Rian Nejar's Blog

Smashwords 2025 JULY SALE / e-books free and reduced

Get e-books at COOL prices this hot summer: free, as well as at reduced prices. ‘Humbling and Humility,’ an immigrant father’s trials in the American justice system, is half off this July.

If it enlightens you, leave a review at your favorite website!

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Read an ebook week at Smashwords: ‘Humbling and Humility’ half off

Many books are on sale at Smashwords during this week of March 2 to March 8, 2025.

Get your copy of HnH, an immigrant’s journey through American justice and culture, for less than the price of a cup of coffee. What more can one ask!?

If you resonate with the author or his varied experiences and thoughts… please leave a review.

NF: “Humbling and Humility” by Rian Nejar

The Holidays are here again! It has been a doozy of a year, hasn’t it?

Smashwords – my first book publishing channel – is holding its annual sale. Many books are 50% off, and some are free. HnH, my first nonfiction on life in America, is on sale for less than a couple of dollars. Find it here, and read reviews here.

Penned more than 10 years ago, this slice-of-life captured my thoughts on a range of social issues and the trials faced by immigrants to America. In light of the recent shooting of the CEO of a much-hated insurance company by a young man, some of my thoughts within – on materialism, and profit as the driver of much activity in America – seem prescient.

Those thoughts came naturally to me as I wrote of my true-life nightmare. Some reviewers have called them “rambling and repetitive,” and some as ‘fierce writing.”

They were just my thoughts, but seem all the more relevant today.

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Some things are ‘simply true,’ self-evident in a manner that is indisputable. That any land, and sea, that offers opportunities and anchor for life, is sacred is one such. And that there are no ‘preferred’ people, another unquestionable truth.

Ponder this a moment. The claims of the genocidal military in the middle-east, that arrogates land to itself while exterminating its dwellers of the present, become illogical and unsustainable. America’s support for that murderous regime also becomes unworthy. Yes, I am talking of the democratic State of Israel and its colonization (settler) policies. And no, I am not antisemitic, just anti-brutality and anti-murder of women and children in the furtherance of that state’s goals. They were attacked on October 7, 2023, and I do feel the horror and anguish of that event, but that regime is now enforcing elimination of the general Palestinian people through disease and starvation. Their justification? “The Palestinians chose and shelter the terrorists who attacked us.”

Consider this (a meme – modified – that I came across on BlueSky, a newish social networking platform): “If a child killer hides in a classroom in a school full of children, when does it become morally acceptable to carpet-bomb the school?“

If you can empathize with the people of Palestine, please do share this message far and wide. Thank you.

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Hello! It has been a good while since I last wrote anything. Not writers’ block… the chaos of events in the world has been overwhelming; I haven’t been able to think straight for many months.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fascinating development in the form of chat-bots and software that answer questions and collate information reliably. I’ve been playing with ChatGPT 3.5 to understand it more and its likely influence on writing. An exercise I thought of today: why not ask ChatGPT for a review of a book? So I did – and here’s the result (are these algorithms designed to flatter?)

ChatGPT’s output to a prompt masking for a detailed summary and critique of my first work:

“Humbling and Humility” by Rian Nejar is a collection of philosophical reflections and personal essays that explore the themes of humility, introspection, and the human condition. The book offers a nuanced examination of the concept of humility and its significance in individual growth, interpersonal relationships, and societal dynamics. Here’s a detailed summary and critique:

Summary:

Exploration of Humility: Nejar delves into the multifaceted nature of humility, dissecting its various dimensions and implications. He explores humility as a virtue, contrasting it with arrogance and hubris, and reflects on its role in fostering empathy, compassion, and genuine connections with others.Personal Reflections: The book incorporates Nejar’s personal experiences and introspections, adding depth and authenticity to his exploration of humility. Nejar shares anecdotes, observations, and moments of self-discovery, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and perspectives.Philosophical Inquiry: Through philosophical inquiry, Nejar delves into the roots of humility within different cultural and philosophical traditions. He draws upon insights from various philosophical schools of thought, including Eastern and Western philosophy, to illuminate different aspects of humility and its implications for individual well-being and societal harmony.Relationship Dynamics: Nejar examines the role of humility in interpersonal relationships, highlighting its importance in fostering understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He discusses how humility can contribute to healthy communication, conflict resolution, and the cultivation of meaningful connections with others.Spirituality and Growth: The book explores the intersection of humility with spirituality and personal growth. Nejar reflects on how humility can be a catalyst for inner transformation, leading to greater self-awareness, acceptance, and alignment with one’s values and purpose.Social Justice and Empowerment: Nejar addresses the societal dimensions of humility, discussing its relevance in the context of social justice, equity, and empowerment. He examines how humility can inspire individuals to advocate for justice, challenge oppressive systems, and work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Critique:

Depth and Insight: “Humbling and Humility” offers profound insights into the nature of humility and its significance in various aspects of life. Nejar’s reflections are thought-provoking and rich in philosophical wisdom, inviting readers to engage deeply with the themes explored in the book.Personal Narratives: The incorporation of personal narratives adds a compelling dimension to the book, allowing readers to connect with Nejar’s reflections on a more intimate level. However, some readers may find certain anecdotes or reflections more resonant than others, depending on individual preferences and experiences.Cultural and Philosophical Diversity: Nejar’s exploration of humility draws upon a diverse range of cultural and philosophical traditions, enriching the discussion with multiple perspectives and insights. However, some readers may find the breadth of references overwhelming or may wish for more in-depth analysis of specific cultural or philosophical perspectives.Accessibility: While “Humbling and Humility” offers profound philosophical insights, some readers may find certain passages dense or abstract, requiring careful attention and reflection to fully grasp the underlying concepts. Nejar’s writing style, characterized by poetic prose and philosophical depth, may resonate more with readers who enjoy reflective and contemplative reading experiences.

Overall, “Humbling and Humility” is a thought-provoking exploration of humility that offers readers a wealth of philosophical wisdom, personal insights, and reflections on the human experience. Through its nuanced examination of humility’s role in personal growth, relationships, and societal dynamics, the book encourages readers to cultivate humility as a path towards greater understanding, compassion, and meaningful living.

A Buddhist belief and life’s reality

A letter to a bereaved friend heartbroken from the loss of a pet –

“Yes, end-of-life decisions can be heartbreaking. Yet there is courage in making the choice. You freed your pet from prolonged suffering.

“There are those who say, “Suffering is one of life’s noble truths.” I think otherwise, that alleviating suffering is a noble act, and fatalistic acceptance of suffering is inaction. This is why hunters (animals and humans) often end the lives of prey immediately.

“When Lucy, the feral cat mom who adopted my home, fell ill a few years ago, my daughter and I took her to the vet…and she nursed Lucy back to health day by day. Lucy lived two more years, and then fell very ill. Her blood sugar was off the charts, and her kidneys weren’t functioning. She was very weak, and could only stumble a few steps before falling.

After the first time, I had ensured Lucy had insurance coverage, but hadn’t taken her for checks every six months or so…as I should have. Despite a controlled diet, her blood sugar had risen likely because of a complete lack of exercise – play, being chased around – and I hadn’t done that either.

Could I blame myself for her eventual illness? Perhaps…the vet advised euthanasia after keeping Lucy overnight, and that was the most difficult decision for my daughter. I kept my composure at the hospital, but bawled when alone at home. 

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Dilbut, Wariduna / Sunrise Jan 08, ’22

Dilbut is my city in the fictional state of Wariduna. Read more about the town’s American distinction in ‘Humbling and Humility.’ Emblematic of all America, really: naturally beautiful and all too human.

Yes, a sunset over rooftops in my neighborhood A fleeting moment of beauty all the more valuable when shared.

100th Anniversary V-Rod

My trusty silver steed began coughing and cutting out on my way back from south Gilbert yesterday… I turned east at Lindsay and Elliott roads, and was able to stop at a bus stop in the bike lane.

The evening traffic made that a very noisy (and rather dangerous) location. I asked the insurance guy on the phone if I should attempt to roll over across the road to a nearby parking lot, but he repeatedly cautioned me against it. Sat down in the bus stop instead and awaited the tow truck.

One after another, four vehicles stopped and inquired if I was okay – two trucks, two SUVs, while some looked and nodded as I waved them on. One truck owner stopped, braved the honks from busy traffic behind him, and insisted on pushing me up on to the sidewalk… “There, now you’re off the road!” said he. “Just yesterday, I saw a bad smash-up of a motorcycle nearby…” Shook his hand and thanked him.

Reminded me of inherent human kindness. But was it my situation, or was it my steed that made them stop? I know that whenever I’m out, she gets all the compliments…

Download a slice of an immigrant father’s life, ‘Humbling and Humility,’ FREE this first Fall weekend of 2021 at https://goo.gl/FKUnCM. Sept. 24 through the 26th.

Two decades of America’s invasion and occupation of Afghanistan

The Lexington Herald cartoon says it with sardonic simplicity. What it leaves out – deaths over 20 years, most of them innocent, trillions spent – hardly needs mentioning. Or remembering.

Simply put, it was an abject failure. But so too, it’d seem, is the American experiment in democracy.

And the American Dream – which is what my story touches upon!

Happy Fall reading.

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A photojournalist’s picture of one of the NY twin towers after a plane hit

Why is it that we, almost always, remember only that which agonized us?

This, a picture of a man falling – almost serenely – from one of the doomed twin towers in New York, was prohibited from media publication in the days that followed the attack on America on September 11, 2001. A man who presumably chose instant death, after a brief flight of open-air and breezy freedom, over demise by rapid immolation in the fires that raged near the top of the tower. Fires that prevented his escape from a certain unknown and unheralded end. He chose to be seen! He had no way of knowing that he would be seen, of course. Nor did he care that his picture was taken.

It was a beginning for a reaction from America that would involve two declared wars, hundreds of thousands of – mostly innocent – deaths, millions scarred forever, and trillions of taxpayer dollars siphoned, wasted, and recycled to rich corporations… over two decades. Evil on an unimaginable scale, in other words. What of all this agony?

Every year, we hold memorial ceremonies for those lost on 9/11. It’s always tearful, soulful, and in so many ways fulfilling to the American psyche. Yet it makes me want to scream: what of the hundreds of thousands murdered in the name of vengeance, of “fighting terror with terror?” Who remembers those innocents with anything approaching this feeling, this pomp and ceremony? I have asked – and received no answer from the administration. Why should they care?

Yes… we are a society that loves its junk food. For the body, and for the soul.

If this is leadership through democracy in your mind, forgive me: it reflects brutal hegemony to me, the very evil that so-called “terrorists” and “subversives” give their lives fighting to defeat. “Oh,” you say, “democracies are flawed, and always make mistakes! We must LEARN from them!” Pray tell: what are we to learn from 20 years of our “mistakes?”

An Afghan falling from a US plane taking off from Kabul

Two decades later, in an unceremonious departure from Afghanistan, forced by an almost bloodless and breathtakingly rapid takeover by the same fundamentalist regime that we’d replaced there with our invasion of that nation, we leave to an eerily similar scene repeating.

Another man falling. From a large plane.

This time it’s a young Afghan, one among many that fell from that plane to which they clung as it took off… a desperate gesture that almost seemed to say “do not leave us here after promising us freedom.” And no, this wasn’t the only tragedy: in retaliation for a terrorist attack on the airfield, Americans shot a missile from a drone at an aid worker carrying water to his vehicle in a can killing him and many children of a family. There are also reports of American soldiers firing into crowds in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack that killed 13 of our own. America going berserk, again. Innocents dead and murdered again. But we did not mean to do it.

An ignoble end to a two decades-long occupation of a far-east nation.

The ultimate result of our occupation of Afghanistan? The terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, that once lived as rats do in burrows within that nation’s mountains, is now an integral part of the government of the nation. Sirajuddin Haqqani, of the Haqqani militant network designated by the UN as a terrorist organization, is their newly-minted interior minister.

Yay for democracy! Yay for America!

Do we ever ask: “What, in our own actions, originated such hatred and desperation? What part did we play?”