Jed's Interests: Politics & Philosophies of Life
(Last change (minor): 26 August 2012.)
I'm opinionated as all get-out, but I'm opposed to dogmatism. My basic
philosophy-of-life can be summed up by saying that most of the world's
problems stem from a lack of empathy; almost all else follows from that.
Here are some areas that I have particularly strong or unusual opinions
in:
- computers (make interfaces usable! teach computer literacy, without
scorn! empower users—avoid letting a techno-priesthood acquire all the
power!)
- pacifism, of the secular extremist variety (teach nonviolence!)
- education (down with grades! down with hyper-specialization! teach
people how to learn and how to enjoy learning!)
- environmentalism (ride a bicycle to work! Use public transportation! If you must drive, avoid cold starts! Vote Green! Emphasize sustainability! Sneer at greenwashing!)
- anarchism, of the idealist/pacifist variety ("Anarchy: it's not the
law, it's just a good idea.")
- bisexual/gay/lesbian/transgender issues (be inclusive, not exclusive!)
- polyamory and
related issues ("Monogamy leaves a lot to be desired.")
- non-gender-specific language (such as "ta" for an epicene pronoun, and the gender-neutral "they"; if it was good enough for Jane Austen, it's good enough for me)
- multiculturalism, of the diversity-without-separatism flavor
- privacy (promote strong encryption!)
Jed Hartman <logos@kith.org>