20 April 2001 - 20 April 2021 Two decades ago, I packed my bag and took a trip to a faraway place, leaving Dayeuhkolot, a place where I grew up, my family and friends behind. What began as a 4-months excursion had turned into an exquisite journey of life. Two decades is such a long … Continue reading It’s been twenty years …
Category: Thoughts
The Evolution of Intellectual Freedom
I'm presenting "The Evolution of Merlyna's a Critical Monkey's Intellectual Freedom" (bottom) . It was part of my last public lecture which basically attempted to provide an alternative imagination of possible career/life pathways. It's my take vis-a-vis a (valid) critic of the state of intellectual freedom in academia by a brilliant Jorge Cham/PhD comic in … Continue reading The Evolution of Intellectual Freedom
Twelve years ago
#throwbackThursday #Kamisnostalgis Early this year, in a conference where I presented a keynote address, a young researcher approached me and said,"Professor Lim, I'm a fan. I read every single work you have published, including the very old one from a long time ago." I was flattered but also felt like a 100 year-old professor. I … Continue reading Twelve years ago
Busy
“Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings.” Jane Austen I always wonder why many people love to say “I am busy.” I don't hear people in academia, and other professional worlds, say that they are not busy. Indeed, I hear ‘busy’ word too often. I actually often have people told me that "I … Continue reading Busy
Does Tempe have politics
[This edited version is published by the Jakarta Post on February 2nd, 2008) What is this thing called tempe? / This tasty thing called tempe.../ Just who can solve its mystery?/ Why should it make a fool of me? I saw you there one wonderful day/ You made me drool but now you're gone/ That's why I ask you guys in … Continue reading Does Tempe have politics
Who are you not to be brilliant?
In my salad days, I was a self-assured, optimistic upbeat creature. I thought I could do anything in this world. Be superlative in everything I do. My parents never bought me any books. But I never felt any lack of knowledge. I went to libraries a lot instead. My parents never took me to any … Continue reading Who are you not to be brilliant?