In the first six months in the womb, all Humans were programmed to be a female. The formation of the genitals have not started, and the genes in our body confirmed us to be a female. Our bodies grew according to the command of those genes, and the hormones start overflowing in our bodies.
It's actually simply easy to see how males were once grown the same as females. There's one female feature that has developed in the fetus period and can be found on males. Nipples.
After six months long, one single gene in our body, code named Gene X (I forgot the scientific name) chose one of the two options: to be or not to be activated. This single gene is the cause of the rise of the male Humans. When it is activated, it will trigger the decrease in estrogen production and increase in testosterone. If it is inactive, the production of estrogen will be kept at higher level than that of testosterone.
If you want to see it easier, think of the walking distance from London to Moscow. That is the length of the gene that controls hormone producing if it's stretched. Gene X is the first twenty miles of the journey, where the road forked. It tells us which route we should take, male or female.
This single, important gene is actually very small. When you compare it to other genes, this one is so small and insignificant in size. For me, it is scary to understand that without a single, micro-sized gene there would never be a male Human being. In the same time I find it amazing and intriguing to know the secrets our body hold. It is amazing how something so small can make a difference so big.
What do you think?
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est The Mind. Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est The Mind. Afficher tous les articles
mardi, février 17, 2009
mercredi, février 11, 2009
What a Wonderful World
Studying has made me learn much. Most of it about the greatness and awesomeness of the world. Science has yet failed to amaze me. Knowing much makes me think and ask for more answers of the world.
The vast, amazing world makes me wonder, how many billions of questions lie ahead of me? Can the world never be understood fully? Is there really a Theory of Everything?
The world is just awesome. Discovery channel, I agree with you.
The vast, amazing world makes me wonder, how many billions of questions lie ahead of me? Can the world never be understood fully? Is there really a Theory of Everything?
The world is just awesome. Discovery channel, I agree with you.
mardi, novembre 18, 2008
Pretender
I've just realized this when I was writing, but being a pretender is actually an interesting way of living. The definition of a pretender is someone who hides his or her own emotions, and showing another one instead to cope with the current situation around him or her.
While some people think that showing the true self is important, and there are few who are able to do so, being a pretender is actually interesting because there are so many who do so.
Being a pretender means you hide your true self, and the fake one shows up. When you pretend too much, like me, this other person consumes your true self, and the next thing you know, you've lost yourself, and you became this someone else. Others might not be able to perceive though, it's this person they usually see anyway.
It might just be an evolution of the self, but me personally, I start to think the old me was gone. That jealous, zealous, oh-the-entire-world-is-a-trash-can boy. I start to keep all those madness, those words wanting so bad to be shouted out. I know they wouldn't be heard, or they would just be understood, or they'd make me look like a bad guy, so I start keeping them inside.
Oh well, it's not like my emotions really mattered, right? As long as I can make myself look better with this outstretched patience, I'd still be able to take pride in myself.
Isn't that the only thing important?
While some people think that showing the true self is important, and there are few who are able to do so, being a pretender is actually interesting because there are so many who do so.
Being a pretender means you hide your true self, and the fake one shows up. When you pretend too much, like me, this other person consumes your true self, and the next thing you know, you've lost yourself, and you became this someone else. Others might not be able to perceive though, it's this person they usually see anyway.
It might just be an evolution of the self, but me personally, I start to think the old me was gone. That jealous, zealous, oh-the-entire-world-is-a-trash-can boy. I start to keep all those madness, those words wanting so bad to be shouted out. I know they wouldn't be heard, or they would just be understood, or they'd make me look like a bad guy, so I start keeping them inside.
Oh well, it's not like my emotions really mattered, right? As long as I can make myself look better with this outstretched patience, I'd still be able to take pride in myself.
Isn't that the only thing important?
mercredi, octobre 22, 2008
Blindless Obsession
Some people say, love has made me blind. They say, my obsession about my dearest love is absurd, and my feelings to her is over-extended. They might be right, I don't care. But for this moment, I want to say different things than love to my dearest here.
Why here? Why not in private?
Because I know this way she'll work better.
... but maybe staying silent is better. After all, why ruin the sweet emotions with realistic matters?
Why here? Why not in private?
Because I know this way she'll work better.
... but maybe staying silent is better. After all, why ruin the sweet emotions with realistic matters?
vendredi, octobre 10, 2008
Tagged (Again)
Lagi-lagi kena tag sama neng Ipeh.. Oh well, here goes..
50 Random Truths
Moonblade...
1. is 18, but few believes that.
2. actually likes being called an adult.
3. loves himself more than most things in this world.
4. has very dull senses.
5. knows well how to make himself look smart.
6. is obsessed about his dearest love.
7. is hopeless without her.
8. sometimes wonder what will happen if he lays down and die.
9. wants to change the world.
10. aims to be a scientist.
11. hopes that one day he'd be able to get himself twin children.
12. is a QUEEN fan.
13. is recently contaminated by Aerosmith.
14. is addicted to Dungeons & Dragons Role Playing Game.
15. likes most animals.
16. dislikes most insects.
17. wants an Alligator Snapping Turtle as a pet.
18. loves white, red, and gold.
19. dreams to be a knight someday.
20. dreams to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
21. likes English culture.
22. loves to eat anything edible.
23. is a board-gamer.
24. likes to play tabletop games.
25. does not have any talent for painting models, but likes doing it anyway.
26. is an extremely bad singer.
27. wonders, has he mentioned that he loves his girlfriend?
28. weighs around 85 kilograms.
29. has an Oedipus Complex.
30. feels like crap when he's unneeded.
31. always wants to be the center of attention.
32. is born on August 22nd, 1990, and is a Leo.
33. is a student at Institut Teknologi Bandung, School of Life Sciences and Technology.
34. only has three persons he consider best friends.
35. has a Dutch heritage, but people seem to see him as a Chinese.
36. does not smoke, hates to inhale smoke, and kills anyone who smokes in his bedroom.
37. prefers Classic Rock, New Age Music, and Modern Classic.
38. is a curious cat.
39. surrenders to nothing.
40. is an able-bodied fighter.
41. is learning archery.
42. has learned the basics of Judo and Merpati Putih.
43. can crack stone half in one hit.
44. carries a Swiss Army Knife around.
45. is allergic to metal touching.
46. hates Frestea for making him sick a week long.
47. has many dirty little secrets.
48. is sometimes an impulsive person, a risky man, a daredevil, when it comes to making his lover smile.
49. is a data bank for Celestine Empire.
50. wants to say more than these 49.
50 Random Truths
Moonblade...
1. is 18, but few believes that.
2. actually likes being called an adult.
3. loves himself more than most things in this world.
4. has very dull senses.
5. knows well how to make himself look smart.
6. is obsessed about his dearest love.
7. is hopeless without her.
8. sometimes wonder what will happen if he lays down and die.
9. wants to change the world.
10. aims to be a scientist.
11. hopes that one day he'd be able to get himself twin children.
12. is a QUEEN fan.
13. is recently contaminated by Aerosmith.
14. is addicted to Dungeons & Dragons Role Playing Game.
15. likes most animals.
16. dislikes most insects.
17. wants an Alligator Snapping Turtle as a pet.
18. loves white, red, and gold.
19. dreams to be a knight someday.
20. dreams to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
21. likes English culture.
22. loves to eat anything edible.
23. is a board-gamer.
24. likes to play tabletop games.
25. does not have any talent for painting models, but likes doing it anyway.
26. is an extremely bad singer.
27. wonders, has he mentioned that he loves his girlfriend?
28. weighs around 85 kilograms.
29. has an Oedipus Complex.
30. feels like crap when he's unneeded.
31. always wants to be the center of attention.
32. is born on August 22nd, 1990, and is a Leo.
33. is a student at Institut Teknologi Bandung, School of Life Sciences and Technology.
34. only has three persons he consider best friends.
35. has a Dutch heritage, but people seem to see him as a Chinese.
36. does not smoke, hates to inhale smoke, and kills anyone who smokes in his bedroom.
37. prefers Classic Rock, New Age Music, and Modern Classic.
38. is a curious cat.
39. surrenders to nothing.
40. is an able-bodied fighter.
41. is learning archery.
42. has learned the basics of Judo and Merpati Putih.
43. can crack stone half in one hit.
44. carries a Swiss Army Knife around.
45. is allergic to metal touching.
46. hates Frestea for making him sick a week long.
47. has many dirty little secrets.
48. is sometimes an impulsive person, a risky man, a daredevil, when it comes to making his lover smile.
49. is a data bank for Celestine Empire.
50. wants to say more than these 49.
mardi, août 26, 2008
In Harmonia Progressio
Yeah, the second post without an English title. Cool, huh?
I found the phrase on my friend's pin that he put on his bag. At first I thought it was a religious one, but just today when I put the words on Google I understood that it was one motto from my campus.
Literally it means "Progress with Harmony". Simplistic but catchy, in my opinion.
It was found through research that most graduates from ITB understand thoroughly what field of science they were taught at. Though so, many of them could not implement the intelligence in the real world. This was caused by the understatement of other fields of science. Without harmony with the other fields of science, one field cannot excel. As the world is one, and nature was born by one God, thus science should be one.
Does this theory work in social life?
I found the phrase on my friend's pin that he put on his bag. At first I thought it was a religious one, but just today when I put the words on Google I understood that it was one motto from my campus.
Literally it means "Progress with Harmony". Simplistic but catchy, in my opinion.
It was found through research that most graduates from ITB understand thoroughly what field of science they were taught at. Though so, many of them could not implement the intelligence in the real world. This was caused by the understatement of other fields of science. Without harmony with the other fields of science, one field cannot excel. As the world is one, and nature was born by one God, thus science should be one.
Does this theory work in social life?
mercredi, août 20, 2008
A Dream
I had a dream.
I had a dream when I was a little boy, that someday later I can have twins as my children. One will be a boy, and the other a girl.
I had a dream.
I had a dream when I was a teenager, that I can create a way to make my other dream come true. That is, by modifying biological substances, so my children will surely be twins.
I have a dream.
I have a dream about the world. A single world, unbound by countries or languages, a single pangaea. A prosperous world, where no one would have to be a beggar just to get a scoop of rice. A just world, where no one would have reasons to defy the law. A clean world, where pollution is something that nature can digest again.
But a dream will always be a dream, when the dreamer stays asleep, floating in the everlasting streams of dreams. And the reason why people say, "Your dream is too big" is because they don't have enough courage to dream big. They were afraid to step out of the tiny box of their minds.
Go out there. Explore the world.
There, you will see what God really is.
I had a dream when I was a little boy, that someday later I can have twins as my children. One will be a boy, and the other a girl.
I had a dream.
I had a dream when I was a teenager, that I can create a way to make my other dream come true. That is, by modifying biological substances, so my children will surely be twins.
I have a dream.
I have a dream about the world. A single world, unbound by countries or languages, a single pangaea. A prosperous world, where no one would have to be a beggar just to get a scoop of rice. A just world, where no one would have reasons to defy the law. A clean world, where pollution is something that nature can digest again.
But a dream will always be a dream, when the dreamer stays asleep, floating in the everlasting streams of dreams. And the reason why people say, "Your dream is too big" is because they don't have enough courage to dream big. They were afraid to step out of the tiny box of their minds.
Go out there. Explore the world.
There, you will see what God really is.
mardi, août 19, 2008
Relativity of Time
Einstein bilang, waktu itu relatif.
Padahal, waktu ya tetap. Berjalan terus, tanpa pernah berhenti. Terus, tanpa pernah ada perbedaan dalam setiap detiknya, setiap menitnya, ataupun setiap jamnya. Waktu adalah mungkin adalah hal yang paling konstan di dunia ini.
Tapi kenapa minggu lalu baru bertemu dengan kekasihku, rasanya sudah seperti berbulan-bulan? Kenapa rindu ini bukan berkurang, malah bertambah?
Science doesn't make sense.
Padahal, waktu ya tetap. Berjalan terus, tanpa pernah berhenti. Terus, tanpa pernah ada perbedaan dalam setiap detiknya, setiap menitnya, ataupun setiap jamnya. Waktu adalah mungkin adalah hal yang paling konstan di dunia ini.
Tapi kenapa minggu lalu baru bertemu dengan kekasihku, rasanya sudah seperti berbulan-bulan? Kenapa rindu ini bukan berkurang, malah bertambah?
Science doesn't make sense.
dimanche, août 17, 2008
Success
What drives you to SUCCESS?
Is it Love?
Is it Intelligence?
Is it Money?
Is it Self-Esteem?
Is it Honesty?
This is a question asked to me at INKM ITB 2008.
And for me personally, the answer is DEVOTION.
Is it Love?
Is it Intelligence?
Is it Money?
Is it Self-Esteem?
Is it Honesty?
This is a question asked to me at INKM ITB 2008.
And for me personally, the answer is DEVOTION.
lundi, juillet 21, 2008
Anger
I do not know why, but in the last few days I've become more of an angry person. I snap out of my wits quicker, I raise my voice more, I don't keep cool at times I need to be, and I now keep grudges. Grudges, I keep. I don't usually do that.
So why do I become like this?
I don't know.
What I know is, I should stop this kind of attitude. I should be back to my old self, a calm person at all times.
Before something bad happens.
So why do I become like this?
I don't know.
What I know is, I should stop this kind of attitude. I should be back to my old self, a calm person at all times.
Before something bad happens.
mardi, juillet 15, 2008
L'art de Vivre la Difference
Hope I wrote that right.
I was inspired by a jewelry store advertising in a mall yesterday. It has those words on it, translated into English, "The Art of Living a Difference". Or maybe not exactly that, you know, since French can't really be translated into anything. But more or less it's about living a different life.
It got me thinking about the difference we all have. Every single one of us differs from one another. Not only that we are separated by genes, we also have different mindsets. Despite all of that, you who read this are probably my friends, or those who know me. Despite all the differences, we can accept each other, and live together in this world.
So, how important is being different?
Being different is actually the most prestigious thing a human can have. It is the ultimate pride to be someone that is on top -- different from the others under you. Difference form the true you, a personality that is only one in this world, that separates you from everyone else. Without a difference, we have no identity. Only a single diminutive piece in this world. And then we will wonder, why are we here?
All in all, difference is one of the most basic needs of Humans. To survive in this world, we have to accept some things that are different from us, learn from it, and continue on living.
Maybe that's the part where Lord Hitler failed to understand.
I was inspired by a jewelry store advertising in a mall yesterday. It has those words on it, translated into English, "The Art of Living a Difference". Or maybe not exactly that, you know, since French can't really be translated into anything. But more or less it's about living a different life.
It got me thinking about the difference we all have. Every single one of us differs from one another. Not only that we are separated by genes, we also have different mindsets. Despite all of that, you who read this are probably my friends, or those who know me. Despite all the differences, we can accept each other, and live together in this world.
So, how important is being different?
Being different is actually the most prestigious thing a human can have. It is the ultimate pride to be someone that is on top -- different from the others under you. Difference form the true you, a personality that is only one in this world, that separates you from everyone else. Without a difference, we have no identity. Only a single diminutive piece in this world. And then we will wonder, why are we here?
All in all, difference is one of the most basic needs of Humans. To survive in this world, we have to accept some things that are different from us, learn from it, and continue on living.
Maybe that's the part where Lord Hitler failed to understand.
vendredi, juin 27, 2008
Tagged by Natsu
Instructions:
1. Choose up to five of your own characters.
2. Make them answer the following questions.
I chose:
1. Ego, the Beast of Me.
2. Gild (read: Guilt), the Heart of Me.
3. Cipto, the Mind of Me.
4. Azshara Rivendare, my DnD Character.
What's your opinion on reading and writing?
Ego: Booooring..
Cipto: Oh come on, you can get so much just by reading.
Gild: And you can pour emotions by writing.
Azshara: Just like how I read and write love letters for my wife =D
Ego: You guys are lame, you know? Action's all life's for!
Me: *gives Natsu's photo album to Ego*
Ego: Oh alright, I like reading. *strays off somewhere alone*
What's your opinion on maths, sciences, and language(s)?
Cipto: If we come to a conclusion with not even a drip of doubt, it has to be based on Mathematics.
Ego: Geek..
Gild: Different languages show the many different cultures of people, it's amazing.
Ego: Yeah right, Ms. know-it-all..
Azshara: Love is a science never to be touched by human minds.
Ego: Tsk, what a Playboy line..
Me: How about you, Ego?
Ego: Huh? *still drooling over the pics*
What is the best way to learn something?
Gild: Do, and if you fail, never make the same failure twice.
Cipto: Watch others do it, learn, and don't even make a single failure.
Azshara: To learn something, we must first have the curiosity to want, the courage to try, and the patience to stand from failure.
Ego: I CRUSH EVERYTHING THAT BLOCKS MY WAY! WAAAAAGH!
Me: I assure you, he meant that, literally.
To what degree do you avoid risks and danger?
Azshara: As long as it protects my dearest love.
Ego: AVOID risks? Are you kidding me? Those things give me adrenaline, you know!
Cipto: Risks are always there, it's just how we make the least of it.
Gild: No, I don't wanna get hurt! No! Don't make me cry! NOOOOOO!!
Under what circumstances would you risk your life for someone else?
Azshara: I'll do anything for the safety of my Lady.
Cipto: Maybe.. I should consider it a little longer.
Gild: Listen to your heart, and you'll know.
Ego: I can't explain it, but it comes when your heart beats fast, your adrenaline pushing, your mind all filled with the will to fight, and testosterone just went to the top.
Me: Hey, you can say nice things too.
Ego: OF COURSE! I'm the best man here, you see. *grabs the album back*
Me: Yeah.. right.
Under what circumstances do you think killing someone justified, in general?
Gild: No killing! No blood! Peace for the world!
Azshara: Yeap. In a battle, a gentleman will walk but never run.
Cipto: If you can, trick someone else to do the dirty job.
Ego: Those who defy my will shall pay.
Me: Ego, you're creepy.
Ego: Shut up! If it wasn't for me, you'll be dead by now.
Me: And how is it so?
Ego: Well, I'm the one who stabs your friends to get what you want.
What is the worst feeling you experienced?
Azshara: It is when I found that all this time I have been fooled.
Cipto: When I cannot find an answer to something.
Ego: When I can't beat the sh*t out of my enemies! Damn, I have to be stronger!
Gild: ... When Natsu is crying. It's.. it's got to be my fault!
Me: *gives a tissue box to Gild*
Gild: Thanks.. *sob sob* Huwaaaaa!
And what is the best feeling?
Cipto: Have you ever felt the surge of mind? When you realized that the answer to the riddles was just a..
Me: Next!
Gild: Being loved by the one.. Oh, the heartbeat.. the warm and fuzzy feeling..
Azshara: I second that, Gild.. And the one for me is my beloved wife..
Ego: God, you all act like babies! All men have one desire, and that is to WIN!
1. Choose up to five of your own characters.
2. Make them answer the following questions.
I chose:
1. Ego, the Beast of Me.
2. Gild (read: Guilt), the Heart of Me.
3. Cipto, the Mind of Me.
4. Azshara Rivendare, my DnD Character.
What's your opinion on reading and writing?
Ego: Booooring..
Cipto: Oh come on, you can get so much just by reading.
Gild: And you can pour emotions by writing.
Azshara: Just like how I read and write love letters for my wife =D
Ego: You guys are lame, you know? Action's all life's for!
Me: *gives Natsu's photo album to Ego*
Ego: Oh alright, I like reading. *strays off somewhere alone*
What's your opinion on maths, sciences, and language(s)?
Cipto: If we come to a conclusion with not even a drip of doubt, it has to be based on Mathematics.
Ego: Geek..
Gild: Different languages show the many different cultures of people, it's amazing.
Ego: Yeah right, Ms. know-it-all..
Azshara: Love is a science never to be touched by human minds.
Ego: Tsk, what a Playboy line..
Me: How about you, Ego?
Ego: Huh? *still drooling over the pics*
What is the best way to learn something?
Gild: Do, and if you fail, never make the same failure twice.
Cipto: Watch others do it, learn, and don't even make a single failure.
Azshara: To learn something, we must first have the curiosity to want, the courage to try, and the patience to stand from failure.
Ego: I CRUSH EVERYTHING THAT BLOCKS MY WAY! WAAAAAGH!
Me: I assure you, he meant that, literally.
To what degree do you avoid risks and danger?
Azshara: As long as it protects my dearest love.
Ego: AVOID risks? Are you kidding me? Those things give me adrenaline, you know!
Cipto: Risks are always there, it's just how we make the least of it.
Gild: No, I don't wanna get hurt! No! Don't make me cry! NOOOOOO!!
Under what circumstances would you risk your life for someone else?
Azshara: I'll do anything for the safety of my Lady.
Cipto: Maybe.. I should consider it a little longer.
Gild: Listen to your heart, and you'll know.
Ego: I can't explain it, but it comes when your heart beats fast, your adrenaline pushing, your mind all filled with the will to fight, and testosterone just went to the top.
Me: Hey, you can say nice things too.
Ego: OF COURSE! I'm the best man here, you see. *grabs the album back*
Me: Yeah.. right.
Under what circumstances do you think killing someone justified, in general?
Gild: No killing! No blood! Peace for the world!
Azshara: Yeap. In a battle, a gentleman will walk but never run.
Cipto: If you can, trick someone else to do the dirty job.
Ego: Those who defy my will shall pay.
Me: Ego, you're creepy.
Ego: Shut up! If it wasn't for me, you'll be dead by now.
Me: And how is it so?
Ego: Well, I'm the one who stabs your friends to get what you want.
What is the worst feeling you experienced?
Azshara: It is when I found that all this time I have been fooled.
Cipto: When I cannot find an answer to something.
Ego: When I can't beat the sh*t out of my enemies! Damn, I have to be stronger!
Gild: ... When Natsu is crying. It's.. it's got to be my fault!
Me: *gives a tissue box to Gild*
Gild: Thanks.. *sob sob* Huwaaaaa!
And what is the best feeling?
Cipto: Have you ever felt the surge of mind? When you realized that the answer to the riddles was just a..
Me: Next!
Gild: Being loved by the one.. Oh, the heartbeat.. the warm and fuzzy feeling..
Azshara: I second that, Gild.. And the one for me is my beloved wife..
Ego: God, you all act like babies! All men have one desire, and that is to WIN!
dimanche, juin 15, 2008
Extreme Pride
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that you become to think that you are great in many things?
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that when you take an exam, and the day has come for you to see the results, you don't feel nervous at all?
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that even when the results are great, you don't jump happily because you know that you are capable of such results?
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that you don't feel excited at all knowing that you're the best in the class?
Well, I have.
And I tell you, it ain't always fun.
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that when you take an exam, and the day has come for you to see the results, you don't feel nervous at all?
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that even when the results are great, you don't jump happily because you know that you are capable of such results?
Have you ever feel so proud of yourself, that you don't feel excited at all knowing that you're the best in the class?
Well, I have.
And I tell you, it ain't always fun.
vendredi, juin 13, 2008
Chivalry
Anyone ever heard the word? Sounds rather cool, no? Reminding us of the boundless bravery and eternal devotion of Knights from the medieval age. They seem so great, leaping in the battlefield on their horses, fighting for pride with their blades, and defending their country and ruler for the sake of dignity.
They are the most obedient creatures, trained in lawful ways only to fulfill their duties as the high-borns. They have been taught since birth to become a warrior, a noble in status, and an upper-class being. They are so loyal to their country, that it has been said that even death could not separate a True Knight from his duties.
But then, what does it mean to be a Knight?
A dummy that lives only to be controlled by its ruler?
A brainwashed one, tricked into bravery to defend the country?
Or an angel in shining armor, living for good, truth, and justice?
Really, the word Chivalry has no meaning when a Knight is fighting for the wrong side. It matters not how brave you are, how strong, or how devoted, when you are doing it for the sake of something that should not be done.
Chivalry should not be had by those who are blindly following orders.
It is for the ones who know what they are fighting for, and strive for that sole purpose.
Of course, each Knight are persistent with their own beliefs, and would rather fight to death than going to the other way. That's what zealots are.
They are the most obedient creatures, trained in lawful ways only to fulfill their duties as the high-borns. They have been taught since birth to become a warrior, a noble in status, and an upper-class being. They are so loyal to their country, that it has been said that even death could not separate a True Knight from his duties.
But then, what does it mean to be a Knight?
A dummy that lives only to be controlled by its ruler?
A brainwashed one, tricked into bravery to defend the country?
Or an angel in shining armor, living for good, truth, and justice?
Really, the word Chivalry has no meaning when a Knight is fighting for the wrong side. It matters not how brave you are, how strong, or how devoted, when you are doing it for the sake of something that should not be done.
Chivalry should not be had by those who are blindly following orders.
It is for the ones who know what they are fighting for, and strive for that sole purpose.
Of course, each Knight are persistent with their own beliefs, and would rather fight to death than going to the other way. That's what zealots are.
jeudi, mars 27, 2008
Objectivity
Sebagai manusia yang memiliki keterbatasan dalam kemampuan berpikir, saya selalu mencoba melihat suatu masalah dari berbagai sudut pandang -- dan dengan begitu, menjadi obyektif. Apa itu obyektif? Obyektif adalah perilaku menghadapi situasi dengan jalur pikiran yang rasional dan logis, dengan alasan-alasan yang masuk akal sebagai landasan dari perbuatan yang dilakukan. Di sisi lain, subyektifitas adalah perilaku menghadapi situasi dengan jalur pikiran yang irrasional, emosional, tanpa alasan yang masuk akal dan kuat untuk mendukungnya.
Di dunia yang penuh dengan orang-orang subyektif ini, obyektifitas memiliki kelebihannya sendiri, di antaranya adalah pengertian yang lebih mendalam, "compassion" dan "empathy" yang melebihi sebagian besar orang lain, dan kemampuan untuk melihat "the big picture".
Sayangnya, obyektifitas cenderung membawa kita ke sisi yang berbeda dari masyarakat luas, dan terkadang, di titik ekstrim, menjadikan kita sesuatu yang dibenci oleh banyak orang karena melawan "norma adat" yang berlaku di sana.
Contoh saja, di sebuah perusahaan dengan tingkat korupsi yang sangat tinggi sehingga sudah menjadi sebuah "rahasia umum", bahkan sampai dianggap "budaya legal", apakah kamu mau melawan tradisi turun-menurun tersebut? Hitunglah sendiri, berapa sih orang yang mau mendukungmu melakukan itu, dan tidak takut akan dikucilkan oleh semua orang lain di kantor? Hell, berapa orang sih yang nggak terbuai oleh apa yang ditawarkan oleh Korupsi itu sendiri? Padahal mereka -- para pelaku tindak korupsi -- tidak memikirkan dampaknya terhadap kehidupan orang lain yang dirugikan oleh tindakan mereka. Apakah mereka melihat masalah itu dari sudut pandang orang yang dirugikan? Apakah mereka mampu merasionalisasikan tindakan korupsi tersebut, dan mengatakan bahwa itu bukan hanya karena nafsu duniawi belaka? Dan kalaupun bisa, apakah mereka peduli? Yah, saya rasa sih tidak sedikit pun.
Dan saya menulis ini karena saya mencium bau-bau nepotisme dan subyektifitas di sebuah organisasi tempat saya bernaung. Belum terbukti, namun suatu saat nanti jikalau semua kecurigaan itu ternyata benar, saya akan mengundurkan diri dari sana, pronto.
Di dunia yang penuh dengan orang-orang subyektif ini, obyektifitas memiliki kelebihannya sendiri, di antaranya adalah pengertian yang lebih mendalam, "compassion" dan "empathy" yang melebihi sebagian besar orang lain, dan kemampuan untuk melihat "the big picture".
Sayangnya, obyektifitas cenderung membawa kita ke sisi yang berbeda dari masyarakat luas, dan terkadang, di titik ekstrim, menjadikan kita sesuatu yang dibenci oleh banyak orang karena melawan "norma adat" yang berlaku di sana.
Contoh saja, di sebuah perusahaan dengan tingkat korupsi yang sangat tinggi sehingga sudah menjadi sebuah "rahasia umum", bahkan sampai dianggap "budaya legal", apakah kamu mau melawan tradisi turun-menurun tersebut? Hitunglah sendiri, berapa sih orang yang mau mendukungmu melakukan itu, dan tidak takut akan dikucilkan oleh semua orang lain di kantor? Hell, berapa orang sih yang nggak terbuai oleh apa yang ditawarkan oleh Korupsi itu sendiri? Padahal mereka -- para pelaku tindak korupsi -- tidak memikirkan dampaknya terhadap kehidupan orang lain yang dirugikan oleh tindakan mereka. Apakah mereka melihat masalah itu dari sudut pandang orang yang dirugikan? Apakah mereka mampu merasionalisasikan tindakan korupsi tersebut, dan mengatakan bahwa itu bukan hanya karena nafsu duniawi belaka? Dan kalaupun bisa, apakah mereka peduli? Yah, saya rasa sih tidak sedikit pun.
Dan saya menulis ini karena saya mencium bau-bau nepotisme dan subyektifitas di sebuah organisasi tempat saya bernaung. Belum terbukti, namun suatu saat nanti jikalau semua kecurigaan itu ternyata benar, saya akan mengundurkan diri dari sana, pronto.
lundi, février 11, 2008
Archetypes
Beberapa hari terakhir ini saya sangat tertarik dengan game Vampire: the Masquerade. Selain karena gameplay nya yang baru (dan menarik. sesuatu yang baru biasanya lebih menarik daripada yang lama.), ada satu bagian yang sangat menyita perhatian. Di game itu, namanya adalah Nature & Demeanor.
Intinya, Nature adalah insting dasar seorang karakter. Bagaimana ia bertindak, apa yang mendorongnya untuk maju, dan bagaimana ia beraksi. Semua itu ditentukan oleh Nature secara spontan dan otomatis. Sedangkan Demeanor adalah bagaimana karakter itu muncul di permukaan. Siapapun yang tidak mengenal karakter itu dengan dekat, akan menyangka bahwa sang karakter memiliki sifat yang sesuai dengan Demeanor-nya. Namun bukan tidak mungkin bahwa di balik semua penampilan itu, sang karakter memiliki suatu sifat yang jauh berbeda, yaitu Nature-nya.
Beragam sifat yang ada di dunia ini dikelompokkan dalam berbagai Archetype. Dengan pengelompokkan tersebut, kita bisa memilih seperti apakah sifat karakter yang akan kita bangun dalam game Vampire: the Masquerade tersebut. Tertarik melihat beberapa Archetype yang dimaksud? Datanglah ke situs ini:
http://www.geocities.com/malfisbymidnight/natures.html
Sangat menyenangkan, menarik, dan menggugah pikiran menurut saya. Selain menyatakan secara jelas bahwa seseorang bisa memiliki dua sisi yang berbeda di luar (Demeanor) dan di dalam (Nature) dirinya, deskripsi dari masing-masing Archetype menjelaskan secara garis besar mengenai orang-orang di dunia ini. Salah satunya, membuat saya sendiri menyadari orang seperti apakah saya ini.
Care to share your Nature & Demeanor? I think my Nature is Gallant, and my Demeanor is Deviant.
Intinya, Nature adalah insting dasar seorang karakter. Bagaimana ia bertindak, apa yang mendorongnya untuk maju, dan bagaimana ia beraksi. Semua itu ditentukan oleh Nature secara spontan dan otomatis. Sedangkan Demeanor adalah bagaimana karakter itu muncul di permukaan. Siapapun yang tidak mengenal karakter itu dengan dekat, akan menyangka bahwa sang karakter memiliki sifat yang sesuai dengan Demeanor-nya. Namun bukan tidak mungkin bahwa di balik semua penampilan itu, sang karakter memiliki suatu sifat yang jauh berbeda, yaitu Nature-nya.
Beragam sifat yang ada di dunia ini dikelompokkan dalam berbagai Archetype. Dengan pengelompokkan tersebut, kita bisa memilih seperti apakah sifat karakter yang akan kita bangun dalam game Vampire: the Masquerade tersebut. Tertarik melihat beberapa Archetype yang dimaksud? Datanglah ke situs ini:
http://www.geocities.com/malfisbymidnight/natures.html
Sangat menyenangkan, menarik, dan menggugah pikiran menurut saya. Selain menyatakan secara jelas bahwa seseorang bisa memiliki dua sisi yang berbeda di luar (Demeanor) dan di dalam (Nature) dirinya, deskripsi dari masing-masing Archetype menjelaskan secara garis besar mengenai orang-orang di dunia ini. Salah satunya, membuat saya sendiri menyadari orang seperti apakah saya ini.
Care to share your Nature & Demeanor? I think my Nature is Gallant, and my Demeanor is Deviant.
mardi, octobre 02, 2007
Greater Good
Suatu pengorbanan dibutuhkan untuk mencapai sesuatu yang lebih baik. For the greater good.
Akhir-akhir ini harga bensin naik 5x lipat (500%) di Myanmar. Guess what, ini memicu para biksu untuk memprotes junta (diktator militer) Myanmar. Junta yang udah 20 taun berkuasa ini akhirnya didemo juga sama rakyatnya. Kenapa baru sekarang? Well, 20 taun yang lalu sih mereka udah nyoba demo, tapi hasilnya cuman 2000 nyawa melayang dan junta tetep nggak goyah. Lagian pada masa itu Cina punya kepentingan dagang di Myanmar, dan itu bikin PBB juga ngga bisa ngebelain rakyat Myanmar. Mungkin rakyat sana merasa aman damai sejahtera dengan Junta berkuasa.. sampai tiba saatnya ekonomi negara jatoh..
Sekarang, para biksu bergerak sebagai demonstran utama. Kekuatan yang besar, karena di Myanmar 95% orang beragama Buddha. Di sana, membunuh biksu sama dosanya seperti membunuh ibu sendiri. Terlepas dari itu, sekarang udah ada 13 orang mati ditembak. Belom termasuk biksu-biksu yang ditangkep dan disiksa, trus entah kemana kabarnya. Baru kemarin ini, utusan dari PBB datang ke Myanmar. Ngapain dia? No one knows, karena sekarang media diblokir dari negara tersebut. Kabel internet nasional diputus. TV luar diputus. Turis berkamera ditangkep. Wartawan dilarang mencari kabar.
Begitu banyak pengorbanan yang harus dilakukan demi menjatuhkan junta. For the greater good. Tapi kali ini sampai berapa nyawa lagi harus melayang?
Akhir-akhir ini harga bensin naik 5x lipat (500%) di Myanmar. Guess what, ini memicu para biksu untuk memprotes junta (diktator militer) Myanmar. Junta yang udah 20 taun berkuasa ini akhirnya didemo juga sama rakyatnya. Kenapa baru sekarang? Well, 20 taun yang lalu sih mereka udah nyoba demo, tapi hasilnya cuman 2000 nyawa melayang dan junta tetep nggak goyah. Lagian pada masa itu Cina punya kepentingan dagang di Myanmar, dan itu bikin PBB juga ngga bisa ngebelain rakyat Myanmar. Mungkin rakyat sana merasa aman damai sejahtera dengan Junta berkuasa.. sampai tiba saatnya ekonomi negara jatoh..
Sekarang, para biksu bergerak sebagai demonstran utama. Kekuatan yang besar, karena di Myanmar 95% orang beragama Buddha. Di sana, membunuh biksu sama dosanya seperti membunuh ibu sendiri. Terlepas dari itu, sekarang udah ada 13 orang mati ditembak. Belom termasuk biksu-biksu yang ditangkep dan disiksa, trus entah kemana kabarnya. Baru kemarin ini, utusan dari PBB datang ke Myanmar. Ngapain dia? No one knows, karena sekarang media diblokir dari negara tersebut. Kabel internet nasional diputus. TV luar diputus. Turis berkamera ditangkep. Wartawan dilarang mencari kabar.
Begitu banyak pengorbanan yang harus dilakukan demi menjatuhkan junta. For the greater good. Tapi kali ini sampai berapa nyawa lagi harus melayang?
dimanche, septembre 30, 2007
Feeling Religious
Iya, gue tau gue pernah makan babi, makan anjing, ngatain Tuhan, minum alkohol, berzinah, dan sampe sekarang gue cuma sholat 2x setaun (idul fitri sama idul adha).. bahkan baca satu huruf arab pun nggak bisa. Jadi semoga nggak ada yang komen bahwa gue gak berhak untuk merasa beragama. Btw, di KTP, gue dideteksi dan teridentifikasi sebagai umat Islam.
Anyway, akhir-akhir ini gue mulai menyadari kalo gue makin sering berdoa. Well, gue emang ngga bisa baca huruf arab, tapi gue bisa ngapalin al-fatehah dan dua kalimat syahadat. Setiap kali gue mulai sekolah, gue doa dulu. Setiap kali gue mulai dan selesai makan, gue doa dulu. Kadang2 kalo gue main RO trus mau ke pulau kuya dan ngehunt ber-10 gue doa dulu supaya nggak mati dibunuh MVP. Or at least kalo mati, equip gue nggak drop.
Biasa aja? Emang harusnya gitu? Well, mungkin buat beberapa di antara kalian sih iya. Tapi kalo buat gue yang mungkin dulu setahun berdoa aja bisa diitung pake jari dan yakin kalo Tuhan itu cuma pelarian manusia yang butuh makhluk luarbiasakuat untuk dipuja karena mereka ga tau kalo asalnya manusia itu dari monyet dan bukan ada Adam & Hawa yang jatoh dari langit.. akhir2 ini gue ngerasa kalo gue semakin beragama.
Pandangan gue salah?
So be it, gue juga ga ngerti2 amat, tapi ya itu yang gue rasakan.
Jadi inti entry ini apa?
Sebenernya cuma pengen bilang, kalo "revelations" ato "kepercayaan" itu bisa datang pada siapapun, ngga peduli udah sedosa apapun orangnya. Tinggal masalah orang itu mau terima ato nggak, mau berubah ato nggak, dan mau percaya Tuhan ato nggak.
Btw, buat kalian ahli agama, Adam & Hawa kan punya anak, Kain & Abel. Yang satu mati. Trus keturunannya dari mana? Incest sama Hawa?
Anyway, akhir-akhir ini gue mulai menyadari kalo gue makin sering berdoa. Well, gue emang ngga bisa baca huruf arab, tapi gue bisa ngapalin al-fatehah dan dua kalimat syahadat. Setiap kali gue mulai sekolah, gue doa dulu. Setiap kali gue mulai dan selesai makan, gue doa dulu. Kadang2 kalo gue main RO trus mau ke pulau kuya dan ngehunt ber-10 gue doa dulu supaya nggak mati dibunuh MVP. Or at least kalo mati, equip gue nggak drop.
Biasa aja? Emang harusnya gitu? Well, mungkin buat beberapa di antara kalian sih iya. Tapi kalo buat gue yang mungkin dulu setahun berdoa aja bisa diitung pake jari dan yakin kalo Tuhan itu cuma pelarian manusia yang butuh makhluk luarbiasakuat untuk dipuja karena mereka ga tau kalo asalnya manusia itu dari monyet dan bukan ada Adam & Hawa yang jatoh dari langit.. akhir2 ini gue ngerasa kalo gue semakin beragama.
Pandangan gue salah?
So be it, gue juga ga ngerti2 amat, tapi ya itu yang gue rasakan.
Jadi inti entry ini apa?
Sebenernya cuma pengen bilang, kalo "revelations" ato "kepercayaan" itu bisa datang pada siapapun, ngga peduli udah sedosa apapun orangnya. Tinggal masalah orang itu mau terima ato nggak, mau berubah ato nggak, dan mau percaya Tuhan ato nggak.
Btw, buat kalian ahli agama, Adam & Hawa kan punya anak, Kain & Abel. Yang satu mati. Trus keturunannya dari mana? Incest sama Hawa?
samedi, septembre 15, 2007
Hide & Seek
Minggu lalu, saya dan sesama murid-murid SMA Pangudi Luhur kelas 3 lainnya diundang ke Universitas Pelita Harapan untuk menghadiri Open House. Sesampainya di sana, kami dibagi menjadi kelompok-kelompok kecil yang masing-masing terdiri dari sepuluh orang dan satu mentor. Yang dimaksud dengan mentor adalah seorang mahasiswi UPH yang secara suka rela memimpin suatu kelompok berperan sebagai Tour Guide, mengantar, dan menunjukkan fakultas-fakultas serta jurusan-jurusan di UPH.
Berhubung SMA saya adalah SMA dengan komposisi murid homogen cowok, maka umumnya murid-muridnya tergiur melihat pemandangan yang tersebar di hadapan mereka: murid-murid cewek SMA lain dan mahasiswi-mahasiswi UPH. Termasuk mentor-mentor yang sedang menjalankan tugas mereka.
Selagi mereka melirik sana-sini, dua teman ngobrol saya (yang tidak termasuk dalam kategori "umum" karena mereka tidak melirik cewek-cewek) malah berantem. Jadilah, saya cari teman baru: mentor kelompok saya. Ia seorang mahasiswi dari jurusan Fisika Medis, angkatan 2004. Jurusan yang amat menarik karena hanya berisi empat orang dalam satu angkatan.
Tadinya, saya hanya berniat mengorek informasi mengenai jurusan Bioteknologi Medis, yang kebetulan termasuk dalam Fakultas MIPA tempat mentor saya belajar. Jadilah kami mengobrol, dan akhirnya bukan hanya mengenai Bioteknologi, tetapi juga mengenai berbagai hal lainnya.
Ketika siang tiba dan bus berangkat untuk mengantarkan saya dan murid-murid lainnya kembali ke sekolah, kami melambaikan tangan pada para mentor yang tadi membantu kami dan mengantar kesana-kemari. Khususnya, pada mereka yang cantik-cantik. Dan para mentor pun melakukan beberapa hal yang sama: melambaikan tangan, tersenyum senang, melemparkan ciuman.
Kemudian saya pun duduk tenang di kursi, hanya untuk menyadari satu hal: saya sama sekali tidak tahu bagaimana cara menghubungi teman baru saya, mentor UPH tadi. Di internet saya coba cari namanya, namun tidak membuahkan hasil. Ah, ya sudahlah... Mungkin memang sulit. Kapan-kapan akan kukirim surat saja, mungkin bisa berhasil dengan cara lama.
Kemarin, sebuah e-mail dikirimkan pada saya. E-mail dari mahasiswi yang sama.
It's not that I'm not happy, but please do tell me: How did you find me?
Berhubung SMA saya adalah SMA dengan komposisi murid homogen cowok, maka umumnya murid-muridnya tergiur melihat pemandangan yang tersebar di hadapan mereka: murid-murid cewek SMA lain dan mahasiswi-mahasiswi UPH. Termasuk mentor-mentor yang sedang menjalankan tugas mereka.
Selagi mereka melirik sana-sini, dua teman ngobrol saya (yang tidak termasuk dalam kategori "umum" karena mereka tidak melirik cewek-cewek) malah berantem. Jadilah, saya cari teman baru: mentor kelompok saya. Ia seorang mahasiswi dari jurusan Fisika Medis, angkatan 2004. Jurusan yang amat menarik karena hanya berisi empat orang dalam satu angkatan.
Tadinya, saya hanya berniat mengorek informasi mengenai jurusan Bioteknologi Medis, yang kebetulan termasuk dalam Fakultas MIPA tempat mentor saya belajar. Jadilah kami mengobrol, dan akhirnya bukan hanya mengenai Bioteknologi, tetapi juga mengenai berbagai hal lainnya.
Ketika siang tiba dan bus berangkat untuk mengantarkan saya dan murid-murid lainnya kembali ke sekolah, kami melambaikan tangan pada para mentor yang tadi membantu kami dan mengantar kesana-kemari. Khususnya, pada mereka yang cantik-cantik. Dan para mentor pun melakukan beberapa hal yang sama: melambaikan tangan, tersenyum senang, melemparkan ciuman.
Kemudian saya pun duduk tenang di kursi, hanya untuk menyadari satu hal: saya sama sekali tidak tahu bagaimana cara menghubungi teman baru saya, mentor UPH tadi. Di internet saya coba cari namanya, namun tidak membuahkan hasil. Ah, ya sudahlah... Mungkin memang sulit. Kapan-kapan akan kukirim surat saja, mungkin bisa berhasil dengan cara lama.
Kemarin, sebuah e-mail dikirimkan pada saya. E-mail dari mahasiswi yang sama.
It's not that I'm not happy, but please do tell me: How did you find me?
lundi, septembre 10, 2007
Nostalgia I
Pernahkah kita mencoba melihat masa lalu? Melihat betapa kecilnya kita dahulu, suatu bentuk yang lugu dan rapuh. Melihat benih-benih cinta pertama tersebar di hati kita. Melihat impian masa kecil kita yang sekarang terasa begitu bodoh dan amat jauh dari kenyataan yang kita alami saat ini.
Pernahkah kita mengingat cita-cita kita masa kecil, menjadi seorang pilot pesawat atau astronot? Yang terasa begitu jauh dengan masa kini dimana kita adalah mahasiswa yang sibuk dengan tugas-tugas, atau sekedar seorang penulis kesepian yang terjebak di kampung halamannya?
Segalanya terasa lucu dan ringan. Masa-masa kecil terasa sungguh menyenangkan. Tak ada beban pikiran, tanggung jawab, maupun perasaan bersalah saat melakukan ini-itu. Yah, mungkin ada, tapi tidak seberat sekarang.
Aku masih ingat saat itu. Kelas empat SD, saat posisi tempat duduk tengah ditentukan oleh guru pembimbing kelasku. Aku sedang berdiri dan berpindah kursi, ketika sebuah tangan menggenggam bajuku dari belakang.
"Jangan pergi. Di sini saja, duduk denganku," ujarnya. Seorang perempuan kecil yang menatapku dengan sepasang matanya yang berkilau sedih.
Aku menatap ke arah sang guru, yang kemudian mengabulkan permintaan gadis cilik itu. Di tengah sorak sorai anak-anak sekelas pada kami berdua, sang gadis hanya terdiam sembari menatapku, tersenyum malu.
Masa kecil yang lucu dan menyenangkan untuk diingat. Setidaknya, untukku. Sangat berbeda dengan kenyataan sekarang, hari ini, ketika perempuan cilik yang sama kembali dalam bentuk seorang anak SMA dan bertanya padaku apakah aku mau menjadi pacarnya. Lucu, mungkin, tapi tidak begitu menyenangkan ketika mengatakan "tidak" menjadi sesuatu yang mungkin akan menyakitinya.
Maaf, nona, tapi aku sudah memiliki seorang kekasih. Dan aku mencintainya. Selamanya.
Pernahkah kita mengingat cita-cita kita masa kecil, menjadi seorang pilot pesawat atau astronot? Yang terasa begitu jauh dengan masa kini dimana kita adalah mahasiswa yang sibuk dengan tugas-tugas, atau sekedar seorang penulis kesepian yang terjebak di kampung halamannya?
Segalanya terasa lucu dan ringan. Masa-masa kecil terasa sungguh menyenangkan. Tak ada beban pikiran, tanggung jawab, maupun perasaan bersalah saat melakukan ini-itu. Yah, mungkin ada, tapi tidak seberat sekarang.
Aku masih ingat saat itu. Kelas empat SD, saat posisi tempat duduk tengah ditentukan oleh guru pembimbing kelasku. Aku sedang berdiri dan berpindah kursi, ketika sebuah tangan menggenggam bajuku dari belakang.
"Jangan pergi. Di sini saja, duduk denganku," ujarnya. Seorang perempuan kecil yang menatapku dengan sepasang matanya yang berkilau sedih.
Aku menatap ke arah sang guru, yang kemudian mengabulkan permintaan gadis cilik itu. Di tengah sorak sorai anak-anak sekelas pada kami berdua, sang gadis hanya terdiam sembari menatapku, tersenyum malu.
Masa kecil yang lucu dan menyenangkan untuk diingat. Setidaknya, untukku. Sangat berbeda dengan kenyataan sekarang, hari ini, ketika perempuan cilik yang sama kembali dalam bentuk seorang anak SMA dan bertanya padaku apakah aku mau menjadi pacarnya. Lucu, mungkin, tapi tidak begitu menyenangkan ketika mengatakan "tidak" menjadi sesuatu yang mungkin akan menyakitinya.
Maaf, nona, tapi aku sudah memiliki seorang kekasih. Dan aku mencintainya. Selamanya.
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