Reality is Volition

"People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world

is also a confession of character."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Old Books

Alice in Wonderland

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Robert Pirsig published Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance in 1974. Pirsig writes from the perspective of a motorcyclist and a “retired” academic. So, this is not a book for young people because its narratives (or philosophical discussions) are about growing up, life decisions, and learning to find your place. It’s about accepting reality — In Pirsig’s case, the reality of Pirsig and his 10 year old son riding a motorcycle from the middle of the US to California.

The plot of the book combines three threads: A road trip with a son who was traumatized by his father’s insanity (it’s not until well into the book that Pirsig clearly says that another character — Phaedrus, who went crazy in his quest to understand quality — was his earlier self); a zen guide to taking one’s time to understand the ebb and flow of a motorcycle as machine; and a philosophical quest to understand why he went crazy. Along the way, we get some fascinating insights on obtaining quality from our lives.

Pirsig’s manuscript was rejected by numerous publishers before one editor agreed to work with him — not just to consider the manuscript, but also to develop the book (it took 6 years). Well-written and intensely interesting, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is capable of changing a reader’s life. If he pays attention.

5 star recommendation for one the best books of the 1970s. Never fear, you don't have to be a mechanic to understand and enjoy the book. In fact, it's probably better if you're not.

Coffee Sky

No Country Intro

You Want It Darker

The name Heneni (הנני) is a Hebrew name of profound biblical significance, derived from the Hebrew phrase meaning "Here I am" or "Behold, I am here". It appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible as a response of readiness and devotion to divine calling, notably when Abraham responds to God's call before the binding of Isaac, when Moses encounters the burning bush, and when the prophet Isaiah volunteers for God's mission. The name embodies themes of spiritual availability, obedience, and willingness to serve, making it particularly meaningful in Jewish naming traditions. In Modern Hebrew pronunciation, it is typically rendered as "Hineni," while in Sephardic traditions it may appear as "Heneni" or "Hineyni".

The concept of Heneni extends beyond a simple declaration of physical presence; it is seen as an existential expression of being fully present and spiritually committed. This idea is central to leadership and personal development, where "Heneni" signifies answering the call, being present in the moment, and going above and beyond in one's responsibilities. It is also used in Jewish liturgical contexts, such as the title of a High Holiday prayer and modern Jewish organizations, reinforcing its significance.

The name has inspired various cultural works. For instance, it is the title of a song by Oby One, released in 2021, which explores themes of struggle, identity, and resilience. Another artist, Manny Skrt, released a single titled "Heneni" in 2024. Additionally, the name is associated with a contemporary artist, Heneni, whose work reflects on presence, emotion, and the creative process. The name also appears in historical contexts, such as an ancient Egyptian official named Heneni, who served as a judicial overseer of scribes and lector-priest during the Old Kingdom period.

In contemporary usage, the name Heneni is sometimes used to encourage communal action and responsiveness, as seen in calls from Jewish organizations like the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to say "Heneni! Here I am!" in times of need. The name's meaning continues to resonate across religious, artistic, and personal domains, symbolizing readiness, presence, and commitment.