Welcome to this week’s 5BF: Islam’s inevitable reform in the
light of its history, positive reinforcement over imposed guilt, a chimpanzee’s
stoic life, and more…
1 – what I read
No god but God by Reza Aslan – Aslan’s book is outstanding
and important in so many ways: not only does it tell the history of Islam, but
intelligently links it to its present-day situation; moreover, it illuminates
its readers about the complexity, beauty, and diversity of Islam as well. Brilliantly
scholarly and impressive commentary!
2 – this week’s article
Save people the guilt trip @psyche – while individual acts
lose their significance in comparison to a societal or even global change, it
is nevertheless the only way big reforms come about. But in order to get
everyone to do their share, a positive reinforcement works far better than
imposed guilt on people of not having done their best.
What Arthur Schopenhauer learned about genius at the asylum@psyche – ‘true mental health consists in a perfect recollection of past’ wrote
Schopenhauer in 18th century, and author Wendy Burn, investigates
what the German philosopher meant by this statement, and in doing so, distinguishes
between genius and crazy people.
3 – what I watched
Dynasties by BBC (David Attenborough) – following extended
stories of the five most majestic and also endangered animals on Earth, this
series by BBC is yet another brilliant film on the animals and the inspiring
wisdom they offer. Episode one features ‘chimpanzees’ and it follows the story
of ‘David’ an alpha male and how he struggles to hold his power. It is really
humbling to see an animal go through life with such grounded stoicism and calm,
despite the odds; one can’t help but ask the question, ‘why cannot we live like
these animals too?’
4 – rediscovery of Rumi’s ‘Poem of the Atoms’
In past week, almost by chance, I refound the soul-touching recitation
of Rumi’s ‘poem of the atoms’ by the Iranian singer Salar Aghili. I first heard
and fell in love with it when I heard it at start of ‘Human’ documentary which
I talked about in that week’s 5BF as well. ‘Rise O Sun, that the atoms are
dancing / for Whom that the air also dances…’ Listen to it here.
5 – this week’s quote
‘Not everything is a lesson Ryan. Sometimes you just fail.’ –
Dwight from ‘The Office’