responsibly.

The image of map by Lara Jameson from Pexels with free use license.

LGBT and Human Rights

2024-04-11T17:57:00.001+08:00

The existence of LGBT people in society is a fact. Legally, some countries legalize their status, while the majority of others still do not. What influences someone to become LGBT? There's a whole range of hypotheses, from the viewpoint of genetic, psychological, psychosocial, and personal experience. It is too long to write here, so please read it on the internet. The logical question is, who doesn't want to have a normal family (father, mother and biological children)? Sometimes I can understand that people who experience same-sex sexual desire are not their logical choice.

LGBT people demand their rights using human rights arguments. Meanwhile, the majority use arguments that apply in society. Indeed, this is a complex phenomenon, like between liberals and conservatives.

So, what is my view on this phenomenon? Well, I was born and raised in eastern culture, a religious society. But I tend to think moderately. Personal freedom of LGBT people in society to live and earn a living shouldn't be limited (equal rights in terms of human rights).

But I don't want them to be over privileged or promoted on every corner, like election campaign or propaganda, let alone promoting their sexual deviance to children. Other people who follow the laws, norms, religion and customs that apply in society (public rights) also have the right to protect their children. So, personal freedom (be it freedom of speech or expression) should not be placed above public rights. There are no absolute human rights and freedoms of speech (without limits). The limits are the rights of other people (public rights).

However, human civilization is dynamic following its times. Who knows, one day, LGBT will become the "new normal" in the future of society's life. I guess that day will come if scientists can scientifically prove that LGBT people have genetic disorders from birth. This will give rise to a new scientific argument that being LGBT is not their choice. But, if that day has come, how will religion respond to it?

Triple Filter Test

2024-01-13T20:33:00.000+08:00

In ancient Greece, Socrates was known to have great knowledge and was very honorable. One day, a woman met him and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your best friend?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates answered; "Before you tell me anything, I will give you a simple test called the Triple Filter Test."

The first filter is TRUTHFULNESS:
"Are you sure that what you are going to tell me is true?".
"No, actually, I JUST HEARD ISSUES about it," the woman replied.
"Good," said Socrates. "So you're not sure it's true? Ok, now I'll give you the second filter."

The second filter is GOODNESS:
"Is what you are going to say about my friend something good?"
"No, quite the opposite..." answered the woman.
So, Socrates continues, "you will tell something bad about him, but you are not sure whether it is true. Well, you still have one more chance; there is still one more filter, namely the third filter."

The third filter is USEFULNESS:
"Is what you are going to tell me about my friend useful to me?"
"No, absolutely not," said the woman.

So, Socrates concluded: "If you want to tell me something that is NOT NECESSARILY TRUE, NOT ABOUT GOODNESS, and even USELESS, why should you tell it to me?"

Let's use the "Triple Filter Test" every time you hear something about your best friend or someone else. If that is not about truth, kindness, or positive usefulness, then you don't need to accept it. And if you accidentally or have already heard it, then don't share it with other people, and don't hurt other people's feelings.

Pssst... I read this snippet a long time ago in a WhatsApp group. I don't know who the author of this philosophical conversation is or whether it actually happened to Socrates. I just think it would be a good idea to share it on this blog. Are you also tempted to find out about someone's bad things?

Photo by Michael Burrows from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-person-brewing-aromatic-pour-over-coffee-in-garden-7125644/

Tacit knowledge

2023-11-12T23:33:00.001+08:00

Frankly, this is the most difficult topic for me to write about. This is something abstract, not easy to express or formulate in written or verbal form. But I tried to express it in this post.

When I was in junior high school, I was told that knowledge consisted of two main branches, namely exact and non-exact knowledge, as I mentioned in a previous post. Simply, I refer to it as logical and illogical knowledge, the two inseparable abilities which actually united and embedded within humans as I mentioned in the other previous post. I think those two posts can stimulate our minds on how to understand Tacit knowledge. There are two main realms. The first realm refers to the science of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer programming, etc., which can be coded/formulated, where the result is logically certain. The second realm refers to social sciences, politics, psychology, philosophy, art, etc., which cannot be coded/formulated with a definite formula.

Lately I have heard the term Tacit knowledge. Have you heard it too? Referring to Wikipedia, Tacit knowledge is knowledge that is difficult to express or extract; therefore, it is more difficult to transfer to others by means of writing it down or verbalizing it. Therefore, I think, it is more suitable to be categorized into the realm of non-exact / illogical knowledge. Tacit knowledge (sometimes refers to implicit knowledge) is deeply embedded in a person's intuition, vision, insight, cognitive, experience, ability, expertise, mentality, and wisdom. It's an individual practical to "know-how". It's an individual "know-why" on actions in the decision-making process. I ask you how such knowledge can be formulated and transferred to someone easily and exactly the same as the source person? If I tell someone about the formula for calculating area = length x width, then he can easily (and right away) have exactly the same knowledge as I think. But I have difficulty telling him the theory of how to ride a bicycle easily. He had to try it, experience it, maybe get a minor injury from falling off the bike, try again and try again. If he is successful, that is Tacit knowledge embedded in him, because he knows how to maintain his body balance on the bicycle.

Characteristics of Tacit knowledge.

Abstract. Each person has their own instincts, intuition, vision, experience, mentality and wisdom.
Debatable. Maybe you have your own views if I decide that an interior design is beautiful, because each person has their own perspective on beauty. On the other hand (explicit knowledge), would you argue if I told someone that 1+1=2?
Emotional Quotient (otherwise known as Emotional Intelligent). This is a person's ability to interact with other people to achieve certain goals. He knows how. Each person's results are not necessarily the same.
Unconscious. Tacit knowledge is often already ingrained within individuals. He may not even be aware of it. It's an automatic and intuitive understanding. Who teaches newborn babies to use their intuition to suck milk from their mother's breasts? The baby just uses his intuition to know-how. Another example: there is a child who is naturally able to draw beautiful sketches without a theoretical learning process.
Personal and subjective. Tacit knowledge is unique and can vary between individuals, as it is shaped by their unique experiences, skills, practice, observations and perspectives in a particular domain. Sometimes, Tacit knowledge is authoritative within a person.
Contextual. Applying Tacit knowledge in one field may not apply in another. The success of a CEO in saving an insurance company from bankruptcy may not necessarily be successful in saving a mining company in the same way. A successful method of handling the same cases in western countries may not necessarily be successful if it is used the same method in eastern countries.
Difficult to articulate formally. Because it is often subconscious or embedded within a person. Please ponder the explanation about the bicycle and the baby above. Usually, a successful manager can easily explain his success with normative keywords. For example: learning, diligent, discipline, data collection, team building, struggle, focus, etc. But he would be difficult to answer if asked how to have the right intuition like you in deciding some particular cases. Or how to have a good insight like you? After the CEO explains everything, it's not certain that you will be as successful as him, because there is an X-factor that is subconsciously embedded in him.
Informal. This is often obtained informally, through advice from family, personal experience, social environment, culture, through trial and error, learning from mentors, and day-to-day problem solving.

Another example of Tacit knowledge includes the expertise of a chef to create a perfect dish, unique flavors, without following a formal recipe. For this one, I like it so much. There is an eccentric question to test your understanding. If a playboy transfers his skills in theory to you, would you be able to easily win the hearts of many women like him? For this one, don't do that. And one serious question from the post about PhD: If a scientist is able to make a dent at the boundary of human knowledge, does it has anything to do with the Tacit knowledge embedded in him?

Well, there is a lot that I want to write, but I have difficulty articulating it all in verbal or written form. Maybe you have many questions about this post or have different thoughts.

Waiting In Line.

2023-09-17T21:29:00.002+08:00

What? Talking about waiting in line? Yeah! Why not? Maybe you think this is a useless, trivial topic. But I witnessed several incidents of scrambling over the distribution of free basic food. Either the aid was from the government or from the UN. Even some people died as a result of being trampled under foot. It could be that the distribution method is not done correctly. But I think it's more about people's patience. In many cases, maybe you have heard stories about the method of bribing officers so that their wishes can be processed more quickly without having to queue. I have not found a study/research about which countries are the most disciplined in queuing. But from what I have heard and read so far, it is Japan.

Changing the character of an adult (or an old person) is not easy. It's easier to educate children from birth. I'm talking about this topic not because I'm better than you. I'm just thinking about how to shape the character of our children as the next generation of the nation to be better. One of the simplest things is to teach them to queue because there are many life values to be gained, namely:

It is easier to teach children to count, but it takes a long time to build a patient character in them.
The character of a person determines the success of their life journey later on. By patiently queuing, a child learns not to seize the rights of others in front of them. No company is willing to hire someone who likes to seize other people's rights, even if they are smart. It's about character.
Learning to understand the law of cause and effect. If you come late, you have to accept the consequences of being at the back of the queue or not getting a turn at all. If you want to get a position at the front, then you must come early, at least come on time. Being on time is one of the most valued things in the business world and in dealing with others.
A person who jumps the queue usually gets negative feedback from others or reprimanded by the person in front of him. That's where a child will learn shame if he does disgraceful things. This is one of the best character buildings.
Keep struggling and being patient in the queue without bribing the officer will form a tough and honest character. Isn't it valuable?
While waiting in line, a child will learn to respect time.
Not all children will use complicated math or physics formulas to achieve their dreams of becoming a successful businessman, musician, athlete, artist, etc. Successfully educating children to become useful people and successfully having a happy household with adorable grandchildren does not need a high IQ.
and so on, there are many more. Readers are welcome to add.

I think those values are important assets for them to succeed in life. In my little family, I never insist my children to be a champion in math, physics or biology if it is not their passion. Unless they aspire to be researchers/scientists. A normal IQ (Intelligence Quotient) score is enough for me if that is their maximum limit. But I am more worried if their EQ (Emotional Quotient) score is bad. Please find out for yourself what EQ is by surfing on the internet.

Image source: photo by Cátia Matos from Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-in-line-1604200/
License statement: https://www.pexels.com/license/

Artificial intelligence ChatBot.

2023-08-24T23:28:00.001+08:00

The world is enthusiastic about the so-called ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) developed by an artificial intelligence research laboratory called OpenAI. Google also did not want to be left behind by developing their own version called Google Bard. Both are powered by artificial intelligence technology. There is a lot of news about this technology, which I think, at least for now, is over-reactive. Like the assumption that artificial intelligence technology will exceed human intelligence (its creator), and moreover, replace humans themselves. On the other hand, Elon Musk warned that this technology could cause a "catastrophic outcome" for humanity if not controlled. He even called a temporary halt to its further development. Considering he was one of the main donors to this project, I found it odd. I don't know if this is a marketing trick to blow up investors' interest.

After all, ChatGPT, Google Bard, or artificial intelligence is just a computer program that scavenges data from the ocean of information provided by humans themselves on the internet or interconnected big database centers. Just imagine if a super-intelligent human just saved his work on a piece of paper that was kept under his pillow. Can ChatGPT scavenge his work?

There is an idiom in the world of programming that says: "garbage in, garbage out". That means if the data entered into a program is false, then the result will also be false. Are you sure all the information available on the internet is accurate? I don't think so. There is a lot of false information, even biased. If ChatGPT scavenges this biased data, then I doubt the information provided will be accurate. Therefore, I also doubt if the development of the aircraft design is solely based on the results of artificial intelligence without further inspection by humans. I would have my doubts about the safety of that plane in the sky.

It is wise to treat ChatGPT or artificial intelligence as your assistant. It can help enrich the data or information you are looking for more quickly. It saves you time. But the final consideration remains with you.

However, I salute the achievements in the field of artificial intelligence. In the future, I hope this technology can be developed wisely to advance human civilization. One important thing is how to prevent this technology from being used by lazy students to make papers instantly in order to get good grades at school.

Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Artificial_intelligence_Reasoning,_problem-solving.jpg
Image attribution: Queenfadesa, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

Five Pillars of Strong Country.

2023-08-15T22:11:00.003+08:00

The strong country I mean is a country that is able to protect and prosper its people, and is able to provide assistance and influence to regional countries politically, economically or militarily. Indeed, a country's territory, natural resources, and population also need to be considered. But in this post, I want to highlight the five main pillars for becoming a strong country, namely:

Political maturity and stability.
Legal certainty and supremacy.
Money / economic power.
Mastery of high technology.
Strong and self-sufficient military.

Pillar no. 1: Political Maturity and Stability.

This is the core which will provide the basis for building the next pillars. A country that is busy with political instability, domestic conflicts, riots, rebellions, military coups, will NEVER become a strong country. Their resources, time and minds are drained just because of power struggles. Like walking in place, no steps forward, always starting from zero.
Note: consciously or not, a country must be wary of foreign influences that want to disrupt domestic political stability.

Pillar no. 2: Legal Certainty and Supremacy.

This is a very important pillar after political stability. No investor wants to take the risk to invest in a chaotic country politically and legally. Business risk calculation is one of the guidelines for investors. The jungle law will occur without legal supremacy. The stronger is the winner. People live in uncertainty is a terrible situation.

Pillar no. 3: Money / Economic Power.

Imagine if you don't have money, then there isn't much you can do, right? After political stability and legal certainty is achieved, then it becomes the basis for a country's economic activities to generate income and foreign exchange. Factory activities, trade in goods and services, capital market, tourism, etc., step by step will generate economic power. After you have a lot of money, then you have the potential to develop the next pillar (no. 4 and 5).
Note: perhaps the United States is targeting this pillar through a trade war against China.

Pillar no. 4: Mastery Of High Technology.

There is an idiom that says a country that masters in high science and technology will dominate the world. Please find out who is in control of chip technology, which is the brain for sophisticated high-tech devices, hypersonic weapons, stealth fighters, nuclear weapons, space satellite launches (including spy satellites), satellite constellations that determine coordinates on earth (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou), artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G technology, etc.

It needs a lot of talented and intelligent people to build this pillar. Therefore, a country that owns them, appreciates them, provides proper salary and facilities for them, is a candidate for a strong state. This is a long-term investment whose results are not immediately visible tomorrow, but it is very important. Research in science requires money and time in the long term. However, there are many wrong mindsets that want immediate results without bothering to do research and development. If so, then that country is just a user / follower, not the creators / master of technology.
Note: perhaps that is why the United States is always trying to block China from mastering high-tech chips.

Pillar no. 5: Strong and Self-sufficient Military.

The self-sufficient military in question is having money and technology needed to produce sophisticated military weaponry and equipment without much dependence on other countries. The military strength in question is more related to the quality and quantity of personnel, warships, warplanes, tanks and other military weaponry and equipment. A country can build this pillar if it has enough money (pillar no. 3) and masters in technology (pillar no. 4).

All of that is my viewpoint written in commoner's sentences and straightforward. The most important question from me is what are your next intentions after becoming a strong country? Does it bring peace and prosperity together with countries in the region? Or entering the game of thrones? That's the most important question, considering that the natural human ego is to want to be seen as more than others, and is reluctant to be rivaled.

Photo by Hert Niks: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photo-of-columns-and-pillars-3224232/

Fentanyl Crisis.

2023-07-19T12:05:00.003+08:00

Fentanyl is one of the drugs known to relieve aches and pains, and it can be addictive. At the same dose, fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine. That's why fentanyl is more dangerous than other opioid drugs.

Lately, the American public has been shocked again by the fentanyl crisis. Over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses between August 2021 and August 2022. This fact makes me sad. At first, I thought this was an American domestic problem. Just like how the American government deals with cases of mass shootings due to the possession of firearms. Just like drug addiction cases that occur in any country in the world. Who do you accuse if your child is addicted to drugs while your neighbor's child is fine?

What caught my attention is that this case is turning towards the desire to sanctions and political fervor. This is exacerbated by hyperbolic sentences from the biased media. US Senator Chuck Schumer wants to push for legislation that would sanction China for its alleged role in producing fentanyl. He blamed China for the overdose deaths of tens of thousands of Americans. Why is the focus of accusations only on China when fentanyl smuggling also comes from Mexico, India, or maybe other sources?

Washington accuses China of being the cause of this crisis. Beijing accuses Washington of using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext to impose sanctions on China. Seemingly, the mutual accusations between Washington and Beijing have spilled over into the absurd.

I love her first

2021-07-18T18:36:00.005+08:00

I publish this post as a father of my only daughter. I don't write much here because my writing can be very long. You will be bored to read it. But, the two video clips below are sufficient to represent of what is in my mind. Both video clip below was from the link in my old email archive sent by a friend.

In the video above the father said:
The first one to embrace her was me.
The first one to kiss her was me.
The first one to care for her was me.
Still, I hope you will be the one who accompanies her for life.
But if there ever comes a day when you don't love her anymore...
Please don't tell her. Tell me.
I will take her home.

The song that the father sings is called "I Love Her First" by Heartland.

Look at the two of you dancing that way.
Lost in the moment and each other's face.
So much in love you're alone in this place.
Like there's nobody else in the world.
I was enough for her not long ago.
I was her number one.
She told me so.
And she still means the world to me.
Just so you know.
So be careful when you hold my girl.
Time changes everything.
Life must go on.
And I'm not gonna stand in your way.

But I loved her first and I held her first.
And a place in my heart will always be hers.
From the first breath she breathed.
When she first smiled at me.
I knew the love of a father runs deep.
And I prayed that she'd find you someday.
But it's still hard to give her away.
I loved her first.

How could that beautiful woman with you.
Be the same freckle-faced kid that I knew.
The one that I read all those fairy tales to?.
And tucked into bed all those nights?.
And I knew the first time I saw you with her.
It was only a matter of time.

From the first breath she breathed.
When she first smiled at me.
I knew the love of a father runs deep.
Someday you might know what I'm going through.
When a miracle smiles up at you.
I loved her first.

Yes, I was the first to love her. If you have enough time please read this inner voices.

Racist habits

2021-07-11T18:08:00.004+08:00

I write this post because a reader via the contact form asked my opinion on why racism persists in modern society. Well, I think it's all about labeling, directing opinion and hate. There are five pillars that contribute to these circumstance.

Family. What is talked in a family, including casual chat, indirectly shapes the child's opinion (consciously or not). Early education in family plays the most important role in forming the mindset of our children. I am pessimistic if their parents also racist. So watch your mouth!
Religious leaders. Some religious leaders are fanatical and then simply articulate verses in the holy book literally (verbatim) without understanding the context of the circumstances when the verse was written, or just quoting a snippet by ignoring the context as a whole. So watch your understanding!
Politicians or public figure. One example is the deliberate use of the term "Chinese virus" to provoke discrimination, also for political interests. So watch your mouth!
Mass media. Media companies are aware that sensitive news relating to the privacy of public figures, ethnicity, religion, race, and skin color, potentially will generate money and readers attentions. So watch your pen!
EGO. The nature of human EGO is tends to want to be seen "MORE" than others and reluctant to be rivaled. So watch your EGO!

I purposely only write the points in this post because I'm sure you can understand it from what you have known, read and hear so far. The matters is how you stop it, at least to people around you. Maybe I'm missed something essential, so please ponder and describe it by yourself, or add your thoughts in the comment form. Thanks for reading.

Email subscription changes

2021-05-30T20:55:00.009+08:00

Starting in July 2021, Google has announced to stop the email subscription service powered by Feedburner. As we know that the "Follow by Email" widget on Blogger is powered by Feedburner which is owned by Google. That means any new post published on Blogger platform after June 2021 (including from this blog) will not be sent to the subscriber's email automatically.

For that reason, I moved the email subscription service on this blog to "Follow.it". Please click the Subscribe menu at the top to proceed. After that, an email will be sent to you asking for confirmation (please check your inbox). This is to ensure that you are the owner of the email and not mistype the email address.

The RSS or Atom feed is still working, so you are still can get update via the feed reader you are using. Hopefully Google is still kind enough to keep it up. Here is the default feed address for this blog:
Atom 1.0 = https://love-ely.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
RSS 2.0 = https://love-ely.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

Please let me know in the comments if what I'm doing here doesn't work. Thank you so much to subscribe to this blog.

Human patience threshold

2021-05-23T18:08:00.003+08:00

That is the title that need to be ponder together in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic. Do you like that your personal freedom constantly being restricted in the name of health protocols? Sane people will say diplomatically it's not a matter of liking it or not. It is for your goodness, your family and others. So true. But to be honest in our heart, including me, frankly don't like it. Basically, human are social creatures who want to interact with other people.

We all already know how great the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on human life. The economy slumped, many companies went bankrupt, unemployment increased. Even the Covid-19 vaccine has become the best-selling merchandise that is being fought over by many countries.

There are two things I imagine. The first is the group of those who are still viable financially (hopefully still can). Maximum they will reach the limit of psychological patience which is experiencing tremendous boredom, if not called stress. Perhaps a psychologist is more competent to explain this one because it is not my specialty. Is there a formula that can measure the limit of human patience in facing the time length of health protocol restrictions? It's true that everyone's patience is different, but I'm sure there is a limit except you are an angel.

The second is the group of those who are no longer afford for life necessity financially. It could be because of job loss or slumping business. Well, this second group is the most vulnerable, which I focus on in this post. This can become a time bomb because it's stomach matter. You know that a hungry stomach can have any consequences. What percentage of this second group compared to the first? Indeed, many countries around the world already provide social assistance to this group to prevent unwanted social impacts. The question is: How long the aid will last? Moreover by poor countries. Something that has no time limit will create stress for the aid provider. Indeed, the covid-19 vaccination program has occurred in many countries. But what percentage of population that has been vaccinated in each country. What percentage in poor / developing countries. Herd immunity can only be achieved if most of the population in an area have immunity. Even then must happen at almost the same time. The problem is that there is not yet academic studies that can confirm the effective period of covid-19 vaccine. Six months? One year? Forever? What if the vaccine effectiveness in certain regions (countries) begun to decline, while in other regions (countries) the herd immunity not yet happened. Should continuous lock down happen again in each regions / countries? First lock down, second lock down, and so on. It seems many countries implementing the brake pedal system like in a car. Pressing and releasing brake pedal following the number of Covid-19 cases. Until when it end? I also do not know.

In the end I started to think how long the time limit to reach human's patience threshold in dealing with prolonged restrictions. Meanwhile, stomach affairs cannot be postponed. There are those who are impatient, half patient, perforce to be patient, perforce commit crime. Who among you can be patient indefinitely? Perhaps medical scientist still racing to pursue the human's patience threshold so that the prolong health protocols do not exceed the threshold of patience itself. Hopefully religious leaders actively preach about patience. Please don't consider this post as a threat but a warning because the story will continue with the emergence of new variant of corona virus mutations B117, B1351 and double mutation B1617. Meanwhile you can ponder the Covid-19 teachings. And the most important thing is keep wearing mask, maintain distance, wash your hand often, avoid crowded or closed places, avoid touching your face area, sleep well. Thanks for reading.

Understanding political from human nature

2021-05-12T21:43:00.010+08:00

When Soviet Union was strong, they were labeled with all negative things that is related to socialism (stigmatized). Perhaps because the "eastern" European power were seen as a threat to western domination. No political attack at all on China at that time because China still weak, poor, called as bicycle country, so not considered as a threat.

But when China began to advance rapidly, moreover approaching USA, they began to be perceived as a threat to western domination. The revival of the "eastern" world in Asia which was firstly represented by Japan, then South Korea, was not considered as a threat because both of them willing to follow western styles and patterns. Unlike China who want to stand out with their own distinctive style and patterns. This was considered as a threat to western domination.

The game of thrones. Yes, that is true. History has recorded abundant stories of power struggles that ended in blood. Just look at it. No intense competition between two countries during the period from the fall of Soviet Union until the rise of China. But after the rise of China, we were presented with the news about OBOR (One Belt One Road) initiated by China. Honestly this is China's effort to spread their influence both in the economic and political fields. But it seems USA also doesn't want to be rivaled. If you are googling with the keyword "USA initiative to rival One Belt One Road", then you can read a lot of news about it. Is the aid initiative by the two countries truly sincere? There is no free lunch. I think if every welfare western country tries to compete with China by offering more aid and money for poor countries development, then the world would be more peaceful. But the aid initiative as a competitor to OBOR surely has a spirit of rivalry. Just be honest there is no second free lunch.

The greatest rivalry from United States is waging a trade war against China. What is in their mind? The game of thrones. Why? Reluctant to be rivaled. Who is the winner? None. Who is negatively affected? This world. Who is stupid? Both. Where is The United Nations? I don't know.

The nature of human EGO is tends to want to be seen "MORE" than others and reluctant to be rivaled. That is the root of all the throne games in this world. That is my viewpoint based on philosophical perspective. Just be honest.

Dilemma in vaccination

2021-04-11T02:34:00.019+08:00

COVAX is a WHO program to ensure the availability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide in a fast, fair and equitable manner. As we know, only a few countries are capable of producing the Covid-19 vaccine. This initiative sounds ideal for many poor and developing (and non-producing) countries. Presently Covid-19 vaccine has become something contested by many countries, much more valuable than any drugs. Because it can be used as the "game changer" in economical and political matters. Will the producing countries are willing to provide adequate amounts of vaccine for other countries while their people really need it. Well, how do you think about that? I think, if the herd immunity only occurs in a few countries, then this pandemic will not end, which at the end will worry you constantly in doing business activity with other countries. You can not alone, righ? Please read the news about the worries of rich countries hoarding Covid-19 vaccine and the wealthy countries deals with vaccine manufacturers led to reduction in amount of vaccines allocated to COVAX, and the WHO warns of "catastrophic moral failure". I really hope this program can run smoothly for the sake of humanity.

About dilemma in personal level.
Ohh... this is more complicated. It's a phobia problem. I found this video on YouTube and share it here.

WHY

2021-03-19T02:43:00.020+08:00

I do not know who create this song. I do not understand its lyric. I just know that this song really touched my heart. I listened to it over and over. Eventually I tried to find out the meaning of the first 3 characters of the lyrics, and found its meaning:
为什么 = WHY.

My friend told me that the question was answered in the lyrics:
因为我 = BECAUSE OF ME.

Let me go through this post begging you fellow Christian brother please return to the beginning of Christianity, let's back to the Bible. My religious consciousness told me that Jesus did NOT teach you to create many denominations of Christianity. If Christianity begun from one person, that is Jesus, then why I see many denominations to this day. Let this world only know one Christianity, one faith, one communion, one congregation. I am begging you, please!

Post update 24 March 2021:

The greatness of God (infinite) is beyond human knowledge (finite). Please remember the story about St. Augustine and a child by seaside whose want to pour the entire ocean into a small hole. Doctrinal differences is the result of the finite human knowledge, plus their "EGO" that tends to defend their own truth. Therefore I'm begging you please forgive the human limitation.

A good tree will bear good fruit. Do not cut down a bad tree, but please fertilize the tree to bear good fruit. I am sure God will not see man-made doctrine but will see the fruit that you bear. A true messenger (evangelist / missionary) will makes you get closer to God and makes you a better person in love and affection. End of word, I would like to say that the Great Commandment (supreme Divine doctrine) should be placed above our differences.

I realize that people will be reluctant to comment. Whether they are agree with my call or have another argument in mind. This requires honesty, humility, love, affection and longing for one Christianity. Please ask yourself, your heart. Meanwhile, when Christmas has come, please ponder when you are hear the echo of a bell.

COVID-19 teachings.

2020-04-12T15:36:00.009+08:00

Mother Nature Angry

I made powerful weapon helpless.
I made superpower speechless.
I changed the war to humanity.
I show you wealth and power is useless.

I am Mother Nature already tired.
Let fresh air blow.
Let clear water flow.
Let earth be pure again.

Allow me a short break.
Let humans in a cage for a while.
Air, earth, water, sky, just fine without you.
If I am Mother Nature have recovered, remember !
You are guest here, not my lord.

Don't forget COVID-19 teachings.

Signs of COVID-19

2020-04-12T15:25:00.007+08:00

Humans panic. Handshake, hug, cheek kissing now replaced with shoe or elbow touch. Be suspicious of each other, maintain a distance. Economy collapse. Stock market fall out. Marriage & death ceremony abolished. Mother give birth in trouble. Hospital & medical overwhelmed. Worried, afraid, sad, hit humans. The cause?? Gosh... just a weak micro creature, a virus, which is pressed by finger surely dead but its strength is incredible.

Mecca, Medina, Vatican, Wailing Wall, Buddhist Monastery, Hindu Temple, and almost all worship places around the world was closed for human during this pandemic. Billions of people retreated to their cage. The world feels lonely, silent, empty. Maybe God is angry. As if want to say : "Go away you human, no need to look for me anymore"

Maybe God is getting bored seeing our behavior, which is always wrong and proud of sin. Or nature begin to be reluctant to befriend us. Hopefully in this quarantine period, human can aware and apologize to Him.

Thank you for reading my simple premonition. A simple omen for mankind.

Message during COVID-19 pandemic

2020-04-12T14:41:00.008+08:00

STOP blaming and taunting each other. Any negative response will trigger another negative responses as opposed to you. The virus does not recognize national borders, race, ethnicity, rich / poor. It can appear from anywhere, anytime. History has recorded the bird flu virus, MERS, Ebola, HIV, originating from various parts of the world that we shared. So what are you fuss about?

Both side playing "the blame game". Who care? So what is the REAL game now? Governments that are sensitive and take rapid action to overcome the corona epidemic. Who is succeeded in reducing the spread of the virus and the death rate is the real winner. Who is the golden winner of people's heart? People who come at your side and giving help when you are in a difficult situation, sick helpless, no matter what is his political view, race or ethnic even a stranger. This is the human's basic instinct that will rise up anywhere against all cynical comments on humanitarian assistance.

Words like sanctions, military aid, allies, military pacts, were favorite in colonialism era. Now all of that has become bland in the hearts of people in digital century. Words like : help each other, humanity aid, affection, care, will lasting forever.

The contents of this post are taken from my own comments on Youtube, where many people are cynical toward Chinese humanitarian aid to various countries to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

This post is intended for those of you who continue to play "blame games" and conspiracy theories without proof. Let it be our homework later to prove it. Not now.

Sincerity mathematical formula.

2018-12-24T19:25:00.008+08:00

I classify science into two: exact and non-exact science. I am sure you have known mathematical formulas to calculate area, volume, profit and loss in business, etc. This field is known as exact science which requires logical thinking. Beyond exact science such as philosophy, theology, social, politic, in my opinion there is no exact formula. Am I correct?

Well, what if we make a mathematical formula to calculate the level of sincerity. Can it be? Let's try it. For this one I made the following illustration.

I am aware that the hypothesis above has not yet been scientifically tested, therefore I allow the researchers to test it. For readers of this blog, please understand and prove it yourself from your own viewpoint. Perhaps you are imagining the formula above is a form of bill to calculate the expected result of your good deeds to God. Ohh... that is up to you because I am not forcing you to do that.

Show of force in the game of thrones

2018-10-28T02:32:00.006+08:00

Is the world now heading to a good direction? This is a big question that we need to realize together. I am not an analyst who is an expert in the political, economic or military fields, nor a great speaker. So in this post I only present what I hear from the frenzy and uproar that occurs in our world. Of course from the viewpoint of a layman. If you scrutinize the news then the following is its frenzy :

1) USA vs China trade war.

The United States is one of the countries that once supported the free market, but is now very protective for the main reason because of the trade deficit. Naturally all countries tend to take protective measures if their economic growth is threatened. Usually this is normal for small and developing countries. I'm just shocked this is done by a country that has the number 1 economic power in the world. This is a kind of anxiety that China will compete with the US economy in the future.

The first point demanded by the United States from China is the protection of intellectual property. This is denied by China. But many people seem to label China as a plagiarist country. Is China the only one? I do not think so. It's just that no country is as successful as China in learning from the advancement of other countries. Humans if they want to be success tend to learn from successful people. This is natural, so is China.

The second point demanded by the United States from China is trade reciprocity by pressing China to patch the US trade deficit against China. I think this is contrary to the principle of free market where buyers are free to buy the desired product according to their needs and abilities. If the buyer wants to buy Chinese products then what's wrong? The United States should think about making competitive products so that buyers want to buy it, not by forcing the buyer to buy the product by political forces.

If I think deeper, I feel there is a hidden strategic goal behind the United States trade war attacks against China. Money is a key power. Economic power is the main foundation for building political stability, developing scientific research and military power. All of it need fund, right? It makes you feel confident to expand your influence. That is the foundation for a country if they want to do much, right? By attacking the economic power, then you attack the foundation of a country. On the other hand I feel that China is considering the Art of War by Sun Tzu, because in Chinese philosophy the war strategy is a form of art. I think it's an art to rival the United States and dominate the world.

2) Show of force.

I am pleased to hear that North Korea and South Korea are heading for a better direction, ending a ceasefire with a full peace treaty. But I'm disappointed to hear that to end the Korean War will require a tripartite agreement between North Korea and South Korea and the United States, and it is impossible only between the two Korea. I just don't think why if two people wants to make peace there must be approval from someone else. Doesn't the third person just want to show of force?

I read the news that Russian President Vladimir Putin while spoke in an annual state speech affirmed that Russia had developed a new type of weapon that more superior, such as underwater drone Poseidon, ICBM Sarmat, cruise missiles Burevestnik, hypersonic missile Avangard that cannot be blocked by any missile defense system in the world, and the S-400 air defense system that makes NATO members rowdy. Oh... clearly this is also a show of force that will provoke the opponent's reaction.

On the other hand, I read the news that the United States threatened to impose sanctions on countries that bought Russian military weapons. As we already know that India, China and Turkey has been threatened by sanction by buying Russian S-400. I think this is not fair. This is human rights. It's like forcing to buy "America First".

To the east, China is aggressively claiming ownership on the South China Sea territory. Something that is opposed by many countries. I think this is also a show of force. This provoke the reaction of the United States and Britain to show of force on the South China Sea with the slogan "Freedom of Navigation". I think this slogan is more properly interpreted "I challenge you".

Conclusion.
What does all that mean from the viewpoint of small countries, developing countries, and ordinary people like me? Well, it's like a game of throne. Be aware that winter is coming, as Indonesian President Joko Widodo said at the International Monetary Fund-World Bank annual meeting in Bali.

Love and hate in science

2018-10-14T14:35:00.007+08:00

Have you ever loved or hated someone? One must be very pleasant, and the other must be very unpleasant. You definitely want the unpleasant ones to be thrown away or forgotten. But both still remain in your memory.

Religious teaching or a motivator certainly will give advice to forget all the bad things. Maybe you consider it a normative suggestion. In philosophical viewpoint there are those who says that the difference of love and hate is very thin. Love can be hateful, and vice versa. Buddhist philosophy says that everything in the world is temporary. But I want to try from a scientific viewpoint to explain this philosophical view.

Love and hate have in common, both equally was the unforgettable memories in our brain. But over time, both of them will gradually fade after we become senile, as the brain cells that save the memories of both love and hate will going death one by one. At this stage you already do not have a sense of love and hate anymore, maybe forget the name of your own child. You are slowly return to Alpha from Omega. Of course this is just my personal view that has not been scientifically tested. However that's life! How about you?

Effects of internet technology advancement

2017-08-12T22:41:00.007+08:00

The rapid advancement of information technology has changed many aspects of human life today, the good and bad things. Within this post I limit on two aspects to make this post not too long to read. The aspects that most get my attentions.

1) Pattern of social interaction.

Frankly I miss the era between the 70s - 90s where my childhood and adolescence with my friends and family. I miss the days when I play marbles with my friends, make paper ships together, play kites, and the like which it called traditional games - maybe still be found in the hamlet or traditional villages. I really enjoy when gather together with friends while drinking beer in real world, Cheers! OMG... truly an emotional excitement sensation that I never found or feel it in the virtual world like Facebook, Instagram, and any social media whatsoever.

Now, where smart phones, gadgets and social media has become lifestyles, I'm worried about getting the fact that my daughter likes to interact with her friends through what I call it virtual world friendships, like Facebook, Instagram, and the like. My little boy likes to play online games where sometimes he looks annoyed if lost and happy if win - but I say that he interacted virtually to a dead object called gadget. Psychologically this is not good for the development of emotional intelligence. I'm worried about our children in this era, especially in urban areas, they tend to become less sensitive to the environment and society where they live or tend individualistic. You may read even Bill Gates limits his children to use gadget. I have a joke about gadget that is: nearby ignored, far away so close.

But the advancement of information technology also brings many benefits to human life. Information is easy to get at a glance. We can easily connect with friends and family who live in the other hemisphere. Simply make life more convenient and no doubt technology can do some amazing things.

2) Business world.

Internet technology is able to undermine some business institution but on the other hand also bring out a new kind of business that we did not imagine before. Some of the real examples I've noted is the post office and telegram business now has been shifted by email and text messaging simply send from smart phone. The wired phone now has been shifted by mobile phone even there is a house that does not have a wired phone. We no longer have to bother going to the post office or payphone booth just to send news or messages even photo. Printed newspapers now have to furiously survive against the onslaught of online news even some have turned to online news subscription. Conventional taxi companies now feel anxious with the presence of online applications Uber Taxi and Grap Taxi, where many individuals with their private car can become taxi driver to get money. Conventional retail business that has many physical stores now have to think hard to compete with online stores like Amazon, eBay, Alibaba.

And now we are presented with the new term that is netizen - internet citizen. Are you ready for cultural shock? Welcome the new era.

Mr. Money is not guilty

2017-07-23T17:54:00.014+08:00

This is a special guest post. The grievances and notice from Mr. Money that share it in sorrow to readers. Please read carefully below:

My name is Mr. Money (sometimes called Dough). My face is just plain, and my physical appearance is also weak, but I can overhaul the world order.

I'm able to change the behavior of human nature because humans idolize me. For my sake, many people change their personalities, betray friends, sell their bodies, or even abandon their faith. That's not my command, note that!

I really do not understand the difference between pious and depraved people, but humans using me as a benchmark, determine who is rich or poor, honorable or lowly. Blame it on humans, not me!

I am not a devil, but I wonder why people often do abominations for my sake. So, I ask for justice, who is the real devil?

I'm not the third person who makes them divorce or makes children and parent quarrel. I beg the judge to re-examine this case.

It is very clear that I am not God. You must obey your religion which forbids you to be a slave to money. I'm often curious why many godly people have more respect for me. You must blame the humans who worship me like God. That was your own mistake.

I should be serving human being, but it's just human being who want to be my slave. Just think who's wrong.

I never sacrificed myself for anyone, but many people are willing to die for me. I emphasize that it is not my fault.

I need to remind you that I can only be a tool to pay for your prescription. I can not prolong your life even though you have me abundantly. Note that!

If God calls you back at any time then I cannot accompany you nor redeem your sins. You must face the Creator by yourself and receive His judgment. Don't link your case to me.

Elephants die leaving ivory, tigers die leaving mottle, and humans die leaving a name. That's when people will remember whether you use me for goodness or not.

That's my notice in order to be properly understood. Sorry if it offends you.

Sincerely,
Mr. Money

Related posts about Mr. Money:
1) Money for nothing
2) Chinese proverb about money

Messages from golden wedding anniversary

2017-07-15T17:37:00.008+08:00

The wedding anniversary was historically derived from Roman Empire tradition, where a husband crown his wife with a silver wreath on their twenty-fifth anniversary, and a gold wreath on their fiftieth anniversary. In the present, generally, it is called the silver wedding anniversary for 25th years of marriage and the golden wedding anniversary for 50th years of marriage. Many people dream of their wedding will be lasting, but many of them also fail.

For those of you who dream of it, then there is a philosophical message from a modest golden wedding anniversary, a piece of dialog between MC (Master of Ceremonies) and the bride, as follows:

MC: (jokingly) "What is the most annoying thing from your husband?"
Bride: "As many as the stars in the sky, unable to count them."
MC: (shocked) "Well, but your husband's kindness is also abundant, right?"
Bride: "A little, like the sun in the sky."
MC: (curious) "Then how could you live with him for half a century and still love each other?"
Bride: "Because once the sun rises, all the stars in the sky become invisible."
MC: "Amazing!" (and standing applause from invited guests)"

That's the message. We let you to conclude it.