The View From Here

By Graylon Abukhadir Mayberry  ## The Difference Between Humans And Devils There is a simple image that says a lot about what it means to be human: one rider is a single devil, but a pair of riders can become a pair of devils when they move in the wrong direction together. [1] Humanity is not defined just by having a body or a brain, but by a unique level of self‑consciousness and the ability to care, to hear, and to respond to the world and other beings around us.  Human beings carry an inner tendency to look after more than just themselves. [1] There is a natural desire to protect children, partners, animals, and even strangers, and this desire is part of what separates a human from a beast that lives only by instinct or survival. [1] *** ## The Human Capacity For Deep Attachment One of the clearest signs of this humanity is the depth of attachment humans form with others, human and non‑human alike. [1] When someone we love receives good fortune, many of us feel joy as if th...

The Problem Is…By Graylon AbuKhadir Mayberry In this higher institution of learning called Life, every one of us is a student. There is no graduation, no diploma, no end-of-semester break—only the continuous pursuit of understanding. Every day offers a new lecture in the arts and sciences of existence, a new test in patience, empathy, and awareness. Humanity, in its curiosity and confusion, continues its race to comprehend itself: to make sense of our triumphs, our mistakes, our desires, and the infinite range of emotions that bind us all together.But here’s the irony: in this never‑ending classroom, nearly everyone claims to be a scholar when it comes to identifying a problem. Have you noticed that? Everyone seems to hold a Ph.D. in recognizing what’s wrong. Whether it’s what society is doing, how the government is failing, what others should have done differently, or how the world has "gone mad"—everyone suddenly becomes an expert.Scroll through social media, li...

                                    You know What I'm Saying? Understanding is an important part of communication. If someone doesn't understand you, how can you be of any benefit to each other?   Linguistic Assertion and Cultural Resonance: The African American Phrase “You Know What I’m Saying” The expression “you know what I’m saying” occupies a unique position within African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the broader lexicon of African American speech patterns. While often dismissed as conversational filler, the phrase carries deep sociolinguistic significance shaped by the historical context of African American communication and identity. It reflects a long-standing cultural emphasis on mutual understanding, affirmation, and resistance to misinterpretation (Smitherman, 2000). For centuries, African Americans have navigated environments where their voices were routi...

"There Will come a time when a man would do something that pleased  the people but displease God.  HE will cause the people to be displeased. Then there will be a time when man would do something to please God and it will displease people. " When you do something good and the people don't recognize it, if this makes you angry then you lost, because you're doing these things what you call a good deeds not for the sake of one and whose hands my soul, but for people the praise what you've done. It will be nothing, his deeds are wasted. 

And If not for the memories of yesteryear, there would be no picturesque scenery for tomorrow -                 Graylon Abukhadir Mayberry  I'm thankful for the memories I've obtained over the years. When my days seem blue, it's yesterdays laughs that give assurance of brighter days to come. Even those memories that aren't so bright are evidence of lessons learned.  During some of my darkest hours, memories of my mother's smile brighten the day. When I lost her, Memories of her words and teachings guide me through. Memories are like a pillows, they make the world a little more comfortable. They give you history and sound foundations upon which to build and discover self. By Graylon Abukhadir Mayberry   In memory of Connie j. Mayberry 

You Win Some, You Learn Some  By Graylon Abukhadir Mayberry There’s an old saying that goes, “You win some, you lose some.” Most people treat it as timeless wisdom — a gentle reminder to accept life’s ups and downs. On the surface, it sounds reasonable enough: sometimes you succeed, sometimes you fail. But for me, that phrase has always felt like a cop-out, a way to justify stagnation instead of learning.When I hear someone repeat that line, the first word that comes to mind is cliché! It sounds polished, sure, but it doesn’t dig deep enough into the truth of growth and self-understanding.A Deeper Understanding (You Be the Judge)Here’s how I see it: a winner remains a winner regardless of circumstance. Likewise, a loser remains one until they redefine what success truly means. Winning isn’t about having a perfect record; it’s about striving. It’s about understanding that perfection is not attainable — but the disciplined pursuit of it transforms you into something higher.Each chall...