The Reluctant Politician: The Struggle of Self-Acceptance in Politics
The title of "politician" is among the most weighty in existence. It embodies expectations, invites skepticism, and imposes a sense of duty that few are genuinely equipped to handle. Nevertheless, numerous individuals who embark on a political career do so with honorable intentions, only to grapple with the reality that they have, indeed, assumed the role of a politician.
The Stigma of Politics
The stigma of politics can be suffocating for those who enter with genuine intentions, as they grapple with the internal conflict of accepting their new identity as politicians. This struggle often arises from the disconnect between their ideals and the realities of political life.
To the average person, politicians are often seen as self-serving, power-hungry, or insincere. The mere mention of the word evokes images of backroom deals, hollow promises, and manipulation. It is no surprise, then, that even those who enter politics with the purest motives wrestle with the discomfort of identifying as a politician.
Many individuals in public service initially see themselves as activists, reformers, or problem-solvers. They tell themselves they are different from the career politicians who have made politics a game of influence rather than integrity. But as time goes on, the lines blur. They negotiate. They compromise. They make decisions not just based on what is right, but on what is politically feasible.
The Moment of Realization
At what point does one truly become a politician? Is it when they first shake hands with a powerful figure they once criticized? When they accept a campaign donation from a group they once distanced themselves from? Or is it when they begin calculating their words, shaping their principles into something more palatable for the electorate?
For many, the hardest moment is the realization that they are not above the system—they are within it. The purity of their original mission becomes tangled with the realities of governance. They learn that idealism alone is not enough to push through change; politics requires alliances, strategy, and, sometimes, the willingness to play the game they once despised.
The Paradox of Power
The paradox of politics is that to change the system, one must engage with it. And engaging with it means becoming part of it. There is no way to wield power without assuming the responsibilities—and the moral compromises—that come with it.
Does this mean one is doomed to corruption? Not necessarily. But it does mean that any politician, no matter how principled, must acknowledge that they are part of the machinery. They must accept that they are not just a reformer looking in from the outside—they are now responsible for the very system they once criticized.
Finding Peace with the Identity
The journey to self-acceptance as a politician is not about embracing cynicism. It is about understanding that politics is not a space for purity but for pragmatism. It is about recognizing that making change is messy, that power is neither inherently good nor bad—it is simply a tool.
Perhaps the key is to redefine what it means to be a politician. Rather than resisting the label, one can embrace it while striving to be the kind of politician they once wished existed. Integrity is not lost the moment one enters politics—it is lost when one stops questioning themselves, stops holding themselves accountable, and stops remembering why they started in the first place.
Conclusion
Accepting oneself as a politician is difficult because it requires letting go of the illusion that one can stay completely untouched by the system. It means acknowledging the compromises, the complexities, and the contradictions. But it also means embracing the opportunity to lead, to shape, and to influence for the better.
Perhaps the hardest lesson is this: being a politician is not about staying clean—it is about staying true. And that is the challenge that defines the difference between a politician who merely survives and one who truly makes a difference.
frasa.io•Mar 6, 2025Our World in the Next 5 Years
The Rise of AI and Robotics in Everyday Life
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are rapidly reshaping daily life, making homes smarter, workplaces more efficient, and personal tasks easier than ever. In the next five years, AI-driven assistants will become more intuitive, handling everything from scheduling to home security. Robotics will see increased adoption in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, enhancing productivity and reducing the need for human intervention in repetitive tasks.
However, this transformation brings both opportunities and challenges. While AI and robotics promise greater efficiency and convenience, concerns about job displacement and ethical considerations continue to grow. Striking a balance between automation and human employment will be a key focus for policymakers and businesses alike.
Biotechnology Innovations: Shaping Health and Agriculture
The field of biotechnology is poised for groundbreaking advancements that will revolutionize healthcare and agriculture. Gene editing technologies like CRISPR are opening doors to personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual's genetic profile, leading to more effective and precise interventions for diseases.
In agriculture, biotechnology will play a crucial role in developing climate-resistant crops, reducing pesticide use, and enhancing food production to meet global demands. Lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives will become more widespread, addressing food security challenges while reducing environmental impact. As these innovations progress, regulatory frameworks and ethical discussions will shape their implementation and accessibility.
The Intersection of Technology and Religion
Technology is increasingly influencing religious practices, transforming the way communities worship, engage, and share their beliefs. Virtual reality (VR) is enabling immersive religious experiences, allowing individuals to participate in ceremonies and pilgrimages from the comfort of their homes. AI-powered chatbots are being used to answer theological questions, provide spiritual guidance, and facilitate discussions among believers.
As these technologies integrate into religious traditions, they bring new questions about authenticity, spiritual connection, and the role of human interaction in faith. Religious institutions will need to navigate these changes while preserving the core values and experiences that define their beliefs.
Economic Shifts Driven by Technological Advancements
Technology is a major driver of economic change, and in the next five years, AI and robotics will continue to reshape global markets. Automation will lead to job displacement in some industries while creating new opportunities in fields such as AI development, data science, and cybersecurity. The gig economy will expand as remote work and digital freelancing become more prevalent.
Businesses will need to adapt to these shifts by investing in workforce retraining and upskilling initiatives to prepare employees for a more technologically integrated job market. Governments will play a crucial role in crafting policies that promote economic stability and inclusion amid rapid technological change.
As we look ahead, the next five years promise unprecedented advancements that will redefine how we live, work, and interact. While challenges remain, proactive innovation and thoughtful regulation will be key to ensuring a future that benefits all of humanity.
monk3y.mars•Feb 15, 2025Gemini Live API: The Basics
The Gemini Live API facilitates the creation of real-time AI experiences through seamless integration of live data feeds, ensuring instant updates that enrich AI applications and promote dynamic user interactions. Here’s a brief overview:
What is the Gemini Live API?
It's a tool that lets Google's Gemini AI models talk and see in real-time. Imagine having a super smart AI that can listen to your voice, see what you're doing on video, and respond immediately like a human. It takes in audio, video, or text, and gives you instant spoken or written replies.
What it can do:
Handle live audio, video, and text.
Respond instantly with voice or text.
Make conversations feel natural, with features like listening for when you stop talking and letting you interrupt.
Use tools (like Google Search) to get information or run code to do tasks.
Keep long conversations going and pick up where you left off.
Keep things secure when apps connect to it.
Works with specific Gemini models gemini-2.5-flash-preview-native-audio-dialog, gemini-2.0-flash-live-001) designed for live use.
Who Uses the Gemini Live API?
It's mainly for developers and businesses who want to create advanced AI applications that need to interact live with people.
Who benefits:
App developers building new AI experiences.
Companies making their products smarter with AI.
Factories: Monitoring machines by listening to sounds or watching video to predict problems.
Healthcare: Creating smart assistants.
Energy: Helping technicians fix remote equipment with live audio/video.
Logistics: Powering voice assistants for truck drivers (like hands-free negotiation).
Anyone who wants a more natural, instant conversation with AI.
Why Use the Gemini Live API?
You use it when you need AI to be fast, responsive, and smart in live situations.
Main reasons to use it:
Super fast responses: Makes AI conversations feel smooth and natural.
Better user experience: AI can understand emotions and respond proactively, like a real person.
Understands everything: Combines voice, video, and text input for a complete understanding.
Does more than just talk: Can use tools and run code to perform real tasks.
Makes work easier: Helps diagnose issues and solve problems quickly in industrial settings.
Flexible: You can connect your app to it in different ways (client-to-server or server-to-server).
Reliable and safe: Built for large-scale use with good security features.
When Was the Gemini Live API Available?
The Gemini Live API is currently in testing phase (Public Preview). This means it's still being improved, and Google is working on making it fully ready.
Key dates:
It was announced and became available for preview around April/May 2025.
Newer versions of Gemini models that support it were released in May and June 2025.
You'd use it any time your app needs live, continuous, two-way interaction with an AI, especially for voice calls or live video analysis.
Where Can You Get the Gemini Live API?
You can find and use it through various Google AI platforms.
Places to access it:
Google AI Studio: Good for trying it out quickly.
Vertex AI: Recommended for bigger, professional apps that need more advanced features.
Firebase AI Logic: For web apps, it adds security and integrates with other Google services.
Partner platforms like Daily and LiveKit: They've already built it in, making it easier to develop real-time audio/video apps.
You can also connect directly using WebSockets in your code.
GitHub: Google provides example apps there.
You'll need a Gemini API Key to use it.
How Does the Gemini Live API Work?
It works by setting up a constant, live connection over the internet, like a phone call, and managing the conversation.
Simple steps:
Connect: Your app opens a "live line" (a WebSocket connection) to Google's AI server, starting a "session."
Tell it what to do: Your app sends information to set up the session – like which Gemini model to use, how it should respond, and what tools it can access.
Talk back and forth:
Your app constantly sends your voice, video, or text to the AI.
The AI instantly sends back its voice or text replies. It might also ask your app to use a tool (like search for something).
Voice output: The AI generates its voice responses using either very natural-sounding "native audio" or a "half-cascade" method that's good for performance.
How your app connects:
Directly: Your app talks straight to the API (good for speed, but needs careful security).
Through your own server: Your app sends data to your server first, which then sends it to the API (can be more secure).
Basically, it's like a real-time, smart assistant that you can talk to and show things, and it responds instantly.
wibowo•Jun 13, 2025Bagaimana Perang Tarif Ekonomi Mempengaruhi Kita dan Cara Menghadapinya Selama Tahun 2025
Perang tarif mungkin terdengar seperti isu berat yang hanya menyangkut pemerintah atau perusahaan multinasional. Namun, kenyataannya, kebijakan saling menaikkan pajak atas barang impor antarnegara ini bisa berdampak langsung pada kehidupan kita sehari-hari—dari belanja bulanan hingga masa depan finansial kita.
Dampaknya Bagi Kita
Harga Barang Naik
Barang impor seperti elektronik, pakaian, makanan, hingga suku cadang kendaraan mengalami lonjakan harga. Biaya tambahan dari tarif impor biasanya dibebankan ke konsumen, alias kita semua.
Pasar Kerja Tidak Stabil
Industri yang terdampak, terutama yang bergantung pada bahan impor atau ekspor, bisa mengalami penurunan produksi. Akibatnya, pengurangan tenaga kerja bisa terjadi, terutama di sektor manufaktur, pertanian, atau ekspor.
Tekanan Inflasi
Harga kebutuhan pokok bisa ikut naik, sehingga pengeluaran sehari-hari terasa makin berat. Apa yang sebelumnya cukup untuk satu bulan, kini bisa terasa sempit.
Investasi dan Tabungan
Gejolak pasar akibat perang tarif dapat mengguncang saham dan instrumen investasi lainnya. Bagi yang memiliki dana pensiun atau investasi jangka panjang, fluktuasi ini bisa menimbulkan kekhawatiran, walau sifatnya biasanya sementara.
Cara Mempersiapkan Diri di Tahun 2025
Atur Ulang Anggaran Pribadi
Saat situasi ekonomi tidak menentu, saatnya mengevaluasi pengeluaran. Kurangi belanja yang kurang penting, dan mulai prioritaskan dana darurat.
Cari Pendapatan Tambahan
Pekerjaan sampingan atau freelance bisa menjadi solusi untuk menambah pemasukan, terutama jika pekerjaan utama terdampak.
Belanja Cerdas
Alih-alih mengandalkan produk impor, pertimbangkan membeli barang lokal. Pilih produk berkualitas yang tahan lama untuk menghemat dalam jangka panjang.
Jaga Investasi dengan Bijak
Jangan terburu-buru menjual aset saat pasar menurun. Fokuslah pada tujuan jangka panjang dan tetap tenang menghadapi fluktuasi.
Ikuti Perkembangan Ekonomi
Tetap update dengan informasi dari sumber terpercaya agar bisa mengambil keputusan finansial yang tepat, tanpa terpengaruh kepanikan sesaat.
Kesimpulan
Perang tarif bukan cuma urusan negara atau korporasi besar—dampaknya bisa langsung terasa di dompet kita. Namun, dengan persiapan yang tepat dan sikap bijak dalam mengelola keuangan, kita bisa tetap stabil dan bahkan berkembang di tengah ketidakpastian ekonomi tahun 2025.
frasa.io•Apr 8, 2025 