My Philosophy, values, principles, and other commentary

If something isn't FOSS, then it's malware.

Free Software should be the default in all schools.

It is a lie when people often say on the internet "you need X GB of RAM" or this or that to do X and Y hobby. I have been making art on a Thinkpad from 2008 with 2GB RAM running Puppy OS without any lag. Computers with low specs are a lot more capable than we think. Of course, I also have a laptop from 2019 that's my main art machine, but you get what I mean. Reduce pollution as much as you can.

If art truly is subjective, then why do we do critiques, study anatomy, follow rules, have graphic design theory/classes, and constantly want to improve our drawing/painting skills, etc.? So is it subjective, really?

An aquantice is someone you watch movies with. Maybe if they're a good aquantice, you can even vent to them and they'll listen. But a friend is someone who cares about your wellbeing, and often nudges you to improve. If they see you are going through something, they will be your helping hand wheres an aquantice will subconsciously enable your unhealthy habits when you're at a low point in life.

We must understand that people are trying to improve themselves and the world, or if they aren't, they have come to understand something about the world that makes them think that way and those beliefs aren't groundless, and if they are, there is something of interest to be gained from learning where those groundless beliefs come from. Because no one, not even the most mindless sheep, believes something for no reason.

Just because you're passionate about what you think is right and your friends, too, are passionate, that means you will argue, and you will disagree, and there may even be harsh words exchanged. But remember that there is more to a person than just their beliefs, and so when the arguing is over, you can still be friendly and happy with them.

Most people don't have a specfic reason to believe what they believe. They just do. It's only when they get challenged do they actually think about it. If it's something they aren't passionate about, they question it, realize it's either reasonable and have a specfic thought about it, or realize it's unreasonable and discard it. If it's something they are passionate about, then they'll fight you and come up with any all reasons possible not to listen to you. It's why getting decent deep conversations is near impossible. It activates flight or fight responses in peoples brains. It takes years of practice to unlearn it, and learn to not treat debates like attacks on your identity. Most people would rather flee than engage in a debate.

Here is a little tip: don't view debates or arguments as a win vs. lose situation. Remind yourself that they're about gaining something or establishing what you've already learned. Learn to enjoy debating people who have entirely different views than yourself. You don't need to agree with them, but just acknowledge it. Try to imagine if you were that person, what would make you come to the same conclusions? This mindset and attitude is what has brought me a lot of peace and serenity in life.

-Big thanks to Malik (a dear friend of mine) for teaching me this mindset.