On 4 Feb 2007 19:47:32 -0800, "h elmer | espeance" <espeance@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
> yeah, no kidding!
>
> i tire of the continuous debate though, of "let's validate it through
> science" . . .
>
> (this is not directed at you, just in general)
Understood. :-)
> if that's what somenone
> wants to do, fine, go do it, present the results in a calm manner, but
> don't constantly try to force to an opinion, make it available, and
> that's the end of it
>
> my pesonal experience with obes and the like is beyond a rational only
> scientific mindset, i believe there is more than rationality, and most
> likely will continue to do so, it feels correct for me
I agree, actually. I think it's wonderful to have the kind of open-minded
worldview that permits for possibilities not readily apparent. The
problem
comes when people again close their minds around such possibilities and
start
trying to enforce their views on others - that's happened far more often
in the
name of spirituality, religion and mysticism than it's ever happened with
science. I think there's something to be said for an open-minded
philosophical
view of the world, even one that's religious or mystical in nature, but I
also
think that such philosophies are very easy to manipulate mass numbers of
people
with. There is a need for balance, I'd say - not too much "all science
and
logic" and not too much "what feels right to me". Charles Manson did what
felt
right to him, and I just don't see how a civilized society can let such
things
develop unchecked. There are other people to consider in the world. When
dealing with ourselves, our own outlook on life and existence, anything's
the
limit. When dealing with each other, I haven't found much that works more
reliably for dealing with a larger number of other people than logic and
rationality. Religion is certainly far more divisive when it comes to
larger
numbers of people, regardless of the benefits it can provide at the
individual
level. If one is going to be a hermit, then more power to them - may they
see
whatever reality they want to see when they look around them no matter how
sunny
or grim. But this planet is becoming a global village. What "feels right
to
me" cannot be the standard if we are to survive finally being forced to
deal
with -each other-, as it seems we inevitably are starting to have to do.
That is the only objection I have to worldviews centered mostly around
mystical,
subjective interpretations and experiences. It too easily leads to
patterns of
thought and behavior which are so very hostile to diversity. Those
mystical,
subjective patterns of thought and behavior which do -not- do this - they
are
some of my favorite things in the world, I am certainly not against them.
I'm
just not sure how to more easily keep them from being used by the greedy
and the
tyrannical among us to sway large numbers of people into committing
attrocities
in the name of their particular mystical perceptions. An integrated,
diverse
civilization demands an end to such barbarism, but it's so -easy- to
create.
What's the answer? I don't know. I certainly don't propose trying to do
anything to reduce a person's freedom of choice as far as what to believe
-
quite the opposite, actually, I think we should be as free as possible. I
think
education is the answer - even non-rational and illogical forms of it,
like new
age workshops and what have you. We should be striving to open up lines
of
communication among one another, and so I do not favor censoring or
oppressing
any one point of view - even those which I believe are fully abhorrent to
a
civilized world (such as military occupation and suicide bombings). We
must all
learn to speak to one another, we must all learn to "endure" one another
(even
mere "tolerance" is too much to expect - I think "endurance" is about all
we'll
ever manage to actually get from most people).
That is the only reason I ever speak out, when I do, the way I do, about
subjects such as this. I don't think lowly of anyone who lives their life
according to mystical or subjective perceptions of the world, no matter
how far
removed their ways may seem either to the mainstream or just myself. I
love
people who are willing to buck against the norm - but in a more
harmonious,
temperate and peaceful way. Not those who wish to do nothing more than
create
hostility and discord.
Anyway, I've said my peace, and so now go in piece. ;-)
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