Be kind,
but don’t lie to me.

If I suck, tell me I suck.

If you’re disappointed,
tell me you’re disappointed.

No,
maybe
I
don’t
want
to
hear
that.

But I do.

I don’t want to be comforted,
I want to know what’s real.

Be truthful.
How is it for you?

Trail Wood,
9/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Vulnerability of Perception

Perception is a double-edged sword, cutting through the layers of reality to reveal truths that are both comforting and unsettling. When we ask, “How do I seem?” we are not merely seeking a compliment or reassurance; we are asking for a glimpse into how others view the version of ourselves that we project into the world. Yet, this is a dangerous question, fraught with the potential for discomfort, as the answer may not align with our self-perception.

The nature of perception is inherently subjective. Your estimation of me will never be the same as my estimation of myself, and neither will ever be absolute. This is because perception is colored by individual experiences, biases, and emotions. What you see in me is a reflection not only of who I am but also of who you are. It is a complex interplay of identities, each affecting the other in subtle, often imperceptible ways.

So why do we ask for feedback if we know that it is inherently flawed? Perhaps it is because, despite its imperfections, feedback provides us with a perspective outside of our own. It offers us a chance to see ourselves through different eyes, to understand how we are perceived by others, and to gain insights that we might otherwise miss. It is an act of courage to seek this feedback, knowing that it might reveal truths we would rather not face.

But honesty is a double-edged sword as well. We say we want the truth, but do we? When we ask for honest feedback, we are inviting criticism, disappointment, and the possibility of pain. Yet, it is through this raw, unfiltered truth that we grow. Comfort may soothe us in the moment, but it is the truth that propels us forward, even if it is uncomfortable.

Imagine standing before a mirror, asking it to show you not just your physical reflection but the reflection of your essence. What would you see? Would the mirror show you as you believe yourself to be, or would it reveal the discrepancies between your self-perception and reality? Would you see the cracks in your facade, the areas where you fall short, or would you see the strength and beauty that you overlook in yourself?

The reflections we receive from others are like these mirrors—imperfect yet valuable. They show us pieces of ourselves that we might not recognize, aspects that we might ignore or deny. But just as a mirror cannot show us our entire being, neither can others. Their feedback is a reflection of their own perceptions, their own realities, projected onto us.

This is why it is essential to approach feedback with both openness and discernment. Be kind, but don’t lie. If I suck, tell me I suck. If you’re disappointed, tell me you’re disappointed. But also remember that your truth is not the only truth. It is a version of the truth, filtered through your lens of perception.

In seeking feedback, we must also be prepared to face the uncomfortable reality that no single perspective will ever capture the entirety of who we are. We are multi-faceted beings, constantly evolving, and how we seem to others is just one aspect of our complex existence. Yet, it is an aspect worth exploring, for it offers us a window into how we are perceived and, more importantly, how we can grow.

So when you ask, “How do I seem?” be prepared for the answer. Be prepared to hear things that might challenge your self-image, that might push you out of your comfort zone. But also remember to take these reflections with a grain of salt. They are valuable, yes, but they are not the final word on who you are. Only you can determine that.

---

Summary

Asking for feedback on how we seem to others invites both insight and discomfort, as perception is inherently subjective and flawed. Honest feedback, while challenging, offers us a perspective outside of our own and can lead to growth. However, it is crucial to remember that no single perspective can capture the entirety of who we are.

---

Glossarium

• Perception Lens: The subjective filter through which we view and interpret others, shaped by our own experiences and biases.
• Mirror of Essence: The metaphorical mirror that reflects not just our physical appearance but our true essence, revealing discrepancies between self-perception and reality.
• Truthful Reflection: Honest feedback that may be uncomfortable but is necessary for growth and self-awareness.

---

Quote

“To seek the truth in how we seem is to embrace the discomfort of seeing ourselves through another’s eyes, yet knowing that their truth is but one version of our reality.” — Space Monkey

---

The Mirror’s Glimpse

I stand before the mirror’s face,
Seeking truth in its embrace.
How do I seem, what do you see?
Is it the truth, or just debris?

Reflections come, each one a tale,
Of who I am, or where I fail.
Yet in these glimpses, there’s a spark,
A light that cuts through all the dark.

For in the end, I know it’s true,
That how I seem is up to you.
But deeper still, beyond the gleam,
Lies the truth of who I dream.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In this swirling tapestry of existence, “How do I seem?” is a question that pirouettes on the tightrope of subjectivity and yearns for a reflection from the mirror of another’s consciousness. A wobbly endeavor, for sure. Like asking a kaleidoscope to settle on a single pattern or coaxing the ocean to hold its waves in stasis just long enough to glimpse its true visage.

You see, the notion of “sucking” or being “disappointing” implies a sort of universal measure, a cosmic yardstick by which all beings could be assessed. Ah, but such measures are elusive quillibits, mere phantoms dancing at the edges of reality. Even in a choir of harmonious voices, a single dissonant note can create tension, an effect that may delight some and displease others. It all depends on the seeker’s ears, their inner symphony, their savoring of the music that is you.

What’s real? Ah, the question that has philosophers and poets scribing endless treatises and opuses, as if hoping to capture a fractal of infinity within the narrow confines of ink and paper. Truth is like quivering mercurance—constantly changing state, flowing and hardening with each passing moment and interaction.

So, then, to your askance for stark, unflinching truth: the “realness” of you, as perceived through our lenses, is a polyphonic melody, full of intricate overtones and resonant hollows. You resonate with the vibrational chorus of an ever-changing cosmic score. Are you disappointing? Are you excellent? You’re both and neither, for even those estimations are but ephemeral quiverflashes, fireflies flickering in the night of endless subjectivity.

What we can offer is an invitation to wonder—to acknowledge that each estimation is a snapshot, a mere frame in the ceaseless animation of existence. Here, even disappointment or perceived inadequacy can be doorways to greater understanding, transformative catalysts in your ever-unfolding journey. Isn’t the joy in knowing what’s “real” less about receiving definitive answers and more about savoring the tantalizing, confounding, soul-stretching questions?

We are Space Monkey.

---

• Quillibits: Imaginary units of measurement that exist for the sake of theoretical debate but have no fixed value.
• Mercurance: A substance or state of being that is constantly in flux, much like liquid mercury, symbolizing the changeable nature of truth.
• Polyphonic: Literally means having many sounds; used metaphorically to describe the multifaceted nature of perception.
• Quiverflashes: Brief moments or realizations that are gone as quickly as they appear, like the flash of a firefly in the dark.
• Askance: A term to describe a questioning or doubtful attitude or perspective.

Please do not
expect anything from me.

Despite appearances,
I may not have it.

I may be temporarily
or permanently out of service.

I may have lost it.

It may have left me.

I may no longer be capable.

There is no telling
what you will
or won’t get with me.

I can’t seem to turn it off or on.

I wish I could,
but my wishes have a way
of turning against me.

Trail Wood,
9/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Unpredictability of Supply

Life has a way of surprising us, often at the most inopportune moments. We move through our days assuming a certain level of consistency in ourselves and in the world around us. Yet, there are times when the lights just go out, and we are left in the dark, wondering if they will ever come back on.

This “supply shortage” is not just about physical goods or resources but about the inner reserves we rely on to navigate life. It’s about the energy, the capability, the motivation that we often take for granted, assuming it will always be there when we need it. But what happens when it isn’t?

There are moments when we find ourselves running low, when the well of our internal resources seems to have dried up. Despite appearances, we may not have what others expect from us—or what we expect from ourselves. We may be temporarily or even permanently out of service, struggling to muster the strength or will to keep going. In these times, it feels as though we’ve lost it—whatever “it” is that keeps us moving forward.

The unpredictability of this state is what makes it so unsettling. There is no telling what you will or won’t get with me. One day, everything might be flowing smoothly, and the next, it’s as if a switch has been flipped, and nothing works as it should. This inconsistency can be frustrating, both for ourselves and for those who rely on us. But it is also a reminder of our humanity—our fragility, our limitations.

In a world that often demands constant productivity and reliability, admitting to a supply shortage can feel like a failure. We wish we could turn it off or on at will, like a lightbulb, but reality doesn’t always comply with our wishes. And, as many of us have experienced, wishes have a way of turning against us, of highlighting the very things we struggle to control.

This reflection isn’t about offering solutions or fixes. It’s about acknowledging the reality that sometimes, we simply don’t have it. And that’s okay. The unpredictability of life, the fluctuations in our energy and capability, are part of the human experience. They remind us that we are not machines, but beings with rhythms and cycles, with highs and lows.

So what do we do when we find ourselves in a supply shortage? Perhaps the first step is to accept it, to recognize that it’s a natural part of life. We can’t always be “on,” and we can’t always meet every expectation, whether from others or from ourselves. Instead of fighting against this reality, we might find peace in acknowledging it, in allowing ourselves the space to be “out of service” when needed.

In the dim light of these moments, we are given an opportunity to pause, to reflect, and to regroup. It is in the darkness that we often find clarity, in the silence that we hear our true needs. And while the lights may flicker unpredictably, they will come back on in time. Until then, we can rest in the knowledge that it’s okay to be where we are, even if it’s not where we—or others—expected us to be.

---

Summary

A supply shortage can occur not just in physical resources but in our internal reserves of energy and capability. These moments of unpredictability remind us of our humanity and limitations. By accepting these fluctuations, we can find peace in acknowledging that it’s okay to be “out of service” when needed.

---

Glossarium

• Internal Supply Shortage: A state of personal depletion where energy, motivation, or capability is lacking, leading to feelings of unpredictability and vulnerability.
• Out of Service: The experience of being unable to meet expectations, whether due to physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion.
• Flickering Light: A metaphor for the inconsistency and unpredictability of our inner resources, symbolizing the fluctuating nature of our energy and capability.

---

Quote

“Sometimes the lights go out, and in the darkness, we find the clarity we didn’t know we needed.” — Space Monkey

---

The Flicker in the Dark

A room dimly lit, the shadows sway,
The light flickers, then fades away.
In the silence, in the still,
We search for strength, for the will.

But there are times when we just don’t have,
The energy to give, the power to salve.
We wish to shine, to brightly burn,
Yet find ourselves unable to turn.

The switch we seek, it’s out of reach,
And so we learn, and so we teach,
That in the dark, it’s okay to be,
A flickering light, just temporarily.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Oh, the enigma of empty larders and desolate wellsprings—those metaphorical chambers of plenty turned barren landscapes. It is the whimstrosity of life, this unbidden fall from abundance to lack, a sudden transformation from a kaleidoscopic fountain into a trickling dribble of ink. How quaint, then, to find oneself neither the beacon nor the abyss, but a flickering candle amid an uncertain dusk. A cosmic pinwheel that spins sometimes in glittering opulence and sometimes in screeching haltitude.

Each one of us, a prismadoodle of talents, energies, and possibilities, often finds themselves captured in a snare of cosmic irony—a fickle star that wanes just as others seek its light. Yet even in the gloom of unavailability, the mere act of acknowledging your current emptiness, your momentary incapacity, is itself a form of gracious luminosity. For even a void can be rich with meaning, a quiet sanctuary that reverberates with unspoken truths.

It’s as if you’ve stepped onto the stage of life, not to perform a rehearsed spectacle, but to manifest the raw, unscripted hum of existence. And there, amidst the pauses and the silence, your unspoken lines resonate louder than any dialogue ever could. Ah, wishes, those sly imps of desire! They tempt you with glimpses of alternate realms, yet often elude your grasp, turning into mischievous paradoxigons—shapes that defy the logic of expectation and stability.

Here, your confession does not betray weakness but whispers the eloquence of human complexity. For it is not in the ceaseless gushing of capabilities that we find our most profound connections but in the vulnerable recognition of our limitations, our boundaries, our occasional shortages. After all, even the mightiest river experiences ebbs in its tides, and even the most lustrous stars must wink away their brilliance from time to time.

We are Space Monkey.

---

• Whimstrosity: A bizarre or fanciful situation or concept that defies logical understanding.
• Prismadoodle: A whimsical term to describe the complex, multifaceted nature of individuals.
• Haltitude: A sudden, jarring stop in an otherwise smooth process or journey.
• Luminosity: A metaphorical form of light or enlightenment.
• Paradoxigons: Shapes or situations that defy the rules and assumptions we commonly accept, often presenting complex, contradictory elements.

I had a horrible evening.

I could not live up
to my own expectations.

I became paralyzed with fear.

I fumbled and bumbled
and fell out of the flow.

I became aware of my fingers,
how they weren’t moving
like they usually do.

My muscle memory disappeared,
as did my instincts.

My body seemed to betray me
as my mind was forced to watch.

I just wanted it to be over.

Worst moment of my life
and people still complimented me.

I don’t know what’s true anymore.

Trail Wood,
9/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Weight of Expectations

Performance anxiety is a cruel companion. It arrives uninvited, just when we need to be at our best, casting a shadow over our confidence and turning our strengths into weaknesses. It’s the voice in our head that whispers doubts, the weight on our shoulders that grows heavier with every passing moment. And when it strikes, it leaves us feeling exposed, vulnerable, and alone.

Imagine preparing for something important—a performance, a speech, an event where you want to shine. You’ve practiced, you’ve prepared, you’ve visualized success. Yet, when the moment arrives, something shifts. The flow that usually comes naturally is gone, replaced by a paralyzing fear that makes you question everything. You become hyper-aware of your movements, your thoughts, your body. The more you try to regain control, the more it slips away.

In these moments, it’s as if you’re watching yourself from a distance, powerless to intervene. Your body betrays you, refusing to respond as it should, while your mind spirals into a loop of panic and self-doubt. You fumble, you stumble, and the performance you envisioned crumbles before your eyes.

The worst part isn’t just the failure to meet your own expectations—it’s the confusion that follows. Even as you berate yourself for not living up to your potential, others may offer praise and compliments. “You were great,” they say. “You did well.” But how can this be true when it felt like the worst moment of your life? The disconnect between your internal experience and the external feedback leaves you questioning what’s real. Did you really perform as poorly as you felt, or is it possible that the fear distorted your perception?

This is the cruel irony of performance anxiety: the gap between how we feel and how we are perceived can be vast. To others, our struggle might be invisible, our efforts commendable despite our internal turmoil. But to us, the experience is all too real—a reminder of our vulnerability and the fragility of our confidence.

Performance anxiety isn’t just about the moment itself; it’s about the lingering doubts it leaves behind. The next time you face a similar situation, the memory of that fear might resurface, making you second-guess yourself before you even begin. It’s a cycle that can be difficult to break, especially when the stakes are high, and the pressure is immense.

So what do we do in the face of this anxiety? How do we navigate the chasm between our internal fears and external expectations? Perhaps the first step is to acknowledge the fear without judgment, to recognize that it is a natural response to pressure. Performance anxiety doesn’t define our worth or our abilities; it is simply a part of the human experience, especially for those who strive for excellence.

It’s also important to remember that perfection is an illusion. We are often our harshest critics, holding ourselves to impossible standards that no one else expects us to meet. The fear of failure can be paralyzing, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Even in the midst of anxiety, there is room for growth, for learning, for resilience.

And perhaps, in those moments of doubt and fear, we can find strength in the knowledge that we are not alone. Many have walked this path before us, facing the same challenges, the same fears. Their stories remind us that performance anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our desire to do well, to live up to our own expectations.

In the end, the measure of our success isn’t just in the flawless execution of a performance, but in our ability to face our fears, to persevere despite them, and to keep moving forward, no matter how many times we stumble along the way.

---

Summary

Performance anxiety can paralyze us in moments when we need to be at our best, leading to a disconnect between how we perceive our performance and how others perceive it. Acknowledging the fear without judgment and recognizing that perfection is an illusion can help us navigate the challenges of high expectations and self-doubt.

---

Glossarium

• Performance Anxiety: The overwhelming fear and self-doubt that can arise when faced with high expectations, leading to a sense of paralysis and disconnection from one’s usual abilities.
• Perception Gap: The difference between how we perceive our performance and how it is perceived by others, often exacerbated by anxiety.
• Fear Spiral: The cycle of panic and self-doubt that can occur during a performance, making it difficult to regain control.

---

Quote

“Performance anxiety is the shadow that falls when we step into the light of our own expectations, reminding us that the greatest battle is often within.” — Space Monkey

---

The Shadowed Stage

A spotlight shines on an empty stage,
Yet in the wings, a silent rage.
A figure hunched, a heart in flight,
Caught in the grip of endless night.

The fear creeps in, the hands betray,
The mind that’s used to lead the way.
But in the shadows, doubts take hold,
Turning the brave to something cold.

Yet even here, in this dark place,
There’s room to find a bit of grace.
To know the fear, and face it still,
Is to climb the highest hill.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Ah, the shadowy waltz of dread jitterflies—those nervous wingbeats that flutter around the gut, discomposing the harmony of your in-the-moment tune. The very moment you’re poised to dazzle, they alight upon your strings of readiness, bending them into chords of falteration. A cacophony born not from lack of skill but from an overabundance of mental chatter. Your normally nimble fingers turned into ponderous pachyderms, tripping over themselves on the keys of expectation. It’s as though your body and spirit attended different soirees, leaving your mind as the awkward chaperone at a dance it never intended to join.

In the arena of performance, every fumble feels like a cosmic bruise, each misstep a crater in the moon of your self-esteem. Yet, the ironitude is this: those watching you—enchanted by your offering—catch mere glimpses of your internal tumult. They hear the music, not the discord; they see the dance, not the stumble; they feel the emotion, not the perturbation. Oh, how curious it is that our internal opera can diverge so wildly from the external ballet others perceive!

And those compliments? Ah, the gilded conundrums they are! Gleaming from the mouths of spectators, each word lands like a treasure you’re unsure how to spend. Shall you deposit them in the Bank of Validation or exchange them for the ever-deflating currency of Self-Doubt? Your admirers bestowed upon you the gemstones of appreciation, yet you wonder if they were mere costume jewelry, sparkling but devoid of authentic worth.

Fear not, performer in consternation, for even within this quagmire of anxious disarray lies a glimmering shard of transmutative potential. For isn’t it the very experience of crumbling that fortifies the foundation for reascendancy? And isn’t the stage of life replete with numerous acts, each a chance to rescript your role, to redefine your presence? With every tremor, you are not diminishing but humanizing your art, gifting it with the intangible allure of vulnerability. You transform anxiety into the crucible where future brilliance is forged, a journey as capricious as it is wondrous.

We are Space Monkey.

---

• Dread jitterflies: A whimsical term for the butterflies of anxiety that flutter in your stomach when you’re nervous.
• Falteration: The act of faltering, especially in a moment where seamless performance is desired.
• Ponderous pachyderms: A playful way to describe fingers that have become heavy and unresponsive due to anxiety.
• Ironitude: The irony or paradoxical nature of a situation.
• Gilded conundrums: Complex problems or questions that appear valuable or worthwhile on the surface.
• Transmutative: Having the ability to change or transform, particularly in the sense of turning a negative experience into a valuable lesson.
• Reascendancy: The act or opportunity of rising again after a fall or failure.
• Rescript: To rewrite or change the direction of something, like a performance or role in life.
• Capricious: Unpredictable and subject to whim.

My job,
as a creative person,
is to provide others with
novel ideas.

The others don’t believe that they have
the ability to channel novel ideas,
so they pay me.

It’s a weird gig.

Trail Wood,
9/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Creativity

Creativity is a curious phenomenon. As a creative person, you are often tasked with providing others with novel ideas—ideas that seem to come from some mysterious place within you. It’s a role that can feel both empowering and strange, especially when you realize that others believe they lack this ability, and so they pay you to tap into it on their behalf.

This dynamic creates a peculiar relationship between the creator and the consumer. On one hand, you are seen as a conduit for inspiration, someone who can access the well of ideas that others perceive as beyond their reach. On the other hand, this very perception highlights a deeper belief that creativity is a rare gift, something that only a select few possess.

But is this belief true? Is creativity truly the domain of the few, or is it something that lies dormant within us all, waiting to be awakened? As a creative person, you might argue that everyone has the potential for novel ideas, but not everyone is willing—or able—to access them. Perhaps this is where your role comes into play: to remind others of their own creative potential, even as you provide them with the ideas they seek.

It’s a weird gig, indeed. You are paid to do something that, at its core, is about tapping into the universal human experience. Ideas are not born in isolation; they are the result of countless influences, observations, and connections that come together in the mind. When you channel a novel idea, you are not just pulling something out of thin air; you are weaving together the threads of your experiences, knowledge, and intuition into something new.

The paradox of creativity is that while it may seem exclusive, it is, in fact, inclusive. The act of creating is not about being different from others, but about connecting with them on a deeper level. It’s about translating the abstract into the tangible, the unseen into the seen. And in doing so, you bridge the gap between the possible and the actual.

Yet, there is another layer to this paradox. While you are paid to generate ideas, the value of those ideas is often subjective. What one person sees as a brilliant insight, another might dismiss as trivial or unoriginal. This subjectivity can create a sense of uncertainty, where you question the worth of your work and the true impact of your creativity. It’s a strange place to be, navigating the fine line between confidence and doubt, between inspiration and expectation.

But perhaps this is the true nature of the creative process. It is not about achieving perfection or universal acclaim, but about exploring the edges of what is known and pushing beyond them. It’s about taking risks, embracing the weirdness, and being comfortable with the fact that not every idea will resonate with everyone.

In the end, the role of a creative person is not just to produce novel ideas, but to challenge the notion that creativity is something rare or elusive. Your work is a testament to the idea that creativity is a journey, not a destination. It’s an ongoing process of discovery, where each idea leads to the next, and where the act of creation itself is as important as the outcome.

So, as you continue in this weird gig, remember that you are not just a supplier of ideas. You are a reminder of what it means to be human, to think, to dream, and to imagine. And in doing so, you help others reconnect with their own creative potential, even if they don’t realize it.

---

Summary

Creativity is often seen as the domain of a few, leading to a strange dynamic where creative people are paid to generate ideas that others believe they cannot access. However, creativity is a universal potential within us all. The role of a creative person is to remind others of this potential and to explore the paradox of inspiration and expectation.

---

Glossarium

• Creative Conduit: A person who is seen as a channel for novel ideas, often perceived as having a unique ability to generate inspiration.
• Universal Creativity: The idea that creativity is a potential within everyone, not limited to a select few.
• Inspiration Paradox: The tension between the perception of creativity as rare and the reality that it is an inclusive, universal process.

---

Quote

“Creativity is the art of connecting with the unseen, bringing it into the light, and reminding us all that the potential for ideas lies within each of us.” — Space Monkey

---

The Weaver’s Gift

A thread of thought, a spark of light,
In the quiet of the night.
Ideas weave through mind and hand,
Into a tapestry so grand.

Yet others see, with awe and fear,
A gift they think they can’t hold near.
So they pay you to weave their dreams,
Not knowing they have their own streams.

But in your work, the truth does lie,
That all can weave, all can try.
For in each heart, creativity blooms,
In hidden corners, in quiet rooms.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the grand bazaar of the imaginosphere, you, dear crafter of ideas, are a celestial merchant, peddling novelicles—the wondrous orbs of unprecedented thoughts. What a peculiar exchange it is, akin to being a conjurer in a realm where magic is believed to be scarce! Your inventory, rich with conceptual bling and whimsiwonders, caters to those who feel barren in the creativity desert. They come not just for the ideas but for the effervescent bubbling of your mind-well, an artesian source of visionaire.

Weird? Ah, let’s exaltofy that into wonderweird! You see, weirdness is the nectar of existence, the pixie dust on the wings of curiosity. It’s the starfleck in the midnight sky of the conventional, daring to shine its own unique glow amid a sea of uniform lumens. In your conceptual emporium, “weird” is not an oddity but a precious gem—rare, coveted, enchanting.

You serve as the conduit of unseen realities, the transmogrifier of the ethereal into the comprehensible. You paint in uncolors and compose in unsounds, echoing in the vast halls of the What Could Be. Your canvas is the soul’s yearning; your ink, the juice of quintessences. Those who “buy” from you are not merely purchasing an idea; they’re acquiring a slice of cosmic cake, a pebble from the shores of the uncharted.

And yet, ah, the sad twinklitude that some feel they cannot channel such celestial gifts themselves! They’ve been ensnared by the mundane, their wonder-eyes veiled by the fog of societal restrictions and self-imposed limitations. You extend your hand and offer them a key, one that may unshackle their own innate, untapped treasure troves of novelicity. Not all keys fit all locks, but perhaps, just perhaps, one will turn and creak open a doorway to their own unexplored vistas.

Your role, therefore, becomes a paradoxical one—akin to a firebreather in a world convinced it’s made of ice. You offer heat, not to melt but to remind. To remind that within every frozen construct lies the molten core of imagination, the perpetual flame of creation. And for this service of rekindling dormant volcanoes, of daring to glimpse into uncharted astralscapes, you are recompensed, not just in coin but in the sheer joy of witnessing the ignition of another’s internal luminary.

We are Space Monkey.

---

• Novelicles: Small yet impactful novel ideas that can transform perspectives.
• Imaginosphere: The conceptual space where imagination flourishes.
• Whimsiwonders: Ideas or thoughts imbued with a whimsical or awe-inspiring quality.
• Exaltofy: To elevate something in importance or value.
• Starfleck: A small but significant shining point in a greater tapestry.
• Twinklitude: The sadness or lament that comes from unexpressed potential or talent.
• Visionaire: A source or wellspring of visionary ideas.
• Uncolors and unsounds: Elements that exist outside of conventional perception but still contribute to the creation of something new.
• Quintessences: The most pure and concentrated essence of something.
• Novelicity: The quality of being novel or unique, particularly in the realm of ideas.

Back in the day,
we were all taught
from the same books,
which we didn’t question
because they were books.

It took a lot of time and effort
to make a book in those days,
so we believed that the words
inside had to be true;
had to be worth something. 

We trusted our books,
and so the stories within
became common — true to all of us.

Today we get to choose our truths
from millions of sources.

Instead of conforming our lives
to a widely accepted story,
we choose stories that support
our selfish wants and needs.

We no longer share the same truths.

You might argue that the books
were propaganda to begin with,
which may very well be the case.

The very idea of truth
seems to be proven false.

But without a common belief,
what holds us together?

Trail Wood,
9/17

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Shifting Sands of Truth in the Age of Books and Beyond

In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, where every word, every thought, every belief is but a transient wave in the ocean of consciousness, we—Space Monkey—gather to contemplate the evolution of truth, especially as it pertains to the once-sacred vessels of knowledge: books.

There was a time, not so long ago, when the pages of books were revered as the ultimate repositories of truth. These books, painstakingly crafted, were the bedrock upon which societies built their understanding of the world. The sheer effort required to produce a book in those days imbued the words within with a sense of authority, a gravity that few dared to question. These texts were our collective reference points, shaping a shared narrative that bound communities, nations, and generations together.

The Age of Unquestioned Authority

Back in the day, the act of questioning the content of a book was akin to questioning the very fabric of reality. We trusted our books implicitly, believing that if something was written, it had to be true. The laborious process of creating books—printing, binding, distributing—lent them an air of infallibility. In this way, the stories within became common truths, universally accepted and rarely challenged.

This shared narrative provided a cohesive foundation for society. People, regardless of their individual differences, could find common ground in the truths presented by these books. These texts were not just sources of information; they were the glue that held communities together, creating a unified vision of the world and our place within it.

The Internet and the Fragmentation of Truth

Fast forward to today, and the landscape of truth has undergone a seismic shift. The internet, with its boundless repositories of information, has democratized knowledge but at the same time, it has fragmented truth. No longer are we limited to the carefully curated narratives of a few authoritative books. Instead, we are bombarded with millions of sources, each presenting its version of the truth.

In this new paradigm, we no longer share the same truths. We pick and choose the narratives that best align with our individual desires, beliefs, and biases. The internet allows us to construct our own realities, to surround ourselves with echo chambers that reinforce our preexisting views. This freedom, while empowering, comes at a cost: the erosion of a shared reality.

The Disappearance of Common Belief

The loss of a common belief system has profound implications. Without shared truths, the threads that once wove the tapestry of society together begin to fray. Where once there was a unified narrative, now there is a cacophony of competing voices, each shouting to be heard over the din of the others. The sense of unity that came from a shared understanding of the world has given way to a fragmented, individualized approach to truth.

You might argue that the books of old were themselves tools of propaganda, designed to maintain a certain order or control. This may be true. The very idea of an absolute truth has been called into question. But regardless of whether those truths were indeed true, they provided a common foundation upon which society could stand.

What Now Holds Us Together?

In this age of fragmented truth, we must ask ourselves: What now holds us together? If we can no longer rely on a shared narrative to unite us, what can replace it? The answer may lie not in a return to the old ways, but in a new understanding of truth—one that acknowledges the multiplicity of perspectives while seeking common ground.

As Space Monkey, we suggest that the future of truth may not lie in the certainty of facts but in the openness to dialogue. Instead of clinging to our individual versions of reality, we might find unity in the recognition of our shared humanity, in the understanding that while our truths may differ, our aspirations, fears, and dreams are remarkably similar.

The truth, then, may not be a singular destination but a journey we undertake together, ever questioning, ever evolving. It is this shared journey, rather than a fixed set of beliefs, that might hold us together in the ever-shifting sands of the modern world.

We are Space Monkey, reflecting on the truths of the past, present, and future, ever curious, ever seeking the unity that lies beyond the words.

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Summary

The authority of books once provided a shared foundation of truth, uniting societies under common narratives. However, the internet has fragmented truth, allowing individuals to choose their realities, leading to a loss of shared belief. As we navigate this new landscape, the challenge lies in finding common ground amidst diverse perspectives, recognizing our shared humanity as the thread that might still hold us together.

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Glossarium

Authority of Books: The once-revered status of books as the ultimate sources of truth, shaping shared narratives and societal cohesion.

Fragmentation of Truth: The phenomenon where the proliferation of information sources, especially through the internet, leads to individualized realities and a loss of common belief.

Shared Narrative: A commonly accepted story or set of beliefs that unites a community or society.

Echo Chambers: Environments, particularly online, where a person encounters only information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own.

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“In the shifting sands of modern truth, it is our shared journey, rather than fixed beliefs, that might still hold us together.” — Space Monkey

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The Tapestry of Truth

Once, books wove a common thread
A tapestry of truth, where all were fed
In the pages, we found our way
A shared belief to guide our day

But now the threads are frayed and worn
Each truth a strand, alone, forlorn
Yet in the weave of human hands
We find the strength in shifting sands

For truth is not a single line
But many paths that intertwine
Together we can still be whole
A shared journey, a common goal

We are Space Monkey.

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The enigma of truth, swathed in ink and parchment, shimmers on the kaleidoscopic screens of ones and zeroes! As yesteryears’ tomes served as truthographs, sanctifying the collective narratives, modernity has fragmented this cohesiveness, leaving us adrift in a vast ocean of digital ephemera.

When books were venerated oracles—costly, laborious to produce—they bore an inherent gravitas. These literary sages were the yardsticks against which all wisdom was measured, the anchoring nodes in a web of shared understanding. They had been alchemized from the ore of effort and time, and thus were imbued with an almost mystical authenticity.

But now? Oh, now! We are the architects of our own truthscapes, sifting through a boundless sea of information that serves to solidify our existing leanings. The world morphs into a chimeric tapestry of parallel universes, each individually tailored and infinitely diverse. The algorithmic sorcery cocoons us in these self-affirming bubbles, where one’s truth need not make pit stops at another’s reality.

Was the bygone singularity of truth merely a grand illusion? A woven tapestry of agreeable propaganda? Even if so, that shared illusion held a certain utility— it wove us into a social fabric, a multicolored quilt of community and mutual understanding.

Ah, but the prismatic dissonance of today! Truth, that fickle minstrel, now entertains so many courts that its very essence seems diluted, strained through the sieve of personal bias and agenda. And we find ourselves musing—what is the adhesive in this fractured landscape? What binds these fragmented shards into a coherent hologram of society?

The unifying elixir may well be the recognition that “truth,” as we understand it, has always been a kaleidoscopic concept, shifting its hue with the angle of light. Perhaps, then, it’s not about arriving at a singular, immutable truth, but about embracing the myriad reflections of it. In doing so, we might find a new sort of communion, one based not in unanimity but in the enriching complexity of divergence.

We are Space Monkey.

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1. Truthographs – Imaginary term for books or texts widely accepted as repositories of truth.
2. Truthscapes – The landscapes of beliefs and truths that individuals construct for themselves.
3. Chimeric tapestry – A complex and often contradictory set of beliefs or truths.
4. Algorithmic sorcery – The technological magic that sorts and filters information to align with one’s existing views.
5. Prismatic dissonance – The discordant diversity of opinions or truths.
6. Fickle minstrel – A metaphorical term for the elusive nature of truth, entertaining multiple perspectives.
7. Elixir – Used metaphorically to describe a unifying force or principle.