The relentless pursuit of objectives often thrusts us into what can only be aptly described as “existential” epochs, marked by a searing interrogation of our purpose and the moral gymnastics surrounding our actions. These periods materialize when the bloated costs of achieving our aims ascend to levels of sheer absurdity. The ethical pretenses of such pursuits become glaringly farcical when contemplating the potential for mass slaughter shamelessly draped in the tattered banner of “righteousness.”

In the domain of existentialism, we find ourselves at a juncture that demands not just scrutiny but a downright vivisection of our choices, compelling us to grapple with the ethical framework that supposedly guides our pursuits. True to the essence of existentialism, individuals bear the weighty responsibility of navigating the labyrinth of existence, supposedly making decisions in tune with a profound sense of moral integrity. Yet, in the pursuit of goals, this supposed moral compass appears as reliable as a compass in a magnetic storm.

As the cost of achieving a goal skyrockets, fundamental questions are flung at us like bitter pills: What happened to the values we purportedly held dear? The noble virtue of righteousness, once a beacon of virtue, mutates into a grotesque justification for mass slaughter—a historical grotesquerie where fervent convictions morph into catastrophic carnage. Whether it’s the fervor of religious zeal, the fanaticism of political ideology, or the contorted moral compass of the misguided, the echoes of mass slaughter ring through history, leaving indelible scars on humanity’s collective conscience.

The ominous shadow of mass slaughter in the name of maintaining the wretched status quo serves as a macabre cautionary tale—a glaring neon sign highlighting the treacherous intersection of conviction and morality. It’s a stark reminder that we ought to reassess not just the essence of our goals but the morally bankrupt methods employed to reach them. The paradox of pursuing righteousness through violent means not only underscores the fragility of human ethics but also reveals how easily noble ideals can be bastardized in the crucible of our own folly.

Our impending downfall appears destined to be etched in the annals of this distorted pursuit of plausible deniability. The intrinsic destructive potential of mass slaughter not only threatens human existence physically but also corrodes the very foundations of any semblance of a just and compassionate society. As we grapple with the ramifications of our actions, the existential nature of these times doesn’t just demand introspection; it demands a wholesale rejection of our convenient stance on plausible deniability.

In summary, epochs truly become existential when the costs incurred in the pursuit of our vaunted goals soar to grotesque proportions. The looming specter of mass slaughter in the name of maintaining the insufferable status quo acts not just as a stark admonition but as a biting indictment, compelling us to navigate the razor’s edge between ambition and morality. Our ability to confront the ethical absurdities embedded in our pursuits will undeniably shape the trajectory of our collective destiny, determining whether we plunge headlong into the abyss of our own making or emerge with the grit to forge a more just and humane world.

Tech: Billions of dollars in AI investments could be worth a lot less if companies developing the technology are forced to pay for the copyrighted data that makes it work

Hollywood: Lol

Tech: This is going to significantly DISRUPT’ us

Tech: Lol

Tech: It never occurred to me that building a product by using raw materials I didn’t own or license was somehow sketchy. I mean…who could have known that?

Hollywood: I’m sorry your honor but, I’m going to have to walk a lot and take public transit if someone makes me return this stolen car.

Imagine a world where the American Film Institute (AFI) decides to hold retrospectives for a new generation of so-called “auteurs,” a term loosely applied to filmmakers who specialize in adapting intellectual properties (IP) for middle-school audiences. This hypothetical scenario may seem far-fetched, and indeed, it is. The concept of “middle school auteurs” is, in reality, an astroturfing creation designed to sell IP to the masses, packaged as something more substantial than it truly is.

The Absurdity of Middle School Auteurs

In the realm of cinema, auteurs are traditionally revered for their unique and visionary approach to filmmaking. Think Alfred Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, Stanley Kubrick’s precision, or Martin Scorsese’s gritty realism. Middle school auteurs, on the other hand, are anything but visionary. Their work predominantly centers around rehashing existing IP, often from literature, comic books, and video games, to cater to a younger demographic.

These filmmakers hardly embody the spirit of auteurs. Instead, they specialize in an uninspired and formulaic approach to storytelling, prioritizing profits over creativity.

if we were to hypothetically define the psychological traits of individuals who prioritize commercial success over creative innovation in filmmaking for a middle school audience, some potential traits might include:

1. Profit-Driven Motivation: These individuals are primarily motivated by financial gain, often foregoing creative satisfaction in favor of commercial success.
2. Adaptability: They are skilled at adapting existing intellectual properties for mass consumption, showing a preference for established brands that appeal to middle schoolers.
3. Risk Aversion: Middle school auteurs tend to avoid creative risks and prefer well-known, marketable stories to reduce financial uncertainty.
4. Nostalgia Exploitation: They understand the power of nostalgia and use it as a tool to connect with their target audience, often recycling familiar characters or themes.
5. Market Research Focus: Their decision-making heavily relies on market research, trends, and demographic analysis, as they aim to capture the largest share of the middle school audience.
6. Emotional Detachment: Creativity is often secondary to financial success, leading to a certain emotional detachment from the artistic process.
7. Brand Loyalty: They demonstrate a preference for working with established studios and known intellectual properties, showing a strong allegiance to recognizable brands.
8. Low Creativity Threshold: They tend to use existing formulas and clichés to create content rather than innovating or experimenting with storytelling techniques.
9. Limited Artistic Vision: Middle school auteurs may lack a unique artistic vision, opting for conventional and mainstream approaches to storytelling.
10. Resistance to Critical Feedback: They might be less receptive to constructive criticism if it threatens their established market strategies and IP adaptations.
11. Merchandising Focus: In addition to film production, they may prioritize merchandising and licensing opportunities associated with their adaptations.
12. Short-Term Thinking: They might favor short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability and artistic growth.
13. Trend Chasing: These individuals tend to follow industry trends rather than setting new trends themselves, conforming to what is currently popular.
14. Pandering to Audience Expectations: Instead of challenging their audience with thought-provoking content, they often cater to the perceived expectations and preferences of middle school viewers.
15. Lack of Artistic Integrity: Middle school auteurs may compromise artistic integrity by making creative decisions solely for financial benefits, leading to the potential dilution of storytelling quality.

Exploiting the Middle School Audience

Middle schoolers are a prime target for marketing and monetization. They represent a demographic with significant influence over their parents’ wallets, making them the ideal audience for IP-driven adaptations. Middle school auteurs shamelessly exploit this fact by churning out films that water down complex source materials into simplistic narratives, all while reaping the financial rewards.

Filmmakers who adopt the “Middle School Auteur Theory” and focus on adapting intellectual properties for middle school audiences often aim to create content with fast-food-like effects on their target demographic. These effects are more about delivering immediate, easily consumable gratification rather than fostering meaningful, long-lasting cinematic experiences. Here’s how these filmmakers cater to such effects:

1. Instant Gratification: Just like fast food offers quick satisfaction, these films aim to grab the audience’s attention from the start and keep them engaged throughout with simple and straightforward narratives.
2. Visual Spectacle: They rely on visual spectacle and special effects to create an immediate visual impact, similar to how fast food is often presented in a visually appealing way.
3. Simple, Predictable Storytelling: The plotlines are often uncomplicated, predictable, and easy to follow, ensuring that middle school viewers can immediately understand the narrative without much effort.
4. Recycled Themes and Tropes: Just as fast-food chains serve familiar menu items, these filmmakers tend to reuse popular themes, tropes, and characters from well-known intellectual properties that middle schoolers are already familiar with.
5. Convenience and Accessibility: Films targeting middle school audiences are designed to be easily accessible, whether through streaming services or theaters, similar to the convenience of fast-food outlets.
6. Low Effort, High Reward: The primary goal is to provide entertainment with minimal effort on the part of the viewer. Much like fast food is readily available and requires minimal preparation, these films are designed for immediate consumption.
7. Short Attention Span Appeal: Middle schoolers may have shorter attention spans, and these films aim to maintain their focus by employing constant action, humor, or other attention-grabbing elements.
8. Repeatable Formula: Just as fast food chains have a consistent formula for their products, these filmmakers often adhere to a formulaic approach to storytelling, relying on proven techniques that have worked in previous adaptations.
9. Lack of Nutritional Value: While fast food may lack nutritional value, these films often lack depth, intellectual stimulation, or educational content, providing entertainment without significant substance.
10. Merchandising Opportunities: Like fast food franchises selling branded merchandise, these films create opportunities for the sale of toys, clothing, and other consumer products related to their IPs.

The retrospectives, though presented as a celebration of their work, would inadvertently highlight the cynical marketing strategy of feeding easily digestible content to an impressionable audience.

Intellectual Property: The True Star

In the world of middle school auteurs, the true stars are the intellectual properties themselves. These filmmakers are mere conduits for established brands, capitalizing on the recognition and nostalgia factor that IP brings. The retrospectives would inadvertently place a spotlight on the power of IP and its dominance in contemporary cinema.

In reality, the concept of middle school auteurs underscores the film industry’s reluctance to take creative risks and its obsession with profiting from established franchises. The retrospectives would inadvertently expose the industry’s lack of originality and a fixation on recycling familiar stories.

The realms of filmmaking often find themselves at a crossroads between two contrasting approaches: prioritizing well-established intellectual properties (IP) and emphasizing intellectual exploration. While both have their merits and serve different purposes within the industry, the tension between them reflects the ongoing debate in cinema about commercialization versus artistic innovation.

The Allure of Intellectual Property

1. Recognizability and Marketability: Intellectual properties, whether derived from literature, comics, or video games, come with built-in fan bases. This pre-existing audience recognition can boost a film’s marketability and potentially guarantee a return on investment.
2. Profit Maximization: Filmmakers often turn to existing IP to tap into the profitability of established franchises. Successful adaptations can result in a series of sequels, spin-offs, and merchandising opportunities, making them an attractive choice for studios.
3. Nostalgia and Emotional Connection: Adaptations of beloved IP can evoke strong emotions and nostalgia among viewers, fostering a sense of connection to the source material and generating enthusiasm.
4. Risk Mitigation: The financial success of IP-driven films can mitigate the risk associated with filmmaking, as they are perceived as more predictable and safer investments compared to original, untested ideas.

Intellectual Exploration in Cinema

Intellectual exploration in cinema can be intricately linked with the concept of Deleuze’s “lines of flight.” Gilles Deleuze, a renowned philosopher, introduced the concept of “lines of flight” as a way to describe the potential for escaping established structures and norms. In the context of cinema, embracing intellectual exploration can be seen as a cinematic “line of flight.”

Deleuze’s concept of “lines of flight” signifies a departure from the established patterns and conventions, allowing for new, uncharted territories of thought and creativity. In cinema, this aligns with the pursuit of intellectual exploration, where filmmakers venture beyond the constraints of formulaic storytelling, genre conventions, and commercial norms. Here’s how these two ideas intersect:

1. Breaking Away from Conventions: Intellectual exploration in cinema often involves breaking away from established narrative structures and genre conventions. Filmmakers use “lines of flight” to create new and unorthodox approaches to storytelling, challenging traditional filmmaking norms.
2. Exploring New Ideas: Deleuze’s “lines of flight” represent a departure from the known and the exploration of new, uncharted ideas. In the realm of intellectual exploration in cinema, this translates to filmmakers delving into unconventional and thought-provoking subject matter that goes beyond mainstream or commercial storytelling.
3. Pushing Boundaries: Intellectual exploration often entails pushing the boundaries of what cinema can achieve. Filmmakers who embrace “lines of flight” challenge the limitations of traditional narrative and visual techniques, introducing innovative approaches that encourage viewers to think deeply and critically.
4. Cultural and Social Commentary: Both intellectual exploration in cinema and Deleuze’s “lines of flight” offer opportunities for filmmakers to engage in cultural and social commentary. These approaches enable the exploration of pressing issues, the deconstruction of prevailing norms, and the promotion of dialogue on important topics.
5. Artistic Freedom: “Lines of flight” and intellectual exploration emphasize the importance of artistic freedom. Filmmakers who undertake intellectual exploration are free to follow their unique artistic visions and aren’t constrained by the commercial considerations that often accompany adaptations of established IP.
6. Incorporating the concept of “lines of flight” into intellectual exploration in cinema highlights the transformative power of filmmaking. It underscores the ability of filmmakers to transcend the confines of established conventions and encourage viewers to embark on a journey of intellectual discovery and reflection. By challenging cinematic norms and venturing into unexplored territories, cinema becomes a powerful medium for intellectual exploration, innovation, and cultural evolution.

Conclusion

While the idea of AFI retrospectives dedicated to middle school auteurs may seem amusing, it is essential to recognize the satirical nature of this hypothetical scenario. Middle school auteurs, as presented in this essay, represent a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the film industry’s tendency to prioritize commercial success over creative innovation. The retrospectives would serve as a humorous critique of the industry’s reliance on intellectual properties and their cynical exploitation of the middle school audience. Ultimately, the middle school auteurs’ “legacy” is a testament to the ongoing debate between artistic integrity and financial gain in the world of cinema.

Introduction

In the modern era, psychological operations (PSYOPs) have become a significant and often controversial tool in the toolkit of governments and intelligence agencies. These operations are designed to influence and manipulate the beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions of target audiences. However, a paradoxical situation has emerged in recent times where billions of dollars are spent on launching psychological operations to mitigate the unintended consequences of earlier psychological operations. This paradox raises critical questions about the effectiveness and ethics of such actions, as well as the complex dynamics involved.

The Cycle of Psychological Operations

The cycle begins with the initiation of psychological operations, often with specific goals in mind. These operations can take various forms, including disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and media manipulation. While the immediate effects of these operations may appear successful in achieving short-term objectives, they can also have unintended and adverse consequences. For example, disinformation campaigns can undermine trust in institutions, breed social discord, and have long-lasting impacts on public perception.

Mitigating Unintended Consequences

In response to the adverse effects of earlier psychological operations, governments and organizations may invest heavily in new campaigns aimed at mitigating the damage. This may include efforts to correct false information, rebuild trust, or counteract negative perceptions. These mitigation operations, however, often require substantial resources and are not guaranteed to fully rectify the harm caused.

The Costs of the Cycle

The paradox of countering psychological operations with new psychological operations comes at a high cost. Financial resources, as well as time and effort, are poured into these efforts, diverting valuable resources from other essential government functions. The cumulative financial burden can run into billions of dollars, with no clear end in sight.

Ethical Dilemmas

The ethical implications of this cycle are profound. Launching psychological operations, especially with the knowledge that they may have unintended consequences, raises moral questions about the responsibility of governments and organizations in wielding such influence over populations. Moreover, the potential for further harm through mitigation campaigns may create a moral quagmire.

The Need for Strategic Reevaluation

To break this cycle, there is a need for a strategic reevaluation of the use of psychological operations. Governments and organizations must carefully consider the long-term implications of their actions, including the potential for blowback. Transparency, accountability, and ethical guidelines should be integral to the planning and execution of any psychological operation.

Conclusion

The paradox of spending billions on psychological operations to mitigate the unintended consequences of earlier psychological operations highlights the complex and costly nature of this tool in contemporary information warfare. As governments and organizations continue to grapple with the ethical and practical challenges associated with these operations, it is crucial to strike a balance between achieving strategic objectives and ensuring the well-being of the target populations. Breaking the cycle of countering psychological operations with more of the same will demand careful consideration, accountability, and a reevaluation of the broader implications of these actions in the pursuit of national interests.

The United States’ engagement in the War on Terror, which commenced in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks, has unquestionably had far-reaching consequences, both domestically and internationally. The conflict, often marked by its ambiguity and complexity, has ignited debates and generated various perspectives. This essay delves into the post-War on Terror era, exploring the challenges and opportunities it has presented to both the United States and its long-standing ally, Israel.

First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that the War on Terror comes at a moment many consider to be inopportune. This is due to various reasons, but primarily because it has absorbed substantial resources, both human and financial, over an extended period. These resources could have been redirected to address pressing issues such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. Trillions of dollars have been expended in the course of this conflict, leading many to question whether the return on investment justifies the expenditure.

Furthermore, the War on Terror has, over time, depleted the United States’ diplomatic capacity. The notion of the “thinnest bench in living memory” highlights the dwindling pool of experienced diplomats and foreign policy experts. The United States now finds itself navigating the intricate waters of international relations with an increasingly limited knowledge of global affairs. This is problematic since diplomacy demands a nuanced understanding of the world’s complexities, cultures, and regions.

A conspicuous issue emerging from the post-War on Terror era is the inadequacy of cultural sensitivity. Successful diplomacy hinges on respect for different cultures and customs. When cultural insensitivity prevails, it can lead to misunderstandings, strained relations, and sometimes even conflict. Ineffectual communication skills further exacerbate this issue. Clear and sensitive communication is the cornerstone of diplomacy, and any deficit in this realm can be detrimental to international relations.

A narrow worldview, as another fallout from the War on Terror, often results from a preoccupation with security concerns. This can lead to the neglect of other vital global issues, potentially stunting a comprehensive foreign policy approach. Inadequate geopolitical awareness compounds the problem, as understanding global power dynamics is essential for effective diplomacy. The United States needs to comprehend the complexities of global politics to effectively advance its national interests.

Inconsistencies in policy positions can erode trust and credibility on the international stage. Diplomacy relies on reliability, and policy flip-flops can cast doubts on the United States’ commitment to its allies and the international community. The inability to build international alliances hampers the nation’s capacity to address global challenges collectively.

Impulsive decision-making in foreign policy can have far-reaching consequences. Hasty and emotion-driven decisions can lead to unintended outcomes, and the lack of a strategic vision may result in ad-hoc and shortsighted actions. Furthermore, inadequate understanding of international law and incompetence in crisis management can jeopardize the nation’s standing in the international arena.

As the world evolves, adapting to changing global realities is vital. The influence of personal interests, disregard for human rights, inadequate economic understanding, and the inability to address emerging threats may hinder the nation’s capacity to adjust its foreign policy to these changing dynamics. Political polarization only adds to the challenge, making it difficult to build consensus on foreign policy decisions.

Lastly, a critical factor in foreign policy is the inclusion of experts and stakeholders. The lack of consultation can lead to decisions that do not consider the full spectrum of perspectives and expertise required to formulate sound policy.

In conclusion, the post-War on Terror era presents a host of challenges for the United States and its ally, Israel. These challenges range from diplomatic capacity issues to policy inconsistencies, cultural insensitivity, and impulsive decision-making. Addressing these concerns and adapting to changing global realities is essential for effective foreign policy and successful international relations. The path forward should prioritize diplomacy, a nuanced understanding of global affairs, and collaborative approaches to tackle the complex issues facing the world today.

History super-rotation is a concept that explores the intricate dynamics of time, cycles, and generational shifts within the framework of historical evolution. It refers to a phenomenon where cycles, or the recurring patterns and events in history, appear to rotate at a faster pace than the replacement of generations. This concept gains significance in understanding the intricate relationship between generational change and historical epochs.

Generations are the vessels through which the collective memory, values, and ideas of a society are passed on. These generational shifts typically occur over a span of decades and often mark significant transformations in societal norms and worldviews. In contrast, historical cycles, such as political regimes, economic systems, and cultural trends, tend to be more enduring and may persist over much longer periods.

The observation of history super-rotation is closely linked to the occurrence of what can be termed “Generational super-rotation.” This phenomenon occurs when generations themselves rotate at a pace that outstrips the duration of the cycles within which they exist. This can be triggered by rapid social, technological, or political changes, leading to generational shifts that are characterized by swift and profound alterations in values and beliefs.

A pivotal moment in the discussion of history super-rotation is the concept of the “end of history.” Coined by political philosopher Francis Fukuyama in the late 20th century, this term suggests that there might be a point in history where a particular socio-political framework, often associated with liberal democracy and capitalism, becomes the ultimate endpoint of human ideological evolution. Such a framework, it is argued, would mark the end of grand ideological struggles and the emergence of a stable global order.

However, history has shown that the end of history is not a permanent state but rather a generational super-rotation within a semi-long cycle. Generational shifts and societal changes have the potential to disrupt the established order, and this is what we are witnessing in the reference to the “multipolar framework.” This multipolar framework represents a world in which power is distributed among several major nations or blocs, leading to a more complex and potentially unstable international system.

The notion of history super-rotation challenges the idea of a linear, unidirectional historical progression. Instead, it highlights the cyclical nature of history, where generational dynamics and shifts in the global order continuously reshape the course of human events. It underscores the importance of understanding these generational transitions and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of our world.

In conclusion, history super-rotation and generational super-rotation are fascinating concepts that shed light on the complex interplay between historical cycles and generational change. The idea of the end of history being a generational super-rotation within a semi-long cycle, leading to a multipolar framework, reminds us that history is not a linear narrative but a dynamic process marked by recurring patterns and transformative shifts. To comprehend the intricacies of human development and societal evolution, we must consider both the enduring cycles and the rapid generational changes that drive the course of history.

Title: The Repeating Cycle: A Critical Examination of Our Denialist Society

Introduction

In our ever-evolving world, it is both perplexing and disheartening to observe the persistent tendency of a significant portion of our generation to deny the cyclical nature of our socio-economic and political systems. This essay delves into the notion that we seem either unwilling or unable to accept the repetitive crash-and-recover pattern that characterizes our society. Each cycle, akin to a musical chairs game, concludes with a startling realization: there are not enough chairs for everyone. In the aftermath, we bury the figurative dead and commence the next cycle, a cycle where we distribute some real chairs and some illusory teapots, and, more troublingly, we attempt to convince ourselves that these vastly different objects are, in fact, interchangeable.

The Cyclical Nature of Systems

Our society operates much like a well-worn clock, ticking through its cycles with an almost metronomic precision. Economic downturns, political unrest, and social upheaval have become recurring themes. Yet, our collective psyche remains reluctant to fully acknowledge this regularity, clinging instead to the illusion of a continuous and unyielding system.

Musical Chairs: A Metaphor for Our Denial

The analogy of a game of musical chairs is particularly apt in illustrating our predicament. In this game, participants circle around a diminishing number of chairs, each time discovering that there are not enough to accommodate everyone. Similarly, in our society, we experience the sudden and abrupt realization that resources, opportunities, and stability are finite. This analogy is especially powerful in highlighting the disruptive and often chaotic nature of these cycles.

Burying the Past: Our Response to Crisis

After each crash, society is left with the task of “burying the dead,” which metaphorically represents the consequences and casualties of the crisis. This process involves economic recessions, political scandals, or social conflicts, and often culminates in losses and hardships for many. While we mourn, it is essential to also analyze and understand the root causes of these crises to prevent them from recurring.

The Illusion of Reconciliation

One of the most perplexing aspects of our response to these cyclical events is our readiness to accept a mix of real chairs and illusory teapots as a solution. In these times, we attempt to reconcile disparities by equating resources that are fundamentally different. Real chairs represent concrete solutions and practical responses, while illusory teapots symbolize the wishful thinking and impractical solutions offered. Blurring the lines between them ultimately undermines our ability to address critical issues effectively.

Conclusion

Acknowledging the cyclical nature of our systems, accepting that the chairs are limited, and being mindful of the difference between real chairs and illusory teapots are essential steps toward creating a more resilient and adaptable society. Our world is not a static, unchanging entity, but a dynamic, evolving system with patterns that we must recognize and address. The denialist attitude is a hindrance to progress and must be replaced with a proactive, realistic, and adaptable approach to confront the challenges of each cycle. Only then can we hope to build a more equitable and sustainable future for generations to come.

Rephrased passage from Ryszard Kapuściński’s book “The Shadow of the Sun” regarding the African concept of time:

In Kapuściński’s account of his experiences in Africa, he explores the striking cultural contrast when it comes to the perception of time between Europeans and Africans. When a foreigner unfamiliar with Africa boards a bus and anxiously inquires about its departure time, they may face a bewildering response from the driver. The driver, steeped in the African worldview, might respond with amazement, “When? It will leave when we have enough passengers to fill it.”

This contrast arises from fundamentally different understandings of time. In the European perspective, time is regarded as an objective, measurable, and linear entity, an absolute force that governs life. Europeans often feel enslaved by time, bound by its strict rules and deadlines. They must adhere to its relentless march. This conflict between humanity and time inevitably ends in favor of time, as it inexorably consumes human existence.

Africans, on the other hand, embrace a more flexible, subjective view of time. In their worldview, people have the power to shape time’s course and rhythm, with the blessings of gods and ancestors. Time is a result of human actions, and events, or the lack thereof, dictate its presence. If two armies don’t engage in battle, time remains dormant, unrealized.

Time, for Africans, emerges and recedes under their influence, a passive entity entirely dependent on human agency. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the European concept of time.

Practically, this means that in an African village where an afternoon meeting is scheduled, finding no one at the designated spot renders the question, “When will the meeting take place?” meaningless. The answer is evident: “It will occur when people gather.” Consequently, an African passenger on a bus occupies a vacant seat and enters a state frequently experienced in their life—a patient and tranquil wait.