Arable land and population

Divide the amount of arable land in acres by the amount of people on the earth

ChatGPT said:

To calculate the arable land per person, we’ll use approximate global figures:

Step 1: Total arable land

  • According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and World Bank, the world has about 1.5 billion hectares of arable land.
  • 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
  • So: 1.5 billion hectares×2.471=3.7065 billion acres1.5 \text{ billion hectares} \times 2.471 = 3.7065 \text{ billion acres}1.5 billion hectares×2.471=3.7065 billion acres

Step 2: Total population

  • As of 2025, the world population is approximately 8.1 billion people.

Step 3: Divide arable land by population

3.7065 billion acres8.1 billion people≈0.457 acres per person\frac{3.7065 \text{ billion acres}}{8.1 \text{ billion people}} \approx 0.457 \text{ acres per person}8.1 billion people3.7065 billion acres​≈0.457 acres per person


Final Answer:

Approximately 0.46 acres of arable land per person.

4o

You said:

if every is to get a piece of subsistence land, do we have an overpopulation problem

ChatGPT said:

The answer depends on what we mean by a “piece of subsistence land.” Let’s walk through the reasoning using your question and the number we calculated:


We Have:

  • Arable land: ~3.7 billion acres
  • Population: ~8.1 billion people
  • Per person: ~0.46 acres of arable land

Is 0.46 Acres Enough for Subsistence?

It depends on:

  1. Climate and soil fertility
  2. Type of diet
  3. Agricultural technology (manual vs. mechanized)
  4. Crop variety and yield

Let’s take some concrete benchmarks:

Minimal Manual Subsistence:

  • According to historical and agrarian data:
    • 0.25 to 0.5 acres is often enough to support one person, assuming:
      • A vegetarian or mostly plant-based diet
      • Mixed cropping (grains + legumes + vegetables)
      • Adequate water and compost/fertilizer
  • Example: In traditional agriculture (e.g. India, parts of Africa), 1 hectare (2.47 acres) might support 4–6 people.

More Comfortable Subsistence:

  • A diversified, non-mechanized subsistence farm might require 1–2 acres per person if including:
    • Some animal protein
    • Crop rotation
    • Firewood or other land use

Interpretation:

If we accept 0.25–0.5 acres per person as viable, then:

  • We do not have an overpopulation problem, at least in terms of arable land for subsistence. It’s tight but feasible—especially with improved practices.

If 1+ acres per person is needed, then:

  • Yes, there’s a shortfall, and the current population exceeds the carrying capacity for a land-based subsistence model.

? Other Considerations:

  • Urbanization: Most people don’t live directly on farmland.
  • Land degradation: Some arable land is badly managed or overused.
  • Land ownership and access: Even if there’s enough land in theory, distribution is highly unequal.
  • Water: Subsistence farming needs water, and water scarcity is more critical than land in many areas.
  • Diet expectations: Meat-heavy diets require far more land per person.

Conclusion:

If you’re imagining a return-to-the-land model where everyone has their own subsistence plot, we’re just barely within range—but only if expectations are minimal, diets are simple, and land use is efficient. It’s not a clear overpopulation problem, but resource management and equity are major barriers.

Does the free-will problem other than free vs coerced action make sense?

ChatGPT said:

Yes, the free will problem does make sense beyond the free vs. coerced action distinction—but whether it makes philosophical or practical sense depends on what one takes the core issue to be. Let’s unpack this.


1. Free vs. Coerced Action

This is the basic practical distinction:

  • If I choose to open a door vs. someone forces me to do it at gunpoint, we say the first is free, the second coerced.
  • This is often the domain of ethics and law, focusing on responsibility and voluntariness.

But this assumes that some actions can be freely chosen—and the deeper problem questions that assumption.


2. The Deeper Metaphysical Problem

This is where things get trickier. It asks:

  • Could I have done otherwise, given the state of the world?
  • Are my choices caused, and if so, by what?
  • Am I the author of my actions in a deep way, or just a node in a causal chain?

This moves into three broad philosophical positions:

a. Determinism:

Everything is caused, including your choices. Given the exact same past and laws of nature, you couldn’t have done otherwise.

b. Libertarianism (in the free will sense):

Some choices are not fully determined. You have genuine alternatives, and you can originate actions.

c. Compatibilism:

Free will is compatible with determinism. You’re free as long as you act in accordance with your own motives and aren’t coerced—even if those motives were caused.


3. Why the Problem Goes Beyond Coercion

The free vs. coerced distinction assumes a background of agency—but the metaphysical problem asks whether such agency can really exist at all.

  • Even if you’re not coerced, are you truly free if your preferences, beliefs, and desires were all caused by factors beyond your control?
  • Is a person who was genetically predisposed to addiction, raised in a violent home, and ends up committing a crime, really a free agent?

This leads to challenges in moral responsibility, punishment, and praise.


4. Does It Make Sense?

Whether this deeper problem makes sense depends on your philosophical commitments.

  • Naturalists and empiricists might argue that only observable distinctions (like coerced vs voluntary) matter, and the deeper problem is incoherent or irrelevant.
  • Metaphysical realists (and many religious traditions) may say the problem is deeply meaningful, because it relates to ultimate responsibility, the soul, etc.
  • Some pragmatists or Wittgensteinians might argue that the problem is a result of linguistic confusion or misapplied concepts.

Summary

So, yes—the free will problem does go beyond the distinction between free and coerced action, and in many philosophical frameworks, this deeper issue does make sense. But whether it’s necessary or coherent to worry about it depends on your larger worldview: metaphysical, naturalistic, or practical.

Would you like an example of how this deeper problem plays out in a concrete case (e.g., legal, ethical, or personal responsibility)?

4o

You said:

in all three cases

ChatGPT said:

Great—let’s examine how the deeper free will problem plays out in concrete terms across legal, ethical, and personal responsibility contexts. In each case, we’ll contrast the practical free vs. coerced distinction with the deeper metaphysical problem.


1. Legal Responsibility

⚖️ Practical (Free vs. Coerced):

Courts routinely distinguish between:

  • Voluntary action (e.g., punching someone in a fight)
  • Coerced action (e.g., doing it under threat)
  • Involuntary action (e.g., seizure, automatism)

If you acted voluntarily, you are legally responsible.

Metaphysical Free Will Problem:

Suppose the defendant had:

  • A brain tumor affecting impulse control
  • A childhood of severe trauma and abuse
  • Genetic predispositions to aggression

A deeper question arises:

Even if he wasn’t coerced externally, was he ever free to act otherwise, given these internal causal factors?

So now, we ask:

  • Should we treat responsibility as a degree, not a binary?
  • Is punishment appropriate if no one ultimately chooses their traits?

This leads to debates about:

  • Rehabilitation vs. retribution
  • Whether determinism undermines criminal responsibility

2. Ethical Responsibility

Practical (Free vs. Coerced):

You’re praised or blamed if you act willingly and knowingly:

  • You donate to charity because you care → praiseworthy
  • You steal because someone blackmailed you → excusable

Metaphysical Free Will Problem:

What if:

  • Your sense of compassion was shaped by upbringing and genetics?
  • Your empathy was programmed, not chosen?

Then we ask:

Is anyone morally praiseworthy or blameworthy if all choices are caused?

This challenges:

  • The idea of moral deserts (that people “deserve” praise or blame)
  • The justice of holding people accountable for traits they didn’t choose

Some respond by grounding ethics in consequences or virtue development rather than desert.


3. Personal Responsibility

Practical (Free vs. Coerced):

You make decisions, face consequences, and are held accountable by yourself:

  • “I chose to procrastinate, and I failed the test”
  • “I wasn’t forced—I just made a bad decision”

This reflects an internal narrative of agency.

Metaphysical Free Will Problem:

But consider:

  • You’re impulsive because of your neurochemistry
  • Your values come from your culture, not some self-originated “you”

Then arises the existential crisis:

Am I really the author of my life, or just the product of circumstances?

This can lead to:

  • Fatalism (“Why try?”)
  • Or a form of existential responsibility (à la Sartre), where you choose to affirm your role in shaping your future despite not choosing your past

Final Reflection

ContextPractical View (Free vs. Coerced)Metaphysical View (Free Will Problem)
LegalResponsibility tied to voluntarinessResponsibility questioned if actions are determined
EthicalPraise/blame based on intent & freedomDesert undermined if agents didn’t choose their character
PersonalAgency tied to owning your decisionsDeep authorship of self questioned; leads to existential doubt

Let me know if you’d like to explore how different philosophical positions (e.g., compatibilism, hard determinism, or libertarianism) would resolve these tensions.

Time line for evolution

ChatGPT said:

Here’s a simplified timeline diagram of the evolution of life on Earth, highlighting major milestones:

sqlCopyEdit| Time (in billions/millions of years ago) | Key Evolutionary Milestones                |
|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| ~4.5 bya | Earth forms |
| ~4.0 bya | First oceans form |
| ~3.8 bya | First life (prokaryotic cells) |
| ~2.5 bya | Photosynthesis evolves (oxygen produced) |
| ~1.8 bya | First eukaryotic cells |
| ~1.2 bya | First multicellular life |
| ~600 mya | Simple animals (sponges, jellyfish) |
| ~541 mya | Cambrian Explosion: many animal phyla |
| ~500 mya | First vertebrates (jawless fish) |
| ~400 mya | First land plants and insects |
| ~360 mya | Amphibians evolve from fish |
| ~300 mya | Reptiles evolve |
| ~230 mya | Dinosaurs appear |
| ~200 mya | Mammals appear |
| ~150 mya | Birds evolve from dinosaurs |
| ~65 mya | Mass extinction (dinosaurs go extinct) |
| ~55 mya | Primates evolve |
| ~7 mya | First hominins (human ancestors) |
| ~2.5 mya | Genus *Homo* evolves |
| ~300,000 ya | *Homo sapiens* appears |
| ~10,000 ya | Agriculture begins |


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What has Maxwell Chikumbuto discovered? Is his discovery genuine or is it a scam?

ChatGPT said:

​Maxwell Chikumbutso, a Zimbabwean inventor, has claimed to develop technologies such as a self-powered electric vehicle and a “hypersonic energy device” that converts radio frequencies into electricity. However, these inventions have come under significant scrutiny. Investigations suggest that the electric vehicle is a rebranded Chinese-made model, and the energy device resembles products available for purchase online, raising questions about their originality. ​Log in or sign up to view+6iHarare+6Techzim+6

Moreover, reports indicate that investors have demanded refunds after Chikumbutso’s promises of groundbreaking energy solutions went unfulfilled. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has labeled Chikumbutso a bogus inventor, accusing him of deceiving President Mnangagwa with false claims about his inventions. ​Log in or sign up to view+1Log in or sign up to view+1iHarare

Given these findings, it appears that Maxwell Chikumbutso’s claimed discoveries lack genuine innovation and may be part of a deceptive scheme. It’s advisable to approach any information or investment opportunities related to his inventions with caution.​Log in or sign up to view+7Reddit+7ZimEye+7

For a more in-depth analysis, you might find this video helpful:

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Reason

Is human language an emergent property of animal communication?

ChatGPT said:

Human language is not merely an emergent property of animal communication; it represents a distinct and complex system with unique features that set it apart from animal communication methods. Several key distinctions highlight this uniqueness:

  1. Arbitrariness and Symbolism: Human language utilizes arbitrary symbols—such as words and letters—that bear no inherent connection to their meanings. This allows for the expression of abstract concepts and a vast array of ideas. In contrast, while some animal communication systems, like the honey bee’s waggle dance, use arbitrary movements to convey information, these systems are generally limited in scope and lack the depth found in human language. vaia.com
  2. Syntax and Grammar: Human language is characterized by a complex structure of syntax and grammar, enabling the creation of an infinite number of sentences from a finite set of elements. This recursive property allows for the embedding of clauses within clauses, facilitating the expression of intricate and nuanced ideas. Animal communication systems, such as bird songs, may exhibit some structural elements, but they lack the recursive and generative aspects of human language. en.wikipedia.org
  3. Displacement and Temporal Reference: Humans can communicate about events and concepts that are not present in the immediate environment, including past and future occurrences. This ability, known as displacement, is rarely observed in animal communication, which is typically tied to the here and now. en.wikipedia.org
  4. Intentionality and Referentiality: Human language is primarily used to share and exchange information, utilizing signals that are intentionally directed to convey specific meanings. While some animal signals, such as vervet monkey alarm calls, are referential, they are often limited to specific contexts and lack the intentionality and versatility found in human communication. psychologytoday.com

While certain animal communication systems exhibit features that superficially resemble aspects of human language, these systems do not possess the full range of characteristics that define human linguistic capability. Therefore, human language is not simply an emergent property of animal communication but a unique system that has evolved to meet the complex communicative needs of humans.

Sources

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You said:

can animals negate as contrasted with rejection

ChatGPT said:

Yes, animals can exhibit behaviors that align with the concepts of negation and rejection, though these actions differ fundamentally from human linguistic expressions.

Rejection in Animals:

Rejection involves the deliberate refusal to accept or engage with something. In animals, this is often observed in contexts such as food selection or social interactions. For example, capuchin monkeys have demonstrated inequity aversion by rejecting less preferred food rewards when they observe others receiving more desirable options. In these scenarios, the monkeys actively refuse the offered food, indicating a preference for equitable outcomes.

en.wikipedia.org

Negation in Animals:

Negation, as a cognitive process, entails recognizing and processing the absence or non-existence of something. While some animal behaviors might suggest a rudimentary form of negation, such as avoiding areas where predators are absent, there is limited evidence to suggest that animals possess the complex cognitive structures necessary for abstract negation as humans understand it. Research indicates that animals may lack the cognitive framework for propositional negation, which is a higher-order reasoning process involving the understanding of abstract concepts.

manuelbohn.github.io

In summary, while animals can exhibit rejection behaviors, particularly in social and foraging contexts, there is no definitive evidence that they engage in negation in the abstract, propositional sense characteristic of human thought and language.

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Federal workers fired

ChatGPT said:

As of February 24, 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under President Donald Trump’s administration, has implemented significant layoffs across various federal agencies. These actions aim to reduce government spending and streamline operations. Below is a summary of the affected agencies and the approximate number of employees terminated:

AgencyNumber of Employees TerminatedDetails
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Over 140Significant workforce reduction as part of broader government downsizing efforts. NY Magazine
Department of Agriculture (USDA)4,200Layoffs notably impacted the Forest Service. NY Magazine
Department of Defense (DoD)No current layoffsAn 8% budget cut is planned, potentially affecting future operations. NY Magazine
Department of EducationOver 60Layoffs included special education specialists and student aid officials. Associated Press
Department of Energy (DOE)1,200–2,000Layoffs affected critical areas such as the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and power grid management. Wikipedia
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)Approximately 5,200Terminations included around 1,300 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Wikipedia
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Over 400Personnel cuts significantly affected the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NY Magazine
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Potential 50% workforce cutConsideration of significant reductions, though specific numbers are not yet confirmed. NY Magazine
Department of the InteriorApproximately 2,300Layoffs included about 800 from the Bureau of Land Management and 1,000 from the National Park Service. Wikipedia
Department of Justice (DOJ)Over 20Terminations involved employees connected to January 6 investigations. NY Magazine
Department of StateOver 10,000Layoffs affected personnel from USAID and other associated agencies. NY Magazine
Department of Transportation (DOT)400Layoffs impacted various safety administrations. NY Magazine
Department of the TreasuryApproximately 7,000The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiated layoffs of probationary employees, potentially affecting tax return processing and enforcement capabilities. Wikipedia
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Over 1,000Terminations included healthcare providers. NY Magazine
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)388Workforce reduction as part of the broader government downsizing initiative. NY Magazine
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)4% of workforceLayoffs occurred amid ongoing investigations into Tesla’s technologies. Business Insider

These widespread layoffs have sparked legal challenges and protests, with concerns about the impact on critical government functions and services. Some agencies have reversed certain terminations, reinstating employees to maintain essential operations.

NPR

Recent Developments in Federal Workforce Layoffs

NY Magazine

All the Firing, Layoffs and Resignations We Know Of

Today

All the Firing, Layoffs and Resignations We Know Of

ReutersFirings at US agency foreshadow second wave of mass government layoffsTodayBusiness InsiderThe agency that regulates vehicle safety — and Elon Musk’s Tesla — is another target of DOGE layoffsToday

Status of President Zelensky of Ukraine

What is your assessment of Zelensky internationally and domestically?

ChatGPT said:

International Standing of Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky’s international standing remains strong, particularly among Western allies. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he has been widely regarded as a symbol of resistance and leadership under crisis. His ability to rally international support, secure military aid, and maintain Ukraine’s presence in global discourse has been notable. However, as the war has dragged on, some challenges have emerged:

  1. Strong Western Support but Signs of Fatigue – Zelensky has successfully maintained backing from the U.S., EU, and NATO countries, securing military and financial aid. However, as the war continues, some Western nations (especially in the U.S. and parts of Europe) show signs of donor fatigue, political divisions, and economic concerns that may limit future support.
  2. Frustration with Allies – Zelensky has become more vocal in pushing for additional aid, sometimes leading to diplomatic tensions (e.g., with Poland over grain exports and with U.S. lawmakers over continued funding).
  3. Diplomatic Efforts Beyond the West – Ukraine has tried to engage the Global South, but success has been mixed. Some non-aligned nations, particularly in Africa and Latin America, remain skeptical or neutral, influenced by Russian narratives.
  4. Shifting Perceptions – While he is still seen as a courageous wartime leader, the longer the war persists without a decisive breakthrough, the harder it becomes to sustain an image of inevitable victory. Questions about Ukraine’s long-term strategy and Western commitment are growing.

Domestic Standing of Zelensky

Domestically, Zelensky’s position has evolved since the start of the war:

  1. Wartime Leadership Keeps Him in Power – The war has largely silenced opposition, as Ukraine is under martial law, and political unity remains a priority. However, this does not mean universal approval.
  2. Declining Approval Ratings – While he enjoyed sky-high ratings in 2022, there are reports of growing dissatisfaction, especially over military conscription policies, economic hardships, and governance issues. Some Ukrainians believe that the government’s decision-making lacks transparency.
  3. Military and Political Tensions – Tensions have been reported between Zelensky and Ukraine’s military leadership, particularly with General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the popular commander-in-chief. There have been rumors of a potential shake-up or power struggle.
  4. Economic and Social Struggles – War fatigue is setting in among civilians, especially those facing economic hardships and prolonged displacement. Rebuilding efforts are slow, and corruption remains an ongoing concern despite Zelensky’s anti-corruption initiatives.
  5. 2024 Elections Controversy – There is debate over whether Ukraine should hold elections in 2024 despite the war. Zelensky has indicated that wartime conditions make elections unfeasible, but postponing them indefinitely could raise concerns about democratic legitimacy.

Overall Assessment

  • Internationally, Zelensky is still seen as the indispensable leader of Ukraine’s resistance, but cracks are forming in global support due to war fatigue and shifting geopolitical interests.
  • Domestically, while still in control, he faces increasing political, economic, and social pressures, with signs of growing discontent over governance and war management.

Would you like more details on any of these points?

4o

You said:

In depth domestic actions?

ChatGPT said:

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s domestic policies have been pivotal in shaping Ukraine’s internal landscape, especially amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Here’s an in-depth look at his key domestic actions:

Anti-Corruption Measures

Zelensky has been deeply committed to combating corruption, a persistent issue in Ukraine. In June 2021, he introduced legislation to create a public registry of oligarchs, aiming to reduce their influence by restricting their participation in privatizations and political contributions. While this move was lauded by some as a step toward transparency, critics argued it could centralize power excessively in the presidency.

Wikipedia

Judicial and Government Reforms

Fulfilling his campaign promises, Zelensky has pursued several reforms:

  • Referendum Law Update: In January 2021, he oversaw the passage of a bill reforming Ukraine’s referendum laws, previously deemed unconstitutional in 2018. This move aimed to enhance direct democracy by allowing citizens to participate more actively in decision-making processes. Wikipedia
  • Impeachment Law: Zelensky advocated for legislation facilitating the impeachment of the president, promoting accountability and adherence to democratic principles.

Language and Cultural Policies

Zelensky has taken a balanced approach to cultural and linguistic issues:

  • Language Quotas: While supporting the promotion of the Ukrainian language, he has expressed openness to adjusting quotas to accommodate linguistic diversity, acknowledging the country’s multicultural fabric. Wikipedia
  • Religious Organizations: In December 2022, Zelensky proposed a bill to ban religious organizations affiliated with Russian centers of influence, targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). This legislation, signed into law in August 2024, requires parishes to sever ties with Russia, reflecting efforts to safeguard national security and reduce foreign influence. Wikipedia

Social Issues

Addressing evolving societal norms, Zelensky has shown a progressive stance:

  • Same-Sex Partnerships: Responding to public petitions, he has advocated for the review of civil partnerships for same-sex couples, emphasizing equal rights. However, he noted that constitutional amendments required for same-sex marriage are not feasible during martial law. Wikipedia

Martial Law and Democratic Processes

The ongoing war has necessitated certain extraordinary measures:

  • Martial Law: Declared in response to the Russian invasion in 2022, martial law has led to the postponement of elections, as the Ukrainian constitution prohibits holding them during such periods. This has sparked debates about democratic legitimacy, but many acknowledge the practical challenges of conducting elections amidst conflict. The Guardian

Public Approval and Criticisms

Despite the challenges, Zelensky’s approval ratings have remained relatively robust:

  • Approval Ratings: As of February 2025, approximately 63% of Ukrainians approve of his performance, indicating sustained public support. Kyiv Independent
  • Criticisms: Opponents, including international figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, have labeled Zelensky a “dictator” due to the suspension of elections under martial law. These claims have been widely disputed, with many emphasizing the constitutional and security-based rationale for postponing elections during the ongoing conflict. The Times

In summary, President Zelensky’s domestic actions reflect a complex balancing act between upholding democratic values and addressing the exigencies of wartime governance. His policies aim to strengthen national security, combat corruption, and adapt to societal changes, all while navigating the profound challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Олег Лозинський replied:

This analysis is correct in many theses.

1) Zelensky really adopted laws against the influence of oligarchs.

2) Zelensky also continued the policy of Petro Poroshenko, aimed at reducing the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate on religious organizations in Ukraine. However, in 2025, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Metropolia) has 8300 parishes, and the Orthodox Church in Ukraine (Moscow Patriarchar) has 8100 parishes. Approximately 2000 parishes from the Moscow Church have moved to the Metropolitanate of Kiev. However, we see that there are many Moscow parishes.

3) Zelensky, after the start of Russia’s seizure of South of Ukraine in 2022, intensified the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the state level. However, by February 24, 2022, Zelensky’s military policy was extremely harmful – it stopped financing the production of Neptune’s battle missiles, ordered the removal of troops from south of Ukraine, did not order the wars to prepare for war. Zelensky is suspected of secret to Russia to capture the land corridor from Donbass to Crimea.

4) Zelensky for 6 years alone holds power in Ukraine. In the Verkhovna Rada of his party “Servant of the People” assist anti -Ukrainian deputies from the party Viktor Yanukovych and Viktor Medvedchuk.

5) If the election during the war is forbidden, then a coalition government can be formed for the legitimacy of the President’s actions. Such governments are created during the war. But Zelensky does not allow the creation of a coalition government. This harms the image of Ukraine among its partner states, plays the propaganda of Vladimir Putin on the illegitimacy of power in Ukraine.

Zelensky made some positive reforms. However, his actions and inaction before the war encouraged Russia to start capturing Ukrainian lands.

Robert Paul Wolff (December 27, 1933 – January 6, 2025) 

Selected bibliography

English is the lingua franca of the world — no bullshit

Woke up this morning, thinking of the series of videos on the dominance of the English language in the world, narrated by Robert MacNeil.  I think this was prompted by what I heard on Sunday.   On Sunday, Nov. 11. 2018, in Paris, during his speech commemorating the centenary of the First World War Armistice, French President Emmanuel Macron said: “Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. Nationalism is its betrayal.”  I reject this for the following reason.  A nation is a country (or State) with one language. A patriot is someone who is loyal to his country — even if it is not a nation; while a nationalist is someone who aspires to create a country based on his language, or to preserve the existing Nation.

This made me think of how English is spoken everywhere in the world.

Below are the 9 videos “The Story of English,” broadcast in 1989, which was followed by the  publication of the book: Robert MCcrum, Robert MacNeil and William Cran, The Story of English, 3d ed., 2002. [496 pages]

1. An English Speaking World: Discusses how English has become the most dominant language throughout the world.
2. The Mother Tongue: Discusses the early stages of the English language, including Old English and Middle English.
3. A Muse of Fire: Discusses the influence of William Shakespeare and the King James Bible on the English language.
4. The Guid Scots Tongue: Discusses the Scottish influence on the English language.
5. Black on White: Discusses the influence of  Blacks on the English language. (Includes interviews with Philadelphia hip hop legends The Scanner Boys, Parry P and Grand Tone.)
6. Pioneers, O Pioneers!: Discusses Canadian English and the various forms of American English.
7. The Muvver Tongue: Discusses Cockney dialect and Australian English.
8. The Loaded Weapon: Discusses the Irish influence on the English Language.
9. Next Year’s Words: Discusses the future and new emerging forms of the English language.

1 An English Speaking World

2 The Mother Tongue

3 A Muse of Fire

4 The Guid Scots Tongue

5 Black on White

6 Pioneers, O Pioneers!

7 The Muvver Tongue

8 The Loaded Weapon

9 Next Year’s Words