hackercurious

There used to be a time when the free world looked to authoritarian states like Russia and reprimanded them for large prison populations. The gulag was a symbol of oppression and a loss of human freedom. I find it strange we have surpassed the incarceration rates of these nations and even stranger that mass incarceration is seen as something to be proud of.

I wanted to add that there are several forms/types of Vipassana and several different types of centers that conduct retreats. Many people get confused and think that there is only one type of Vipassana. Take a look into The Insight Meditation Society located near Boston. They also have a large center near San Francisco, and various groups around the country. I think you may find the instruction less 'cultish'. Insight Meditation Society (IMS) uses a sliding scale to charge for its retreats and I have found them to be my favorite center for going on a retreat. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is not necessary to do a ten day retreat. You can start with a 2-3 day and work up from there.

This should read, 'Why you should delete your emails immediately after reading.'

The author forgot to mention what happens when large quantities of alcohol is involved. When everyone is drunk they are quite chatty.

I am an American and have lived in Europe (Northern Europe) for over four years. I don’t fear awkward silences anymore either, but, what I do miss is an easy going relationship with conversation. It seems to me as if Europeans can be socially awkward and I am not sure if I will ever entirely warm up to the idea of “the culture of comfortable silence.” Perhaps a balance between insentient chattering and enforced silence would be nice. I believe conversation is an art, it is important, and it is part of what makes us human.