Some Musings and an Apology to Myself

Its over a year ago that I wrote here and declared that although my entries had been sparse I would resolve to do better in the future. Alas! it is said that the "road to Hell is paved with good intentions". Like all sinners filled with the resolve to change their lives and do better in the future I am strong in my new commitment and tall in my resolution to fulfill my destiny as a blogger!
So from now on I intend to jot down some of my random thoughts or musings from time to time for those who may stumble onto my site.
I must point out that this site is a work in progress and additions and changes will occur.
The Oxford Dictionary indicates that a "musing" is "to say to oneself in a thoughtful manner". These "musings" may be considered journal entries
The word 'musing' is explained above but what about 'amusing' which is a word we all have heard and used. Once again the Oxford Dictionary tells us that it is a verb and means " make someone laugh or smile" or " give someone something enjoyable or interesting to do". How about 'bemusing', well "confuse or bewilder" is how the Oxford Dictionary defines it. So perhaps these random thoughts or musings will also entertain or confuse. So be it.
One characteristic of human beings is their ability to speak. Not just an ability but a need since all humans regardless of their time in history or or their place in geography have developed some language skills that help to bind them to their social group. Speaking is not just an exercise with which to communicate externally to others but we also communicate internally with ourselves. As speaking is the articulation of words, the more words we know and whose meanings we understand the better we are able to speak to explain our thoughts and actions to others and also to ourselves. The order with which words are used also elucidates and expands understanding.
The Oxford Dictionary says that literacy is " the ability to read or write". This suggests that literacy or conversely illiteracy helps or hinders social integration. Speaking, reading and writing are abilities that open avenues of understanding and participation. Since poverty and illiteracy appear to go hand in hand the question should be asked if welfare can ever help the poor unless it is paired with the means of improving literacy. Today our educational system does not give literacy the importance that is needed to combat the social alienation that is created by its lack.
It should be noted that there are degrees of literacy and degrees of illiteracy and these occur at all levels of society and effect everyone. Literacy, understanding and equality would seem to go together on the one hand , and illiteracy, lack of understanding and inequality on the other hand. Attitude, prejudice and fear are the products of illiteracy and are used to replace analysis, knowledge, and tolerance.