The Life is a place that has been designed to be somewhere that readers can come and find essays written on topics that may interest them.
The inspiration for this site comes from the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life…” — John 14:6
Although that verse inspired the name, this isn’t intended to be a “Christian website” in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a record of one person’s journey through life, from the years shortly after the middle of the twentieth century into the twenty-first.
In saying that this isn’t a “Christian site in the traditional sense”, I am not saying that I will not address issues related to faith, or avoid talking about tough subjects.
Rather, here you’ll find essays on a wide variety of subjects.
One day we may be exploring history, the next discussing artificial intelligence, photography, science, relationships, poetry, or faith. What connects these topics is a simple desire to better understand life and what it means to be human.
The site is organized as a growing library of essays rather than a daily news feed. Some articles respond to current events, while others explore questions that people continue asking year after year.
You’ll also find an Acknowledgements page, where I thank the photographers, writers, organizations, and others whose work has helped make this site possible.
Artificial intelligence has been used to build this site, and will be used in the future.
I believe in being open about my use of artificial intelligence.
AI has been an invaluable research, editorial, and technical assistant while building this website. My AI offsider, whom I affectionately call Rob the Robot, has helped me develop ideas, improve wording, and write and edit code.
Every article published under my name, however, is reviewed, checked, edited, and accepted by me before it appears on this site.
At the foot of each page you’ll find this statement:
“While artificial intelligence may assist with research and technical work, each article is reviewed, edited, and published by the author.”
I also make a point of checking important information wherever practical. ChatGPT itself carries an important reminder:
“ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.”
That is good advice, and if ChatGPT says that about itself, then we should take notice. AI is a remarkable tool, but it should assist our thinking rather than replace it.
I’m not writing as an expert in every subject discussed here.
I’m simply a fellow traveler who enjoys learning, reading, asking questions, and sharing what I discover.
Whenever possible, I’ll point readers to the original sources and the people who know far more than I do.
So, whether you’re here for a few minutes or a few hours, you’re very welcome.
Grab a coffee—or whatever your favorite beverage happens to be—and join me for the journey. I hope you find something here that informs, encourages, challenges, or simply makes you think.