Good old uncle Karl supposedly said: "Religion is opium for the masses"

bingst comments on May 6, 2018:

Via Michael Moore on FB. *Happy Birthday, Karl Marx. You Were Right!* NYTimes Opinion https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/30/opinion/karl-marx-at-200-influence.html

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

I must admit that I was absolutely flummoxed to see Karl's name on the NYTimes ... My first and perhaps last vote went to the DKP (German Communist Party) ... Though I had no real affinity for the communists... I was young and stupid and brainwashed.

Good old uncle Karl supposedly said: "Religion is opium for the masses"

JustKip comments on May 6, 2018:

I knew there was a little more to it, and grabbed this quote from wikipedia;The full quote from Karl Marx translates as: "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people". Often quoted only in part, ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

Good point ...

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

PontifexMarximus comments on May 5, 2018:

With all due respect in my opinion your question is wrong. Atheist are the true believers. Faithless are those who seek refuge in religious congregations. Atheist tailor their own faithsuit made from selected faithal fabrics and lined with fine faithal tissue. Whereas the followers of religions get ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

@walklightly I am still pretty ambivalent whe it comes to the strict differentiation between belief and the observations. When I look at the cloud free night sky I enjoy the view but don't really understand the details of what I am looking at. I have only very vague notions of escape velocities, black holes, quazars ... I just enjoy it. I often this that there could be other laws of physic at work in a black hole. I classify my incomplete knowledge and inability to comprehend as "belief". I read in absolute awe about people who understand this and can talk about this with great confidence.

Is marriage for all a good idea?

shockwaverider comments on May 6, 2018:

Marriage is a legal contract, why should it matter who the parties to the contract are? It doesn't. How is marriage a monopoly?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

Marriage is only valid if certified by a legal body that has the power. I many countries the state has the monopoly in other jurisdictions it is held by religious authorities.

Is marriage for all a good idea?

CS60 comments on May 6, 2018:

if People want to get married let them. If they prefer a commitment ceremony let them. To me marriage is a religious construct. I’d much prefer to find a way to separate church and state.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

I understand that and would endorse it if people couple marry whom ever they fancied. I wouldn't even limit the number. But I am against the fact that some authority takes the right from me. It should be enough if you go to a mate and take her/him as a witness without any state or, as it is still the case in many jurisdictions, a religious authority interferes. To this day the Philippines do not have a simple divorce procedure in place.

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

PontifexMarximus comments on May 5, 2018:

With all due respect in my opinion your question is wrong. Atheist are the true believers. Faithless are those who seek refuge in religious congregations. Atheist tailor their own faithsuit made from selected faithal fabrics and lined with fine faithal tissue. Whereas the followers of religions get ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

@walklightly thank you for your feedback ... I consider myself a true believer, an atheist believer par excellence ... I just don't believe in gods, angels, demons and consorts ... I believe in nature whose existence I am unwilling to deny .. But then I must admit I don't believe in nations and states etc. and they do exists. So this is a different type of disbelief, should probably be non-belief I shall not concede that my belief in nature and the laws thereof as far as I can fathom them are of any lesser nature than the beliefs of those who need spiritual crutches, I.e. Religions churches, robes and pews.

Will plastic money in the USA eradicate theism, at least monotheism?

Palindromeman comments on May 5, 2018:

As an Australian, I find US currency both bizarre and amusing. The invocation of god on the currency is, to me, anachronistic. Also, that US cash is printed on paper. Australian currency is made with polymer, which makes it both more hard wearing and much harder to counterfeit. I understand that ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 6, 2018:

@Palindromeman lucky you.

Will plastic money in the USA eradicate theism, at least monotheism?

Palindromeman comments on May 5, 2018:

As an Australian, I find US currency both bizarre and amusing. The invocation of god on the currency is, to me, anachronistic. Also, that US cash is printed on paper. Australian currency is made with polymer, which makes it both more hard wearing and much harder to counterfeit. I understand that ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@Palindromeman mate don't worry, we all have our flaws.

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Donotbelieve comments on May 5, 2018:

I thought it was a hoax, but want it to be real. It definitely looked medieval. I have known about it since I was young. I am not aware of whether a consensus on its validity has been reached.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@iamjc perhaps it was ... But now it has acquired a mysterious quality. Imagine 2235 years ago a Roman bought an antique watch in Egypt and the seller convinced him that it was really old and authentic and worn at the mega Nile party thrown by some celebrity. Five years later the guy finds out that it was really just a knockoff from China. But he documented the story and rapt the sundial in it. During the removal of the temple of Abu Simbel in 1968 the bundle was found during the excavation and the slicing of the temple. Originally it was a hoax, a fake but now???

Will plastic money in the USA eradicate theism, at least monotheism?

Palindromeman comments on May 5, 2018:

As an Australian, I find US currency both bizarre and amusing. The invocation of god on the currency is, to me, anachronistic. Also, that US cash is printed on paper. Australian currency is made with polymer, which makes it both more hard wearing and much harder to counterfeit. I understand that ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

But mate ... We are still dragging along the very anachronistic old bag from Windsor. She is the king buy the Grace of God. But then again Australia has a long tradition of queens.

Why are even people in this group still reluctant to state that they know that there are no gods out...

zing comments on May 5, 2018:

I don't know what to believe. I can understand why it's silly to think a god exists and I don't necessarily think that, but I also don't shut that door completely. It seems very unlikely that there is a god, and I may be because of how I was raised that I'm still hanging onto a thread of hope that ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Thank you for being honest. I can understand. Religious exposure causes lasting trauma. I remember this from my mother. In her wisdom she spared us children the trauma by not trying to indoctrinate us beyond some silly formalities.

My idea is that people just look at the pictures and write down spontaneously what these pictures ...

SKDeitch comments on May 5, 2018:

The Voynich is a mysterious document. I am of the school of thought that it was a gaff designed to squeeze money out of a rich intellectual nobleman. None of the translation attempts have struck me as plausible, but I am open to being convinced otherwise.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@SKDeitch I adore people who make counterfeit art works ... Unfortunately I have neither the talent nor the guts ...

My idea is that people just look at the pictures and write down spontaneously what these pictures ...

SKDeitch comments on May 5, 2018:

The Voynich is a mysterious document. I am of the school of thought that it was a gaff designed to squeeze money out of a rich intellectual nobleman. None of the translation attempts have struck me as plausible, but I am open to being convinced otherwise.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@SKDeitch cheating is a very natural phenomenon ... People who don't have the guts to do it try to get into politics so they can do it in all impunity

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Donotbelieve comments on May 5, 2018:

I thought it was a hoax, but want it to be real. It definitely looked medieval. I have known about it since I was young. I am not aware of whether a consensus on its validity has been reached.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@Donotbelieve welcome ...

I am curious about superstitions amongst people who are not mentally affiliated with a religion.

LenHazell53 comments on May 5, 2018:

Many superstitions had quite practical ideas behind them. Breaking a mirror is 7 years bad luck, because at the time a mirror was probably the most expensive thing in the house Don't walk under a ladder, because you might get something dropped on your head, or knock down the poor sod up there ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

I like the match bit ... It confirms that smoking kills.

The Unholy Trinity: Martin Luther, the Nazis and God To this day the Lutheran Church is ...

Palacinky comments on May 5, 2018:

Yes, thank you... Luther wrote an entire book called "Von den Jüden und iren Lügen" (On the Jews and their Lies) which was basically him frothing at the mouth with Jew hatred. He had 7 courses of actions Protestants should take against Jews... #1 was "to burn down Jewish synagogues and schools and...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Well ... I grew up between the Catholics and the Lutherans. The real dilemma was that they were the only providers of primary education. I sat through my first year of school on the wooden benches of a Lutheran school in a town that was mixed. But then we moved to a small village where the Protestant school was just renting 2 rooms in a catholic school which meant that 4 grades were bunched up, but the toilets were separate. Catholic and Lutheran urine and shit ought not to be mixed.

Why are even people in this group still reluctant to state that they know that there are no gods out...

snytiger6 comments on May 5, 2018:

I do not think anyone here would have a problem saying "Yes, there is no evidence of any gods out there."

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

I saw profiles that kept the 10% option that their might be. The question is: "Do know that there is no god?" I am pretty confident that nobody can bring any evdence that I am wrong. So I answer that question with "yes".

Why is Atheism often seen as the opposition to just the abrahamic god not to all the fabulous ...

Paul_Clamberer comments on May 5, 2018:

Please, anyone, correct me if I am wrong in saying that the word atheist means the absence of all deities. So I am a little surprised to read the question. Are there any instances which give rise to the question?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

The monotheist have monopolized the term 'God' to mean their god. Interestingly enough Apple, apart from autocorrecting apple to Apple, also corrects god to God and even more surprisingly angels to Angels. For me this is an indication that all those who believe in other gods would be seen as heretics or atheists.

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Donotbelieve comments on May 5, 2018:

I thought it was a hoax, but want it to be real. It definitely looked medieval. I have known about it since I was young. I am not aware of whether a consensus on its validity has been reached.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@Donotbelieve both were dated the vellum and the ink. The vellum had been dated before and later the dating of the ink confirmed the age of the document.

The Unholy Trinity: Martin Luther, the Nazis and God To this day the Lutheran Church is ...

KateZilla comments on May 5, 2018:

My Lutheran upbringing is a constant source of discontent.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Tell me about it! In my days they were Protestant mujaheddins. In Germany that mob is called "Evangelische Kirche".That says it all.

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

sassygirl3869 comments on May 5, 2018:

https://www.livescience.com/43542-voynich-manuscript-10-words-cracked.html I found this article how 10 words relating to botany have been cracked.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

There have been numerous claims that parts have been cracked. I was interested in what people had to say about the pictures. Thank you for your contribution.

My idea is that people just look at the pictures and write down spontaneously what these pictures ...

SKDeitch comments on May 5, 2018:

The Voynich is a mysterious document. I am of the school of thought that it was a gaff designed to squeeze money out of a rich intellectual nobleman. None of the translation attempts have struck me as plausible, but I am open to being convinced otherwise.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Perhaps it was. But even if criminal intend was the driving force, this work required dedication. I find it amazing. The consistency in the writing, the drawings.

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

atheist comments on May 5, 2018:

Ramblings of a madman with pictures!

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Interesting comment ...

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Betty comments on May 5, 2018:

I haven't seen or heard of this book before. The drawings seem to identify plants and some seemed to be combined so it makes me think they may be herbal remedies. There seems to be star charts and that make me think astrology. The pictures of the women may be to indicate their place in the ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

There exist claims that it once belonged to emperor Rudolf of Habsburg

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Ellatynemouth comments on May 5, 2018:

A waste of time in my opinion.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

What isn't a waste of time? Looks more exciting than crossstiching to me.

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Donotbelieve comments on May 5, 2018:

I thought it was a hoax, but want it to be real. It definitely looked medieval. I have known about it since I was young. I am not aware of whether a consensus on its validity has been reached.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Yes ... It has been authenticated but not deciphered.

Is it better to legalize prostitution or keep it illegal

Rodatheist comments on May 4, 2018:

Exploitation of another human being, as in a pimp exploiting women, is extremely distasteful. Sexual exploitation of minors is distastefuly criminal and it should have a sentence of 25 to life for every count (I don’t favor the death penalty). But if we are talking about two perfectly consenting...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Are any poor people consenting to becoming garbage collectors or coal miners?

Monarchies utterly anachronistic?

VLove comments on May 5, 2018:

Completely useless - except to earn the tourist dollar for UK. I'd hoped Australia would be a republic in my lifetime but now I don't think so. The wealth of the Royal Family is obscene.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

I had promised myself to become a citizen of the Republic of Austalia or the RepOz ... The royal family fucked me over ... Now I am too old!

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

Athos comments on May 5, 2018:

I had never heard of it before. I looked through the pictures and saw the strange plants etc. It reminded me of a project book of my mother's when she was a botany student. The human figures seem to be displayed in a similar way to the plants and might have been depicting a theory of ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Thank you ... If you have some time to spare, look at the pictures and write down your own impressions!

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

iamjc comments on May 5, 2018:

Someone had a lot of spare time and put this together. Why it written and illustrated, I have no clue as I can't read any of it. From the fantastical illustrations I begin to wonder if it's all just gibberish?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Thank you ... If you have some time to spare, look at the pictures and write down your own impressions! Do not worry about the script!

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

iamjc comments on May 5, 2018:

Someone had a lot of spare time and put this together. Why it written and illustrated, I have no clue as I can't read any of it. From the fantastical illustrations I begin to wonder if it's all just gibberish?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Well ... When it was written there was no tv or Facebook

If there are any people here who haven't heard about the Voynich Manuscript .

DevraisA1 comments on May 5, 2018:

I had never seen it before. At first it looks like a book about botany, or which plants are safe to eat, etc. But I don't recognize any of the plants, and some plants have a strange structure. As to the language, I can't find a trace of any of the few languages that I know. (For what it's worth, ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Thank you ... If you have some time to spare, look at the pictures and write down your own impressions!

Is it better to legalize prostitution or keep it illegal

JackPedigo comments on May 3, 2018:

In parts of Europe (Germany) it is legal and the workers come under the government. They get benefits and retirement. I remember a case where a new house opened and the old house sued. The judge said there was plenty of business for everyone and threw the case out.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Even in Australia prostitution is legal, though regulated under state law.

Is it better to legalize prostitution or keep it illegal

LetzGetReal comments on May 4, 2018:

I voted legalize it. Good thread, thanks for this post. I did a research paper in college, a class: WOMEN IN SOCIETY, topic being: Does pornography encourage sex crimes? This reminds me of the same TYPES of arguments. (Maybe I will run that poll, later). As stated, my only concern is that ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

I guess Ms Stormy Daniels and her attorney will change how people view pornstars.

Is it better to legalize prostitution or keep it illegal

Rodatheist comments on May 4, 2018:

Exploitation of another human being, as in a pimp exploiting women, is extremely distasteful. Sexual exploitation of minors is distastefuly criminal and it should have a sentence of 25 to life for every count (I don’t favor the death penalty). But if we are talking about two perfectly consenting...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@Fanburger are any poor people consenting to becoming garbage collectors or coal miners?

Is it better to legalize prostitution or keep it illegal

Rodatheist comments on May 4, 2018:

Exploitation of another human being, as in a pimp exploiting women, is extremely distasteful. Sexual exploitation of minors is distastefuly criminal and it should have a sentence of 25 to life for every count (I don’t favor the death penalty). But if we are talking about two perfectly consenting...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

@Fanburger are any poor people consenting to becoming garbage collectors or coal miners?

What do people in this forum think about "bad" words?

pixiedust comments on May 5, 2018:

Define "bad" words - could vary by culture and context. I prefer creative insults to common vulgarities probably because it's more interesting to listen to,

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

This comes from this site. It provides people with the option of having the "bad" words replaced by "***". I thought especially here it's ludicrous ...

I am curious about superstitions amongst people who are not mentally affiliated with a religion.

Cheri comments on May 5, 2018:

I'd like to think I'm not superstitious but when I talk about not wrecking my car in over a year, I feel a little anxious and look for some wood to knock on! ?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 5, 2018:

Just leave some garlic on the steering wheel

I am curious about superstitions amongst people who are not mentally affiliated with a religion.

Tomfoolery33 comments on May 4, 2018:

I'm a little superstitious about numbers. I try not to be, but it's still under there, rattling around in my head.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

I guess that numerical superstition is part of our cultural conditioning ... I am not sure but apparently there are still hotels in western countries that skip certain numbers, e.g. 13.

So. Went to the grocery store for the first time since February. This is my receipt, lol.

PontifexMarximus comments on May 4, 2018:

Interesting picture ... You tried to align your docket with the runner but the runner seems to be a rebel

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@CarolinaGirl60 I can relate to this ... Once I had a "magic" carpet that was subject to continental drift even with heavy furniture on it. It acted like the MagLev train, just slower and sideways. I thought about selling it to the NASA for research.

I am curious about superstitions amongst people who are not mentally affiliated with a religion.

bonfirefromtx comments on May 4, 2018:

Interesting post. It has me wondering if I have any superstitions.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

Perhaps you only find out in a relevant situation ... I am questioning my own preconceived ideas rather frequently ... Some phobias might actually be triggered by superstitions that have been left smoldering

Something that I can relate to sa·pi·o·sex·u·al ˌsāpēōˈsekSH(o͞o)əl/ adjective 1.

PontifexMarximus comments on May 4, 2018:

I thought it meant being turned on by contact with soap ... Or indulging in saponification ...I've just got a twisted mind

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@ashortbeauty sounds: slippery ... When wet

The Rhythm of Love: 40 beats per minute

PontifexMarximus comments on May 4, 2018:

Interesting post ... As a male I could never figure out why women appreciate to have her breasts sucked by their lover. Though I certainly appreciate the sucking and the fact that I don't have to consume the milk. When my ex fed our baby I tasted the stuff and was disappointed by the taste. Many ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@LiterateHiker I meant when one sucks a woman's breast .. Sorry for my clumsy way of expressing it

The Rhythm of Love: 40 beats per minute

PontifexMarximus comments on May 4, 2018:

Interesting post ... As a male I could never figure out why women appreciate to have her breasts sucked by their lover. Though I certainly appreciate the sucking and the fact that I don't have to consume the milk. When my ex fed our baby I tasted the stuff and was disappointed by the taste. Many ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@LiterateHiker I meant Melaesian ... The Pacific islands to the north and northeast of the Australia east coast

So. Went to the grocery store for the first time since February. This is my receipt, lol.

michaelcancook comments on May 4, 2018:

Here's Mike's grocery list: Milk Eggs Cheddar cheese Cereal Chips Beer Soda Wine Pasta Mushrooms AP flour Syrup Mustard Fried beans Salad fixings Salad dressing Oh yeah and a girlfriend!!!!! ?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@irascible Bon appetit

Things ended with the guy I was seeing, on Sunday.

PontifexMarximus comments on May 4, 2018:

So you both lost a pussy...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@AtheistInNC well ...

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

nicknotes comments on May 4, 2018:

Trillions of dollars are sucked out of our economy and wasted on building and maintaining churches.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@nicknotes exactly ... There exists a rather unholy alliance between religions and the urge to fight wars.

So. Went to the grocery store for the first time since February. This is my receipt, lol.

michaelcancook comments on May 4, 2018:

Here's Mike's grocery list: Milk Eggs Cheddar cheese Cereal Chips Beer Soda Wine Pasta Mushrooms AP flour Syrup Mustard Fried beans Salad fixings Salad dressing Oh yeah and a girlfriend!!!!! ?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@michaelcancook condiments or condomman's?

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

nicknotes comments on May 4, 2018:

Trillions of dollars are sucked out of our economy and wasted on building and maintaining churches.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@TuyTran888 He talks about economics: "Sucked out of our economy and wasted on building and maintaining churches."

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

nicknotes comments on May 4, 2018:

Trillions of dollars are sucked out of our economy and wasted on building and maintaining churches.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@TuyTran888 But an argument should be more specific!

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

PontifexMarximus comments on May 4, 2018:

Christendom is not particularly bad, all religions and stifling doctrines are. The real drama is the usage of religions as instruments of power and oppression. Don't worry about the bible. There are idiots out there who will tell any nonsense some of their cult leaders exfiltrate from the bible as ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

Obviously you don't understand my comment. Try to make comments not personal attacks!

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

LeighShelton comments on May 4, 2018:

I really think all religions are bad without exception. they seem to suit men much more than women too.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

I think the Pastafarians are ok ... Though only their vegetarian chapter .. The noodle monster with Brussel sprouts instead os meat balls.

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

nicknotes comments on May 4, 2018:

Trillions of dollars are sucked out of our economy and wasted on building and maintaining churches.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

With all due respect this is not a particularly good argument. Too many resources are wasted on useless skyscrapers, aircraft carriers, tanks, ammunitions etc. Some men would argue that too many resources are wasted on women's handbags and they might counter that too much is wasted on cars.

Do u think Christianity is bad ? What's your opinion on it

Athos comments on May 4, 2018:

In my honest opinion, I think that at this stage of human development, Christinanity and all religions are a blight upon our intellectual integrity.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

They always were.

Does anyone have advice for a person that's been an atheist less than 3 months?

PontifexMarximus comments on May 2, 2018:

Just think back to your birth. The default setting for all babies is nameless, stateless and areligious. You just recovered!

PontifexMarximus replies on May 4, 2018:

@freedom41 You'll be right, mate. Don't think back, just forward.

Massimo Pigliucci makes a very interesting contribuction [jasoncolavito.com]

cava comments on May 3, 2018:

I like the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale http://www.jimaceverett.com/test/oxford-utilitarianism-scale/ I scored 31/63

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

30/63

Why do humans have an unhealthy obsession with wars and sacrifice?

twshield comments on May 3, 2018:

one of human nature's components consist of competition on many levels. Win or lose, right or wrong.

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

Well ... I am not sure about that... Because soldiers or combatants are competiting amongst themselves first. They competitor for space and food. An army is a war machine that cannot tolerate free competition. .

Why do humans have an unhealthy obsession with wars and sacrifice?

CreativelyMe comments on May 3, 2018:

Our educational system has us sitting still and being lectured to all day, everyday, systematically preventing us from exploring our own experiences (no daydreaming). The things we are taught, the food we eat, the images we are exposed to are all part of the picture. When tracing history as far back...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

Thank you for an interesting comment. Conditioning is the key.

Why do humans have an unhealthy obsession with wars and sacrifice?

mordant comments on May 3, 2018:

I think self sacrifice can be noble, if sometimes ill-advised. I'd take a bullet for my wife or children. Self-sacrifice is based on empathy which is enabled by the evolved / selected trait of possessing mirror neurons. If I want to spare someone else death or suffering then I might, under the right...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

@mordant good point ,,, but to protect your family you would have to be at home and not in Afghanistan or Syria.

Unfortunately, this will not change the mind of trumposoids: "Illegal Immigration Does Not Increase...

antelope comments on May 2, 2018:

You are correct. In fact, our economy would falter if it weren’t for illegal immigrants. Contrary to popular belief, illegals DO NOT get government assistance. The opposite, however is true: most pay taxes. With no illegals in this country, you wouldn’t have food on your table, or well ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

@TheInterlooper does it really matter where people slave away and erode their own salaries? If they do it with the borders, they are consumers too. If they slave away in Bagladesh, Myanmar or Vietnam, they do not spent their $$$ in the country.

Unfortunately, this will not change the mind of trumposoids: "Illegal Immigration Does Not Increase...

PontifexMarximus comments on May 2, 2018:

Language is a fundamental problem and not just in Trumplandia ... There is really no such thing as "illegal immigration"... It is this weird fiction that is used to remote control people's minds ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

@KellyPhelps I didn't get the bit about non capitalist societies.

Why do humans have an unhealthy obsession with wars and sacrifice?

mordant comments on May 3, 2018:

I think self sacrifice can be noble, if sometimes ill-advised. I'd take a bullet for my wife or children. Self-sacrifice is based on empathy which is enabled by the evolved / selected trait of possessing mirror neurons. If I want to spare someone else death or suffering then I might, under the right...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

But for you to be able to take the bullet there must have been a bullet maker and the one who paid for the bullets ... War is always avoidable if nobody goes

Why do humans have an unhealthy obsession with wars and sacrifice?

VAL3941 comments on May 3, 2018:

It helps to keep the population down, there by allowing us to procreate more. This is as good a reason as any ?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

Especially male competition

Unfortunately, this will not change the mind of trumposoids: "Illegal Immigration Does Not Increase...

PontifexMarximus comments on May 2, 2018:

Language is a fundamental problem and not just in Trumplandia ... There is really no such thing as "illegal immigration"... It is this weird fiction that is used to remote control people's minds ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

@KellyPhelps ???

How do people within this group define "liberal"?

crazycurlz comments on May 3, 2018:

Right or wrong, I equate 'liberal' somewhat to 'far left' now. For me, it's associated with an extreme viewpoint, as extreme as the far right, the religious right. The term I prefer now, for myself, is progressive. As a progressive, I believe in socializing medicine and health insurance much as ...

PontifexMarximus replies on May 3, 2018:

Thank you for your interesting comment.

Unfortunately, this will not change the mind of trumposoids: "Illegal Immigration Does Not Increase...

Shapoklyak comments on May 2, 2018:

I apologize to those who got offended by my post. I could not imagine there are Trump supporters on this site. Sorry ?

PontifexMarximus replies on May 2, 2018:

Why apologize?

How long...?

HeraTera comments on May 2, 2018:

The longest I was celibate was actually while I was married. In the last years before the divorce, we might have sex once or twice a year (if that).

PontifexMarximus replies on May 2, 2018:

Interesting comment ... I remember a prisoner once saying that there was not enough sex in prison ... Then he said to me: "What about you? Oh ... You are married ... It's perhaps worse than in here."