The term “parrēsia” (παρρησία) in ancient Greek comes from the combination of two words:
“πᾶς” (pas) meaning “all” or “every”
“ῥῆσις” (rhēsis) meaning “speech” or “utterance”
Thus, “parrēsia” literally means “all speech” or “free speech,” reflecting the concept of speaking openly and candidly without fear of repercussions. In ancient Greek culture, it was often associated with democratic practices and the freedom to speak one’s mind in public forums.
The term has been influential in philosophical and political contexts, notably in the works of philosophers like Socrates and later in early Christian writings, where it was valued as a virtue of honest and fearless expression of the truth.
We crossed the ocean, the rivers, and moved westwards.
Where can we go now, but upwards?
Before we go to space, we conquer cyber space, then beyond.
The term “autonomy” comes from the Greek word “autonomos,” which is a combination of two parts: “autos” (meaning “self”) and “nomos” (meaning “law” or “custom”). Thus, “autonomos” essentially means “self-governing” or “having one’s own laws.” The concept evolved to refer broadly to self-determination, independence, and the ability to make one’s own decisions without external control. The word was adopted into English in the early 17th century.
Jacob’s Ladder is a biblical story found in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 28:10-19). The narrative describes a dream that the patriarch Jacob has during his journey from Beersheba to Haran. In the dream, Jacob sees a ladder (or staircase) reaching from Earth to Heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. At the top of the ladder, Jacob sees God, who reiterates the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, Jacob’s forefathers. God assures Jacob of His presence and protection, promising that Jacob’s descendants will be numerous and that through them, all the families of the earth will be blessed.
This vision has been interpreted in various ways within religious and spiritual contexts. In Christianity, it is often seen as a symbol of the connection between Heaven and Earth, and sometimes as a prefiguration of Jesus Christ as the bridge between God and humanity. In Jewish tradition, it represents the constant interaction between the divine and the earthly realms, as well as the spiritual journey of individuals towards a closer relationship with God.
In the realm of photography, we often get caught up with these notions of what success looks like. Whether it’s the creation of a book, gallery, prints, zine, etc. All of these notions to me are superfluous and boring at best.
Why?
For me, the goal of photography has never been directly sharing it. If anything, I share my photographs with my mother, my brother, whoever I meet in person, in the flesh, one on one. I have no desire for my photographs to be viewed in these grandiose settings while I am alive. That has never been my goal and the reason why I make photographs. I’ve even had my photographs offered to be on display in a fancy gallery, in Italy, but declined.
Why Make Photographs?
I make photographs as a way for me to affirm life and give the mundane meaning. It seems that in this modern world, we are all in search of some sort of meaning and purpose. What if there was no purpose? What if the goal was to be in a state of production, and enjoy the process along the journey?
Consider goals, consider curiosity. Perhaps increasing your curiosity by one percent each day is the ultimate goal as a photographer, artist, or person.
I believe that your photograph can potentially impact the life of one other person, and that’s great. If you reach one person, consider that success. When it comes to the material and external, there’s no amount of validation or legitimacy worth seeking.
The Pursuit of Happiness
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson
When I consider liberty in the pursuit of happiness, I remind myself of George Washington crossing the Delaware River, a revolutionary hero, fighting against the British to gain self-autonomy, as the colonists were being unjustly taxed and controlled through military power. It took an act of courage to gain freedom.
Those who have been injured or died in battle receive a Purple Heart medal, established by George Washington in 1782. I think the color purple is beautiful and something that we should hone in on today, where the United States is separated through political parties from the left to the right or from red and blue. We need a middle ground, something in between the red and the blue, the and the color of our skin, and stop dividing ourselves.
We are all people of color in a sense, unified in our diversity, except for the British who historically positioned themselves as distinct and dominant. If I must choose a color, I choose purple!
Maybe we are becoming slaves to our identities. The more that we divide ourselves, the more mediocre we become. I seek to go beyond the division, and transcend through physical greatness. By increasing your power, you become healthier, stronger, and ultimately more “happy.” It seems that the pursuit of happiness is not the ultimate goal, but it is power that we seek. Perhaps power is where true happiness is.
What is a Slave?
When I contemplate slavery, I remind myself of Moses, leading the Israelites through the desert, freeing them of slavery and bondage from Egypt, in search of the promised land. When Moses rose to Mount Sinai and received the tablets, the 10 Commandments, from God, he was missing for 40 days. The Israelites became anxious and decided to craft a golden calf and worship this idol. When Moses returned, he was furious and smashed this golden calf to the ground. Many of these Israelites were plagued, and thousands were killed following this event.
In the modern world, we are slaves to time. Perhaps a modern-day slave wears a watch, uses an alarm, a phone, and is dependent on emails and texting.
We are slaves to time, and most of us have no time. We no longer have time to think for ourselves, to be outside, as we are forced to be inside, transporting our physical bodies through vehicles, sitting down, and enjoying the air conditioning of an office building.
What are you sacrificing your physical body for?
Moses never reached the promised land, as he sacrificed himself for the Israelites and died near the valley of Jericho. Perhaps we too, are like Moses, wandering in the desert, but will never reach that promised land.
Think of Minecraft, and how you can control a pig with a saddle and a fishing rod with a carrot on a string. When you sit upon this pig and dangle the carrot in front of it, the pig will keep on moving and never stop. > Maybe we are like these pigs, enticed by the golden calf, the Lamborghini, the Tesla, fame, and all these lame material things. Most of the junk that we produce and purchase could be smashed on the ground as they have no meaning or function to them anyway.
So if there is no external thing, or material possession, external validation, even within the realm of art and photography, and life generally, worth striving towards, then what is the goal in itself?
Finding Meaning
Find meaning in the chaos, the unknown, the ups, the downs, the happiness, sadness, anger, and bliss. There is no goal, and that’s okay. Find your own way to give life meaning. Free yourself through photography. Wield your camera as the passport to the promised land. Create your own world, and move onwards into the unknown, back into the desert.
The key to mastering street photography is repetition. By consistently practicing every day, you train your eye to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Repetition helps you understand the rhythm of the streets, the flow of people, and the subtle changes in light and shadow. Over time, this daily practice sharpens your instincts and hones your ability to capture compelling moments.
Sticking to a Route
One effective approach to daily practice is to stick to a specific route. Familiarizing yourself with a particular path allows you to anticipate the best spots for photographs. I like to include Broad Street in my daily walk because it offers some of the best backgrounds and architecture in the city. By knowing the lay of the land, you can expect activity at certain times and be prepared to capture it.
Clean Backgrounds and Consistent Light
Finding clean backgrounds and consistent light is crucial in street photography. A clean background helps your subject stand out, making your photos more impactful. Look for locations with minimal distractions and harmonious colors.
Consistent light is another vital element. Certain spots offer reliable lighting conditions throughout the day, providing the perfect setting for striking photographs. Tunnels, underpasses, and alleyways can create beautiful contrasts with their shadows and highlights, adding depth and drama to your images.
Embrace the Routine
By establishing a routine and sticking to it, you create a structured environment for your creativity to flourish. The routine becomes a framework within which you can experiment, take risks, and develop your unique style. Remember, the goal is not to take perfect photos every day but to engage with the process, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the journey.
Nikola Tesla is often attributed with a quote that suggests the importance of understanding vibration, frequency, and energy to grasp the secrets of the universe. The quote is:
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”
The Wanamaker Building and Organ in Philadelphia are iconic landmarks with rich histories.
The Wanamaker Building
Location: Center City, Philadelphia.
History: Completed in 1911, the building originally housed the Wanamaker’s department store, one of the first and largest department stores in the United States.
Architecture: Designed by Daniel H. Burnham, the building is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It features a grand façade with intricate details, large columns, and an impressive interior with a central atrium.
Current Use: The building is now known as the Macy’s Center City and continues to function as a department store. It also houses office spaces.
The Wanamaker Organ
Overview: The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ is the largest operational pipe organ in the world, located in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building.
History: Originally built for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair by the Los Angeles Art Organ Company, it was purchased by John Wanamaker in 1909. It took two years to install and was significantly expanded over the following decades.
Specifications:
Pipes: Over 28,750 pipes.
Ranks: 461 ranks.
Manuals: 6 manuals (keyboards).
Features: The organ includes a vast range of pipes made from various materials, including wood, tin, and zinc, producing sounds from the deepest bass to the highest soprano notes.
Concerts: Regular concerts and recitals are held, especially during the holiday season. The organ is played daily, filling the building with its majestic sounds.
Significance
The Wanamaker Building and Organ are not only architectural and musical marvels but also important cultural and historical treasures of Philadelphia. They attract visitors from around the world, who come to experience the grandeur of the building and the exceptional music of the organ.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge connecting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey. Here are key details about this remarkable structure:
Historical and Structural Overview
Completion: The bridge was completed in 1926, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Designer: Designed by Paul Philippe Cret and Leon Moisseiff, it exemplifies the architectural and engineering prowess of the early 20th century.
Construction: The construction began in 1922 and took four years to complete. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world upon its completion, with a main span of 1,750 feet.
Structural Details
Type: Suspension bridge.
Length: Total length of 9,573 feet (2,918 meters).
Main Span: The main span is 1,750 feet (533 meters) long, suspended between two towers.
Height: The towers rise to a height of 380 feet (116 meters) above the water.
Width: The bridge is 128 feet (39 meters) wide.
Traffic and Usage
Lanes: The bridge accommodates seven vehicular lanes. The lanes can be configured to adjust the flow of traffic, with typically three lanes heading in each direction and one reversible lane.
Other Transportation: In addition to vehicular traffic, the bridge also has walkways for pedestrians and cyclists. It carries the PATCO Speedline, a rapid transit system that connects Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Daily Traffic: The bridge handles a significant volume of traffic daily, serving as a critical transportation link between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Significance and Impact
Cultural Icon: The Benjamin Franklin Bridge is a major landmark in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Its distinctive design and towering presence make it an iconic part of the city’s skyline.
Economic Importance: The bridge facilitates commerce and travel between Philadelphia and South Jersey, playing a crucial role in the regional economy.
Engineering Feat: At the time of its completion, the bridge represented a major engineering achievement. Its design and construction techniques influenced future bridge-building projects.
Maintenance and Enhancements
Ongoing Maintenance: Like all major infrastructure, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge requires regular maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality. This includes inspections, structural repairs, and painting.
Modern Upgrades: Over the years, the bridge has undergone various upgrades to accommodate increased traffic and to enhance safety and efficiency. These include improvements to the roadway, pedestrian walkways, and transit facilities.
Architectural and Aesthetic Features
Design: The bridge’s design is notable for its elegant simplicity and functional beauty. The suspension cables and the graceful curve of the main span create a visually striking silhouette.
Lighting: The bridge is often illuminated at night, highlighting its structure and adding to the visual appeal of the Philadelphia waterfront.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and remains a vital and beloved part of the region’s infrastructure.
We all came into this world as dust, and we will return to dust. One day, you will die, and if you have children, so will they, and so on and so forth. This wisp of time, that we are currently in, should be uplifted. Let’s dance, sing, and hike to the top of the mountain until we go tumbling down, to the ground, back to dust.
