「不滅と退屈」(Fumetsu to Taikutsu) - "Immortality and Boredom"

 大山（おおやま）: おっす！みんなさん、元気かい？

百合子（ゆりこ）: こんにちは、皆さん！今日は不老不死について話そうよ。

大山（おおやま）: ほんとだよね！不老不死って言われても、永遠に生き続けるってことだよな。

百合子（ゆりこ）: そうだね。でもさ、不老不死になったら飽きちゃわないかな？

大山（おおやま）: うーん、確かに。永遠に生きても退屈しない方法ってあるのかな？

百合子（ゆりこ）: そうだよね。一つのことに永遠に夢中になるのも、いつか飽きてしまうかもしれない。

大山（おおやま）: そうかもしれないな。でも、不老不死になったら、何でもできるし、いろんなことに挑戦できるんじゃないか？

百合子（ゆりこ）: それは確かにそうだけど、挑戦し続けること自体が退屈になるかもしれないよ。

大山（おおやま）: あー、なるほど。でもさ、人生ってそもそも無駄じゃないのかな？

百合子（ゆりこ）: うーん、無駄だからこそ、人生に意味があるんじゃないかな？

大山（おおやま）: そうかもしれないな。人間はいつか死ぬ運命だからこそ、一瞬一瞬を大切に生きるべきなんだろうね。

百合子（ゆりこ）: それはいい考えだね。不老不死よりも、今を精一杯生きることが大切なんだよね。

大山（おおやま）: そうだね！だから、みんなさんも笑って、楽しい人生を送ろうぜ！

百合子（ゆりこ）: それがいちばんの不老不死だよ！

What makes the "Conan the Barbarian" OST so epic?

The soundtrack of the "Conan the Barbarian" movie is undoubtedly one of the most epic and memorable movie soundtracks of all time. The music was composed by Basil Poledouris, who created a score that perfectly captures the epic and savage nature of the film. There are several elements that make this soundtrack so extraordinary.

Firstly, the music is incredibly powerful. The score features a full orchestra, including brass, strings, and percussion, which provides a massive and overwhelming sound. The use of timpani and percussion is particularly effective in conveying a sense of primal energy and power, while the brass section is used to evoke a feeling of triumph and glory.

Secondly, the music is very emotive. Poledouris' score captures the emotional essence of the film and the character of Conan himself. The music is both grand and intimate, reflecting the hero's struggle for survival, his journey to regain his stolen heritage, and his search for love and companionship. The use of choir in the score, especially in the "Riddle of Steel" track, adds to the emotive quality of the music, bringing a spiritual and otherworldly dimension to the score.

Thirdly, the music is thematically rich. Poledouris created numerous themes for the various characters, locations, and motifs in the film. The main theme, "Anvil of Crom," is one of the most recognizable and iconic movie themes ever created. It evokes a sense of barbarism and power and perfectly represents Conan's character. The use of ethnic instruments such as panpipes and shofars adds to the thematic richness of the score, bringing a sense of primal and ancient history to the music.

Lastly, the music is impeccably timed and edited. The score is perfectly synchronized with the film, enhancing the impact of every action and emotion on screen. The use of leitmotifs allows for smooth transitions between scenes, and the sudden crescendos and decrescendos add to the dramatic tension of the film.

In conclusion, the "Conan the Barbarian" soundtrack is a masterpiece of film scoring. Basil Poledouris created a score that perfectly captures the film's epic, emotive, thematic, and timing elements. The combination of a full orchestra, choir, ethnic instruments, and impeccable editing creates a powerful and unforgettable listening experience that transports the listener to the savage and mythical world of Conan.

Red Lobsters. Episode 07: A Conversation with Alan Watts and a Depressed Worker

Alan Watts: Hey there, my friend. What's troubling you?

Depressed worker: Nothing really matters. Life has no value. My work is pointless, and I don't see a way out of this depression.

Alan Watts: Hmm, that's a bleak outlook. But let me ask you this - what if everything we know is just an illusion? What if reality is just a play of forms, and the only real thing is the ever-changing present moment?

Depressed worker: I don't see how that changes anything. My work still feels meaningless.

Alan Watts: Ah, but what if your work is just another form in the play of reality? What if you're a part of the grand performance, and your role is just as important as anyone else's?

Depressed worker: I don't think I can see it that way. It all feels so pointless.

Alan Watts: But what if you change your perspective? What if you see the absurdity in it all, and learn to laugh at the cosmic joke? Life may be meaningless, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Depressed worker: I don't think I can do that. I'm too depressed.

Alan Watts: Well then, what if you see your depression as just another form in the play of reality? What if it's just a passing emotion, and you're not attached to it?

Depressed worker: I don't know if that's possible.

Alan Watts: Of course it is! You just need to change your perspective, my friend. Life is a dance, and you're invited to join in. So come on, let's dance!

Depressed worker: (pauses, then starts to laugh) You know what, you're right. Life is absurd, and maybe that's what makes it fun.

Alan Watts: There you go! That's the spirit. Let's go out there and dance like there's no tomorrow!

Red Lobsters. Episode 06: Alan Watts and Jorben Shapeterson talk music

Alan Watts: Hey there, Jorben, have you ever thought about the meaning of music?

Jorben Shapeterson: Well, of course, Alan. As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, I have studied the psychological and evolutionary roots of music.

Alan Watts: That's all well and good, Jorben, but have you ever just let yourself get lost in the pure experience of music, without analyzing it to death?

Jorben Shapeterson: I see what you're getting at, Alan. But you have to admit, there are some objective truths about music that we can't ignore.

Alan Watts: Oh, I don't deny that. But you also have to acknowledge that the meaning of music is inherently subjective and personal.

Jorben Shapeterson: I agree with you there, Alan. But that doesn't mean we can't study the effects of music on the brain and behavior.

Alan Watts: Of course, Jorben. But the beauty of music is that it transcends all that. It speaks to the soul and connects us to something greater than ourselves.

Jorben Shapeterson: I don't disagree, Alan. But as a clinical psychologist, I have to consider the therapeutic potential of music for mental health.

Alan Watts: And as a philosopher, Jorben, I have to consider the spiritual potential of music for expanding our consciousness and understanding of the universe.

Jorben Shapeterson: Well, I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree, Alan.

Alan Watts: No problem, Jorben. We can always just put on some good tunes and let the music speak for itself.

Jorben Shapeterson: Agreed, Alan. Let's rock out to some Nietzsche-inspired death metal!

Alan Watts: (laughs) Now you're speaking my language, Jorben!

How to learn Kanji, the Chinese characters in the Japanese language

漢字 = kanji (Japanese) = hanzi (Chinese)

Learning Kanji can be a daunting task, but there are several effective methods to make the process easier:

1. Learn radicals: Kanji characters are made up of smaller components known as radicals. Learning the most common ones can help you recognize and remember Kanji more easily.
2. Use spaced repetition software: Spaced repetition software like Anki can help you memorize Kanji by showing you flashcards at increasing intervals.
3. Read, read, read: Exposure to written Japanese is key to learning Kanji. Try reading simple Japanese texts, such as children's books or manga, and gradually work your way up to more advanced materials.
4. Write Kanji by hand: Writing Kanji by hand helps reinforce the visual and motor memory, making it easier to recognize and remember them.
5. Use mnemonics: Associating Kanji characters with memorable images or stories can help make them more memorable.
6. Take a course or use a textbook: There are many resources available for learning Kanji, including textbooks, online courses, and mobile apps. Find a method that works for you and stick with it consistently.
7. Remember, learning Kanji is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence. Keep at it, and you will gradually build up your Kanji knowledge and improve your Japanese language skills.

The 21 principles of "Dokkodo" by Musashi - translated and transliterated

人間万事塞翁が馬のごとし。

Jinkan banji saisou ga uma no gotoshi.

Translation: "In life, things change like the old man's horse."

Poetic and flowery: "Like the old man's horse, life's changes will run their course."

志を立てねば何事も成らず。

Kokorozashi wo tateneba nanigoto mo naranu.

Translation: "Without a strong will, nothing can be achieved."

Poetic and flowery: "Without a will so strong and pure, life's victories remain unsure."

人の道を踏み外す者は、ただ一日の内に百年の恥をこうむることとなる。

Hito no michi wo fumihazusu mono wa, tada ichinichi no uchi ni hyakunen no haji wo koumuru koto to naru.

Translation: "Those who deviate from the path of humanity will bring shame upon themselves for a hundred years in a single day."

Poetic and flowery: "A single step astray from the path of man, brings a hundred years of shame with a single span."

自分を律する者は、世界を律する。

Jibun wo ritsu suru mono wa, sekai wo ritsu suru.

Translation: "One who governs oneself, governs the world."

Poetic and flowery: "To govern oneself with mastery and poise, is to govern the world and all its noise."

心常に忘るな。

Kokoro tsune ni wasuruna.

Translation: "Never forget to keep your mind in the present moment."

Poetic and flowery: "In the present moment keep thy heart, let not the past nor future tear it apart."

衆人をあばれるがごとく、自らを律して謹み、身を精しとせよ。

Shujin wo abareru ga gotoku, mizukara wo ritsu shite tsutsushimi, mi wo sei shi to seyo.

Translation: "Be as furious as a thunderbolt, but calm and disciplined within oneself."

Poetic and flowery: "As the thunder strikes with force and might, let thy soul remain disciplined and light."

行路にあり、ただ進むのみ。

Kouro ni ari, tada susumu nomi.

Translation: "The journey is the path; keep moving forward."

Poetic and flowery: "The path lies in the journey taken, keep moving forward with heart unshaken."

悲しみも恨みも自然の定め。ただ、そのままに受け止めて、こうむるがよい。

Kanashimi mo urami mo shizen no sadame. Tada, sono mama ni uketomete, koumuru ga yoi.

Translation: "Sadness and regret are natural fates. Accept them as they are and make the best of them."

Poetic and flowery: "Sadness and regret, a natural part of life's duet, accept them with grace, and move on with haste."

自分自身のために生きることは、全ての苦しみの元凶である。(

Jibun jishin no tame ni ikiru koto wa, subete no kurushimi no genkyou de aru.

Translation: "Living for oneself is the root of all suffering."

Poetic and flowery: "Living solely for oneself is the root of all suffering."

大いなる者は、いかなる時も、自分を責めることなく、また、人を訴えることもない。

Ooinaru mono wa, ikanaru toki mo, jibun wo semeru koto naku, mata, hito wo uttaeru koto mo nai.

Translation: "The great person never blames others, nor does he allow himself to be swayed by emotions."

Poetic and flowery: "The great one blames neither themselves nor others, in any circumstance."

望むところに到達するためには、あらゆる手段を使え。ただし、他人に害を与えることは許されない。

Nozomu tokoro ni toutatsu suru tame ni wa, arayuru shudan wo tsukae. Tadashi, tanin ni gai wo ataeru koto wa yurusarenai.

Translation: "Use any means necessary to achieve your goals, but never harm others in the process."

Poetic and flowery: "Use any means necessary to reach your desired end, but do not harm others in the process."

無駄に口を動かすな。言葉とは、人を喜ばせるためにあるのではない。真実を語るためのものである。

Muda ni kuchi wo ugokasu na. Kotoba to wa, hito wo yorokobaseru tame ni aru no de wa nai. Shinjitsu wo kataru tame no mono de aru.

Translation: "Do not waste your words. Speak only when necessary and speak the truth."

Poetic and flowery: "Do not waste words. Speech is not meant to please others, but to convey the truth."

人生において、最も大切なことは、一期一会の心である。

Jinsei ni oite, motto mo taisetsu na koto wa, ichigo ichie no kokoro de aru.

Translation: "In life, the most important thing is to have a spirit of treating every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Poetic and flowery: "In life, the most important thing is to cherish every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

強さ、美しさ、才能、富。これらの価値観は、人を縛る枷である。自由に生きることができるためには、これらの枷を捨て去ることが必要である。

Tsuyosa, utsukushisa, sainou, tomi. Korera no kachikan wa, hito wo shibaru kase de aru. Jiyuu ni ikiru koto ga dekiru tame ni wa, korera no kase wo sute saru koto ga hitsuyou de aru.

Translation: "Strength, beauty, talent, and wealth are all chains that bind us. To truly live freely, one must let go of these chains."

Poetic and flowery: "Strength, beauty, talent, and wealth - these values are shackles that bind people. To live freely, they must be abandoned."

無知とは、恥ではない。ただ、知らないことを知ってしまえば、無知は恥となる。

Muchi to wa, haji de wa nai. Tada, shiranai koto o shitte shimaeba, muchi wa haji to naru.

Translation: "Ignorance is not shameful. Only when we realize what we do not know does ignorance become a source of shame."

Poetic and flowery: "Ignorance is not shameful. But once one becomes aware of what they do not know, ignorance becomes shame."

最後の時が来たら、心残りのないよう、全力で生き抜け。

Saigo no toki ga kitara, kokoronokori no nai yō, zenryoku de ikinuke.

Translation: "When the end comes, live with all your might so that you have no regrets."

Poetic and flowery: "When the end comes, live with no regrets and give it your all."

常に兵法の道をはなれず。

Tsuneni heihō no michi o hanarezu.

Translation: "Never stray from the way of strategy."

Poetic and flowery: "Always remain on the path of martial arts."

A poetic A.I. translation of Musashi's "Dokkodo"

1. Like the old man who lost his horse, life's unpredictable twists and turns must be embraced.
2. Without setting a clear goal, nothing can be achieved.
3. Those who stray from the path of righteousness will suffer a hundred years of shame in a single day.
4. The one who controls oneself can control the world.
5. Never forget the importance of mindfulness.
6. Though others may behave recklessly, strive to regulate and discipline oneself.
7. On the journey of life, keep moving forward.
8. Sorrow and resentment are natural aspects of life. Accept them as they come.
9. Don't neglect to enjoy life. Without pleasure, life is only survival.
10. Never cause trouble for others, nor blame them for your own misfortune.
11. Reject evil and believe in goodness. If you hold fast to this for yourself and others, the path will open before you.
12. Give thanks for everything, no matter how small. Keep gratitude alive for as long as you live.
13. Living solely for oneself is the root of all suffering.
14. The great one blames neither themselves nor others, in any circumstance.
15. Use any means necessary to reach your desired end, but do not harm others in the process.
16. Do not waste words. Speech is not meant to please others, but to convey the truth.
17. In life, the most important thing is to cherish every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
18. Strength, beauty, talent, and wealth - these values are shackles that bind people. To live freely, they must be abandoned.
19. Ignorance is not shameful. But once one becomes aware of what they do not know, ignorance becomes shame.
20. When the end comes, live with no regrets and give it your all.
21. Always remain on the path of martial arts.

The first A.I. translation of Miyamoto Musashi's "Dokkodo"

1. "In life, things are like the story of Saiou's horse."
2. "Without setting goals, nothing can be achieved."
3. "Those who deviate from the path of humanity will bring shame upon themselves that lasts a hundred years in a single day."
4. "Those who discipline themselves will be able to discipline the world."
5. "Never forget the heart."
6. "Control yourself with utmost restraint, as if taming a wild horse, and refine your being."
7. "The path lies before you, simply move forward."
8. "Sorrow and anger are natural occurrences. It is best to simply accept and endure them as they come."
9. "Do not neglect enjoyment. Life without enjoyment is merely existence."
10. "Never trouble others, and never blame others for your own misfortunes."
11. "Reject evil and believe in goodness. If you hold to this for yourself and others, the path will open up."
12. "Be grateful for all things, even the small things, and continue to show gratitude for as long as you live."
13. "Living for oneself is the root of all suffering."
14. "Great individuals never blame themselves or others at any time."
15. "Use any means necessary to reach your desired destination, but never harm others in the process."
16. "Do not speak needlessly. Words are not meant to please others, but to express the truth."
17. "The most important thing in life is to have a heart of 'ichi-go ichi-e' - treating every encounter as if it were once in a lifetime."
18. "Strength, beauty, talent, wealth - these values are shackles that bind people. To live freely, one must discard these restraints."
19. "Ignorance is not shameful. It only becomes shameful when one remains ignorant despite having the means to learn."
20. "When the end comes, live with all your might so that there are no regrets."
21. "Always stay on the path of martial arts."

宮本武蔵の「独行道」- 従うべき21の原則

 一、人間万事塞翁が馬のごとし。

二、志を立てねば何事も成らず。

三、人の道を踏み外す者は、ただ一日の内に百年の恥をこうむることとなる。

四、自分を律する者は、世界を律する。

五、心常に忘るな。

六、衆人をあばれるがごとく、自らを律して謹み、身を精しとせよ。

七、行路にあり、ただ進むのみ。

八、悲しみも恨みも自然の定め。ただ、そのままに受け止めて、こうむるがよい。

九、楽しむことを怠るな。人生に楽しみがなければ、ただの生存に過ぎない。

十、決して他人に迷惑をかけるな。また、自分の不幸を人のせいにするな。

十一、悪を排し、善を信ずること。自分自身に対しても、他人に対しても、これを貫けば、道は開けるだろう。

十二、あらゆるものに感謝せよ。小さなことにも感謝し、命ある限り感謝しつづけよう。

十三、自分自身のために生きることは、全ての苦しみの元凶である。

十四、大いなる者は、いかなる時も、自分を責めることなく、また、人を訴えることもない。

十五、望むところに到達するためには、あらゆる手段を使え。ただし、他人に害を与えることは許されない。

十六、無駄に口を動かすな。言葉とは、人を喜ばせるためにあるのではない。真実を語るためのものである。

十七、人生において、最も大切なことは、一期一会の心である。

十八、強さ、美しさ、才能、富。これらの価値観は、人を縛る枷である。自由に生きることができるためには、これらの枷を捨て去ることが必要である。

十九、無知とは、恥ではない。ただ、知らないことを知ってしまえば、無知は恥となる。

二十、最後の時が来たら、心残りのないよう、全力で生き抜け。

二十一、常に兵法の道をはなれず。

The 20 most common words written in Katakana:

Here are the 20 most common words written in Katakana:

1. アメリカ - Amerika - America
2. コーヒー - kohi - coffee
3. インターネット - intaanetto - internet
4. テレビ - terebi - television
5. メニュー - menyuu - menu
6. スポーツ - supootsu - sports
7. パーティー - paatii - party
8. ホテル - hoteru - hotel
9. レストラン - resutoran - restaurant
10. ショップ - shoppu - shop/store
11. ファッション - fasshon - fashion
12. パソコン - pasokon - personal computer
13. セーター - seetaa - sweater
14. カメラ - kamera - camera
15. タバコ - tabako - tobacco/cigarettes
16. タクシー - takushii - taxi
17. スーパー - suupaa - supermarket
18. ゲーム - geemu - game
19. マンション - manshon - apartment building/complex
20. ビール - biiru - beer