"A stunning survey of the latest evidence for intelligent life on Mars. Mac Tonnies brings a thoughtful, balanced and highly accessible approach to one of the most fascinating enigmas of our time."
--Herbie Brennan, author of Martian Genesis and The Atlantis Enigma
"Tonnies drops all predetermined opinions about Mars, and asks us to do the same."
--Greg Bishop, author of Project Beta
"I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in the search for extra-terrestrial artifacts, and the political intrigues that invariably accompany it."
--David Jinks, author of The Monkey and the Tetrahredron
"Mac Tonnies goes where NASA fears to tread and he goes first class."
--Peter Gersten, former Director of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy
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(Includes my essay "The Ancients Are Watching.")
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8 comments:
You've not been that way entirely in the past couple of years. You've made forays out for events relating to your book and your other interests (like Sedona), and you are planning to attend Paul's Halifax conference.
While it seems not to have worked out, you appeared to be enjoying being out and about with "Elizabeth" during that period.
Do you feel your interactions with your peers in situations like that have shown an inherantly reclusive nature? Or are your social skills just rusty, and your life in a bit of a rut?
When you say "my privacy is absolute and imprisoning,"
I hear you saying that your current habits and behavior are not working for you, and are deeply impacting your happiness.
If you want change, it's achievable. Even if some of the issue was the way you are hardwired, there are still ways of learning to make some of the changes you'd like.
If you have concerns about whether it's something inherent in you like autism, you might want to read up on Asperger's Syndrome (not that I'd say your written persona necessarily shows signs of it). Look into whether your thoughts and behavior might indicate depression as well, for starters.
Is there anyone local who knows enough of how you deal with things face to face and whose wisdom you trust, who could hook you up with someone appropriate and sympatico for some counselling on the choices you can make at this juncture?
Remember too, that the value of being on your own is a relative thing. I actually had 5 whole hours in my home yesterday with nobody there that I had to interact with. The quiet and privacy was intoxicating to me, it's such a rare occurence.
I too wonder about my own reclusiveness, interesting on this and other personal topics you have brough up before that resonates with my own stuff.
Here's a podcast that I thought some but not all might find interesting w/regards to these matters:
Activism and Mental Health [Wed 8.02.06]
seriously, that particular show was kick ass... entitled: -Scroll to find it...-- Activism and Mental Health [Wed 8.02.06]
Hi Mac, don't be too downhearted - solitude is great, and as such I'm a keen enthusiast - I think the trick is to not let it become your default setting - the more time you spend alone, the harder it is to deal with real live beings when you come into contact with them - do you think if we we had aliens/others living down here, you'd feel more like spending time with them rather than humans? anyway, your contribution to the outside world is outstanding blogging and writing, so at least you're putting your time alone to the best possible use - all the best, Tim
Count me in the reclusive club. I sometimes think I'm headed for a curmudgeounly old age. It is kind of worrying when you spend too much time alone because you can literally forget how to socialize, engage in casual conversation etc. Being in a relationship isn't necessarily the answer either, especially if you're both naturally solitary. I'm not sure what the answer is. Locale is certainly another big factor. There are some cities that I've definitely felt more alone in than others. But I can definitely say that just socializing with people you have nothing in common with for the pure sake of socializing is just a band-aid solution. Any chance of organizing a weekly meetup with other like-minded futurists/bloggers in your area?
Chris,
Assembling some sort of local group is a cool idea!
Carol,
Do you feel your interactions with your peers in situations like that have shown an inherantly reclusive nature? Or are your social skills just rusty, and your life in a bit of a rut?
Good question. I don't honestly know, although it's probably some of both. I've become extremely protective of my free time -- to the point that I interact with others only when forced. (I'm not referring to interacting with interesting people, just the blandly Midwestern kind I see everyday. I spring at chances to meet new people, so maybe all is not lost.)
The big questions might include these:
What do you want?
What do you need?
What are you willing to do to get what you want and need?
What compromises are you willing to make?
Do you feel the need to stay where you are because of your parents?
Do you think you'd find more compatible friendships in a different city? I'm assuming city as a given, since other than special areas like where I am, rural and suburban areas just won't have enough of the "skinny end of the bell curve" people you'd relate to best. If not, what choices are you willing to make to make new friends where you are?
What can you imagine your lifestyle could be like if you were having the social life that best integrated your needs for autonomy and relationship?
If you are not quite ready to make a living off your chosen writing, and intend to stay where you are, would a change of day job to one more engaging and stimulating help?
Carol
PS Did you get the name of the person who cut your hair without chatter, so you can ask for them again, and keep in touch if they switch salons? I hate chatter while haircutting too, but I only get my hair trimmed 2 or 3 times a year, so I can put up with it.
Carol,
Good questions, all of them. Thanks.
WMB,
I just might be coming around to your POV on this. It's not like I'm painfully shy, or don't know how the play the game (when necessary). Maybe I became alarmed at how *good* I have it . . .
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