Ah, free will—everyone's favorite topic for debates that make your brain feel like it's trying to do yoga. The question is: Do we actually make our own choices, or is everything we do already set in stone by forces beyond our control? Here's my not really that deep of a dive into some perspectives on the big question, starting with some serious science guys (Sam Harris and Robert Sapolsky), getting a little elbow room from philosopher Dan Dennett, and then letting rock legends Rush have the last word.
1. Shock / Disbelief
"Wait, what do you mean I don’t have free will?"
Encountering the idea for the first time can be unsettling. Many people are startled, as the belief in personal freedom feels deeply ingrained.
2. Denial
"That’s ridiculous. I make my own decisions all the time!"
Here, one might resist the idea, clinging to their experience of conscious choice. The idea that all actions are determined by brain chemistry, physics, or fate feels counterintuitive.
Imagine you’re applying for a job that requires access to sensitive, classified information. One of the first things you’ll go through is an extensive background check, including a thorough review of your financial history. This is because financial instability can make someone a target for blackmail or manipulation, which is a major security concern. So, if a regular person applied for a security clearance while owing $554 million, like former President Donald Trump reportedly does, they'd be immediately flagged as a security risk and denied clearance.
Carrying that level of debt is more than just a personal financial problem—it’s a potential national security crisis. People in deep financial trouble can be desperate, which makes them more susceptible to outside influence. If foreign adversaries, powerful corporations, or corrupt actors know someone is financially compromised, they can exploit that vulnerability. This is why security clearances involve rigorous financial scrutiny.
Today, I finally conquered the CISSP exam—a milestone I’ve been working toward recently. It’s been a long journey filled with lots of late-night study, some anxiety near the end, and a whole lot of coffee along the way.
Waking up this morning, I felt “typical” exam day jitters, amplified by the significance of what was at stake. The CISSP certification isn’t just any exam; it’s a test of not only knowledge but also a bit of mental endurance with picking the “best” answer. After months of preparation, the moment was here. I arrived at the testing center thirty minutes earlier than the recommended thirty minutes, went in and went through their security checks, and found myself seated in front of the computer, ready to go.
“The Pentester Blueprint” is a great guide for anyone interested in pursuing a career in penetration testing or cybersecurity. The book, co-authored by Kim Crawley and Phillip L. Wylie, provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from foundational knowledge and skills to the various paths one can take to become a successful pentester.
The book starts by introducing the basics of penetration testing, including the roles and responsibilities of a pentester, the skills required, and the tools commonly used in the field. As the book progresses, it delves into stories of actual penetration testers. They offer insights into their own diverse paths they took to enter the field. The authors have provided us with a collection of real-life professionals who have successfully transitioned into penetration testing from various other backgrounds. These stories are not just inspirational but also practical, offering advice and strategies that readers can apply to their own career journeys.
In the vast realm of modern programming languages, some rise to prominence while
others remain forever in the shadows. Raku, initially named Perl 6, is one such language
that, despite its powerful features, has failed to gather a
developer base large enough to cause the language to become mainstream. Here's my take on why Raku has failed to catch on, based on
personal experience, observation, and lots of waiting.
Using Linux for your first time can be very exciting. You suddenly gain access to a wealth of customization options, all the free
and open-source software you could ever want or need, and access to a strong community of (sometimes overly-)enthusiastic Linux users. But
before you dive headfirst into this new world, there's an important consideration I'd like to advise you on. It boils down to this: don't
"switch to Linux" on your one and only computer. Don't dual-boot it and don't bother with getting a second hard drive. In
essence, do not touch your current working computer, no matter what operating system it's running. Leave it fully operational and invest
in a cheap second computer instead. You can thank me later!
