Le_Bertrand

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I was born in the Caribbean as a member of a racially mixed family (Spanish, African and French). Received a British and America education, and have traveled and work in Europe, North and South America. I currently work as a consultant in the area of strategic business and technology transformation planning, and I am also trying to publish a book that I have written and called:

Le Bertrand
Assorted Reflections

Book synopsis:
Reflections of personal experiences that are sometimes amusing, interspersed with some discussions that attempt to address some less frivolous but enduring and elemental issues of human existence, from a Caribbean Islander in the USA. Le Bertrand firmly believes that certain enduring ideas from past to present need to be revisited frequently, and as a result, these reflections are interspersed with some discussions of enduring ideas expressed from as far back as the years B.C. to present. The reflections go on to explore the manner in which some misinformation and emotional distractions presented via media and politics tend to diminish mankind's appreciation or pursuit of enduring ideas, the idea of education, individual reasoning and wisdom, the distinctions between needs and wants, etc. He hopes that many readers will be entertained by some of the reflections, find them thought provoking, or simply enjoy this opportunity to get exposed, revisit, question or embrace some enduring ideas.

The reflections begin by exploring life on a once isolated Caribbean Island, St. Lucia, populated mostly by African and Asiatic peoples, some British and French expatriates and the eventual mixed races, all with limited experiences but exposed to an excellent British educational system. The reflections continue to include some Island religiosity, general ideas regarding some historical missteps, and the need for better collaboration between religion and science; skepticism, desires and judgments we make; some metaphysics; liberalism with regard to its origins, contributors / detractors to classic political / economical liberalism and their intent, and issues introduced by new elitist-liberals causing a divergence from original intent; Le Bertrand's foray into the architectural profession provides a historical perspective that should promote better appreciation of the subject; and finally Le Bertrand's life in America as pertains to his interest, work experiences, issues, and some anecdotal experiences that are sometimes amusing.

Originally, the reflections where to end with a fictional short story about a place called Arlainia where enduring ideas are uppermost in mind. Le Bertrand arrives at this place where he meets his idea of the perfect woman, some fascinating new friends, and gains exposure to a society far more advanced than any on Earth. Coincident with his arrival, the inhabitants of Arlainia receive information about their true origins, and some begin to realize how their current obsession with human technology integration, genetic modification, and the constant presentation of misinformation and emotional distractions via media and politics have begun to diminish their appreciation of enduring ideas, engagement in individual reasoning and pursuit of wisdom, in a manner very similar to the experiences of their ancestors. Some confusion ensues, a small enlightened segment of the society express their concern that such issues may contribute to a less elevated micro-evolution or possible devolution of the population, but life continues. Based on the advise from an editor this short fictional story will become a novel that the author has began writing.

Who should read this Book?
Adults young and old, worldwide, who are not afraid to explore questions such as follows:

What does it mean to be educated and engage in the lifelong pursuit of wisdom?

Should religion accommodate man's acquired tastes that contradict its tenets?

Do we tend to be too judgmental and assume that there is no doubt associated with our judgments?

Is truth purely subjective?

Do we distinguish our wants from needs?

Are we being manipulated by some politicians, educators, capitalists, self appointed leaders and media with misinformation and emotional promotions?

What are some of the issues pertaining to genetic modification that should concern us?

Are we all connected via some cosmic consciousness?

The author avoids being judgmental, but tends to challenge complacency and the acceptance of many ideas simply because they appear to provide some level of comfort.

Author’s Bio

Bertrand Arlain was born on the beautiful island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean, a former French then British colony, which is currently an independent member of the British Commonwealth. He received a Master of Science degree from New York University (Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences) in 1973, after having obtained other degrees from other institutions. Currently, he works as a consultant in the area of Business and Technology Transformation Strategy, and has been an adjunct faculty member at two universities where he taught graduate courses related to business and technology transformation.

He credits the attainment of most of his education to his indulgence in substantial independent reading about the diverse subjects that interest him. He enjoys reading and writing; attending the opera, symphony, some theater and visiting museums; the sports of cricket, tennis, soccer, and the occasional well tempered indulgence in some epicurean delights. He also enjoys traveling and has had the opportunity to work in Europe, Latin America and various states in the USA.

He believes that more intellectuals and laypersons need to be engaging in the lifelong pursuit of wisdom to prevail over human fallibility. Intellect and knowledge simply represent some of the requirements for the lifelong pursuit and attainment of wisdom. We all need to contemplate and become more cognizant of the causal relationship between knowledge and behavior as prescribed by the cumulative attainment of wisdom.