My Impressions of the Vasak Genealogy

After working with this data, I felt much smaller. This is true not only because of the the number of over 300 relatives show in just about 120 years, but also because of the many other family tries connected to these 300+ people. It’s overwhelming. Also, when I go to a movie or sporting event or airport and see hundreds of people running around together, I no longer see them as people but rather as moving shared sets of genes looking to marry other similar sets of genes to create thousands more of people with those same but new genes.

Another vision I get of these thousands of people with similar-but-unique practices, talents, fears, motives, memories and visions. It seems like the human race should tend to improve as a it grows, given that (1). We learn by our mistakes and (2). Surviving genes of the fittest are supposed to remain. But is that true? Sure, our kids are taller, stronger, smarter, and more creative. But are we getting better, gentler, more peaceful, wiser or forgiving?

Are Blogs Worth It?

When I first read this document in it’s paper form, I thought, “What person, busy making a living or raising a family, would have the time and energy to undertake such a project?” It seemed like carrying it a step further was difficult and almost a waste of time. But as I thought more, I considered it a challenge. And by carrying out this web-based effort in a minimal manner, I might have a sense of accomplishment and provide fellow family members with something they were intended to have.