Zarathustra: From Written Work To Symphony
The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was not only regarded as an amoralist and a great rule-breaker and hunter of disguised neuroses, he was also a master stylist and demanded nothing less than stylistic perfection of himself.
In his work 'The Birth of Tragedy', even at the beginning of his career as a writer, it is clear what was important to him: to fuse the form-creating Apollonian artistic instincts with the artistic-free, interpretative Dionysian, form-breaking instincts in order to find a higher aesthetic level.
With his work Zarathustra, which catapulted him into the Olympus of philosophy, he must have succeeded in this galvanic art, because the German composer Richard Strauss set this magnificent work to music in 1896 and thus realized what Nietzsche did not dare to dream in his boldest pianist dreams: to transfigure his words into the symbolism of classical music through the magical hand of a master and thus make them resound.
The premiere, on November 27, 1896, in Frankfurt, was not just an event but a declaration. Strauss, wielding his baton, conducted not just an orchestra but the very zeitgeist of his era. This piece, a tone poem, captures the evolution from the primal to the sublime, from the Dionysian to the Apollonian, all while the world teetered on the brink of the 20th century's cataclysms.
With Nietzsche's prophetic words echoing in the background, Strauss didn't just compose; he transcended, giving sound to the Übermensch's ascent. This wasn't a mere translation of philosophy into music but a bold stroke in the canvas of human existence.
Listen here to the Berlin Philharmoniker, Conductor: Gustavo Dudamel https://youtu.be/Szdziw4tI9o?si=lDJKssyNgKdqWtjw
#Strauss #Nietzsche #Zarathustra #Philosophy #Music #nostr #bitcoin #grownostr #culture #nostrmusic
I must be dreaming. Cant be one of the little pseudo journalists they pay for publishing. Must be a new form of crazy idependent AI
Do it. Stop the money laundering that costs thousands of lives each month! It's an ethical imperative. F'ck the war complex. #trump #putin #ukraine #russia #peace
The White House: A trace of Reminiscence of the Athenian Agora
A few days before the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, we want to take a look at the facade of the house that is at the center of these power games: the White House. Its turbulent history and its inhabitants too often paint over the aesthetic aspects, finding their roots in ancient architecture.
In the vast expanse of human endeavor, where governance meets philosophy, the White House emerges as a beacon, echoing the ideals of ancient Greek agora where democracy was born. This architectural marvel, cloaked in the garments of neoclassical design, stands not just as the residence of America's leadership but as a living testament to the timeless interplay between temporarily transferred power and personal freedom.
Architectural Elements:
At its core, the White House is a masterpiece of neoclassical design, an homage to the grandeur of ancient Greece. Constructed between 1792 and 1800, the cornerstone was laid in October 1792 under the supervision of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The building's facade is adorned with the Doric columns, simple yet robust, reminiscent of the Parthenon in Athens. These columns are not just structural; they symbolize strength in their doric robustness and metaphysics and the enduring nature of the republic. Imagine the Doric column in a very naturalistic way, like a muscle or a leg that swells when rammed into the ground to bear the weight on it. Hence the swelling towards the bottom of the column. The Greeks valued harmony and balance, principles echoed in every line and curve of this iconic structure.
The pediment, another Greek influence, sits atop the columns, offering a canvas for sculptural relief that, in our modern context, could represent the ongoing narrative of American democracy. Imagine if each administration (the 'normal' ones at least) added its own piece of history here; a visual testament to the evolution of thought and policy.
Philosophical Underpinnings
The Greek influence extends beyond mere aesthetics. The philosophy of democracy, freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge, values cherished by ancient Greeks, are reflected in the White House's very essence. Plato's Republic (I know he hated democracy) speaks of a 'philosopher-king', an ideal ruler guided by wisdom rather than power. The White House, designed by the Irish-born architect James Hoban, who won a public competition for the design, could be seen as a physical manifestation of this ideal - a place where governance is ideally conducted with enlightenment rather than mere authority. At least this was the idea whatever grew out of it later on...
Furthermore, the Socratic method of questioning and dialogue can be paralleled with the American system of checks and balances, where different branches of government challenge and refine each other's decisions, ensuring no single entity holds unbridled power.
The Paradox of Power
But let's not be naive. The White House, with its pristine Greek inspiration, also harbors the paradoxes of power. Like the Greeks who celebrated freedom while maintaining a society of slaves, the White House has seen its share of contradictions - decisions that have both advanced and hindered the very freedoms it symbolizes. The construction of the White House involved not only skilled artisans but also enslaved labor, a fact that adds a layer of complexity to its architectural and philosophical narrative.
Construction Period, Costs, and Modern Value
The original construction of the White House cost approximately $232,372, a sum that, adjusted for inflation, would be around $100 million today. However, if we were to replicate the White House today, considering modern building standards, materials, and labor costs, estimates suggest a cost ranging from $90 million to over $369 million, depending on various factors like location and the inclusion of historical artifacts and furnishings. This valuation reflects not only the physical structure but also the cultural and historical significance embedded within its walls.
Modern Echoes of Greek Architecture
In contemporary architecture, the influence of Greek elements isn't just ceremonial; it's practical and motivational. Architects today often integrate classical Greek forms to evoke a sense of timelessness, stability, and intellectual pursuit. Banks, courthouses, and universities frequently adopt these styles to project an image of enduring integrity and knowledge, a form of unspoken superiority and power within a framework of liberty. The use of Greek architecture in modern contexts reminds us to balance innovation with tradition, encouraging architects and designers to approach their work with a respect for history while pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
This fusion of old and new motivates designers to think beyond the immediate; to consider how their creations will stand not just in the present but in the annals of history. Just as Greek temples were meant to be places of contemplation and power (they usually housed state treasuries), modern buildings inspired by these designs invite us to ponder our place in the world, the legacy we leave, and the values we uphold.
In essence, the White House is more than a governmental office; it's a philosophical statement, a beacon of democratic ideals wrapped in the timeless elegance of Greek architecture. It stands as a testament to the belief that governance should be an art, guided by the principles of balance, beauty, and the eternal quest for truth and justice. The application of Greek architectural elements in today's buildings serves as both an homage to the past and a motivation for the future, urging architects, leaders, and citizens alike to engage with the world thoughtfully and with an eye towards legacy. Yet, it also serves as a daily reminder of the responsibilities that come with power, encouraging us to question, learn, and strive for a better tomorrow, much like the philosophers of old. At least, that's what we the sovereign, should demand every day by those who received temporary power.
#WhiteHouse #Architecture #usa #nostr #nostrlearn #grownostr #Greece #Democracy #Philosophy #JamesHoban #WashingtonDC #History #Legacy 
EU Reevaluates Antitrust Probes on Tech Titans Amid Political Shifts
The European Commission is reassessing its ongoing antitrust investigations against tech giants Apple, Meta, and Google. This move comes under the shadow of a new Trump administration, with EU officials reportedly feeling the pressure to adjust their regulatory approach under the EU's digital market regulations, initiated in March last year.
According to the FT, while the technical aspects of these reviews will continue, any final decisions or potential fines are currently on hold pending the outcome of this reassessment.
Responding to inquiries, the European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its regulations effectively. A spokesperson emphasized that there would be no delay in concluding existing investigations due to political considerations, countering any speculation of external political influence.
Context: The Commission's regulatory actions are nothing more than sad attempts to curb the dominance of foreign tech companies, especially when Europe struggles to foster its own tech sector. Critics argue that these initiatives are more about stifling competition than fostering it.
#nostr #bitcoin #eu #TechRegulation #EUAntitrust #BigTech #Trump #apple
Global Inflation Surge: A Decade of High Prices and Economic Strain Ahead
In an era where inflation was once dismissed in mainstream discourse, the inevitable confrontation with its second wave is upon us. The roots of this surge are traced back to the monetization of massive debts by socialist states through central banks, which have inflated private sector balance sheets. The rapid rise in interest rates, which might only now be afforded a brief respite, signals an ominous journey ahead: inflation, driven by resource scarcity and exacerbated by bureaucratic inefficiencies and increasing government intervention, is reshaping economic landscapes.
Economic experts globally predict persistent high inflation through 2028, according to quarterly surveys by the Ifo Institute and the Swiss Institute for Economic Policy. They anticipate only a marginal decrease in inflation rates over the next four years, suggesting limited opportunities for loose monetary policy with low interest rates. The global average inflation rate for 2025 is expected to be 3.9%.
"Inflation expectations remain above the targets of many central banks," stated Niklas Potrafke, a researcher at Ifo. "Significant interest rate reductions are unlikely under these inflation expectations."
Long-term forecasts are equally sobering, with experts predicting a slight decline. They project a global inflation rate of 3.5% for both 2026 and 2027. For Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the predictions for this year stand at 2.4%, 2.5%, and 1.2% respectively.
North America sees an uptick in inflation expectations, with the 2025 forecast at 2.6%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the previous quarter. Projections for 2026 and 2028 in the region are 2.8% and 2.9% respectively.
Regions like South America and parts of Africa are expected to experience particularly high inflation, with rates soaring over 20%.
(PS: of course real world prices are rising faster than the parasites would admit. But only that way they are able to run their gigantic system of growing power at hidden costs of the so called 'sovereign').
#Inflation #bitcoin #nostr #grownostr #fed Economy #InterestRates #MonetaryPolicy #HighInflation
Yes, my friend, the money in the bank is not yours, it's not there and it's not even money! Use the lifeboat before the fiat bubble bursts, or it will one day explode right under your nose.
#bitcoin #btc #fiatponzi #debtspiral #inflation #nostr #grownostr 
You still watch this crap? Stay save, my friend
'The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.' (Tacitus)
... and we are experiencing a sheer flood of laws and stupid regulations brought into being by intellectually challenged politicians and their reserve army, the bureaucraps.
#bitcoin #freedom #socialism #usa #eu #nostr #grownostr
Listening now. Really really good and deep description of a dystopian nightmare. I like the style. Weird thought: maybe try a voice like Charles Bukowsky (hero of the crowd) to push it deeper
Echoes of Antiquity: The Influence of Ancient Architecture
From the grandeur of Greek temples to the practical engineering of Roman aqueducts, ancient architecture continues to whisper its secrets into the ears of modern architects. The principles of symmetry, proportion, and the use of natural elements like light and air are not relics of the past but living lessons that shape our cities today.
Classical elements of columns, arches, and the very layout of public and private spaces from antiquity continue to influence contemporary design. The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, once the backbone of Greek architecture, find echoes in modern buildings, while Roman innovations like the arch and dome are foundational in our most enduring structures. This legacy is not just about aesthetics; it's about understanding how to create spaces that resonate with human experience across millennia.
#ClassicalArchitecture #AncientDesign #Architecture #nostr #culture #grownostr #plebchain #bitcoin 
You became a real stoic the day You go to a root canal treatment with a smile
You need to read Seneca... or have some drinks. Or go to the dentist like me to come up with other thoughts. Pain kills bull market exageration