journal features

west is left and right is east

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2015.09.28

Looking at one of Ken's homework assignments, we saw that he'd correctly divined a pattern in a set of diagrams of blocks that grow by accretion. The pattern starts with a single block. In the next diagram, a block has been added to the top of the first, plus one on either side. In the third diagram, this is repeated.

Ken was asked to write a description of the pattern. He wrote, "Add one to the West and add one to the East and add one to the North."

(At least there was no cruel slander about forgetting maps, this time.)

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering