Tag: knowledge

Portrait of William of Ockham by Peter Paul Rubens 1617

UK: William of Ockham (1287-1347-49?) – Origin of “Occam’s Razor”! (22.8.2026)

The Church and the State would have us believe that out of this quagmire of human ignorance and darkness – rays of light emerged. I can say that William of Ockham did write copious numbers of texts on all kinds of academic and theological topics, including politics, biographies, and philosophy. Part of the delay in the examination of his work by the Vatican in the 1320s was caused by its sheer volume. And it would seem that after his “Excommunication” – the nature of his work became ever-more defiant and questioning of Church authority. I think his conflict with the Church solidified his method of the efficient use of knowledge as a means of critiquing Church dogma and theology. Indeed, William appears to become nearly “Protestant” in his argument with Avignon. He may not have coined the term “Occam’s Razor” (why would a humble monk do such a strange thing?) – but he certainly earned the right to be considered a strong candidate for its modern inception due to the nature of the hostility he had to contend with. Although I am always suspicious of bourgeois sources (due to their a priori anti-Socialist position) – I believe we can trust the two I have included below. As always – think for yourself.

Continue reading

Black Thinking is Underfire!

US: When Imagination & Fact Collide – Who Controls the Narrative? (16.8.2026)

Although there are great Black thinkers – those promoted simply for the colour of their skin – are not qualified to hold such a high office. Apparently, there have been at least four Black female Professors at Harvard in recent years exposed for being fantasists – who were indulged and empowered by the White community. The above video covers the case of “Kerri Greenidge” whose book – The Grimkes – was pulled from the shelves due to its content being deemed academically “untrue” (Greenidge was subsequently sacked from her role as Professor). Prior to this, without the establishment apparently checking its content – unprecedented praise was heaped upon this tome from all directions. After being exposed – the author responded by declaring all criticism of her work to be “racist”. Here is a rare example of a tenured Professor being “sacked”. I know standards have slipped over the years in our former colony of the US – but really?

Continue reading

Sheldrake Lecture - 2004

UK: Should Cambridge University Investigate Rupert Sheldrake? (12.8.2026)

The Buddha does not contain ALL knowledge as if it were lying dormant in his mind at any given moment (therefore he is not “omniscient” in this sense) but he does say that an enlightened being can direct the mind in any direction he or she wishes (like a net enveloping and collecting all things) throughout the world, and in so doing bring any part of it into his enlightened conscious awareness.  This lasts for as long as concentration is held in that direction and then fails away – remember that the true nature of the mind is “empty” and spacious – so that all phenomena seems to arise and pass away within it.  In fact the Buddha states a long list of abilities and powers he possesses – including the ability for his mind’s awareness to travel to other worlds.  What happened over-time is that through various commentaries and translations, the fact that the Buddha could move his mind’s awareness in any direction (or none) became conflated with the idea that his mind’s awareness was already in every place and at every time.

Continue reading

"Severity for Those Who Resist!"

China: Two-Month Crack-Down Launched Against Group Livestreaming Misconduct! (4.7.2026)

Some livestreams post coded come-ons like “punishments available” or “unlock perks” to encourage viewers to tip designated hosts in exchange for prohibited or inappropriate performances, while others recruit minors who are not legally eligible to join their shows.

The CAC also noted that some multi-channel network (MCN) agencies behind many of these productions lack proper internal controls. According to the regulator, some agencies use company-controlled accounts to send gifts and spam the chat with fake comments to tip themselves and even pose as the “top supporter” to fabricate an atmosphere of lavish spending.

During the campaign, the CAC said it will prioritize the rectification of the above issues.

Group livestreaming is a format in which multiple streamers perform talent shows, such as dancing and singing, in the same livestream room, earning revenue through viewer tips. The sector’s market value exceeded 15 billion yuan (about $2.1 billion) in 2025, with more than 8,000 group livestream rooms operating on an average day.

Continue reading

I First Logged-On the Internet in 2000!

UK: Ask Jeeves Was My First Search-Engine” (4.5.2026)

My mother – Diane Wyles – gave each of her children a “Web TV” to quickly get us all online. This was a small metal box that we connected to the TV which allowed the internet to appear on the screen. We then wrote messages and asked questions via a remote-controlled keypad. All this seemed very advanced at the time – even though the dial-up was analogue and only one person could be online at a time. This was before Google cornered the market and before the bourgeoisie had developed the technology for capitalism to colonise the net and the media to swamp it with false news and disinformation. In just 25-years we lost the freedom the net gave us to defy our own national governments. The status quo has now been re-affirmed and it is business as usual.

Continue reading

I Can See Your Thoughts...

Dialectical Materialism & Rebirth for Marxists! (26.8.2025)

In a moment – things dialectically change forever. When the axe fell on the neck of Charles I in 1649 – the ancient convention of an absolute monarch in England ended forever. How could this have happened? Well, there was a Revolution which saw tens of thousands fight and die in England so that the emerging bourgeois class could usurp political power from the aristocracy. There was no future for the absolute monarchy. And yet the agency of the “moment”, despite its nature, continue to manifest unabated. Rebirth is not reincarnation – the Buddha hinted about the former but rejected the latter. Rebirth may not be what the average Marxist thinks it is. An effective Marxist regime must be replicated effectively from one generation to the next.

Continue reading

1 2 3 … 8