twenty-four.

May 21

“It is a sad thing to think of, but there is no doubt that genius lasts longer than beauty. That accounts for the fact that we all take such pains to over-educate ourselves. In the wild struggle for existence, we want to have something that endures, and so we fill our minds with rubbish and facts, in the silly hope of keeping our place. The thoroughly well-informed man—that is the modern ideal. And the mind of the thoroughly well-informed man is a dreadful thing. It is like a bric-a-brac shop, all monsters and dust, with everything priced above its proper value.” — ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde

Dec 27

Why I love the law

People often ask me why I study law and why I want to become a lawyer. I usually tell them that I like that the law is structured, challenging and diverse. I also like that jobs in law are generally well-paid, involve working with other people and are a good stepping stone to a range of other careers.

Several months ago I attended a talk given by Justice Emerton of the Supreme Court. Among other things, she spoke about how she came to be a judge. It has since occurred to me that one of the reasons she gave for choosing to study law and for pursing a career in law applies to me also.

Justice Emerton first studied philosophy in Paris. She loved studying philosophy there because, according to her, philosophy was part of the social discourse. When Justice Emerton returned to Australia (she wasn’t a justice then, of course), our politicians and other social leaders were not debating philosophy; they were debating the law instead. So Justice Emerton took up law.

Whether it be in the pages of a daily newspaper, the plot of the latest television drama or in editorials and essays, the Australian media is constantly talking about the law. As individuals, we often talk socially about legal topics, including online piracy, sentencing of high-profile criminals and immigration. The law is deeply-ingrained within the Australian consciousness.

For this reason, learning about the law has a sense of pertinence and urgency that other fields of study lack. Though at times it may be difficult or stressful, it is made easier by the knowledge that what you are doing is important (or will at least be of interest at dinner parties).

Dec 04

“Isn’t it true that you start your life a sweet child believing in everything under your father’s roof? Then comes the day of the Laodiceans, when you know you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, and with the visage of a gruesome grieving ghost you go shuddering through nightmare life.” — ‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac

Oct 19

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard

Oct 08

The folly of first impressions

It is often said that ‘first impressions last’. That ‘first impressions are important’. That ‘you only get one chance to make them’. True. But what is less often said, though no less true, is that first impressions are often wrong. If someone were to dedicate their life’s work to making the expression ‘first impressions are often wrong’ into one as commonplace as those in the opening line, I think their life would be thoroughly well spent. Why? Because I believe we could all benefit from giving and receiving a second chance at making a lasting impression - something that our current language prevents us from doing.

Sep 18

“It’s better to hold on too gently to the things you love than to hold on too tight, better to run the risk of losing something than to certainly break it.” — twenty-four.

Sep 15

[video]

Sep 12

9/11: 25 Indelible Pictures -

Collection of very powerful images from National Geographic.

It’s hard to believe that this event, which has so powerfully shaped our consciousness, occurred 11 years ago!

Sep 02

What a FUN weekend! I’m so lucky to have the friends that I have.

Aug 30

Grocon workers enter Emporium site as CFMEU dispute continues -

A minor victory for the rule of law, common decency and the public in general, who have been held to ransom by union bullies in Melbourne for the past week.

I hope that Daniel Grollo remains resilient, that Australians see militant unions for what they are and that the Coalition is elected to reinstate the ABCC.

Unions already have the benefit of a system that is skewed ridiculously in their favour. The least they can do is work within that system.

Aug 29

[video]

Aug 28

Melbourne Musings: Is it society or me that isn't content with being single? -

i-made-my-song-a-coat:

melbournemusings:

I’ve never been in a relationship. I have obviously had times where I wish I were in one. However, it’s usually when it is shoved in my face either by a questioning friend asking why I haven’t or when I am at a couples event and I feel distinctly and unequivocally single. Not alone per se but at times it does feel that way. I think it is important to realise either in a relationship or single we are never truly content - all of the time. So to think because I have the single label firmly tattooed on my forehead I must feel “alone” is an insult.

I have always been a very independent person. Since I was a child I’d always go on walks by myself and still relish the time I spend alone. So when did being a content single young woman of 23 become such a crime? And what’s more when did it become okay for friends or mere friends of friends to feel the need to “set you up with a great guy I know” or what’s worse dish out unoriginal advice, “you’ll find him eventually”? I am well aware I will find someone but hey maybe I might not too. It’s daunting to come to terms with that thought when you’ve been fed Disney knight in shining armour fairytales since birth. This is only confounded by the suffocating voice of society - which let me assure you does not always have your best interest at heart. I find it very difficult to isolate what is my own opinion of my life and what is society’s which is infiltrating my internal monologue. It’s hard to remove yourself enough to get any form of perspective when you are caught in the middle of it every day.

The notion that singledom is a place of loneliness is absurd. Even the idea that you are not a whole person until you have found your other “half” is a dangerous mentality to subscribe to. Both of these ideas in addition to the others circulating in our minds and wider community do more to harm us than to help. Whether you are in a relationship or not the thought that you are not a worthy or a whole human existence without someone else sets you up to never be fully content in your own skin.

I end this post with a new found courage to say to people I am single and content. Not because someone or society has told me it is okay to be single, but rather that I wish to be single and enjoy my own company and the company of the friends and family who are so dear to me. I also believe being single teaches you to know yourself - whether you’ve been single for a week or a month or like me a lifetime. I am single because it hasn’t worked out in love yet but only recently I have embraced it more than any other time. Until someone that is worthy of my time comes along I am very content being by myself. And being alone is more than enough not only for now but most importantly for life. For if you can’t be happy alone you can never truly be happy.

I can absolutely relate to this sentiment. Why is it so hard to understand that I would rather be alone than with someone who’s not worth it or that not being single doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lonely?

Aug 23

Sunrise, Mount Waverley, Victoria.

Aug 17

Bush, beach, beer and bayonet – or a grown-up Australia in Asia? -

A well-written piece that asks whether it’s time to reassess our national identity and the way we portray ourselves to the rest of the world.

“A national narrative made up of bush, beach, and beer (or Bundy) clichés, modest and harmless as they are, is anachronistic. It sells Australia short, or not at all.”

Aug 12

Spider web on a fresh winter’s morning in Melbourne.