Binary code

The world is not a complicated place. Nuance is one more word that should’ve stayed in France, across the vast Atlantique, safely ensconced in excess dough and leftover crème. With Pierre, Gustave and the rest of the carping garcons, cackling away at dumb Amercians pronouncing the t in ballet. The world, simply put, is simple. Issues of the day aren’t multi-faceted or complex. They don’t require research, compassion or both. There aren’t multiple sides to an individual issue. We’re not talking about dodecahedrons here. The shapes worth knowing are much, much simpler than that. Everything is a binary. You’re either smart or you’re stupid. You’re either hungry or you’re starving. You’re either a denim shorts (yes, jorts) person or you prefer madras. Get it? 

That’s just the way it goes. Whenever someone says, “there must be more to the story,” calmly tell them that it’s never the case. Be mindful to do so without putting your hand on their shoulder or any other exposed body part that’s glistening in the moonlight. Because you’re either helping them or hurting them. And there’s no point in making this a criminal matter. Not yet anyway. 

Information isn’t like money. It’s not meant to be hoarded in a diverse portfolio or stuffed carefully beneath a firm mattress. Kept inside porcelain pork banks or glass fish tanks. Information isn’t tip-worthy, destined to be stuck into a jar as a social indicator of your immense appreciation for someone's fine work ethic. The more information you have, the less you understand. When you’re reading an article, stop at the headline. The body of the text will only confuse you. You already know plenty. 

Some will try and convince you that your education is ongoing. That you can always be learning new things. I don’t think so. After the age of 7, you’re set in your ways. Done. Overdone even. Toast. So butter up and move on. 

Human history is a single unbroken story of good and evil. The devil on one side and Steve Jobs on the other. Or something like that. I like to imagine world history like a movie. But there are no bystanders. There are no bit players. No extras. No supporting cast. No prop people. No gaffers or Best Boys. Everyone is a star in this scenario. But there are only two roles to go around. 

And everything is shot in black and white.