Evil is real and evil is evil. Bad, wrong, wicked, harmful... Often we try to call it something else though. Either we don't know what it is or we don't believe in moral "good" and "bad" or we don't want to be the ones to judge. There are many reasons for our hesitation to use…Read more Recognize when evil identifies itself
Narratives
Should They Stay or Should They Go now?
I was watching two guys, very good friends to each other, having an intense argument about the British referendum on whether to Remain in the EU or Leave. Neither one of them was born British and only one of them lives and works in the UK. Still, they both care deeply about the current affairs…Read more Should They Stay or Should They Go now?
“Son of Saul” is hard to watch but so worth it
There are good movies and then there are special movies. There are stories and then there are powerful stories. I love movies that tell a good story and engage my emotions and imagination. A good story draws you in and helps you to relate to the main characters. It helps you to try to imagine…Read more “Son of Saul” is hard to watch but so worth it
Our renewed attraction to “greatness”
One leader has promised to make "Russia Great Again", one businessman has vowed to make "America Great Again" and others in Europe and elsewhere are declaring the same. Then there are those of us who have never been so "great" and just want to keep our countries the way they are. Or keep our countries...…Read more Our renewed attraction to “greatness”
Sons and daughters… kings and queens of love
It was a hot and humid evening in Kuala Lumpur. Our friend Darren is a good driver and I am glad because the traffic here gets bad. I don't mind sitting in a passenger seat though when it gives more time for good conversations. And in Malaysia there is lots to talk about. People, the…Read more Sons and daughters… kings and queens of love
Tale as old as time: My tribe against yours
So, I was thinking about our tribalism in Europe and elsewhere and suddenly remembered one of my favorite children's stories, "Ronia the Robber's Daughter" by Astrid Lindgren. It is truly one of my favorite books and I have read it many times. I can still experience the same emotions I had when I read it…Read more Tale as old as time: My tribe against yours
Peek into my library…
One of my New Year resolutions is to read even more books. I love reading and through the work and travels I have collected a small library. Unfortunately my library is scattered - most books are in Latvia, many in USA and a few in Thailand. I have a dream that one day I will…Read more Peek into my library…
Enough of Supersize Fear
If there is universal word and emotion in 2015, it is Fear. Phobia. Anxiety. Paranoia. This is nothing new for humankind even if we somehow think that the challenges are unique to our times and situation. Just study history, autobiographies, ancient literature like the Bible and see that people and nations have always struggled with…Read more Enough of Supersize Fear
Latvians and our blind sides
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world". The more I reflect and the more I try to practice it, my experience tells me that these words are very true. I cannot change situations and attitudes around me if I am not willing to do some deep…Read more Latvians and our blind sides
Part Two: Unfinished business with our neighbors
We had a wonderful visit to Cambodia and one of the stops was Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. This ancient Hindu/Buddhist temple is one of the most famous landmarks in this part of the world... an amazing monument of history, craftsmanship and art. It is impossible to take a bad photo while visiting these beautiful…Read more Part Two: Unfinished business with our neighbors
peaceroads 