Monday, March 10, 2014

For I am King



People,

Thank you for taking the time to build a fantastic Greek version of Rome from the ground up for me today. I would like to take the opportunity to share with you why I asked you to perform this strenuous feat of engineering and also creativity.

*Cell phone rings*
Oh wait sorry, I need to take this call. It’s really important
*10 minutes later*

Where was I… Going to say something… Well, I don’t remember.

With the above said, it was surprising to hear that no one was able to sufficiently recreate a decent Parthenon, nor even manage a decent melding of architecture styles while also incorporating Corinthian pillars into the facade. Everybody should be able to TALK about arches and domes in a clear and exciting way. We used to do that in all our exercises in slave labor, and almost invariantly all left with a very positive experience. From what I can tell, this did not occur effectively yesterday.

People have in general been doing a much better job placing a context about their architectural achievements (motivation, etc.) which is important for all, especially the younger slaves in the group. Good job!

One thing though that I have noticed during the process is that even the most seasoned slaves still sometimes (and I emphasize SOMETIMES) are not aware of feats of architectural wonder that have come out of our group in the past, and also their relation to more general developments in the field of tyranny and destruction. This is not surprising, given the vast literature and broad interests of our group, but it is an opportunity to do something about this.

Another reason for the above is that I'd like to start, if possible, a process that may reshape how we think and act in the group. The ultimate goal is to come up with ideas for transformative initiatives in slavery architecture if possible. Let me explain what I mean: I've always been very happy that you freely discuss a lot of different approaches to moving stone blocks, and some of you step up and come up with some really nice ideas of integrated Rube Goldberg-esqe stone transportation schemes. It would be nice if ALL participate, to the extent you can, in that discussion and make your ideas known. I'd therefore like for each and every one of you, as part of your – let’s call it – indentured servitude (i.e. slavery), should come up with one idea of a new construction project that you could carry out, that ideally addresses my majesty (but not necessarily) and also integrates peoples’ suffering.

I will not ask everybody to carry out every single one project, nor is every one expected to be a good one. But on the other hand to have GREAT ideas you need to HAVE ideas, and integrated suffering always makes you stronger and better. The reason why I care so much about this, is because it is first fun, but second it can lead to major outcomes. The 3 pyramids in northwestern Argentina this year, various sculptures in the past, two mass genocides and a bunch of destroyed cities that used to be quite magnificent, nowadays are a result of such ideas and brainstorming sessions.

So I hope we can begin talking about really broadening our thinking (and ultimately impact).

Any thoughts, suggestions, etc. are welcome. I'd like to start this process from tomorrow.

Anyways this is to get things started. Please have your ideas and be ready to discuss tomorrow.

Again, the whole point is to maximize the potential of this wonderful group we have!

PN

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