In ages past, in another world, in another life, this page was lovingly referred to as Reason D’etre, which is a French phrase meaning something akin to, “The meaning of it all.” But meaning changes, as most things do, and while The Temple’s latest incarnation, Stone Knives and Bearskins, has many of the attributes as the old site, it is time for something new and evolved to take it’s place. So, without more ado, who, what, why, when, and where.
Who?
Me? I’m a 50 something Australian born American, country raised, college educated, white, middle class home owner, software engineer, Lyme survivor, high functioning autistic non-conformist with progressive views, a love for facts, science, logic, truth. I believe that we can make the world a better place through the power of critical thinking, the free exploration of ideas, and the constant pursuit of knowledge. As Heinlein once wrote,
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
What?
Get ready folks, because I plan to: scream, yell, cry, swear, wallow, and complain. I’m going to talk about sex, relationships, and other bodily functions. I’m going to explain, share, and overshare as I explore my innate need to be open and unencumbered by ridiculous societally imposed restrictions. I’m going to air my frustrations, philosophize, and make suggestions for how me might just do both little things and big to build a better, more inclusive world together. I’m going to evangelize and challenge and sometimes I’m going to offend and that’s okay. This is my home and if you want to enter it’s hallways you’re agreeing to listen with and open, but critical, heart and mind.
When?
Well now. As soon as possible. Yesterday. Before I kick the bucket!
Where?
Though the server hosting the web site sits comfortably in my hobby room, you can visit Stone Knives and Bearskins from anywhere on the planet. Pretty cool, eh?
Why?
Ah, that’s the crux of it, isn’t it? I mean, over twenty years ago when I blogging I got accused of being a narcassict because only narcissists would keep an online blog for everyone in the world to read, but that changed when the word “blob” became ubiquitous. But why? I mean, there are a lot of blogs out there and most of them are topic specific (e.g. cooking blogs and political blogs and knitting blogs, etc.), why one more from a guy who, admittedly, is just another two legged primate who is, in many respects, notably un-notable?
One: I’m writing for posterity. While it was always a goal of mine I don’t have children and (likely) never will. I come from a long line of teachers and preachers and that genetic legacy needs a visible place to explore, teach, and grow.
Two: I’ve spent the better part of my life (often apologetically) telling people I’m, “Half Vulcan, half human” (with an emphasis on the “Vulcan”). Over the past several years I’ve come to recognize and accept that I’m a high functioning person of autistic capabilities. One of those is my innate desire for complete honesty in all things. To be blunt: I’m deathly allergic to bullshit and I need one place in this sometimes ridicules stage play where I don’t have to mask (a term used in autistic circles to indicate often uncomfortable behaviors people like myself must constantly put in place to keep from being ostracized for daring to—OMG—be different). SKABS is a place where I will unmask.
Three: Related to the previous, this site is intent ended to be one of the most honest, truthful, real, no-bullshit memoir and autobiography you’re ever going to read. At least that’s the hope, the plan. I’m a long way from being a person who’s shed all their masks, but it’s who I want to be, who I’m going to be. You may not like that. Hell, at times most of you probably won’t. But I’m going to get over that. We both should. And we’re going to take that journey together.
Four: For many the name of this site will be unusual. Stone Knives and Bearskins? WTF? Let’s just say it’s a line from a television program I grew up with which was used to sarcastically describe trying to build something without the proper tools. And isn’t that what the human race is often trying to do? Well, I think it can be different. I think we have all the tools to stop war. I think we have everything we need to end homelessness, poverty, and starvation.
Five: Support. To be honest, I’ve never had many friends and probably, given my personality quirks and desire to fully unmask, probably never will. Even if blogging is a mostly one way street, writing—more specifically sharing—provides a sense of community. All are welcome here.