Thinking Alive

The Man Upstairs

Brian — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:30:12 +0000

No matter how I try to avoid it, I’ve always been captured by theoretical and ‘conceptual’ concerns. For example, I might begin to outline a story for a movie, then I would inevitably notice a pattern or insight emerging, then that would become the project. Back in 2004 I thought I had a pretty good idea for [...]

The Basement

Brian — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:40:20 +0000

The process of writing this book can be traced back to one of my earliest memories. I was maybe five or six years old, give or take. It was when I learned to be unafraid of the dark. At the same moment I learned about philosophy — about discovery, openness and enlightenment — though maybe I [...]

Why I Have Principles

Brian — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:17:52 +0000

Principles are intellectual landmarks for orienting our actions and decisions as well as our opinions of others. Principles aren’t to be upheld at all costs; principles are provisional, to be upheld until they don’t work anymore — then broken and reformed… In fact, what we believe are our principles may not be (or probably aren’t) [...]

Purpose of Life

Brian — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:22:59 +0000

A few years ago I spent a while trying to grasp “what it’s all about.” What I came up with — more or less — is that the purpose of life is to tell a good story. Whether or not that’s true, it’s the most effective way to manage and resolve a lot of problems. [...]

Coming Soon

Brian — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:08:45 +0000

A new project by Brian Frank.