The Ephemeral Interests and Changing Paradigms of an Ex-Research Scientist
While many may find solace in the idea of perennial interests or meaningful causes, my experience over the years highlights the often fleeting nature of what we engage with and the shifting paradigms that influence our passions and concerns. Here, I reflect on several interests that have ceased to capture my attention in recent times, offering insights into the complexities of our evolving psyche and societal changes.
From the Old Job to Home Projects
Since my retirement, the old job that once consumed my thoughts has ceased to be a compulsion. Instead, I find myself motivated by home projects that allow me to engage in the tangible, the personal, and the practical. Retirement has provided a new lease on life, enabling me to focus on domestic pursuits that bring me a different form of fulfillment.
The Decline of Humanity in Quora
Quora has not been immune to the challenges faced by the internet and social media. It has become increasingly burdened by spambots, particularly those from Russia, which propagate misinformation and skew perceptions. As a former research scientist, the quality and integrity of information dissemination resonate deeply within me, making the quagmire of misinformation on these platforms especially disheartening.
Rejoicing in the Success of Former Employees
Before retirement, my primary motivation was to secure funding for my research and support the hardworking individuals who depended on these funds. As a research scientist, I often grappled with the harsh realities of the scientific funding landscape, particularly the growing trend of “soft money.” This model left me and my employees vulnerable, and the 3% funding rate was a stark reminder of the challenges we faced. Since my retirement, I have been able to rejoice in the successes of my former employees who have found positions of their own merit.
The Dissipation of Ex-Wives as an Interest
The transient nature of human relationships is a fascinating yet often painful subject. From my experience with four ex-wives, it is clear that the intensity of interest in these personal connections wanes over time, giving way to unique forms of nostalgia and closure. These connections, once the pillars of our lives, recede into the background, forming a part of our history rather than our current focus.
Political Dissillusionment and Corporate Gripps
The political landscape, especially at the national level, has lost much of its luster for me. While I once believed that the fight for what was right was paramount, the reality that our politicians are beholden to corporate interests has shattered that idealism. The concept of “follow the money” has become a ubiquitous and unsettling truth. National politics now appear to be little more than a puppet show, with political figures as marionettes and corporations as the true puppeteers. Local politics, in contrast, remain a more authentic and engaging arena for meaningful engagement.
From Mythology to History
My early fascination with mythology, particularly the tale of Hades and Persephone, emerged during my childhood in the form of a deep immersion in the ancient stories and lore of Pompeii. This interest, initially a rich well of curiosity and imagination, began to wane when I visited the Pompeii museum in New York and discovered the tragic reality behind the stone figures. These were not mere artistic representations but the remains of real people who perished in the disaster. The transition from myth to historical reality has led me to view the stories with a new, more somber appreciation for the human cost behind these ancient narratives.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the evanescence of interests and the changing paradigms of our lives are testament to the dynamic nature of the human experience. From the jobs that once defined us to the political systems that populate our world, there are cycles of intellectual, emotional, and even existential reinvention that we must navigate. As I reflect on these shifts, I find solace in the present and the continued pursuit of meaningful projects and engagements that bring me happiness and satisfaction.