Love Computers Religion Politics Sexuality Sports Education

Love: Love is the most important thing in Life. We must learn to love before we die! In particular, we must learn to really love ourselves to the point that we value our views more than everyone else's... Don't should on yourself!

Computers: Computers are great tools. They demonstrate how far we humans have come in creativity and ingenuity. It's not about Mac vs. IBM. Sure, I use Windows 2000 and love it, but it's just another piece of software. The point is that computers are constantly changing and growing and becoming ever more useful. I'm just glad to be here to experience it...

Religion: Religion is not really that great. It has caused many humans a lot of struggle and heartache. On the other hand (OTOH), Spirituality has probably never harmed anyone. It comes in every imaginable form, and many times comes through the simple things in life such as a color, a smile, a song about surrender, or a moment talking with a stranger who has lost all but needs your help. No religion has a monopoly on God. People who believe in religious facts are funny. God is Love. God is Life. God is Quiteness and Peace. God is not "Me".

Politics: Power corrupts. People join into groups to protect their own interests. Why do we have "personal" interests? Do we think our wants and "rights" are any more important than those of our fellows? "This is not a black and white world; to be alive the colors must swirl" -- Live, The Beauty of Gray. Political economists focus on how goods and services should be allocated. What is far more important is that we guarantee everyone the same opportunities to earn what they want and achieve their dreams. If they don't have any dreams, maybe we can lend them some of our own!

Sexuality: I used to think things had to be either right or wrong. I couldn't understand a concept until I could categorize it as acceptable or not. My life seems a lot easier in those times I can give up having opinions. I think a lot of "straight" people are afraid that somewhere down inside they might have felt "attracted" to someone of their own sex, so they often become "opinionated" that homosexuality is wrong. At Carolina, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful, creative, fun people who happened to be homosexual. They have helped me to open my mind and realize how beautiful life's diversity is.

Sports: Mostly, I couldn't care less...sorry, sportsfans! OTOH, I do like to go see the "home team" play, especially UNC basketball! Rah, Rah, Carolina, --lina! I also look forward to the day I will have children I can take to the park for a "catch". 

Education: Education in the classroom is only the beginning. Wisdom is a lifelong process of gaining first-hand experience, learning your weaknesses and your strengths, and understanding who you are and who you are not. Don't expect to be spoon-fed your education. You and all the people around you will be much better off if you learn "the hard way". Nose to the grindstone; it's the only way! (Is that how that expression goes?)

Jesse Aaron Safir, Email: "jesse dot safir at unc dot edu"