Have We Crossed The Rubicon?

[E.A Rumfield]

I think that humanity has reached the cliche point of no return. It feels to me that we have made our decision. We have chosen our future. As a majority we seem to comfortable. Too set in our ways to change now and now right now is the time for change if we haven't already missed it. We continue to hold elections with no real candidates. We continue to be distracted by TV and football and cage fighting. People on a whole seem to be giving up everything that is human. Individuality is falling victim to fear of rejection. Conform conform conform is the message everyday on the TV in magazines. I fear we are fated to continue marching down this desolate highway with full stomachs and pleasantly distracted minds until one day the road ends and we are not prepared to walk through the mud.

[Freudian Monkey]

I think that humanity has reached the cliche point of no return. It feels to me that we have made our decision. We have chosen our future. As a majority we seem to comfortable. Too set in our ways to change now and now right now is the time for change if we haven't already missed it. We continue to hold elections with no real candidates. We continue to be distracted by TV and football and cage fighting. People on a whole seem to be giving up everything that is human. Individuality is falling victim to fear of rejection. Conform conform conform is the message everyday on the TV in magazines. I fear we are fated to continue marching down this desolate highway with full stomachs and pleasantly distracted minds until one day the road ends and we are not prepared to walk through the mud.

Is this a satire?

Because if it is it's brilliant. :D

EDIT: I don't mean to be offensive at all, I really can see it as a cleverly constructed satire.

[Darcy88]

There never was a golden age. Rubicons have been crossed and crossed and crossed eternally. The enlightenment told us we could have a golden age but that was a big fat lie. We should strive as individuals to be the best we can be, physically and morally and psychologically, but as far as curing society and making it into a paradise - that is quite simply never going to happen.

[Red Hot Soho]

Is this a satire?

Because if it is it's brilliant. :D

EDIT: I don't mean to be offensive at all, I really can see it as a cleverly constructed satire.

What part of this is untrue?

Are people often ridiculed for no reason? Yes.
Do people then feel the need to conform? Yes.
Are intellectual, original and creative forms of entertainment the biggest contenders in the entertainment market? No.
Is the result of this a dumbed down society? Yes.
Does the schooling system encourage individuality and creativity? No.

The schooling system really gets me. They'd ought to teach our kids how to stand up for their rights out here, if they're not teaching them how to fall asleep without nightmares. They don't talk about multiculturalism, about how drugs can be used in moderation, or how they can escape council estates and earn money from a poor unprofessional background. Instead they'd rather teach kids on the death of Macbeth and then complain when students are running wild, beating each other up, smoking marijuana on lunch breaks and even before school. They don't know that marijuana can be abused as badly as crack, because it's all hush hush, "we don't talk about that!".

The media message is conform, this isn't a huge conspiracy it's fact, populations scared to get out of their comfort zones and conforming is good for sales.

You guys would be silly to think we as a society haven't been studied in depth. The guys pulling the strings know exactly what we're like and they're playing the majority of us like little puppets.


There never was a golden age. Rubicons have been crossed and crossed and crossed eternally. The enlightenment told us we could have a golden age but that was a big fat lie. We should strive as individuals to be the best we can be, physically and morally and psychologically, but as far as curing society and making it into a paradise - that is quite simply never going to happen.

Nobody wants a paradise, we just want improvement for the sake of our kids. It's cut-throat out there, god help them when they realize just how deep this rabbit hole goes.

[Darcy88]

What part of this is untrue?

Are people often ridiculed for no reason? Yes.
Do people then feel the need to conform? Yes.
Are intellectual, original and creative forms of entertainment the biggest contenders in the entertainment market? No.
Is the result of this a dumbed down society? Yes.
Does the schooling system encourage individuality and creativity? No.

The schooling system really gets me. They'd ought to teach our kids how to stand up for their rights out here, if they're not teaching them how to fall asleep without nightmares. They don't talk about multiculturalism, about how drugs can be used in moderation, or how they can escape council estates and earn money from a poor unprofessional background. Instead they'd rather teach kids on the death of Macbeth and then complain when students are running wild, beating each other up, smoking marijuana on lunch breaks and even before school. They don't know that marijuana can be abused as badly as crack, because it's all hush hush, "we don't talk about that!".

The media message is conform, this isn't a huge conspiracy it's fact, populations scared to get out of their comfort zones and conforming is good for sales.

You guys would be silly to think we as a society haven't been studied in depth. The guys pulling the strings know exactly what we're like and they're playing the majority of us like little puppets.



Nobody wants a paradise, we just want improvement for the sake of our kids. It's cut-throat out there, god help them when they realize just how deep this rabbit hole goes.

Its always been cut-throat. I just live my life the way I like to live it and make sure my family does too and then I mostly only associate with people who have good values and are intelligent.

There are no people pulling the strings. There is no string. There is human nature, climate, geography, FATE, God, ect. Almost all of what you object to is the result of historical accident. Technology plays a huge role too in making us demented, but there was no conspiracy to make people demented. It just happened, like a storm. Its nature, simple nature. Plus I think people have in a way always been demented. I myself am somewhat demented, half a philistine to be sure. Before, in a bygone time, we were all less distracted assuredly, but I don't think the sum total of intelligence has gone down.

The present is not special. The world has always been a scene of immense turmoil and upheaval.

[E.A Rumfield]

The present is not special. The world has always been a scene of immense turmoil and upheaval.

I'm saying exactly the opposite. Here in America we have settled in. We have lost our rebellious nature. Other countries may still stand up for their freedom but America has a way of fixing that. We have become complacent, domesticated if you will. Sure, it's been a long time coming but now it's being achieved. Also to say someone is not pulling the strings is naive. It's been that way forever.

“The really hopeless victims of mental illness are to be found among those who appear to be most normal. "Many of them are normal because they are so well adjusted to our mode of existence, because their human voice has been silenced so early in their lives, that they do not even struggle or suffer or develop symptoms as the neurotic does." They are normal not in what may be called the absolute sense of the word; they are normal only in relation to a profoundly abnormal society. Their perfect adjustment to that abnormal society is a measure of their mental sickness. These millions of abnormally normal people, living without fuss in a society to which, if they were fully human beings, they ought not to be adjusted.”
― Aldous Huxley, Brave New World Revisited

[Freudian Monkey]

To my understanding people have been happy and docile long before the 20th century consumerism. Maybe you can mention some examples of cultures and time periods where people weren't pacified by the powerful by means of entertainment, narcotics, wealth, easy life, disinformation or superstition?

[E.A Rumfield]

To my understanding people have been happy and docile long before the 20th century consumerism. Maybe you can mention some examples of cultures and time periods where people weren't pacified by the powerful by means of entertainment, narcotics, wealth, easy life, disinformation or superstition?

You're right and we probably have to good back to pre civilization to find man in his natural and right place in nature. I don't believe human beings are meant to belong to a society. Instead of advancing the situation we have succumb to it. Instead of science working for us we work for science, we fight wars to "save civilization" like its something worth saving. What a system of streetlights and bananas in the winter time? I think we would be much happier living like animals, with no idea of God or happiness. Our intelligence has become a curse, we confuse ourselves with words and ideas. The world has become so elaborately ****ed if I may say so that like the a set of tangled Christmas lights I doubt the problem will be resolved. Yet we remain so self important talking about God and science. We have no idea the true meaning of either one. Do you think a dog believes in God? Why do we think some being in the sky handcrafted us? If there is a God he despises us. And it's time we woke up, to these unpleasant facts like we are all alone in this world and only have each other for warmth, and thought logically and rationally for once.

[Freudian Monkey]

You're right and we probably have to good back to pre civilization to find man in his natural and right place in nature. I don't believe human beings are meant to belong to a society. Instead of advancing the situation we have succumb to it. Instead of science working for us we work for science, we fight wars to "save civilization" like its something worth saving.

According to Uncle Siggy the primal function of culture is to prevent human beings from killing each other in a blind rampage. Would we be better off without culture?

[Darcy88]

You're right and we probably have to good back to pre civilization to find man in his natural and right place in nature. I don't believe human beings are meant to belong to a society. Instead of advancing the situation we have succumb to it. Instead of science working for us we work for science, we fight wars to "save civilization" like its something worth saving. What a system of streetlights and bananas in the winter time? I think we would be much happier living like animals, with no idea of God or happiness. Our intelligence has become a curse, we confuse ourselves with words and ideas. The world has become so elaborately ****ed if I may say so that like the a set of tangled Christmas lights I doubt the problem will be resolved. Yet we remain so self important talking about God and science. We have no idea the true meaning of either one. Do you think a dog believes in God? Why do we think some being in the sky handcrafted us? If there is a God he despises us. And it's time we woke up, to these unpleasant facts like we are all alone in this world and only have each other for warmth, and thought logically and rationally for once.

There are 7 billion people in this world. Its too late for the human race to go living like wild animals. And if civilization did crumble then you'd have roving gangs killing for resources. Women would become mere property again. You'd have chaos. You'd have barbarianism.

I would suggest you move someplace rural. The societal madness is much less apparent out in the countryside. Out in the countryside you can still feel like you're just an animal.

[Red Hot Soho]

Its always been cut-throat. I just live my life the way I like to live it and make sure my family does too and then I mostly only associate with people who have good values and are intelligent.

There are no people pulling the strings. There is no string. There is human nature, climate, geography, FATE, God, ect. Almost all of what you object to is the result of historical accident. Technology plays a huge role too in making us demented, but there was no conspiracy to make people demented. It just happened, like a storm. Its nature, simple nature. Plus I think people have in a way always been demented. I myself am somewhat demented, half a philistine to be sure. Before, in a bygone time, we were all less distracted assuredly, but I don't think the sum total of intelligence has gone down.

The present is not special. The world has always been a scene of immense turmoil and upheaval.


So with your logic we haven't moved on at all?

Frankly, what the world was or has been in your opinion is completely irrelevant, we live in a time where the amount of actual people on this planet is beginning to be a little unnerving. Please keep your comments about how everything is the same and doesn't change to yourself, it's untrue and rather frustrating. Yes, the total sum of intelligence probably hasn't gone down. But the problem is we're measuring work by the depth of the hardships and measuring intelligence by the university and who they studied under. That system is ancient, and it needs to go, right now.

Stephen Pinker wrote a magnificent piece of work on the decline of violence, it's true. Violence has declined. Do you want me to now start agreeing with the system and how every other aspect of things are run because we're finally slightly safer than before? I honestly believe whatever happened in whatever era you're talking about bears zero, nil, no relevance in this world we're in today.


There are people pulling strings, open your eyes. Do you really think these politicians that sound like they're talking in their sleep have anything to do with actually controlling the population? They're cat walk models, they do nothing more but walk around on a stage for 5 minutes and then get made to sign documents in front of cameras.



To my understanding people have been happy and docile long before the 20th century consumerism. Maybe you can mention some examples of cultures and time periods where people weren't pacified by the powerful by means of entertainment, narcotics, wealth, easy life, disinformation or superstition?


Yes?

So what? I'm simply saying this whole system is pants-on-head-retarded. And there isn't a noble cause anymore, just a wealthy one.

At one point it was a norm to rape children, so because we did it then surely it's fine to do it now right? When will you guys stop looking for context in the last hundreds of years of human civilization and live in the now?

[Freudian Monkey]

Yes?

So what? I'm simply saying this whole system is pants-on-head-retarded. And there isn't a noble cause anymore, just a wealthy one.

At one point it was a norm to rape children, so because we did it then surely it's fine to do it now right? When will you guys stop looking for context in the last hundreds of years of human civilization and live in the now?

I wasn't actually referring to your post but rather the post above my comment.

[cacian]

Let's see what rubicon means.
First it is a shallow river
then also means
''It is a point of no return'' or ''no man's land''

Have we crossed both of these?
Not really. We might stepped on the moon and indented with an industrialisation and left a mark of a very heavily polluted mind but we have not brought back happiness on a plate.
We have gone to where no man's has gone before and we have reached the skies and beyond.
Physically Humanity has transpired itself beyond capacity to a point of
However it is nowhere near reached its intellectual challenge the best one yet.
Intellectually humans have remained unchallenged and stands a backward awkward way.
That is one heck of a reality check that needs to be undone.

[Darcy88]

So with your logic we haven't moved on at all?

Frankly, what the world was or has been in your opinion is completely irrelevant, we live in a time where the amount of actual people on this planet is beginning to be a little unnerving. Please keep your comments about how everything is the same and doesn't change to yourself, it's untrue and rather frustrating. Yes, the total sum of intelligence probably hasn't gone down. But the problem is we're measuring work by the depth of the hardships and measuring intelligence by the university and who they studied under. That system is ancient, and it needs to go, right now.

Stephen Pinker wrote a magnificent piece of work on the decline of violence, it's true. Violence has declined. Do you want me to now start agreeing with the system and how every other aspect of things are run because we're finally slightly safer than before? I honestly believe whatever happened in whatever era you're talking about bears zero, nil, no relevance in this world we're in today.


There are people pulling strings, open your eyes. Do you really think these politicians that sound like they're talking in their sleep have anything to do with actually controlling the population? They're cat walk models, they do nothing more but walk around on a stage for 5 minutes and then get made to sign documents in front of cameras.





Yes?

So what? I'm simply saying this whole system is pants-on-head-retarded. And there isn't a noble cause anymore, just a wealthy one.

At one point it was a norm to rape children, so because we did it then surely it's fine to do it now right? When will you guys stop looking for context in the last hundreds of years of human civilization and live in the now?

Its hard for me to discuss this because I threw idealism out the door at age 13.

We are imperfectly evolved/created mammals and so the system we create is going to be in many respects harsh and stupid. To want something more is to want human nature and FATE ITSELF to suddenly alter.

If you actually study history, as I've spent years doing, you see that all these issues about inequality and lack of resources are simply par for the course. They've always been and always will be. Things like climate and geography and resource allocation and power dynamics are beyond the control of these people you believe control the strings.

If you really care then go become an activist. Otherwise get to work taking care of yourself and the ones you love because this world is a nasty place and fate favours the strong.

[E.A Rumfield]

There are 7 billion people in this world. Its too late for the human race to go living like wild animals. And if civilization did crumble then you'd have roving gangs killing for resources. Women would become mere property again. You'd have chaos. You'd have barbarianism.

I would suggest you move someplace rural. The societal madness is much less apparent out in the countryside. Out in the countryside you can still feel like you're just an animal.

Again you're right but like I said instead of advancing ourselves, becoming something good we've only become a curse. This has been a long time building but you have to wonder how much longer we can keep this game up. We're only fooling ourselves thinking we can keep this lifestyle up for another hundred years. We could certainly be living better than we are now.

[tonywalt]

I think it's more a matter of our Technology has surpassed our Humanity. If you really think about what that means both negative and positive - it's pretty incredible and has both positive and negative features.

[Red Hot Soho]

Its hard for me to discuss this because I threw idealism out the door at age 13.

We are imperfectly evolved/created mammals and so the system we create is going to be in many respects harsh and stupid. To want something more is to want human nature and FATE ITSELF to suddenly alter.

If you actually study history, as I've spent years doing, you see that all these issues about inequality and lack of resources are simply par for the course. They've always been and always will be. Things like climate and geography and resource allocation and power dynamics are beyond the control of these people you believe control the strings.

If you really care then go become an activist. Otherwise get to work taking care of yourself and the ones you love because this world is a nasty place and fate favours the strong.

{edit}

Sherlock, how about next time you tell me something I don't know? Humanity has been corrupted for countless centuries, well done! Did it take you years of history research to work that one out? The argument 'Always has been and always will be' is pathetically weak, I don't even register such non-sense. The reason why we lack resources is because the hidden hand profits from it. It's actually pretty simple if you take a step back and look at things for what they are.

Become an activist? Along with all these useless, passive aggressive and heartless sacks of water shouting 'Look at me! I'm different!'? No thank you, I'd rather just make my own mind up and be satisfied that if I ruled the world my ideal would become a reality for all.

Your lack of confidence in your worldly peers is frightening, I suggest you begin traveling, maybe you'll find beauty.

[Calidore]

Where the shadow cabal argument falls down is in its proclamation of "control" where influence is the truth. People don't need a "hidden hand" to force them to conform; they do it naturally, as any social animal does. Some alphas rise above and the rest follow willingly. People can't be controlled, but they can be influenced.

The media and entertainment industries, like any business, are driven by profit. They do try different things when they see potential profit there. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If the media giants could control people, they would never fail, but they do regularly. Some innovations aren't accepted by the people, and some are and are then beaten into the ground until they're not innovative anymore.

You make a profit, or gain political power, by understanding individual and group psychology and convincing them to buy what you're selling.

{edit}

Darcy was correct when he talked about history and nature. Why do you think neither matters?

[E.A Rumfield]

Where the shadow cabal argument falls down is in its proclamation of "control" where influence is the truth. People don't need a "hidden hand" to force them to conform; they do it naturally, as any social animal does. Some alphas rise above and the rest follow willingly. People can't be controlled, but they can be influenced.

The media and entertainment industries, like any business, are driven by profit. They do try different things when they see potential profit there. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If the media giants could control people, they would never fail, but they do regularly. Some innovations aren't accepted by the people, and some are and are then beaten into the ground until they're not innovative anymore.

You make a profit, or gain political power, by understanding individual and group psychology and convincing them to buy what you're selling.

{edit}

Darcy was correct when he talked about history and nature. Why do you think neither matters?

Human beings are more like wolves than ants. Ants live in a large rigidly structured colony well wolves live in small groups and some individuals are known to roam largely alone except to mate. Human beings began just like wolves in small packs or alone. To live in such a large and overwhelming civilization is detrimental to the individual even if they themselves don't realize it. Also I believe human beings are capable of great things it only takes time. Great ideas aren't realized over night they take a life time of thought and experience something that people today seem not to realize. We live in a push of a button world.

[Darcy88]

Human beings are more like wolves than ants. Ants live in a large rigidly structured colony well wolves live in small groups and some individuals are known to roam largely alone except to mate. Human beings began just like wolves in small packs or alone. To live in such a large and overwhelming civilization is detrimental to the individual even if they themselves don't realize it. Also I believe human beings are capable of great things it only takes time. Great ideas aren't realized over night they take a life time of thought and experience something that people today seem not to realize. We live in a push of a button world.

First off, Calidore expressed better the sentiment I am trying to express. Well done Calidore and thank you.

Now Rumfield.... Human beings are social animals. We do have that wolfish side, but our brains are fundamentally social. We actually are more like ants or sheep than wolves. This is obvious everywhere you look. I love solitude. I spend more time in solitude than the overwhelming bulk of my peers, but I must remain connected, have friends and family who I can talk to, enjoy spending time with. If you go and literally live like a wolf you will find your life is more in tune with truth and beauty and God, but you will be unutterably lonely. I know this because I've lived as a man on the town and as a hermit.

Also, so what if you can imagine a more perfect world. Either accept the world as it is or go out and try in some small or great way to change it. Just smiling at someone, just letting someone talk to you about their problems, just taking the bus instead of buying a car, just working a regular job, do all contribute to the betterment of the world.

And you can take refuge in nature and in art. These problems that haunt us, these manifestations of societal madness and stupidity, do not reach you when you are out in nature or are absorbed in the creation or the enjoyment of art.

Stoicism is another answer. Just say to yourself "So what!" There will always be suffering and stupidity, the two great curses, to torment us if we allow them to. Its best to just get on with life.

[Scheherazade]

~

W a r n i n g

Please do not personalise your discussions.

Posts containing inflammatory and/or personal comments have been and will be removed without further notice.

~

[cafolini]

First off, Calidore expressed better the sentiment I am trying to express. Well done Calidore and thank you.

Now Rumfield.... Human beings are social animals. We do have that wolfish side, but our brains are fundamentally social. We actually are more like ants or sheep than wolves. This is obvious everywhere you look. I love solitude. I spend more time in solitude than the overwhelming bulk of my peers, but I must remain connected, have friends and family who I can talk to, enjoy spending time with. If you go and literally live like a wolf you will find your life is more in tune with truth and beauty and God, but you will be unutterably lonely. I know this because I've lived as a man on the town and as a hermit.

Also, so what if you can imagine a more perfect world. Either accept the world as it is or go out and try in some small or great way to change it. Just smiling at someone, just letting someone talk to you about their problems, just taking the bus instead of buying a car, just working a regular job, do all contribute to the betterment of the world.

And you can take refuge in nature and in art. These problems that haunt us, these manifestations of societal madness and stupidity, do not reach you when you are out in nature or are absorbed in the creation or the enjoyment of art.

Stoicism is another answer. Just say to yourself "So what!" There will always be suffering and stupidity, the two great curses, to torment us if we allow them to. Its best to just get on with life.

Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent.
R. D. Laing

We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is already disappearing.
R. D. Laing

Insanity - a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.
R. D. Laing

Some very good points as usual, Darcy.

[E.A Rumfield]

Insanity - a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.

Huxley said something very similar that I posted on the first page.

[cafolini]

I think it's more a matter of our Technology has surpassed our Humanity. If you really think about what that means both negative and positive - it's pretty incredible and has both positive and negative features.

So the consequence is that there will be people who know less and less and people who know more and more. But knowledge or ignorance will not do it for anyone. There will be nothing beyond them, guaranteed 100%. So only love for all. Love forever will win our battles.:cheers2:

[Darcy88]

So the consequence is that there will be people who know less and less and people who know more and more. But knowledge or ignorance will not do it for anyone. There will be nothing beyond them, guaranteed 100%. So only love for all. Love forever will win our battles.:cheers2:

In insight and in attitude this post shines, revealing its author, you Cafolini, to be a human being of true wisdom.

[Alexander III]

First off, Calidore expressed better the sentiment I am trying to express. Well done Calidore and thank you.

Now Rumfield.... Human beings are social animals. We do have that wolfish side, but our brains are fundamentally social. We actually are more like ants or sheep than wolves. This is obvious everywhere you look. I love solitude. I spend more time in solitude than the overwhelming bulk of my peers, but I must remain connected, have friends and family who I can talk to, enjoy spending time with. If you go and literally live like a wolf you will find your life is more in tune with truth and beauty and God, but you will be unutterably lonely. I know this because I've lived as a man on the town and as a hermit.

Also, so what if you can imagine a more perfect world. Either accept the world as it is or go out and try in some small or great way to change it. Just smiling at someone, just letting someone talk to you about their problems, just taking the bus instead of buying a car, just working a regular job, do all contribute to the betterment of the world.

And you can take refuge in nature and in art. These problems that haunt us, these manifestations of societal madness and stupidity, do not reach you when you are out in nature or are absorbed in the creation or the enjoyment of art.

Stoicism is another answer. Just say to yourself "So what!" There will always be suffering and stupidity, the two great curses, to torment us if we allow them to. Its best to just get on with life.


I know you just found christianity and are probably enjoying the whole "turn the other cheek" phase, but you are being ridicoulsly apologetic and diplomatic here. And the result is not civil discourse, but instead a stupid set of ideas which because no one is willing to be blunt and say quite simply and unaplogeticaly "that is stupid" these ideas are forgiven of their ignorance, and thus tolerated. Just because we are in an egalitarian society doesn't mean a stupid opinion deserves the same respect as an intelligent one.

[cafolini]

[QUOTE=Alexander III;1164311]I know you just found christianity and are probably enjoying the whole "turn the other cheek" phase, but you are being ridicoulsly apologetic and diplomatic here. And the result is not civil discourse, but instead a stupid set of ideas which because no one is willing to be blunt and say quite simply and unaplogeticaly "that is stupid" these ideas are forgiven of their ignorance, and thus tolerated. Just because we are in an egalitarian society doesn't mean a stupid opinion deserves the same respect as an intelligent one.[/QUOTE

Alexander.That was very insulting, and not backed by any argument at all. Sorry.

[Freudian Monkey]

I know you just found christianity and are probably enjoying the whole "turn the other cheek" phase, but you are being ridicoulsly apologetic and diplomatic here. And the result is not civil discourse, but instead a stupid set of ideas which because no one is willing to be blunt and say quite simply and unaplogeticaly "that is stupid" these ideas are forgiven of their ignorance, and thus tolerated. Just because we are in an egalitarian society doesn't mean a stupid opinion deserves the same respect as an intelligent one.

If you are going to insult someone, do it like a real gentleman. You have a lot to learn from Darcy here.

[Alexander III]

[QUOTE=Alexander III;1164311]

Alexander.That was very insulting, and not backed by any argument at all. Sorry.

I was not referring to your post but to this one bellow:


{edit}

Sherlock, how about next time you tell me something I don't know? Humanity has been corrupted for countless centuries, well done! Did it take you years of history research to work that one out? The argument 'Always has been and always will be' is pathetically weak, I don't even register such non-sense. The reason why we lack resources is because the hidden hand profits from it. It's actually pretty simple if you take a step back and look at things for what they are.

Become an activist? Along with all these useless, passive aggressive and heartless sacks of water shouting 'Look at me! I'm different!'? No thank you, I'd rather just make my own mind up and be satisfied that if I ruled the world my ideal would become a reality for all.

Your lack of confidence in your worldly peers is frightening, I suggest you begin traveling, maybe you'll find beauty.

[Darcy88]

I know you just found christianity and are probably enjoying the whole "turn the other cheek" phase, but you are being ridicoulsly apologetic and diplomatic here. And the result is not civil discourse, but instead a stupid set of ideas which because no one is willing to be blunt and say quite simply and unaplogeticaly "that is stupid" these ideas are forgiven of their ignorance, and thus tolerated. Just because we are in an egalitarian society doesn't mean a stupid opinion deserves the same respect as an intelligent one.

Anger has been my ruin. Its not Christianity that makes me try to be a peace-maker, its the fact that I can so easily fly off the handle and go at an ignorant person like a rabid dog that makes me try with incredible effort to remain civil. Every time I turn on the television or go out and hear the talk on the street I am put to agony by the sheer thoughtlessness that seems to everywhere abound. I can let it eat me up, as I used to, or I can accept that the bulk of people operate under many false assumptions, arrive at many blundering conclusions, and if I do not want my soul to choke to death on the errors of others I have to not let it get to me. Plus, as soon as you attack someone they immediately dig a trench and instead of coming over to your position begin hurling hurtful words at you in return.

Now back to the topic at hand....... people have to become more Stoic. I am a person of deep empathy, I turn on the news, see people getting shot to death or killed by some disaster, and I often cry. But thus is the world. An arena for the gods in which mankind, as individuals and as a whole, is tormented, driven to depths of misery. The only answer is outward stoicism, and an inward appreciation for the finer things such as art and love and knowledge. We must all construct within ourselves a castle, a place of refuge from the great storm of suffering and stupidity which has raged, does rage and shall eternally rage. Art and love are my two primary avenues of coping with the state of things.

Fate is omnipotent in so far as it is beyond the control of any single or any group of men. Mankind will always be divided by geography and politics and a long assortment of other things. We are the way we are, we individuals, because of what happened a hundred, a thousand, a million years ago. We can fight fate, crusade against fate, or we can accept it and then go on to make the best of it. Making the best of fate really is the great cause every person should undertake. Because no matter how starkly awful one's fate may seem, there is still much room for personal growth and - there is love, there is art.

If I could get people to recite any mantra it would be that last one - THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS ART. THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS ART. LIFE AIN'T ALL THAT BAD!

[cafolini]

Anger has been my ruin. Its not Christianity that makes me try to be a peace-maker, its the fact that I can so easily fly off the handle and go at an ignorant person like a rabid dog that makes me try with incredible effort to remain civil. Every time I turn on the television or go out and hear the talk on the street I am put to agony by the sheer thoughtlessness that seems to everywhere abound. I can let it eat me up, as I used to, or I can accept that the bulk of people operate under many false assumptions, arrive at many blundering conclusions, and if I do not want my soul to choke to death on the errors of others I have to not let it get to me. Plus, as soon as you attack someone they immediately dig a trench and instead of coming over to your position begin hurling hurtful words at you in return.

Now back to the topic at hand....... people have to become more Stoic. I am a person of deep empathy, I turn on the news, see people getting shot to death or killed by some disaster, and I often cry. But thus is the world. An arena for the gods in which mankind, as individuals and as a whole, is tormented, driven to depths of misery. The only answer is outward stoicism, and an inward appreciation for the finer things such as art and love and knowledge. We must all construct within ourselves a castle, a place of refuge from the great storm of suffering and stupidity which has raged, does rage and shall eternally rage. Art and love are my two primary avenues of coping with the state of things.

Fate is omnipotent in so far as it is beyond the control of any single or any group of men. Mankind will always be divided by geography and politics and a long assortment of other things. We are the way we are, we individuals, because of what happened a hundred, a thousand, a million years ago. We can fight fate, crusade against fate, or we can accept it and then go on to make the best of it. Making the best of fate really is the great cause every person should undertake. Because no matter how starkly awful one's fate may seem, there is still much room for personal growth and - there is love, there is art.

If I could get people to recite any mantra it would be that last one - THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS ART. THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS ART. LIFE AIN'T ALL THAT BAD!

I don't know if I would be a stoic in this context, but people that I respect, such as Camus, came to the same conclusion. I'd probably remain with my Nietzchean ways, pull out my lantern and joke upon Spinoza. "We have killed Him. [2000 years ago] What do we do now?"
Tie me kangaroo down, sport!!! Love for all. Forever.

[Freudian Monkey]

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."

-Martin Luther

[RetsixArp]

[QUOTE=Darcy88;1163589] ...We do have that wolfish side, but our brains are fundamentally social. We actually are more like ants or sheep than wolves. This is obvious everywhere you look. ...It's hard for me to imagine we're even pondering the Rubicon when accounts of human conduct are reduced to body parts & critter analogies. What's obvious to me is that my brain seldom leaps outta my skull to be social.

Scary stuff ...

[Alexander III]

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."

-Martin Luther

Were the world to end tomorrow I would let the fool speak and preform his oratory till he has had his fill, and I would nod at his words and smile to him. But the world is not to end tomorrow. And there is an audience of men with ears who are looking for influence, and there is an even greater audience of men of intelligence who reason with the fool as an equal for fear of upsetting the God of democracy; I shall chastise the fool, but I shall posses no anger towards him, my anger is for those who lack the courage to call a thing by its proper name.

[Freudian Monkey]

Were the world to end tomorrow I would let the fool speak and preform his oratory till he has had his fill, and I would nod at his words and smile to him. But the world is not to end tomorrow. And there is an audience of men with ears who are looking for influence, and there is an even greater audience of men of intelligence who reason with the fool as an equal for fear of upsetting the God of democracy; I shall chastise the fool, but I shall posses no anger towards him, my anger is for those who lack the courage to call a thing by its proper name.

There is a difference between being critical and being a jerk.

I'm sorry if you got upset over my gentleman comment.

[Alexander III]

There is a difference between being critical and being a jerk.

I'm sorry if you got upset over my gentleman comment.

hhahaha, you thought I was talking about you? Why is it that everyone assumes that I was referring to them, it seems quite clear to me in this discussion to whose posts I am referring too...

[Freudian Monkey]

hhahaha, you thought I was talking about you? Why is it that everyone assumes that I was referring to them, it seems quite clear to me in this discussion to whose posts I am referring too...

I replied because you quoted my text.

And I'm sorry since you're clearly upset.

[Scheherazade]

I'd appreciate it no one called each other "fool" or "jerk" or resorted to any other kind of kindergardenesque name-calling as I have no intention of nodding and delivering fake smiles.

Please consider this a w a r n i n g.

[cacian]

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."

-Martin Luther

t






Ahhh the only problem here is that could you do not plant an apple tree but you will need to plant an apple seed or the fruit seed instead and that my friend would be a monumental task of its own.
:smilewinkgrin:

[Volya]

We'll only have crossed the Rubicon, when people start to think we have. Because it's then that people will lose any hope they had left for humanity, and will resign themselves to whatever fate the worlds going to give them. As long as we think there's still hope, we'll never have truly crossed the Rubicon.

[cafolini]

We'll only have crossed the Rubicon, when people start to think we have. Because it's then that people will lose any hope they had left for humanity, and will resign themselves to whatever fate the worlds going to give them. As long as we think there's still hope, we'll never have truly crossed the Rubicon.

That's why science and humanity can no longer be confronted. It is pointless.
The only hope is strictly in Jesus and love forever.:grouphug::driving:

[E.A Rumfield]

That's why science and humanity can no longer be confronted. It is pointless.
The only hope is strictly in Jesus and love forever.:grouphug::driving:

Well that's not going to do anything. That's like starting a fire and asking The Easter Bunny to put it out. He won't because he isn't real.

[Volya]

That's why science and humanity can no longer be confronted. It is pointless.
The only hope is strictly in Jesus and love forever.:grouphug::driving:

I'm not sure if this post is meant to be a joke or not...
If you think the only hope lies with Jesus then you should probably rethink your attitude towards life...

[cafolini]

I'm not sure if this post is meant to be a joke or not...
If you think the only hope lies with Jesus then you should probably rethink your attitude towards life...

You will have to solve those issues for yourself without ever thinking you can solve them for others. Love to you. Forever.

[cacian]

We'll only have crossed the Rubicon, when people start to think we have. Because it's then that people will lose any hope they had left for humanity, and will resign themselves to whatever fate the worlds going to give them. As long as we think there's still hope, we'll never have truly crossed the Rubicon.

Well I think we have crossed enough zebra crossings to last us a lifelong and look where we have ended up
In hospitals on death beds with a death toll of more then a billion in road users. And why? because we thought we could have the cake and eat it.
We thought we could have a car a zebra crossing a road drivers and pedestrians all at once.
The damage of it all is all too obvious.
Well I think until we have achieved NO DEATHS on the roads then we are nowhere near crossing anything let alone the rubicon.

[Freudian Monkey]

Ahhh the only problem here is that could you do not plant an apple tree but you will need to plant an apple seed or the fruit seed instead and that my friend would be a monumental task of its own.
:smilewinkgrin:

I guess Martin didn't take that little detail into account. :)

[Darcy88]

"I feel sometimes as though I am going to burst. I really don’t give a damn about the misery of the world. I take it for granted. What I want is to open up. I want to know what’s inside of me. I want to open everybody up. I’m like an imbecile with a can opener in his hand, wondering where to begin —to open up the earth." —Henry Miller (Sexus)