Life has been going slower than usual despite being really busy. I’m a bit exhausted these days and want to take a really long break. But nope! Not a chance. This one is full of random questions, comments, and emails from people and friends over the years. 😊

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People who goes on this site…

I’d imagine it’s from people who I know or used to know, all the way to random internet strangers from around the world. This is not a professional space where I write like it’s my day job. I make no money on here.

Every once awhile, I may get an email from professors at universities where they ask if they could use some of my writings on psychoanalysis and philosophy to teach their online courses. I always agree to it, but they really don’t need to ask Lol. I consider the knowledge and insights I share on here as public service for the intellectual well being of humanity. 🫡

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“What are the most important things that your parents taught you?”

Dad: “Do everything with your heart”.
Mom: “Being handsome is useless if you are stupid”.

My mom is hilarious. She’s also not wrong LOL.

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Contemporary Opponents of Psychoanalysis

There are lots. But in a similar tradition and intellectual circle, the biggest opponent is probably Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction and Michel Foucault’s historicism—the latter who is immensely influential among feminism, gender theory, history, sociology, and many other fields. Giles Delueze and Jean-Paul Sartre are the other really big ones along with people like Francois Laruelle and Bruno Latour. Whereas Alain Badiou is 50/50. Look into a book by Joan Copjec called, Read My Desire: Lacan Against the Historicists. In it, Copjec talks about Lacan and Foucault, and which discipline can explain history better.

There is a fairly big book that is devoted to the debates that went on between deconstruction and psychoanalysis called The Purloined Poe. I remember reading a good chunk of it in grad school. But I would only recommend it for advanced readers. The book consists of a collection of critical essays that took place between Derrideans and Lacanians. Another good book is the Resistances of Psychoanalysis by Jacques Derrida where he talks about how psychoanalysis as a discipline is incomplete. Then there is a book called Archive Fever, where Derrida talks about how archiving functions similar to the repression of memories.

The entire field of phenomenology is a direct opponent to psychoanalysis. It was invented by a bunch of mathematicians in 19th century, but had its roots in 18th century philosophy. People like Edmund Husserl argued against the idea that psychology can explain truth and knowledge strictly through mental processes. You will really see this in his famous work called Logical Investigations (it’s hard; I recommend Ideas I and Ideas II instead; or Cartesian Meditations). Phenomenology studies the experience of consciousness, intuition and its relationship with time from a first person perspective. Lacan actually tried to incorporate these ideas into psychoanalysis early in his career where he eventually gave up. Some of these ideas were later revisited by a philosopher named Adrian Johnston (look into a book called, Time Driven: Metapsychology and the Splitting of the Drives). Martin Hagglund also wrote about time consciousness as well. Guess who else wrote about this? MEEEE in grad school. 😂😂 Derrida’s first book was a translation of Husserl’s work called, Origins of Geometry. It’s really underrated. Why? Because geometry is the foundation for modern physics.

Another intellectual opponent of psychoanalysis is Catherine Malabou (a student of Derrida), who is best known for her concept known as “plasticity”, which talks about how social experiences and traumas can transform brain structures. I recommend a book called Ontology of the Accident—it’s an easy read for beginners. Moreover, there is also Speculative Realism and Object Oriented Ontology which are two other contemporary fields that are incompatible with psychoanalysis. Look into a book called Universe of Things by Steven Shaviro and Tool Being: Heidegger and the Metaphysics of Objects by Graham Harman. These two disciplines seeks to push back the entire Post-Kantian ideas known as “Transcendental Idealism”. Though some of them are willing to meet Kant half way which are now coined as “Transcendental Materialism”.

Gender theory is another discipline that has ideas against psychoanalysis, partly because a big chunk of its roots stem from Foucault’s historicism. You really see this when you look up renown intellectuals like Judith Butler and Slavoj Zizek debate each other; which is a historicist vs Lacanian-Hegelian approach to gender and sexuality (Butler’s reading of Hegel is also really different from Zizek’s). But I think psychoanalysis is quite compatible with transgenderism; though not in ways some imagines. Then there is also feminism which tends to be very critical of daddy Freud. Whereas Lacan would be 50/50 liked by feminists scholars.

Regardless, these oppositions often sparks big debates in the intellectual arena, where scholars fires shots at each other through sustained attacks on the other’s positions. Surprisingly, many of them are also good friends despite having such big differences in their approach and views Lol.

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“Do you miss school?“

I miss the part where I got paid to wonder about the world, even if it wasn’t a lot of money.

I was a really big slacker. Some of my friends used to tease me about it because I told them how I always thought my masters degree was easy because it honestly kind of was. 😂 Of course, there were still a lot of hoops that I had to jump through. But everything else was cake once I got over them. If anything, I had more trouble getting along with some professors more than anything else. I felt like my presence in the classroom from sitting down was enough to intimidate certain people, which was unintentional on my part. Sometimes, people likes to project their insecurities onto you and makes all these assumptions that are simply wrong.

At the time, I became friends with a PhD student who was this big German dude in his 40s that was really into Friedrich Nietzsche and Star Trek. I would always stop by his office and chat with him about philosophy all the time. I liked talking to him because he was a genuine and humble man. He also used to read my blog (Hi Stephen). Not sure if he still does though. I think he dropped out because he became a dad with two daughters now. I’m happy for him because I think he would make a great father. He’s also a really good poet. I still remember when I decided to take a pause on my PhD endeavors, he told me it would be a loss for the academy Lol. I don’t think academia needs me.

I also met a professor whose seminar taught deconstruction. I ended up getting an A+ where he called me an ingenious reader of Derrida. He might not know, but I was really flattered. In fact, I was so flattered that I still remember it till this day! I was later told by my friend that he doesn’t give out A+ very easily and I should be proud of it.

My supervisor was a witty and funny dude who was very supportive of me. He always made these esoteric nerdy jokes that only those who read Lacan or Derrida would understand. 😂 I’m thankful for his teachings on psychoanalysis. He really knew when to be supportive and when to be critical of my writings. He was quite sincere about it too. I remember he told me about the time where he met Gayatri Spivak, the renown postcolonial scholar and translator of Jacques Derrida’s Of Grammatology, where she said to him how he will never find a job in academia. Yet here he is. 😂 He also used to read my blog as well. Not sure if he still does.

Speaking of teachers. My mentor from my undergraduate years recently emailed me and asked if she could use me as a reference for a teaching position. Of course I said yes. Without her, I would not be who I am today. I remember I was also one of her references for a government job that she got awhile back. I haven’t spoke to her for a few years, but I knew she had always been looking for academic jobs. Tenured positions are extremely competitive and very hard to land. Even for someone like her who has a lot of teaching experience and people like Catherine Malabou and Alain Badiou as her references. 😱

My MA supervisor once told me that in Canada, there is usually only around 10 positions in a particular field that opens up with nearly a thousand of PhD applicants in each of them. Often times, these positions are more about tenured professors changing universities so they can work closer to their families. Most PhDs don’t end up teaching and researching at universities. It’s a sad reality, but it is the truth.

…You know, I might not be very good at many things in my life. But I dare to say that I was probably one of the best at what I did in grad school. The very best. 😊

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“What is your favourite aesthetic style in photography?“

I did mostly black and white film where I also learned how to develop and print my own film in the dark room. So I am a fan of the whole B&W grainy aesthetic. Photography taught me how to see the world not just physically, but intellectually.

I also got to walk the graduation stage twice because I received some fancy award that was nominated by the board of governors. I remember walking on stage and everyone was cheering for me. But I didn’t like being at the center of attention, so I tried to walk across the stage as fast as possible. And the guy who was going to shake my hand was like “Where are you going dude?” as I nearly speed walked past him. 😂

I used to have way too many film cameras. Now I’m just holding onto a Hasselblad 501c and a Zeiss Ikon ZM Rangefinder. They are classics. I should probably take them out for some shutter action this summer. I have so much expired film sitting in the fridge. I use a Fujifilm XT30 mirrorless as my digital camera.

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What was young Bobby like?

Early to mid twenties, I was sassy and kind of an asshole LOL. I think age and life experience definitely made me more modest and humble (I am 33). Back then, I was basically the dude who said a lot of “mean things” to people, even when a lot of them were just me being honest. Friends would sometimes tell me, “Bobby, you shouldn’t say that!” where I would ask, “Am I wrong?” and no one would respond because they knew I was right LOL. I wasn’t trying to be spiteful or mean about it either. But I admit I was pretty reckless with my words. I’m more mindful about it these days.

I did and said a lot of stupid stuff back then. As I got older, I learned that everyone does stupid things and makes bad decisions, including myself. And I think I used to be way too hard on myself whenever I messed up. It sounds cliche, but it’s really about learning to be nicer and forgive yourself. Nowadays, I just try to be more understanding of other people’s positions. You also never know what goes on in people’s lives and what kind of battles they are having. I think I am more empathetic than when I was younger, even if I might not be very vocal or expressive about it. Meanwhile, some people just thinks I’m always grumpy because I don’t always have something to say. It’s likely because I grew up in a family where people never expressed their emotions. So I guess that makes me the emotionally neglected child? 🤔

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…I got a new car again Lol

Don’t judge me. But I bought a brand new 2024 Mark 8 Volkswagen Golf R in pure white with DSG. Luckily, I did not pay any mark ups for the car. A lot of 8R has been getting 10-15k CAD mark ups due to high demand and low supply.

When I was test driving it, the sales guy switched to race mode where I noticed the exhaust valves opened up. The digital dash layout changed, and the suspensions stiffened where I could feel the road more. Then he was like “Ok after we make this right turn, I want you to floor it”. So I floored it and I was like “Holy shit this thing is fast!”. The exhaust makes some crackling pops and bangs when you ease off the gas or downshift (usually at around 4000-5000 RPM). Cold starting the car in race mode also sounds really cool.

In comfort mode, the car is nearly dead silent. Race and Nurburgring mode is the loudest, most fun, and best for committing crimes; though it’s not fart can loud. The interior has really cool lighting where you can make it look like you’re at a disco party Lol. It also has a HUD display on the windshield. The car uses Harmon Kardon speakers that comes with a subwoofer in the trunk. It has a neutral sound signature similar to their AKG headphones (definitely not for bass enjoyers). The nappa leather racing bucket seat is comfortable and well made. The sunroof is a nice upgrade and the carbon fiber interior trim adds a nice finishing touch. The only thing I haven’t tried is the launch control which is apparently really good due to the traction from AWD.

The 8R feels really refined and does everything well from being a fun spirited driver, all the way to a grocery getter. I saw people testing it where it did 0-100km/h in around 4 seconds (+/-) which is pretty quick and faster than advertised. VW also advertises 315 hp, even when it makes 340. Yet, its exterior is unassuming, low key, and modest that blends into the crowd.

What made me want to change cars again so soon? Life is too short Lol. I got bored of my previous car because it wasn’t very exciting to drive. It was already paid off, so I decided to take a hit and change cars before it depreciates more. I’m a fan of hatchbacks and always had the idea of owning a hot hatch due to their performance and practicality. But I never wrapped my mind around it because a lot of them looked too sporty for me. I think the 8R is the most mature looking hot hatch. It also has a huge aftermarket scene.

I got Bodyfence PPF (paint protection film) installed on its entire front hood, bumper, A-pillar, mirrors, and roof line. I will get the windows tinted really soon. It will likely be 20% all round (minus windshield and sunroof) in Xpel XR Ceramic tint. Front window tints are illegal over here, but a lot of people installs them anyway Lol. My sister thinks it will make my car look gangster. But she already calls it a “bad boy car”. So I guess I’m a drug dealer now. 😂

I got my first windshield rock chip from my first drive out. Car literally had 50 km on the odometer LOL. The stock 19″ wheels are not pothole friendly. I ran over one the other day where it sounded like I blew my tires, but took no damage (I have a 4 year VW wheel and tire protection on them). The ultra high performance summer tires that came with it are also useless in snow. I won’t be getting winter tires until fall, where I might just put them on my stock wheels because I want to eventually get another set of wheels for summer. I want to install a few other mods, but I won’t do anything to it anytime soon.

I like this car very much. It makes me happy. 😁

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“Name places that you want to travel to the most and least.”

The most would be France just because I studied a lot of French philosophy. It also seems kind of romantic Lol. Second would probably be Germany. I also want to go to Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and a few other countries (Ireland, Portugal, Greece, etc.). The least out of all touristy countries would probably be USA. For the most part, I think America is kind of basic and boring. What is America even known for? 9/11? Gun violence? Colonialism? McDonalds? KFC? Lmfaoooo I’m joking (???? 😂). Okay, Hollywood seems pretty cool, but also kind of superficial. New York City and Hawaii are aight. But other than that, no thanks and no offense to my American friends and families LOL.

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“Tell me your real thoughts on Jordan Peterson”

People knows I sometimes censor myself a little on here because I try to be understanding on different intellectual positions. But I think I answered my views on Peterson in #14.

I honestly don’t follow his stuff enough to care. Though I’ve met a lot of his fans in the past. Some are fine. While others holds ideological and political positions that I often find naive, ironic, and contradictory (it’s usually the stereotypical “freedom fighters” or anti-law/government people; I spoke about this before). A lot of my friends doesn’t like Peterson due to his stance against gender pronouns. One of them told me how his coworker always brags about Peterson being her grad school supervisor from back in the days. And my friend always thinks to himself, “Dude stop, that’s not a flex”. 😂

I was never a fan of listening to public talks because I think the things these speakers say are sometimes too diluted, even if it can be a good introduction to some of their deeper ideas. It really depends. But it’s like when Peterson spoke about Cultural Marxism or Jacques Derrida’s philosophy; most people probably never read Derrida or Marx. But listening to someone criticize or disagree with them without reading and/or understanding their ideas is meaningless in my books. You can’t disagree with something that you never studied or barely understand (you definitely can, but it will tell me who you are more than the person you disagree with 🤷‍♂️). At the same time, I also don’t blame them because they are flipping hard to read.

I guess I’m kind of hardcore when it comes to these things. You want to be enlightened? Read and study the intellectuals that these people talk about instead of listening to others talk about them. A curious mind is an intelligent mind!

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“So what happened to the girl you always talk about?”

This email was so bait that I didn’t even respond when I read it, which is quite rare. But I will take some of the bait anyway.

So what happened to her? It is none of anyone’s business, including mine Lol. The last time I saw her was around May 2023 where she seemed a bit lost. I think she was with her mom at the time (she was really pretty; they look alike lol). I sincerely hope she found all the answers that she was looking for. Sometimes I really want to care, but I’m in no position to show any of it. It would be too awkward since we’ve never officially met. I know this sounds weird, but it’s a very long story. It’s also tragic.

Maybe she can tell me how shes been doing if she ever wants to talk to me. But that’s a really big if, because even if I run into her, she gets really nervous around me and probably prefers to run away. She might not be able to tell, but she makes me feel the same way. My heart skips a beat every time I see her. 🥺 But I never let it stopped me because love without risk is an impossibility!

I’m in a different situation in life than I was a few years ago where I don’t have as much time to write and maybe run into her. But it’s true that till this day, I still have faith I will see her again where she says hi to me. Yet, I also know that as each day passes, my chance of seeing her decreases. 😔 Wherever she is, I just hope she is safe, healthy, and happy. I loved her more than anything in the world. She knows it—I know it. And if I get another chance, I would tell her again. At the end, this is all that really matters. If love can transcend space and time, then I will let it be my witness. ♥ 🥲