Do you believe the self is an illusion and how have you experienced the dissolution of the self?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

I've got a whole piece on that that I'll post tomorrow.

If you were to choose, would you be happier married or single?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

For me, it's married. But I'm an old fart. And divorced. I've just always liked to have someone to share with, someone readily available, to say "Hey! Look at that!" or "Wow, wasn't that great?" or "Man, that sucks!" Or someone to talk to about what I've been thinking about, and help me to clarify it. All that stuff. A companion. I had one for 30-odd years, and would like to have one now.

Okay so, I did say I would periodically post in regards to the matter of my nasty little habit of ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

Good for you! I wish I could do it again. I quit for several years when my kids were small, and then started just smoking when I was away somewhere. But then,after my divorce, I took it up again, and need to try to quit once more. One day.

Welcome me! I’m new.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

Hello and welcome! Hope you enjoy it here as much as I do! There are all kinds of things to look at and talk about.

Any takers?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

Well, first you'd have to knock it out of MY hand.

I chose this quote from Robertson Davies (Canadian author) to clarify my belief: "The real skeptic ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

Read a bunch of Robertson Davies back in the day, but it's been a while. Really enjoyed him.

This has happened to me far too often....

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

LMAO!

Do you find that people don't get your humor?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

It's like any humor. Some people get it and some don't. I've also found that the less people are online, the less they are aware of the formats and memes that help to convey the humor. And some people are just stupid.

Is a democrat who is a centrist also a leftist or socialist ?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

According to the right-wingers, anybody that's a tiny bit to the left of them is a socialist that wants to destroy the country.

I couldn't help but think back to when "tough" men used to say that ear piercings were girly, and on...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

I wouldn't tell that drummer anything that might piss him off!

I couldn't help but think back to when "tough" men used to say that ear piercings were girly, and on...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

And I really like Queens of the Stone Age. Need to get their new one!

I couldn't help but think back to when "tough" men used to say that ear piercings were girly, and on...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

When I got my ear pierced back in '72, it was a left ear, right ear thing, supposedly. If you got your left ear pierced, you were straight, if your right ear was pierced, you were gay.

Hi. Has anyone else finding it hard to find someone who is real?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

I know lots of people who are real. It's just that none of them want to date me. lol

I tried to be polite and open the door for this lady, but she just kept yelling, "Occupied!"

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Lol!

Soooo many times. So very many times.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Yep.

The Equator Proves Flat Earth, Apparently, Professor Stick... [youtube.com]

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Oh. Okay.

Missouri woman found with a loaded handgun hidden inside her vagina | Daily Mail Online

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Holy shit!

Any other animal lovers on here? This little guy is Galan.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Love 'em. I've got two dogs now, and have had dogs and cats off and on all my life. That's a cute kitty.

[youtu.be] Tell me I'm not the only Weird Al fan on here.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 28, 2018:

You are not the only one. Got to see him a couple of years ago. Great show!

How many beers get you drunk?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

There are too many variables to give you a number, but I will tell a story. In my younger days, my brother and I spent the day laying a stone walkway and steps at his house. We finished a case of beer doing that job, and had a little buzz, but were not really drunk. We had to get some more for that night, lol.

Have you ever been catfished on a dating site?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Yeah, I ran into a few scammers, but not on here. I figured them out before anything embarrassing or expensive happened to me.

Not to be morbid, but I'm curious about how other atheists/agnostics plan for "The end.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I talked to my family about this the other night, when they were all here for dinner. I told them they could throw me out with the trash, or bury me in the yard if they wanted to. But seriously, I figured cremation was the cheap way to go, and do whatever you feel like with my ashes. And have a party instead of a "service."

"You can judge your age by the amount of pain you feel when you come in contact with a new idea.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I understand it, but I don't feel that way at all. I love new ideas!

You don't know what you don't know.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I have no idea, because I don't know what I don't know.

Found somewhere in the wilds of the interwebs.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Got a good laugh out of this.

“I am lucky, because I was not born in a Calcutta slum” When you look at somebody else’s ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

What you are saying is true, but that doesn't mean we can't be grateful for the circumstances of our life, and have pity on others who are not so fortunate. I would like it if you could further elaborate on what you mean by social policies and other ideas.

"A six-year-old child was taken to the hospital when his teachers noticed he had numerous ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Unbelievable.

"Upon introduction of the resolution, Rep.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Right on! (Sorry for the ancient terminology.)

OH gosh ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

*groan*

Why it’s as hard to escape an echo chamber as it is to flee a cult | Aeon Essays

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Amen. And there are some of those on the left as well.

Is "spiritual" also religious?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I used to be of that ilk, even when I was working and had a family, but as I've gotten older I'm becoming a lot more reality-based. And no, I did not consider myself to be "religious" at all.

Currently in the hospital.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

So sorry. Hope you're okay.

Nothing is black and white (except pandas, and zebras).

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Yep.

Interesting choice of words there! lol

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Damn! You beat me to it! I was going to post this one this afternoon.

Mistaken Identity

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Years ago, before I had a beard, I was told by a stranger that I looked like Bruce Hornsby, which I could see. I also used to get Art Garfunkel because of my hair.

Lawd Cheesy Crust@LawdCheesyCrust I met this fellow who claimed to believe 12.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Lol.

Replace cigarette with vape bud.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Same here.

Yeaaaahhhhh!

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Lol!

Frank Zappa - "Trouble Every Day". Mothers of Invention. [youtube.com]

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Haven't heard this in a long time!

Cage The Elephant-Teeth [youtu.be]

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I like these guys.

Weird comfort foods

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Graham crackers broken up in milk.

SADE, Smooth operator, [youtu.be]

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

Always loved this song.

This is Not Nazi Germany This is Draketown, Georgia Last Week

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I have no words.

Would You Listen?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 27, 2018:

It might be amusing for a little while.

Carlos Castenada

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

No, I read Castenada so long ago, I barely remember it. I don't believe in powers or alternative realities, at least in the way Castenada talked about. I do, however, think there is something to the Gaia hypothesis, as long as it's not extended in too mystical a direction. All life on earth is dependent on other life on earth.

Some more Guatemala: 1.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Great pics!

Would you rather be a small fish in a big pond, or a big fish in a small pond?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Just a regular old fish in a regular old pond.

God is a comedian, playing to an audience who is afraid to laugh....Voltaire

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

I'm laughing.

photograph by skado “screens”

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Cool!

Monty python - The Universe song which also goes under the name of The Galaxy song - YouTube

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Love Monty Python!

How big a role do you think psychedelics play in the development of spirituality?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

I don't know, but they sure had an affect on me. I started so young, though, that it's hard to tell what I would have been without taking them, so I feel I don't have much of a right to decide that question.

I recently finished reading Steven Pinker's newest book, Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

It's on my list, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

Deep thought for the day

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Yuk yuk.

This is supposed to be about things and stuff so I can get some points to get to level 8.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Here's a like and a comment. Godspeed! Woops, shouldn't have said that. Good luck!

This site, the members - all of us - outwardly deny the existence of deity.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

There is so much more here than talk about religion. Look around, you'll find all kinds of subjects.

Lookalikes Ya Think?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Man! They do look alike!

I believe us all to be cells in global organism.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

It's nice to think about, but I don't really believe it. Yes, we are all a part of the universe, but I don't see it as an organism.

Poll: Evangelical Support For Trump Would Stay Same If He Were Discovered To Be Antichrist

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

HAHAHA!

What is the world coming to when a man can no longer go out into the street and shout at traffic ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

It wouldn't let me post that in all caps.

What is the world coming to when a man can no longer go out into the street and shout at traffic ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Yeah! What's up wIth that, god dammIt!

Bill Cosby found guilty on all counts!

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Good.

Sorry if it's a repeat. I can't keep up with all these.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Great!

I am starting a new chapter in my life.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

I was divorced a couple of years ago after almost 35 years of marriage, so I can relate. It's pretty scary at first, but I'm learning. I originally thought this was a dating site, but most people on here live too far away (since I'm not in a big city). But it is an enjoyable site, and helps you to not feel too alone. Lots of friendly, like-minded people.

I would guess this fits here.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Lol! Yeah, that would be bad!

Does anyone out there love to get together with other musicians on a porch over a river to jam?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I love to, but you're kind of far away.

Let's count the ways this is so wrong... I can name at least 5.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Yikes!

Care and Concern? Is it a Religious or Philisophical Dogma?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

It's a human tendency that religion has tried to claim for its own. It's not a dogma, it's what people do. Philosophy has nothing to do with it, other than trying to explain it, or claim it for itself.

I'm brand new to this site, and I'm already enjoying the discussions that I'm seeing.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

It's great! Hang around, and you'll see lots more!

Is FEAR a reason for a backsliding Agnostic to pray?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I never went through anything as intense as that, but I would say sometimes people pray out of habit. What they were taught as children, and did in certain situations, may come back in times of great stress or fear, when thinking clearly isn't easy.

Ready to help the religious right lose the midterm elections this year?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

You bethcha!

These people are responding to the existence of atheists.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

That is beyond disgusting. And these people are supposed to be Christians!

Do dogs like S&M?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Okay, I literally laughed out loud at this one. For a while.

Oopsie! Cut it off now.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I wouldn't have any eyes or hands.

"Not only was a heavily armed "seminude" murderer on the loose in Middle Tennessee, he was the same ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

The worst part of that story is that his father, who surely should have known his son was unstable, gave the guns back to him.

Hung a picture like a Viking.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Ate some trail mix like a viking.

What is your favorite season and why?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Fall. I love the cooler weather after summer, the leaves falling, the briskness in the air. I lived in California for 9 years, and I missed the change of seasons very much. Ended up coming back home.

There's no such thing as an 'addictive personality' – here's why

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I would agree. Not that I'm an expert or anything.

"Love Letter" from god... [patheos.com]

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Too weird. The longer I've been away from Christianity, the more bizarre it seems. It's like being an anthropologist and watching the strange rites of some tribe.

Determinism or not?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I've thought about it a lot, and I've decided that I don't know.

Which would you prefer. A singing parakeet or an off key member of the family who loves to sing?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Parakeet for sure.

》》LIFE IS 《《 Life ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Too challenging for this lazy bum. And I think a word is missing after "Life is a game--"

If you can retire early, what you will do in your Life?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I did retire early, and I'm still not sure what I'm doing, except trying to enjoy myself. Lots of reading, some writing, walking the dogs, visiting with friends and family.

Do you think that it is wrong to require children to be vaccinated?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

No. It should be required, and it is in my state, before they can attend school.

Hello, everyone! I'm new to the group and very glad I discovered it!

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Hello and welcome. And I know how you feel. It turned out to be very different than I supposed, and better!

The Jazz and Heritage Festival Begins Tomorrow here in New Orleans.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

My wife and I went back in '95. Loved it! I'll have to go again someday.

You can lead a horticulture... But you can't make her think!

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

LOL!

And this is why we need SCIENCE in school and not PRAYER. Duh.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I hate to quote Trump, but I will: "Sad."

25 Years ago today the first major software release of an Internetz web browser happened.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I remember that!

Where are my glasses?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Stealing!

Probably should have given the name a little more thought.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

LMAO!

Despite my nihilistic leanings, I continue to be concerned with the question of an ultimate purpose ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

The only "reason" for being is what you create for yourself. You don't have any more reason for being than a fly or a blade of grass. The difference is, that we have a mind to think about these things. Reasons are something that humans invent. So we have to come up with our own reasons. Something that satisfies us, and gives us some purpose. Or, we can just say "I'm going to have a good time with it." and that's okay too.

Are you content or are you complacent?

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I was complacent in my marriage and job about 9 or 10 years ago, but thought I was content. Then I lost both, and began to discover the difference. If I had only realized it sooner, I might have done something, at least about my marriage. But, here I am, dealing with the aftermath of all this, and starting to surface again.

A funny story.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Sorry you had that experience. I'm betting it turned you off of religion even more than you might have been. It would have done so to me.

Sorta sad that I had to give up my religion in order to find this site and meet some amazingly ...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

It is amazing. I love all the things I find to talk about on here, with intelligent and caring people.

Existence!

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Everyone grapples with it. My conclusion is that I decide the reason I'm here, not anyone or anything else.

Utopia leads me, Reality grips me, Wish I did not care.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Nice!

It is a chilly, wet day up the holler.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Sounds cozy. Have a good rest of the day!

I don't have a picture of this sign outside a Baptist church on my commute (it's not in a place that...

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Excuse me while I say Amen.

Telling women not to do things because "it's not safe" is a big pet peeve of mine.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Very well said, and something I hadn't really thought about. I'd like to have my daughter read it. She's 21 and doesn't seem to have that response, which I'm glad of. She's very much a feminist, and we have talked about a lot of things, but not this particular issue. I don't think we've over-warned her, and she's done a lot of traveling on her own and with friends. I think she would cheer on your sentiment.

I suppose I should introduce myself, since HE'S obviously not going to do it.

Tomfoolery33 comments on Apr 23, 2018:

Hello and welcome. Right, Nigel? I'm 62 and sometimes think I'm 42.