Ole!

I think that one reason intellectuals are regarded as wishy-washy is because they like to think things through before giving an answer, and when you do that simplicity evaporates.

In order to demonstrate what I am talking about I will hit you with two statements that seem undeniably True, while somewhat contradictory.

The unexamined life is not worth living

Socrates, in Plato, Dialogues, Apology
Greek philosopher in Athens (469 BC - 399 BC)

The unlived life is not worth examining

Sometimes attributed to Tom Morris

It is hard to deny that both statements are True and it takes a moment to bring them together in harmony, for instance...

Periodically examine your life to be sure it is worth living.


Information and debate have been hijacked by the appeal of ignorant action. To act immediately is somehow more respectable than to act wisely. Ignorant action is held in such high regard that president Bush could be reelected on the appeal of his foolish consistency:

Dead or Alive.
Bring 'em on.
Smoke him out.
Mission accomplished.
With us or against us.
War on terror.
Axis of evil.
Evil doers.
Cards on the table.
Turning the corner.
Roadmap to peace.

The fact that all of these rhetorical reductions are linked to failed policies seems insignificant in this era of unenlightenment. Voters prefer to be led by the bull than the matador.