Yesterday, I set out to run 10 kilometers. However, it quickly became apparent that my legs hadn’t fully recovered from my previous run—they were sore and heavy. Despite my initial ambition, I realized that pushing through might not be the wisest decision, so I reluctantly cut the run short at 5 kilometers.
As I reflected on this decision, my wife shared a cautionary tale from her past. Years ago, when she was younger and just as driven, she ignored the early warning signs of soreness in her legs and kept running. Unfortunately, this led to stress fractures that sidelined her for several weeks. She emphasized the importance of listening to our bodies, no matter how strong the desire to achieve a goal might be. Her experience is a powerful reminder that ambition, if not balanced with self-care, can sometimes lead to setbacks.
Balancing my goals with my physical limitations has always been a challenge. There’s a fine line between pushing myself to improve and pushing myself too far. At times, it feels frustrating, especially when I see my progress over the past year. Thanks to my running app, I’ve been able to track my distances and pace, and I’ve seen significant improvement. Even when I complete a 10-kilometer run, my times are much better than last year. This progress motivates me to keep going but also comes with a price.
I’ve noticed that my recovery time has become longer, which I suspect is partly due to my limited protein intake. While a typical adult consumes about 1/1000 of their body weight in protein, I can only manage a little over half of that. This has made it challenging to fully recover from muscle soreness, even though I’ve figured out how to manage my weight and prevent muscle loss. Recovery remains an ongoing struggle.
Despite these challenges, I’m trying to focus on the positives. I’m proud of how hard I work and how much I’ve improved despite my difficulties. My wife often reminds me that I’m resilient, even though I get tired more easily and have trouble recovering. She understands my struggles and supports my determination to reach my goals.
Ultimately, I’ve decided to embrace a more balanced perspective. It’s okay if I can’t always run 10 kilometers due to physical limitations. The muscle soreness I’m experiencing is a sign that I’m pushing myself toward my goals, and that’s something to be proud of. Most importantly, I continue moving forward and never give up, even when the journey gets tough.
I’ve recently developed a new habit that’s become a key part of my daily routine: eating two small pastry bites before my morning run and four while mowing the lawn. This might seem like a quirky ritual, but for someone like me, living with chronic kidney disease, it’s actually a carefully considered strategy. My condition requires me to follow a highly controlled diet, which means that many of the foods others enjoy freely are off-limits or need to be consumed in minimal quantities. For example, I have to be extremely cautious with my protein, cheese, and chocolate intake—three things I used to enjoy but now have to ration carefully.
But those are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other foods that I need to monitor closely, especially when it comes to salt. Salt is a concern because it’s hidden in many everyday items, like bread. Many of the bread on store shelves contain far more salt than my kidneys can safely handle, so I’ve had to say goodbye to many of my old favorites.
When we first discovered my kidney disease, it was a wake-up call that prompted significant changes in our household. Dining out, for example, became a rare occasion—something we now do no more than once a week, if at all. We also became much more vigilant about what we bring into our kitchen. Spice mixes, which often contain hidden salt, are a perfect example. My wife began making our spice blends and sauces from scratch each weekend to avoid this. This way, we can ensure that everything we eat is within my dietary guidelines. While this may sound like a lot of work, we ease into it gradually, making it feel like a natural part of our lifestyle rather than a burden.
Summer, of course, brings its own challenges, particularly with the added task of lawn care. Because of my dietary restrictions, I used to rely on small, plant-based protein bars to keep my energy up during these activities. My doctor assured me these were safe in moderation, but I might have overdone it. I soon realized that I needed to cut back on them, which led to a new problem: maintaining my weight. My weight tends to hover between 145 and 155 pounds, and according to my smart scale, I have more muscle than the average person my age, thanks to regular exercise. However, with so little body fat, any drop in weight likely means I’m losing muscle, which isn’t ideal.
To tackle this issue, my wife turned to the DaVita website, a resource we’ve trusted since my time on peritoneal dialysis. DaVita specializes in kidney care and offers a wealth of kidney-friendly recipes. We found some great ideas there and decided to start making small muffins or pastry bites. These are perfect for my needs because they’re made in small portions, which means that eating a few won’t cause my blood sugar to spike, especially when I’m active. The pastry bites are filled with jam that my wife makes herself, using fresh fruit from the farmer’s market and just a touch of sugar. Store-bought jams are often too sweet for us, so this homemade version is a better fit.
Since I started incorporating these pastry bites into my diet, my weight has stabilized, and I’m no longer worried about muscle loss. I may need to adjust this routine when the lawn mowing season ends, but for now, eating two pastry bites before my run and four.
Living in Nashville has unique perks and challenges, especially when you have a home like ours. Nestled close to a small stream and surrounded by a dense forest, our house offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. The forest is thick enough that we can’t even see the houses on the other side, which gives us a sense of seclusion and privacy that we truly cherish. We love the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere our location provides, but, as with all good things, there’s a trade-off—one that comes in the form of insects.
When you live in a place like Nashville, known for its hot and humid summers, you can expect insects to be part of the package, especially when your home is close to a stream. Our backyard is a haven for various bugs—fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, and other critters that seem to thrive in this environment. While we enjoy the natural surroundings, these uninvited guests can be quite a nuisance.
To manage the insect problem, we’ve enlisted the help of a pest control service. Our pest control service provider covers termites and other pests around our house, ensuring our home is protected. However, no pest control can completely rid our backyard of insects nor should that be the goal. There’s always going to be something buzzing around. Plus, I’m not entirely comfortable with spreading too many chemicals around, especially considering the potential impact on the environment and our health.
During our first summer in Nashville, my wife reached her limit with the insects. She’s always been diligent about yard work, including lawn mowing, but the bugs made it unbearable. She started using insect repellent religiously before stepping outside, ensuring she was fully protected. As soon as she returned indoors, she would immediately wash her clothes to avoid bringing ticks into the house. This routine became even more critical since we had a cat at the time, and the last thing we wanted was to expose our furry friend to any pests.
As for me, I’ve had a more on-and-off relationship with insect repellent. Before heading out to mow the lawn this morning, I finally remembered to spray myself down. I’ve used repellent but hadn’t noticed a significant difference in the number of bug bites, so I got lax about it. However, just last week, I found myself covered in mosquito bites, which prompted me to give the repellent another shot. This time, I was pleasantly surprised to see a noticeable bit reduction. Sometimes, it seems it takes a little persistence to find what works best.
Living near the stream and forest has its challenges, especially with insects. Still, the beauty and serenity of our surroundings make it all worthwhile. With some preparation and proper precautions, we can continue enjoying our little paradise in Nashville despite the bugs.
Ender’s Game is a military science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card, first published in 1985. Although initially targeted at a young adult audience, I found the book rich with philosophical themes that merit deeper exploration. There was so much to discuss that I split my analysis into two parts. If you’re unfamiliar with the story, I recommend reading the first part of my blog, where I cover the plot.
In the first part, I focused on Ender’s moral conflicts, leadership dynamics, and their impact on him. In this blog, I want to delve into the moral fabric of the society depicted in the book, the critical decisions made by humanity, and Ender’s deep compassion for the buggers, which drives his quest for redemption as he seeks to undo the harm he caused.
Humanity’s Desperate Gamble
The Earth was attacked by the buggers long ago, with the last victory against them achieved by Mazer Rackham in a battle that took place 70 years prior. No adult since then had been able to outmaneuver the buggers. As humanity prepared for the third and possibly final confrontation, they realized they needed someone who could think differently—someone who could finish the buggers once and for all. Shockingly, they decided that this someone had to be a child. From our perspective, this seems both horrifying and insane, but humanity was desperate to survive the impending bugger invasion.
Ender’s strategic brilliance reminded me of Hannibal during the Second Punic War. Under challenging conditions, Hannibal devised innovative tactics to defeat the Roman forces by marching through Spain, Gaul, and across the Alps with elephants—strategies that caught the Romans entirely off guard (Britannica, n.d.). Hannibal’s success was fueled by his deep understanding of Roman tactics and his desire for revenge, leading him to create entirely new approaches to warfare. Similarly, Ender’s creativity and unconventional thinking were crucial in developing new strategies against the buggers. While I’ve never found the original study by George Land often cited to suggest that children are more creative than adults, I must admit that children’s imagination can sometimes be astonishing. If Hannibal’s “surprise” tactics were effective, perhaps a child’s imaginative approach could similarly work in battle.
Graff likely saw someone who could be easily manipulated to accomplish the adults’ objectives in Ender. The battle training was introduced to the children as a game, like playing soccer, and combat exercises were presented to Ender as a computer simulation. This approach was a deliberate attempt by the adults to desensitize the children, blurring the lines between real war and games.
Ultimately, using children as tools in the war against the buggers was successful. However, this method raises significant ethical questions about the societal values depicted in the world of this book. It reveals deep moral compromises made to ensure human survival, leaving us to ponder the actual cost of such decisions.
The Critical Decision Made by Humanity
While it’s true that the buggers initiated the conflict by attacking humanity, I believe there are two primary reasons why humans ultimately decided to exterminate them: xenophobia and misunderstanding.
The buggers are fundamentally different from humans. They resemble ants despite having evolved beyond an exoskeleton. This stark difference triggers a common human tendency to discriminate against or dehumanize those who are not like us. The concept of the “Other” often emerges in such scenarios—a behavior known as xenophobia. Derived from the Greek words meaning “fear of strangers,” xenophobia is a fear or distrust of those perceived as outsiders. According to Faulkner et al.(2004), xenophobia may be an evolved survival mechanism in humans, initially to avoid disease (as cited in Wagner, Ryan, 2017, Apr 1).
The entire narrative of Ender’s Game revolves around this conflict between humans and the buggers. The insect-like appearance of the buggers, combined with their perceived threat to human existence, led humanity to see them as “Others” that must be exterminated. Wagner suggests that when faced with those perceived as “strangers,” humans often dehumanize them, leading to justifications for extreme actions like extermination (Wagner, 2017, Apr 1).
Humanity’s response to the buggers was driven by xenophobia, primarily due to their alien physiology. However, when Ender later encounters the bugger queen, he learns that the conflict is rooted in a tragic misunderstanding. The buggers, upon first contact, did not intend to kill humans; they simply didn’t realize that another sentient species existed in the universe. The queen emphasizes this by saying, “We are like you,” which reflects the parallel between Ender’s actions—exterminating the buggers without understanding what he was doing.
If the buggers had appeared more human-like, would humanity have chosen to eradicate them? It’s a question we can’t definitively answer. Perhaps if there had been some form of communication possible—despite the buggers’ telepathic abilities—humans might have sought a different path. Yet, the story suggests that humanity has a broader tendency to react with violence when confronted with the unknown, especially when those they face are so different that their extermination seems justified in human eyes.
Ender’s Connection with the Buggers
Ender saw a reflection of himself in the buggers. Just as the buggers were destined to remain permanent “others” in the eyes of humanity, Ender had always been an “other” in his own world. As the third child, he was an outcast from birth. His brother Peter, who often tormented him, always made Ender play the role of the buggers in their game of “buggers and astronauts.” In this game, the buggers could never win against the astronauts, reinforcing Ender’s role as the perpetual outsider. Even when Valentine tries to intervene and suggest that Ender play the astronaut, Peter ignores her. Ender was always cast on the side of the buggers.
At school, Ender was dehumanized by his classmate Stilson simply because he was a third, seen as less than human. Later, Ender unwittingly caused the deaths of others, mirroring the buggers’ tragic actions. When the buggers finally communicated with him, Ender understood their grief and guilt, recognizing a parallel to his own experiences.
From the moment Ender arrived at the I.F. academy, he was strategically isolated from the other students and his family to shape him into a general that adults could more easily control. This isolation, compounded by the loneliness of his childhood, fostered a deep empathy within Ender. He knew all too well what it meant to be different, which may have made it easier for the buggers to reach out to him—though tragically, it was too late to prevent their destruction.
Ender’s profound compassion for the buggers, combined with the sense of betrayal he felt from the adults who manipulated him, drove him to seek redemption for what had been done to both him and the buggers. Now, carrying the queen’s egg, he searches for a new planet where the buggers might live again, hoping to atone for the destruction he unknowingly caused.
I discovered Ender’s Game through the “Read These Banned Books” list published by the American Library Association. When I talked about reading this book, my co-worker, who is well-versed in science fiction, recommended it, assuring me it was an excellent read. I’m glad I took the time to explore it, as the novel is far more profound than I initially anticipated and has given me much to ponder.
At first, I struggled to grasp what the author was trying to convey beyond the surface of military science fiction and action. However, after nearly three weeks of analysis, I realized that the book critiques humanity’s tendency to dehumanize those we consider “Others.” It also highlights how we often justify our terrible deeds for survival or righteousness. Strangely, it reminded me of the long conflict between Rome and Carthage and how the legendary poet Virgil wrote The Aeneid to justify Rome’s actions—a reflection of how humans craft narratives to make sense of our choices and consequences.
I heard the sequel books are equally good as the first one. I will definitely read the sequel.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, June 27). Second Punic War. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Punic-War
Wagner, Ryan T. (2017). The Significant Influencing Factors of Xenophobia [Documents]. Digital Commons @ Olivet; Olivet Scholarship. Olivet Nazarene University. https://jstor.org/stable/community.37867572
Today, my wife received a book she had eagerly ordered, and the excitement on her face was unmistakable as soon as I handed it to her. The book in question is Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, a highly regarded guide in storytelling. She’s been diligently studying how to craft a compelling narrative, dreaming of publishing her own novel one day. This book is another step in her journey toward that goal.
Save The Cat! isn’t just any book on writing; it’s known for offering a structured approach to storytelling that has proven successful across different media. While it doesn’t provide a cookie-cutter formula that fits every novel, it does offer a framework that can be adapted to various genres. We discovered that some Japanese manga companies encourage their authors to adopt a similar structured style. This approach makes it easier to adapt their stories into other formats, like dramas, movies, or anime. The idea of writing with such flexibility in mind is something my wife finds particularly fascinating as she considers how her future work could transcend traditional formats.
In addition to exploring Save The Cat!, my wife and I often find ourselves engrossed in the ‘Writing Excuses’ podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson and a group of other talented authors. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the craft of writing, and it’s where we first started deepening our understanding of storytelling. We’re both huge fans of Brandon Sanderson’s books, which is what initially drew us to the podcast. The episodes are rich with practical advice, lively discussions, and expert opinions on various aspects of writing—from character development to world-building.
For my wife, the podcast has become more than just a source of inspiration. She sees it as a vital tool for learning not just how to write but also how to read critically. Although her primary focus is on nonfiction, the podcast has helped her analyze the books she reads with a more discerning eye. This analytical approach is something she applies to her own writing, using the lessons learned from fiction to enhance her nonfiction work.
I’m particularly intrigued by Save The Cat! because it presents a clear and practical structure for creating engaging stories. The method Snyder outlines has been used successfully by countless writers, not just in novels but in screenplays and other forms of storytelling. As someone who also aspires to write a book one day, I believe this resource could be instrumental in helping us both achieve our writing goals.
In our shared journey toward becoming published authors, every tool and piece of advice we gather brings us closer to realizing our dreams. Save The Cat! feels like a significant addition to our writer’s toolkit, and I’m excited to see how it will influence our work in the future.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced some new routines into my daily life, including running and lawn mowing. While these activities are refreshing and beneficial, they’ve also presented challenges, particularly in maintaining my schedule. I’ve found it difficult to complete my tasks as smoothly as I would like, and it’s made me reflect on how we often need to make adjustments when we introduce something new into our lives. When you’re trying something unfamiliar, it’s common to tweak your routine multiple times before it feels right and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Without these adjustments, there’s a risk of falling into a pattern of making excuses to avoid specific tasks, especially the more daunting ones. Eventually, you might stop doing them altogether.
In my case, I’ve been trying to juggle multiple responsibilities—on top of my new running and mowing schedule; I still want to keep up with my regular chores, like laundry and vacuuming the house. It’s a balancing act, and I’ve noticed that when I try to pack too much into a single day, I get exhausted relatively quickly. The summer heat in Nashville only intensifies this fatigue, making it even harder to stay on top of everything. I realized that if I didn’t find a way to manage my time and energy better, I might start dropping some of these activities, which I didn’t want to happen.
After some trial and error, I discovered that the key to improving my routines—running, kombucha bottling, or laundry—was to start earlier. This simple change has made a significant difference. For example, I’ve started bottling kombucha and doing laundry a day earlier than I used to. Additionally, I’ve begun running and lawn mowing several hours earlier in the day. These adjustments have been surprisingly effective.
I implemented my new laundry plan this week, and it’s been a success. Instead of doing all the laundry in one go, I’ve split the tasks across two days. I tackle some of the laundry on Thursday and finish the rest on Friday. This change has had a positive ripple effect on my running routine. I’m not as exhausted as I used to be, so I have more energy left for my runs later in the day. In fact, I beat my target pace while running this morning—a small victory that felt incredibly rewarding. It’s incredible how a few simple tweaks can lead to such noticeable improvements in multiple areas of life.
From this experience, I’ve learned that starting tasks earlier not only helps me get them done more efficiently but also reduces the mental burden of having to begin them in the first place. There’s something liberating about knowing that I’ve already checked off a significant part of my to-do list by the time the day is in full swing. It’s one less thing to worry about, and that peace of mind is invaluable.
Looking forward, when I think about new routines or habits I want to develop, I’ll keep this lesson in mind: start earlier than necessary. This approach not only sets me up for success but also opens the door to further improvements down the line. While I might find opportunities to refine these routines in the future, for now, I’m satisfied with the progress I’ve made. It’s a good reminder that the most minor changes can sometimes have the most significant impact.
Since my last doctor’s appointment, I’ve become increasingly vigilant about my water intake. The results from my lab tests were a wake-up call, confirming that I was more dehydrated than I should have been. This realization has prompted me to take hydration more seriously, especially considering my compromised kidneys. Proper hydration is crucial for everyone, but it’s even more vital in my case. I’ve made significant changes to my daily routine to ensure I get enough water, particularly during the sweltering summer months when dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.
Living in Nashville, I’m no stranger to hot and humid weather. However, the past few weeks have brought an unusually intense wave of heat and humidity, making daily activities more challenging, especially those outdoors. The weather here has worsened, with temperatures soaring and the air thick with moisture. In response, I’ve had to rethink my outdoor schedule entirely. I’ve started getting up earlier to complete tasks like gardening before the heat becomes unbearable. Even at 7 A.M., stepping outside feels uncomfortable. Still, it’s far better than the near-torturous conditions that develop as the day progresses.
One of the most noticeable changes I’ve made is how I manage my water intake throughout the day. In the past, I might have taken hydration for granted. Still, I’m acutely aware of how much water I need, especially when working outside. Initially, keeping up with my increased water consumption was straightforward. However, as I began drinking more to cope with the heat, I nearly ran out of our water supply. Fortunately, our delivery arrived just in time to replenish our stock, avoiding what could have been a very uncomfortable situation.
Recognizing that our water consumption had increased significantly, we increased our delivery order to three bottles, totaling 15 U.S. gallons. This adjustment has been necessary, as my partner and I have been drinking more water than usual. It’s no surprise, given the oppressive heat. Still, it also made me realize how much I underestimated my hydration needs. Looking back, I can see that I wasn’t drinking nearly enough water, a mistake I can’t afford to make again, especially with my health condition.
This experience has underscored the importance of staying hydrated, particularly in extreme weather. It’s easy to overlook something as simple as drinking enough water, but it’s crucial for maintaining overall health.
In the future, I plan to continue diligently monitoring my water intake, adjusting as needed depending on the weather and my activity levels. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, ensuring I stay healthy and hydrated no matter how hot it gets outside.
Ender’s Game is a military science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card, first published in 1985. Although it was initially aimed at a young adult audience, the book delves into profound philosophical themes, making it intriguing on many levels.
Card sets the story in a future where Earth has recently recovered from a global conflict resolved by the Warsaw Pact, likely due to a prominent external threat: an alien species known as the “buggers.” Faced with the menace of another invasion, Earth’s governments enforce strict population control policies, allowing families to have only two children. However, Ender Wiggin is a rare third child, conceived at the government’s request but still seen by society as an outcast.
Ender’s older brother, Peter, is cruel and torments him, while at school, Ender is bullied by a classmate named Stilson. Both Peter and Stilson view Ender as an “other,” a misfit much like the buggers themselves. Ender finds solace only in his relationship with his sister, Valentine, whom he trusts and loves deeply.
Determined to stop Stilson’s bullying once and for all, Ender fights back, unintentionally causing Stilson severe harm. This incident leads to Ender’s recruitment into the International Fleet (I.F.) military school, where he is groomed to become a commander. At the academy, Ender is deliberately isolated from his peers to cultivate his strategic brilliance. Despite the immense pressure and rapid promotions, Ender struggles with his growing leadership role, haunted by the fear that he may become as ruthless as Peter.
Ender’s time at the academy is fraught with challenges, including a life-threatening encounter with another student, Bonzo, who despises him. When Bonzo attempts to kill him, Ender fatally defends himself, further cementing his role as a leader. Eventually, Ender is put in charge of a final simulation game, leading his classmates to what they believe is a victory in a training exercise. However, Ender soon learns that this “simulation” is real, and he has unwittingly brought about the near-destruction of the bugger species.
Stricken with guilt and compassion for the buggers, Ender embarks on a quest for redemption. He discovers a surviving bugger queen in the form of an egg and carries it with him, determined to find a new home where the buggers can thrive once again. This mission becomes Ender’s way of atoning for the destruction he caused as he seeks to restore the life he once unwittingly obliterated.
When I first read this book, I was amazed by how closely the technologies in the novel mirror our own. What truly captivated me were the profound philosophical themes that add depth and complexity to the story. There was so much to explore and discuss that I found it challenging to narrow down my thoughts.
To make it more manageable, I decided to divide my analysis into two parts. In this first part, I’ll focus on the moral conflicts, leadership dynamics, and their impact on Ender. In the second part, I’ll delve into the moral fabric of the society depicted in the novel, the critical decisions made by humanity, Ender’s deep compassion for the buggers, and his quest for redemption by seeking to save them.
Moral Conflicts as a Leader
As Colonel Graff of the I.F. anticipated, Ender became an exceptional leader. His strategic brilliance ensured that his team never lost in the battle games. He reminds me of historical figures like Bismarck and Hannibal—master tacticians who also knew how to inspire those around them. Ender wasn’t just a brilliant strategist but an effective teacher, patiently guiding his subordinates and providing them with the needed explanations. His presence as a commander was so strong that even his friends treated him with a newfound respect.
Ender’s leadership style contrasts sharply with his siblings, who, despite being equally intelligent, never made it to the I.F. academy. Peter leads through manipulation and fear, viewing the world as a game to be conquered, using any means necessary to achieve his goals, including manipulating his siblings as pawns. On the other hand, Valentine believes in leading through love and cooperation, striving to create a better society. She recognizes the darker aspects of power and subtly uses her intellect and influence to guide others, ensuring Peter’s ambitions are kept in check.
Ender wrestled with the weight of leadership because he understood that his decisions could have far-reaching consequences. Ender faced numerous moral dilemmas, such as manipulating Bean into a better leader. He grappled with the knowledge that while his decisions were effective, they sometimes caused harm to others. One example is when he sought to eliminate distractions during practice, hurting several students.
Each time his decisions cause someone to get hurt, Ender grows more fearful of becoming like his cruel brother, Peter. This fear drove him to distance himself from others, seeking solace in the fantasy game to cope with the moral burdens of leadership.
Tactical Isolation to Become a Great Leader
Graff deliberately isolated Ender from his family to mold him into a great leader. This separation profoundly impacted Ender, thrusting him into an entirely different environment with immense pressure to succeed. Despite facing numerous moral dilemmas, Ender had no one to turn to for comfort.
He was also isolated from his peers. From the first day at the military school, he was treated special, which led to resentment and hatred from the other students. Ender had no choice but to prove his worth. Still, he was further isolated through promotions whenever he began to form connections with his peers.
This isolation was a calculated decision by the adults at the I.F. Academy, designed to shape Ender into a brilliant general like Alexander the Great or Napoleon. They believed that forming close relationships would stifle his creativity as a strategic leader. By keeping him isolated, they ensured that Ender would have no one to rely on except for the academy’s authority figures. They justified this approach by claiming it was necessary for the survival of humanity, even at the cost of Ender’s childhood, innocence, and sanity.
From a young age, Ender understood what it meant to be an “Other,” as he was always “the third,” an outcast in society. However, his isolation from his sister, Valentine, deeply wounded him. He missed her intensely, and without her support, Ender sought refuge in a fantasy game. This game became his escape from the harsh realities he faced. Still, it also heightened his fear of becoming like his ruthless brother, Peter. The isolation intensified his struggle to resist his darker impulses.
Ender’s isolation was a deliberate tactic. He was forced to grow up quickly under immense pressure to become a great leader. This tactical isolation stripped Ender of his innocence and childhood, shaping him into a powerful weapon for the I.F. However, it ultimately led to his breakdown and a lifelong quest for redemption, especially when he discovered that he had nearly destroyed an entire species without realizing it.
Conclusion
When I first picked up this novel, several of my co-workers, who are also avid readers, assured me it was worth my time. While we can learn valuable lessons from almost any book, Ender’s Game left me contemplating far more than I expected.
Though set in a science fiction world, the novel touches on authentic and profound themes. I couldn’t help but think about young children in our world who are thrust into roles that serve adult ambitions, often at the cost of their childhood and innocence. Fame and money often camouflage their psychological impacts. Ender’s journey highlights the heavy toll that leadership and responsibility can take, especially when those burdens are imposed at a young age. The tactical isolation, moral conflicts, and immense pressures that Ender faced resonate deeply, making us question the ethical implications of shaping someone into a weapon for the sake of the greater good.
In the next blog, I will explore the broader societal context within the book, the critical decisions made by humanity, Ender’s deep compassion for the buggers, and his quest for redemption as he seeks to find a new home for the species he nearly destroyed. These themes further enrich the narrative and offer much to reflect on regarding leadership, morality, and the cost of survival.
Since my brain stroke, I’ve found that my skin has become highly sensitive to changes in external temperature, making my comfort zone much narrower than it used to be. It’s not unusual for me to start the day feeling chilly, only to overheat a few hours later. The unpredictable weather in Nashville certainly doesn’t make things easier. Here, the temperature can swing wildly within a short span of time, sometimes fluctuating from 68°F (20°C) to 95°F (35°C) in just a half day.
Nashville’s summer weather can be particularly challenging due to the humidity. High humidity can make it feel up to 10°F (5.5°C) warmer than it actually is, which can be pretty uncomfortable. I typically associate humidity with heat, so it confuses my body when the weather is cool but still humid. The sensation of moisture, when it’s not actually hot, leaves me feeling disoriented and uncomfortable, and I often blame the humidity for how off I think. It’s an odd experience when the air feels thick and damp, yet the temperature is relatively mild.
According to USA.com, the average humidity in Nashville is 70.16%. Having grown up in Indiana, where the moisture is quite similar, I should be accustomed to it. However, I’ve been spoiled by the drier climate of the western U.S., where we’ve lived for several years. Summers out west are usually dry, with far less humidity, so my body has adapted to that weather. Now, I struggle to adjust back to a more humid environment.
I’ve never been particularly fond of humidity; this sensitivity has only heightened since my stroke. On days like today, the moisture still makes it uncomfortable despite the cool weather. However, I’m learning to cope with it. This morning, I woke up a little earlier than my alarm, feeling surprisingly clear-headed and more energized than usual. Despite the humidity, I felt good about my day and decided to go for a run.
I was pleased to find that my pace was better than expected, even beating my target time. Moments like these give me hope and motivate me to keep pushing forward. My goal is to improve my speed steadily and achieve a running pace faster than 10 minutes per kilometer by the end of the year. On days when I can overcome the discomfort of the weather and still perform well, I am confident that I can reach that goal.
Yesterday, my wife made a rather unsettling observation: my posture has visibly deteriorated. I’ve been vaguely aware of it, but hearing it from her made the issue into sharp focus. I’ve always had a habit of slouching—whether sitting in my chair or standing. Over the years, this bad habit has become more ingrained, almost second nature. What concerned my wife even more was when she spoke with my mother and discovered that she, too, had had difficulties maintaining proper posture due to bone alignment issues. This conversation made my wife think that my posture problems might be rooted in something similar.
This concern isn’t just about appearances or comfort. Poor posture can lead to various health issues, some extending beyond the apparent back pain or muscle stiffness. My wife, who has always been attentive to my well-being, pointed out that poor posture can adversely affect how we breathe and potentially negatively impact the health of our internal organs. Considering that I’m already dealing with compromised kidney function, the idea of adding more health complications to the mix is not something I take lightly.
Honestly, I can’t recall when I consciously maintained proper posture for any significant period. It’s one of those things I’ve always known I should do but never really attempted to correct. Perhaps it’s because the immediate consequences of poor posture aren’t always obvious, so it’s easy to let it slide. However, now that my wife has brought it to my attention, I’m realizing how important it is to address this issue before it leads to more severe problems.
Moving forward, I’ve decided to make a concerted effort to improve my posture. I plan to periodically assess how I’m sitting and standing throughout the day and make adjustments as needed. I know this won’t be an overnight change. Still, if I can consistently correct my posture, I believe it will feel more natural over time. The goal is to reach a point where good posture becomes the norm, and I won’t have to consciously think about it as much.
Of course, I’m unsure what benefits to expect from improving my posture. However, failing to correct it could lead to more significant skeletal issues caused by the excess strain that poor posture places on various body parts. This realization has made me even more determined to make this change.
My wife has also suggested that I consult a professional, such as a doctor or chiropractor, to better understand what might be contributing to my poor posture and how best to address it. It might be something as simple as strengthening my back muscles, or perhaps there’s a need for spinal alignment. Since neither of us is qualified to make these determinations, I’ll discuss this with my general practitioner at my next appointment. In the meantime, I’m committed to being more mindful of how I carry myself and making a conscious effort to sustain better posture throughout the day.
This journey toward better posture is just beginning. While I’m uncertain of the challenges and outcomes that lie ahead, I’m optimistic that this small change could have a meaningful impact on my overall health. I’m grateful to my wife for bringing this to my attention and for her continued support in helping me make these necessary adjustments.
