Yes, the “Do It Yourself” attitude – nowadays known as DIY – has always been my thing.
Learning by Doing, Learning on the Job, valuing practical experience over theoretical knowledge ….
For me, this was and still is real fun ; )
When i think of my childhood, my most beloved toys, the most favorite ones have been Lego first and then Matador.
For the wood feeling of it, for the endless inventions possible.
Later on came the old radios to dismantle and Electronics Kits to build some radios and other things myself …
For sure, I have done my share of schooling and studies (mostly for the certificates ; ).
Nothing really bad about that (besides the huge amount of time lost ; ).
But real hands on experience is so. much more valuable in the long run for me.
I am so glad i never went for a career based on academic papers.
i learned my share by setting my mind on different things and getting myself into situations where i had to learn quickly.
Or else!
And so – over a lifetime – i ended up being pretty good in quite a number of things.
Like skillfully using all kinds of computer programs.
Like Fine Woodwork
Like Photography
Like Graphic Design
Like Animated Visual Art
Like Building Intentional Community
Like Meditation and Spiritual Wisdom Teaching
Like being Inspiration and Guidance for Younger Generations
Like Counseling for Personal Development and Spiritual Growth
Like Sound Design and Electronic MusicMaking
…. and i am not done yet ; )
I guess.
Looking back on all of this ongoing learning and growing and applying of knowledge and skills and experience, it fills me with some pride and confidence.
Looking back onto all of that and reflecting on it, what strikes me with amazement is the obvious ability of us humans to learn and master anything we want, if only we set out mind to it and commit a hundred percent to the task.
Persistence, perseverance, patience.
Maybe stubbornness of a dog, not letting go of the bone ; )
The ability to apply our natural curiosity and inherent intelligence to new areas of life and learn and apply bit by bit, naturally, organically, practically …..
I find this amazing, awesome, a major gift.
The Fundamental Thing!
What is “Intelligence”?
There are many ways to define intelligence and surely there are several “Intelligences”.
But for me to be intelligent means to look what is there in a given situation, to see relevant patterns and the context of it all.
And to use all the elements there in new ways.
Combine things in new ways and make meaningful connections.
Use Imagination and Creativity to make something New.
And maybe useful.
Or maybe just playful ; )
Just like ….. LEGO
Recently i have taken up again an old unfinished coding project. No real reason behind, maybe just to keep my mind sharp and my tools shiny …..
And the fun, i admit!
The joy of making something out of seemingly nothing.
So here is my – very low key – Sound Mixing, Modular Synthesizer, Sound generating construction site.
Animated guided tour included.
For the curious, yet uninitiated ; )
Hands-on for the rest!
[ the animations are not optimized for phones, i suggest to watch the the gallery on a good computer or tablet ]
[ also headphones would be good, since there is a lot of high- and low-frequency sounds ]