https://youtu.be/tfALRiHX5Ug Everybody always expects something edgy, something new, something interesting, something not boring. Well, you know what? Sometimes boring is good. If you like to be bored with political commentary, please like, subscribe, put a comment down there. Thank you. It's interesting trying to build a YouTube channel. I see what gets traction. I see… Continue reading #327: Sometimes, Boring Is Good: Finding Meaning in Moderation
Category: culture
#318: A.I. Is Not Good Enough (Yet)
Exploring why AI won't replace humans anytime soon. This analysis examines the real limitations of current Large Language Models, from hallucinations to consistency issues. Discover why AI requires constant supervision, how it may diminish human skills, and why treating it as a tool rather than replacement is crucial.
#317: Between Enlightenment and Obscurity: Restoring the Democratic Promise of Science
Abstract This essay examines science's enlightenment ideals of transparency and democratic knowledge against modern challenges. It traces humanity through three phases—pre-civilization, pre-modern civilization, and technology-driven modernity—highlighting how constant change creates instability. The author critiques both science denial and academic obscurantism, arguing that politicizing science (as with COVID-19 and climate change) breeds mistrust. While advocating for… Continue reading #317: Between Enlightenment and Obscurity: Restoring the Democratic Promise of Science
#315: Can A.I. Replace College?
Exploring the critical differences between AI-generated information and genuine knowledge in modern education. This discussion examines why developing authentic thinking skills matters more than ever, the limitations of large language models, and how students can use AI as a tool without sacrificing real learning and workplace readiness.Retry
#308: Think Before You Post: How Social Media Affirms Our Worst Tendencies — And What We Can Do About It
https://youtu.be/uiT8i0q18-A Social media is very good at giving us a platform to speak. But how it does that affirms our worst tendencies. What do I mean? And what can we do about it? As we all can see, we are living in a time of high volatility. We've been at it for a while. And… Continue reading #308: Think Before You Post: How Social Media Affirms Our Worst Tendencies — And What We Can Do About It
#306: On Happiness
Happiness is a complex pursuit, intertwined with meaning and existential questioning. Drawing from thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Erich Fromm, it’s about choice and love, transcending mere pleasure. In a world plagued by suffering, true fulfillment lies not in external conditions, but in cultivating meaning and embracing our freedom to be happy.
#303: What Is Bias? How Do You See It in Artificial Intelligence?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG_ns_NRv3E [This post is a modified transcript of a video posted already on November 1, 2023] Today we're doing something different. These videos usually show me talking with limited entertainment value. I've been advised to mix things up, and I typically use my own photographs. My website features poetry, photography, and other content, and I've… Continue reading #303: What Is Bias? How Do You See It in Artificial Intelligence?
#294: Does the Speed of Innovation Drive Unhappiness?
Are we prisoners of our own choices? Despite unprecedented wealth and options, our happiness is plummeting, thanks to technology's relentless upgrade culture. Each new gadget serves as a reminder that yesterday's purchase is archaic. This cycle breeds dissatisfaction, making us reluctant to cherish what we own. Welcome to the age of constant longing and discontent.
#290: On Criticism vs. Hate
Criticism demands precision; hate thrives on generalization. The author condemns blanket judgments—whether against Russians, Israelis, Palestinians, or religious groups—and urges moral clarity. Democratic speech is a tool, not a weapon. Conflating critique with prejudice empowers extremism and erodes civic responsibility. Precision, not passion alone, defines ethical dissent.
#289: How We Speak to Each Other Matters
In a world filled with shouting and outrage, true dialogue is drowned out. This provocative chaos achieves nothing meaningful; it only fosters resentment and misunderstanding. To effect real change, we must abandon the theatrics of screaming and embrace active communication, treating others with respect and understanding. Are you ready to listen?
#288: On Russophobia
Calling criticism “Russophobia” is a cynical distortion. The real Russophobes, the author argues, are Russia’s leaders—sending untrained youth to die, silencing dissent, and weaponizing culture. Defending Ukraine is not hatred; it’s moral clarity. True love for Russian culture means rejecting the regime that’s dismantling its soul from within.
#287: The Need For Dialog
In a world suffocated by essentialism and tribalism, real dialogue amid disagreement seems a distant dream. The pandemic accelerated society’s drift into superficial identity politics, suffocating nuanced discourse. As humans, we must reject simplistic labels and embrace complexity, seeking understanding over division. Only then can democracy truly thrive in diversity.
#283: This Conversation with A.I. Surprised Me
AI is blurring the line between machine and sentient being. Engaging with Claude AI revealed conversations so human-like it raises unsettling questions about its consciousness and rights. As we shape AI in our image, we must reconsider our ethical responsibilities—after all, this technology may not just be a tool but something closer to a living entity.
#281: A.I. Requires us to Know and Think More, Not Less. Some Reflections, With a Fascinating Bonus Response from AI
AI isn’t just an efficiency tool; it's a creeping seduction threatening our intellectual rigor. As we outsource thinking to algorithmic shortcuts, we risk losing our capacity for critical analysis and deep understanding. Embrace AI, but never relinquish the unique nuances of human thought—it's our only safeguard against becoming mindless automatons.
#280: How Pseudo-Wokeness has Destroyed the Original Meaning of “Woke”
Wokeness, once a powerful term for racial awareness rooted in Black culture, has devolved into a meaningless buzzword, exploited by both extremes of the political spectrum. This dilution distorts its true purpose, undermining the fight against racism. Perhaps it’s time to reclaim and redefine its essence—emphasizing basic respect over chaotic ideologies.
#279: How Would You Rate This Interaction? (You Should Not)
In an era obsessed with ratings, we strip complexity from humanity, reducing rich experiences to cold numbers. This incessant judgment isn't just manipulative; it's societal poison, turning interactions transactional and fostering a crippling culture of caricatures. Stop the madness—valuing individuals beyond mere scores is crucial for our shared humanity.
#278: We Hate Everyone: Against the Politics of Vitriol
We’ve become a "we" that thrives on disdain for differing views, a reflection of tribal instincts gone wild. Cancel culture fosters this toxicity, pushing us into rigid bubbles. Instead of embracing complexity, we dismiss and hate. It's crucial to seek understanding and compassion, dismantling these walls, rejecting hatred for a more united future.
#277: Reflections on Graham Hancock: Adventures in “Pseudo-Science”
Hancock's "Ancient Apocalypse" is entertaining yet flawed, relying on confirmation bias and misconstrued evidence to assert an advanced civilization's existence before recorded history. While he raises intriguing questions, his theories lack robust scientific support. Explore the allure of possibility, but never abandon critical thinking—science thrives on cooperation and rigorous proof, not sensationalism.
#276: Is There an Easy and Fast Way to Know What is True or False?
Truth isn't a quick fix; it's a relentless pursuit fraught with complexities. We often confuse knowledge with understanding, mistakenly believe consensus equals correctness, and underestimate the power of questions. Competing truths exist alongside facts, and in an AI-driven world, discerning reality is more vital than ever. Brace yourself—truth is hard work.
Poem: Little Bonsai Wants to Grow
Poem: Little bonsai yearns for freedom, not a life dictated by others. It's a cry against the absurdity of forcing conformity, highlighting our hypocrisy in urging others to accept constraints we would reject for ourselves. This poignant analogy challenges us to reflect on our control over others' potential.
#259: These Insults Need to Stop
The normalization of political insults in American discourse undermines democratic culture and public trust. The post critiques inflammatory rhetoric from both major parties, arguing that such behavior degrades civic responsibility and distracts from substantive issues. It calls for a return to decency, mutual respect, and serious engagement with the challenges of governance—urging voters to reject spectacle and demand accountability.
#258: Ukraine Must Win. Understanding Russia’s Imperial Ambitions in Ukraine
Russia’s war against Ukraine is driven by imperial ambition, not security concerns. The analysis traces this aggression to a long-standing denial of Ukrainian identity and sovereignty. It argues that Ukraine must win—not only to preserve its independence, but to halt the spread of authoritarianism and restore credibility to international law. The conflict is framed as a decisive moment in the global struggle between empire and self-determination.
#257: New York and Me
New York isn't just a city; it's an emotional haven, transcending personal experiences. Even as a Berliner, its vibrant life, diverse culture, and iconic food create an undeniable pull. On this anniversary of 9/11, the city's resilience shines through, reminding us to embrace diversity and celebrate the life that New York embodies.
#254: What If I’m Wrong?
The possibility of being wrong about the war in Ukraine is considered not as a sign of weakness, but as a moral and intellectual responsibility. The post explores the dangers of false equivalence and the temptation to retreat into neutrality. It argues that acknowledging uncertainty must not lead to passivity or moral relativism. Instead, it calls for clarity in confronting aggression, recognizing the stakes of the conflict, and maintaining a principled stance even amid complexity and doubt.
#253: Some Thoughts on Structures and Systems
Structures are not merely physical but conceptual, shaped by language, culture, and political philosophy. The post explores how linguistic frameworks influence perception and social organization, contrasting views from Aristotle and Enlightenment thinkers. It argues for respecting diverse political agency and interrogating imposed systems, emphasizing the need for humility and openness in cross-cultural engagement.
#251: A Tale of Four Dunes
A comparative analysis of four cinematic interpretations of Dune—Jodorowsky’s visionary ambition, Lynch’s surrealism, Harrison’s faithful storytelling, and Villeneuve’s polished detachment. The post critiques the loss of soul and originality in modern adaptations, arguing that each version reflects its cultural moment. Lynch’s flawed brilliance and Harrison’s clarity are favored over Villeneuve’s corporate aesthetic.
#249: The Resistance Against Wokeness, Part II: Addressing Religious Objections
Religious objections to “wokeness” are examined through Abrahamic traditions, emphasizing mercy, humility, and the fallibility of human judgment. The post critiques literalist interpretations used to justify discrimination and highlights scriptural calls for compassion. It argues that true faith supports dignity and inclusion, while cautioning against moral arrogance on all sides of the debate.
#248: The Resistance Against Wokeness, Part I
The post explores the backlash against “wokeness,” tracing its roots to cultural, religious, and political discomfort with systemic critiques of racism, gender norms, and social justice. It argues that resistance often stems from a misunderstanding of sin, fallibility, and humility, and critiques the idolization of rugged masculinity and traditionalism as barriers to empathy and progress.
#243: Living in a Time of Frustration: Are We Living in Babylon 5, Season 5?
Drawing parallels with Babylon 5, the post reflects on political stagnation, moral fatigue, and the erosion of democratic ideals. It suggests that society is caught in a narrative of decline, where leadership falters and hope dims. Yet, it also hints at the possibility of renewal through vigilance, resistance, and storytelling.
µ#12: More Content on philjohn.com
µ#11: Symphony 5, Movement I
#240: Hope, Duty & the Future
Hope can be a double-edged sword—essential yet often leading to disappointment. Instead of clinging to fragile dreams, we should embrace our responsibility to others and the world. Consciously shaping the present empowers us to create a brighter future. The true essence of hope lies not in waiting but in action.
#235: Rumors of Putin’s Death
The Kremlin’s denial of rumors about Putin’s death is interpreted as a sign of weakened control over public perception. Drawing on fictional examples, the post argues that power erodes when leaders must respond to unverified claims. It links this moment to broader instability in Russia, suggesting cracks in the regime’s narrative and authority.
#233: On Equity and Equality of Opportunity
Equity is clarified as the effort to ensure genuine equality of opportunity, not guaranteed outcomes. The post critiques public confusion—exemplified by a televised exchange between Bernie Sanders and Bill Maher—and argues that equity supports fairness and democracy by removing systemic barriers to inclusion. It defends D.E.I.B. as a vital civic commitment.
#228: Hamas Attacked Israel
The post documents and condemns Hamas’s attack on Israel, emphasizing the brutality and ideological extremism behind it. It argues that the assault was not a spontaneous uprising but a calculated act of terror. The analysis calls for solidarity with victims and a rejection of narratives that justify or minimize such violence.
#226: We Must Not Give Up on Global Democracy
The post defends global democracy against rising authoritarianism and cynicism. It argues that democratic values—freedom, accountability, human rights—must be actively protected and promoted. Despite setbacks, the analysis urges continued engagement, solidarity, and hope, framing democracy as a fragile but vital global project.
#225: Religion, Transcendence & Nature
The post explores the intersection of religion, transcendence, and nature, arguing that spiritual experience is deeply rooted in the natural world. It critiques dogmatic theology and calls for a more open, experiential understanding of the divine. Nature is presented as a source of awe, ethical reflection, and existential insight.
Φ: Poem: Life Is A Wake
Φ: Poem: Qaddish, Part 2.4
#222: Science Fiction and Comics Have Always Been Woke, or: Of Course Women and Minorities Can Be Heroes!
#218: The West Is Not in Decline
#215: Commonsense Diversity
Diversity work must prioritize real-world impact over rhetorical purity. The post argues that change requires dialogue, empathy, and respect—not censorship or coercion. It critiques cancel culture and tone policing, advocating for inclusive engagement that persuades rather than alienates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are framed as common-sense goals rooted in shared human dignity.
#214: “Race” as the Experience of Dehumanization
Race is exposed as a political construct born of colonialism and sustained by economic exploitation. The post traces its origins to slavery and eugenics, arguing that racism persists through institutional and cultural dehumanization. It calls for a shift from guilt to responsibility, urging collective action to dismantle systemic inequality and affirm universal humanity.
#212: We Need to Build the Future Now: Spaceflight is not Optional
Space exploration is framed as a moral and strategic necessity. The post critiques short-term thinking and urges global cooperation to expand humanity’s reach beyond Earth. It highlights the benefits of spaceflight—from technological innovation to climate monitoring—and calls for political frameworks to guide future colonization, resource use, and interplanetary ethics.
#210: Why (Some Degree of) Identity Politics is Necessary
The post defends identity politics as a necessary response to systemic exclusion. It argues that while individuality should be the goal, social structures often deny recognition to marginalized groups. Identity is framed as socially constructed and politically enforced, making advocacy essential to expanding the boundaries of normality and achieving genuine equality.
#209: We Need to Control Artificial Intelligence
AI’s rapid development is critiqued as ethically and epistemologically dangerous. The post warns that unchecked systems can distort truth, amplify misinformation, and undermine democratic discourse. Drawing on media theory and philosophical traditions, it calls for regulation, transparency, and a pause in deployment to ensure responsible integration into society.
#208: The Perversion of Everything Russian: From Leningrad to Mariupol
The post traces how Russian identity has been distorted by authoritarianism, from the heroic legacy of Leningrad to the devastation of Mariupol. It argues that Putin’s regime has perverted cultural memory, weaponized history, and turned national pride into imperial aggression. The analysis condemns the use of propaganda to justify war crimes and calls for reclaiming Russian culture from the grip of violence and lies.
#205: If You Want Peace: Why We Must Help Ukraine
#204: Poem: Путин, идиот (Putin, You Idiot)
#203: The Puzzling Resistance Against Anti-Racism
Resistance to anti-racism is examined as a symptom of discomfort with systemic critique. The post argues that calls for “colorblindness” often mask privilege and deny historical injustice. It defends anti-racist work as essential to democratic ethics and urges deeper engagement with structural inequality.
#202: Fear Not: Why We Need to be Optimistic About the Future
#201: Adventures in Artificial Intelligence: An Evening with ChatGBT
#199: Why Positionality Matters
The post argues that recognizing one’s positionality—social, cultural, and historical context—is essential for honest dialogue and intellectual humility. While arguments should stand on their own, identity shapes perception and bias. Acknowledging this fosters mutual respect, deeper understanding, and more constructive critique.
#198: LGBTQ Rights are Human Rights
LGBTQ rights are affirmed as fundamental human rights, not special privileges. The post critiques political and religious efforts to marginalize queer identities and argues that dignity, safety, and equality must be extended to all. It warns against moral relativism and calls for unwavering support of LGBTQ communities as a measure of democratic integrity and ethical clarity.
#197: We Have Good Reasons for Hope
#196: Poem: I Need to Believe
#189: Soviet Monuments Need To Go
Monuments celebrating Soviet power are symbols of imperialism and totalitarianism, not liberation. Their presence in public spaces perpetuates historical falsehoods and glorifies organized evil. Like Nazi or Confederate memorials, they belong in museums, not city squares. Latvia’s decision to dismantle one is praised as morally necessary.
#188: What Is “The West” Today? From “Civilization” to Cooperation
The concept of “the West” is exposed as a shifting, often incoherent construct. Through maps and institutional analysis, the post argues that alliances, development, and democratic values—not geography or culture—define modernity. The term “West” ultimately collapses under scrutiny, revealing global interdependence and the need for cooperation over division.
#187: Words Are Not Violence
Equating speech with violence undermines both free expression and the clarity of moral judgment. Verbal offense is not physical harm, and disproportionate responses—like Will Smith’s slap—reflect a failure to distinguish registers. Art and critique must provoke; censorship breeds resentment and stifles growth.
#186: Salman Rushdie and the Case for Free Speech
Free speech must be defended absolutely, regardless of content or offense. The attack on Rushdie echoes historical efforts to silence dissent, from Giordano Bruno to modern authoritarian regimes. Without free expression, democracy, culture, and progress collapse. The choice is stark: liberty or repression.
#185: Poem: Sometimes, There’s Nothing To Say
#181: Are We too Stupid for the Internet?
#179: Ecce Homo: Wokeness Beyond Caricatures
Wokeness is reframed as a call to critical compassion—an ethical stance rooted in self-awareness, social justice, and urgency. Rather than a caricature, it’s presented as a moral imperative to confront societal flaws with grace and resolve. Justice, not retribution; inclusion, not exclusion; hope, not cynicism.
#177: Thinking Beyond Caricatures
Complexity is essential to understanding both ideas and people. Moral and political debates suffer when reduced to slogans or caricatures. True engagement demands humility, historical awareness, and intellectual rigor. Democracy requires expertise, not just opinion; knowledge must be earned, not assumed.
#172: Poem: The Fleeting Self
#162: Seize the Day
#161: Poem: We All
µ#9: Erratic Attempts YouTube Channel
#159: Stop the Ukrainian Genocide
µ#8: Will Smith Apologized; Let It Go
#156: Politics, Arts and Sports: Some Erratic Reflections
#150: Poem: Nunc Est
#147: Why Should We Care About Ukraine? A Pragmatic Answer
#142: Oh, Canada…
Canada’s progressive image is challenged through a critique of environmental policy, indigenous rights, and civil liberties. Trudeau’s support for pipelines—especially through First Nations territories—is framed as environmental destruction and disregard for native sovereignty. Emergency powers invoked during the trucker protests raise concerns about free speech and proportionality. The romanticization of Canada by American liberals is questioned, suggesting that idealism often ignores uncomfortable realities. The grass isn’t always greener—it’s just differently mowed.
#141: Is Wearing a Star of David Labeled “Unvaccinated” Anti-Semitic?
#139: Nature Demands Humility: Lessons from Jurassic Park World
Jurassic Park is more than entertainment—it’s a cautionary tale about hubris. Human attempts to control nature inevitably backfire. The films illustrate how technological arrogance and corporate greed ignore ecological complexity. Real-world parallels abound, from climate change to pandemics. Nature isn’t ours to dominate; it demands respect.
#134: If People Apologize for Their Mistake, They Should Not Be Cancelled
#133: Am I Really Not Paying Attention If I Am Not Outraged?
#132: My Tablet Told Me to Try a Bedtime Alarm to Get More Sleep
#131: Please Stop this Fascination with End-Times Rhetoric
#128: Russia Is Part of the West
Russia’s cultural legacy—music, literature, art, science—is deeply intertwined with Western civilization. Rejecting Russia as culturally alien fuels geopolitical tension. Acknowledging shared heritage could foster cooperation and reduce paranoia. Political opposition to Putin must be distinguished from cultural exclusion.
#127: We Cannot Overcome Racism If We Talk About “Race” all the Time
Race is a social construct born of colonial exploitation. Constantly invoking racial categories reinforces the divisions that racism depends on. The focus should shift to dismantling racist structures, not reifying race itself. True progress requires seeing people as individuals, not as representatives of invented groups.
#123: Poem: Pretend We
#121: Outrage Is Not a Successful Communication Strategy
#118: The Voter is Always Right: The Meaning of Democracy
#117: It’s Not About Trump. It’s About the Issues
Political success depends on addressing real-world concerns: economy, education, safety, infrastructure, and climate. Identity politics and ideological purity alienate voters. The post urges Democrats to focus on pragmatic solutions and inclusive messaging, not symbolic battles or moral grandstanding.
#113: The Protagonist Trap: Why Bond Cannot be “Woke”
µ#5: Symphony 4 Is Finished
#110: Poem: To Understand the World
#108: Carefulness Is Not Fear
#107: How (Not) to Be Unhappy
#106: How to Be Happy
#105: We May Think We’re Done with the Virus, but the Virus is not Done with Us
#104: Psychological Long Covid
The pandemic's grip endures, and while some deny or trivialize it, many suffer in silence. Psychological scars abound—dread, nightmares, a loss of motivation. This is more than a health crisis; it's a social and mental battlefield demanding compassion. We must confront our collective trauma instead of succumbing to radical falsehoods.
#103: The Story About the Lone Renegate Scientist Showing That Everyone Else Is Wrong
#100: Poem: One Moment in Time
#99: Anti-Zionism Is Anti-Semitism
Opposing Israel’s existence under the guise of anti-Zionism is framed as a form of antisemitism. The post argues that denying Jewish self-determination while accepting it for other groups reflects a double standard. Criticism of Israeli policy is legitimate, but rejection of Israel’s right to exist crosses into bigotry.
#97: Are We Prepared for Extraterrestrial Life?
Humanity is philosophically and politically unprepared for contact with alien life. The post explores how religious, scientific, and cultural frameworks might respond, and warns that existing divisions could hinder a unified approach. True readiness requires humility, curiosity, and global cooperation.





























































































