The word “photography” has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: “phōs” (φῶς), meaning “light,” and “graphé” (γραφή), meaning “drawing” or “writing.” When combined, “photography” essentially means “drawing with light.”
The term was first coined in 1839 by Sir John Herschel, a British scientist and astronomer, during the early days of the photographic process. Herschel was instrumental in the development of photography and also made significant contributions to its terminology. The concept of capturing images using light-sensitive materials dates back to earlier experiments by pioneers such as Thomas Wedgwood and Nicéphore Niépce, but it was Herschel who gave the medium its enduring name.
We have unlimited yummy food options. Everything is at your fingertips. There’s an abundance TV channels, movies, shows, new sources, and really hyper realistic video games. You can strap yourself into an apple Vision Pro, and operate a computer that is glossed over your eyes. We’re living in the age of abundance. Now what?
The goal to produce
Not productivity for productivity sake, but as an antidote to the consumerist culture and chaos that we currently live in. This means, when I wake up in the morning, I appreciate meditating on what thoughts or dreams I have, and write them down on my iPad or my notes app. I go for walks in nature and like to make a podcast or some sort of video to record my candid thoughts and just speak freely. Wielding a camera with me, I can make photographs along my way through the city and capture moments of everyday life. Making this website blog has been the greatest blessing as it provides me with a space to publish my own thoughts, photos, videos, and anything in between. Maybe most people reach for their phone first thing in the morning and start consuming? The antidote is to use it to start producing.
Concerts, bars, alcohol, and travel
How to keep the masses entertained? Just give them a nice concert with popular music, a bar, drugs, and alcohol. Have them in a trance on the floor as they dance, intoxicated, medicated, seeking pleasure from external means. Watch as the phones rise from the crowd, and thousands of people simultaneously share their point of view to social media apps. Do people go to concerts just to share the fact that they went to concerts? Similarly to traveling, do people travel places simply to post a photograph that they travel to the place? You could argue this to be a valid concern, considering the amount of people that make photographs of themselves in the same locations all throughout the world. It’s a sort of social contagion that plague peoples minds to think that they have to go out there and do things because other people do these things. Can you find entertainment without a TV, phone, bar, or concert?
The problem with social media
The problem with platforms like Instagram, and even YouTube, are the distractions. Everything on those platforms are merely distraction, from the advertisements to the mindnumbing “content.” Just treat everything on Instagram and YouTube as McDonald’s food. It’s essentially like eating McDonald’s and gives you diabetes. It’s not good for you or your soul. Anytime you go to grab your phone and engage with the social media application, just think that you’re going to do heroin or something. Maybe that’ll help you stop? Just delete your Instagram…
Alarms and notifications
When I consider an alarm, I think of the industrial revolution and its implementation in factories throughout the United States. The alarm goes off, the workers go to toil. We’ve become accustomed to the sound of the alarm through schools, both public and private education from an early age. At school, the alarm goes off, and you must report to class, sit down, and do your little task. When the bell rings, you get up, you move, and you go to the next room. You sit down, shut up, and repeat. Nowadays, the majority of people can’t get sleep without depending on an alarm to wake them up in the morning… I find this to be concerning for physiology and health. Not to mention, the constant ringing of the phone, and the alertness we have to go and grab the device with immediacy, without thinking of the social implications. Why not just keep the phone at home? Put it on do not disturb or airplane mode when you’re out and about or spending time with others. If you have that itch or urge to reach for your phone at any time the alarm sounds, are you truly free or a slave? Just think of the factories and the workers controlled by the bell every time you respond to the sound of an alarm.
Nobody cares for an audience
Let’s completely immerse ourselves in the production of work. If you want to have feedback or make your photos visible to the world, just publish them on your website and have them available under your (first name)(last name).com. Otherwise, just send the photo to a friend or family member directly. These illusions that exist on your screen, the numbers, the analytics, it’s all irrelevant. Nobody cares. Disable it all, the analytics, the comments, etc. Delete your email app and keep your phone in airplane mode. Can you survive?
Just think, would you rather have one of 300 Spartan Photographers follow your work or 1 million helots? I’d say there’s most likely only around 300 photographers that are making work in the world that is worth knowing about currently.
This is your call to disconnect, stop consuming, and just produce! Become one of the 300.
The word “money” has a fascinating etymology that dates back to ancient times. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its origins:
Latin Origin:
The term “money” originates from the Latin word “moneta,” which referred to both a place where coins were minted and a title for the Roman goddess Juno.
Temple of Juno Moneta:
In ancient Rome, coins were minted in the temple of Juno Moneta, who was the goddess of marriage and women, and also served as a protector of funds. The name “Moneta” comes from the Latin verb “monere,” meaning “to warn” or “to advise,” reflecting Juno’s role as a guardian and advisor.
Roman Influence:
As the Romans used coins minted in the temple of Juno Moneta, the term “moneta” became associated with the coins themselves. Over time, “moneta” evolved to mean any form of currency.
Old French and Middle English:
The Latin “moneta” was adopted into Old French as “moneie,” meaning coin or currency. This Old French term then transitioned into Middle English as “moneie” or “moneye,” eventually becoming “money” in modern English.
Modern Usage:
Today, “money” refers to any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts. It encompasses various forms of currency, including coins, banknotes, and digital money.
In summary, the word “money” traces its origins to the Latin “moneta,” connected to the temple of Juno Moneta where Roman coins were minted. This term passed through Old French and Middle English, evolving to its current form and meaning in modern English, reflecting its deep historical roots in ancient Roman practices and language.
The etymology of the word “capital” is multifaceted and stems from several historical and linguistic developments. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its origins:
Latin Origin:
The word “capital” comes from the Latin word “capitalis,” which means “of the head,” derived from “caput,” meaning “head.”
Usage in Latin:
In Latin, “capitalis” referred to anything related to the head or topmost part, which could extend to meanings of primary importance or chief in nature. It was used in various contexts, including describing things of chief or foremost importance.
Evolution in Medieval Latin and Old French:
In Medieval Latin, “capital” began to be used in a financial sense, referring to the principal amount of a loan or the main sum of money, distinguishing it from interest. This sense was adopted into Old French as “capital” or “capitale.”
Connection to Livestock:
The term “capital” also relates to the concept of “head of cattle.” In medieval times, livestock was one of the primary forms of wealth and property. The phrase “head of cattle” originated from counting individual animals in a herd, with “head” referring to each animal. The Latin word “caput” (head) similarly came to represent individual units of valuable property, such as livestock.
Financial and Economic Contexts:
By the late Middle Ages, “capital” had firmly taken on the meaning of wealth or money used to generate more wealth, distinguishing it from other forms of wealth like land or goods. This usage is connected to the idea of counting heads of cattle as a measure of wealth.
Modern Usage:
In contemporary English, “capital” has various meanings, all derived from the idea of something of primary importance or at the head:
In finance, it refers to assets or resources that can generate wealth.
In geography, it signifies the seat of government of a country or region, implying the “head” city.
In architecture, it refers to the topmost part of a column, again emphasizing the “head” or top.
In summary, “capital” traces back to the Latin “caput” (head), evolving through Latin and Old French to encompass meanings related to primary importance, wealth, and topmost positions in various contexts. The connection to “head of cattle” highlights how counting livestock by their heads contributed to the concept of wealth and property, reinforcing the term’s financial significance.
The word “salary” has an interesting etymology that traces back to ancient Rome. Here is a detailed breakdown of its origins:
Latin Origin:
The term “salary” comes from the Latin word “salarium,” which is derived from “sal,” meaning “salt.”
Roman Soldiers:
In ancient Rome, salt was a valuable commodity used not only for seasoning food but also for preserving it. Roman soldiers were given an allowance to buy salt, known as “salarium.” This allowance was essential because salt was a crucial part of their diet and overall health.
Evolution of the Term:
Over time, “salarium” came to mean the money paid to soldiers for their service. The concept of paying for labor with an allowance for essentials became generalized to mean a payment for work done.
Modern Usage:
The word evolved through Old French as “salaire” and Middle English as “salarie,” finally becoming “salary” in modern English. Today, it refers to regular payment received by an employee for their services, typically expressed as an annual sum.
In summary, “salary” has its roots in the Latin “salarium,” originally related to salt allowances for Roman soldiers, illustrating how essential commodities played a role in the development of terms related to compensation for work.
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.
