Jasonmas and God

The idea of Jason is entering its 20th year. Did Jason exist in a Platonic realm before 19 years ago?

Oh well. I decided that instead of the usual Jasonmas present of JACK SQUAT, I decided to transcript a couple of pages of Marc's journal. Peer into the fascinating mind of Marc. Observe the previously unobservable, as we take you into the inner sanctum of MARC'S MIND.

(Read the footnotes too, marked by little stars (asterisks (*)).)

Abby is so C-U-T-E! I think she has a crush on me. OH.. MY.. GOD! I couldn't believe the way that Bill was, like, talking behind her back and stuff. It makes me, like, want to gag him WITH A PITCHFORK!

[Oops. That's the wrong page... Here you go.]

What would I tell myself 2 years and 1.5 months ago*? Mostly bad things: The ignobility of man. The stupidity & promiscuity of woman. The lies. The deceit. Stuff I've been learning the past couple of years has coloured my model of the world a darker tone because good things are more broadly published than bad things (and easier to know).

Of course, I'd tell myself my discovered principles, of socialization*, of principle components*, of the 10/90 rule*, of Marcpoint*, etc.. Also, the principles of intelligence*. This I view to be most valuable of all.

So what would I have myself do? Moderate* & be selfish*. Not waste time on video games, and other drifting* things (email). Never sluff off this, & never feel safe*, but don't ignore the feeling of unsafeness.

You're about as smart as anyone*. There's no known area you can't learn. Don't be afraid to speak what you think is the truth even if others won't agree. If you're right, you can convince them. If you're wrong, they may correct you, and everything's the better for it. It's good to know when you're wrong. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if it makes you look dumb: you're brave enough to admit it, and people will respect you for that. Talk to people about the ideas in your journal & your thought notebook.

Socialize and exchange all kinds of ideas, but don't get stuck searching for the perfect party. (Don't get stuck looking/waiting for the perfect wave, the perfect poker hand, or the perfect Civ II game either. Try not to get stuck waiting for anything. Life's too short to wait.)

Read, but don't spend all your time behind books. There are a lot of ideas that have already been thought. Think for yourself a lot, but don't spend all your time reinventing the wheel. If you reinvent a few, that's OK. It means you're learning how to come up with good ideas.

In moderating, it's easy to do too much of the fun stuff and not enough of the not-so-fun stuff. Watch out for this in particular.

Don't check your email more than a few times a day, and don't spend all your time sending email*. An actual conversation will do even better, and will be quicker.

Don't get stuck with writer's block. This happens when you have such high expectations and demands and such a great fear of failure that you never start. It's OK to fail a few times for each success. This applies to more than just writing*.

Don't spend all your time making sure something's perfect. Having many not-so-perfect accomplishments is usually better having than a single perfect accomplishment.

Things always take longer than you think. It's hard to predict and take into account all the setbacks that may happen. There are some plans that just won't be executed. There are some experiences & accomplishments that you'll die not having. This is OK. Cut your losses occasionally*.

Don't trust people very easily. Don't rely on other people's help either. (This doesn't necessarily imply that people shouldn't be able to trust you.) Asking for directions can save a lot of time. Use people's help, but never rely on it, and never get into the habit of having someone else solve your problems. If someone relies on your help, you have a lot of power over them.

Always have a backup and a way out. This applies to jobs, friends, girlfriends, and many other areas. If you're backed in a corner, or someone has a monopoly on something you need/want, they can charge monopolistic prices. It's good to have money saved in the bank so that you never feel like you can't quit your job.

Family is important. If you can trust anyone, you can trust yourself. Next to that is family. Be careful who you call a friend.

Rarely sleep less than 6 or 7 hours a night. Even more rarely sleep more than 9. Don't make a habit of spending the whole morning in bed with your girlfriend. This is another drifting thing to do. There are a lot of other things out on which you're missing... You're always missing out on something.

Finally, spend plenty of time and effort on your school & research. After all, that's why you're here.