A Personal Ellenchus
Elenchus
noun: Socratic elenchus; plural noun: Socratic elenchi
- A logical refutation.
- The Socratic method of eliciting truth by question and answer, especially as used to refute an argument.
My name is Christopher Gerald Nylaan. I am an American writer, a scholar of the human condition, and a seeker of truth. My academic journey began at Hopkins High School as an honors student-athlete, leading me to Grand Rapids Community College, where I studied politics, history, and math. I graduated from GRCC in 2006 with a 4.0 GPA and an induction into the honor society.
I continued my education at Central Michigan University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. There, I was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor for outstanding academic achievements in Political Science and Philosophy. Following my undergraduate success, I pursued the law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. My worldview is anchored by my identity as a confirmed Catholic with deep Christian roots and beliefs. This core spiritual foundation is further broadened and informed by the study of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo—a devotion to the mystic law of simultaneous cause and effect.
The Next Chapter: Business and Strategic Leadership
Currently, I am returning to my roots at Central Michigan University to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This degree represents more than just further academic credentialing; it is a strategic pivot to obtain the analytical and leadership skills necessary to excel in the private sector. My vision is to merge my legal background, my philosophical grounding, and my personal experiences to navigate complex business landscapes and guide dynamic enterprises. While my academic curiosity remains as ambitious as ever—still dreaming of the terminal “trifecta” of advanced degrees to fully understand societal frameworks—my immediate focus is leveraging this interdisciplinary knowledge to create impactful solutions in the business world.
The Personal Elenchus
I have been called many things by many people. I often ponder the profound mystery of being among the “elect” mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls (4q534-536). Yet, alongside these high academic and spiritual aspirations, I live with the daily reality of Bipolar 1 Disorder. While the symptoms can sometimes blur the line between reality and fantasy, I have learned that “fantasy” is often just the place where peace begins. To those who say peace is a fantasy, I say: DREAM.
My goal with this page is to share my “Elenchus”—a term I first encountered at CMU and have carried with me ever since. Here, I explore the intersections of law, science, theology, and philosophy. I am committed to growing spiritually, socially, and mentally in every way possible (except, perhaps, around the waist).
Thank you for exploring my blog. I have been building this space online since 2010, but I have been living the work my entire life.
With love,
Christopher G. Nylaan
~”Christopher Nolan”
~”Chris Gaines”
A Note on Mental Health: If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, please seek professional help. With the right support and resources, healing and growth are possible. Never give up hope.
chrisnylaan@gmail.com
Please feel free to comment and join the dialogue!
A Personal ELENCHUS 
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