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It's the End of the Gene As We Know It - Nautilus
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 5, 2019:
It’s a very stimulating article. Thanks.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 5, 2019:
It’s a very stimulating article. Thanks.
Atheism???
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 5, 2019:
I think consciousness is just onsciousness. Consciousness is the same when you are four as when you are a hundred and four, and it is the same for all organisms. We are swimming in consciousness—we ARE consciousness.
We would like to think that we are our bodies, and there are a hundred ways of reinforcing that egotistical delusion and hiding from our true Self : stay drunk, cloud the mind with lies, foster grievances, play the victim, stir up internal fear, wallow in guilt, think only of wealth and power, etc.
If a person finds himself mired in a relgious setting where fear and guilt are fostered and where belief in silly dogm is required, then to analyze all that and declare atheism is a great leap forward IMO. Becoming an atheist leads, not to “higher” consciousness, but to awareness of the consciousness that was there all along, and to freedom.
What is not so apparent is the tendency to cloud the mind with false thoughts about science—to tell ourselves that the universe is made of matter and that reality is handily explained by science. Sit proudly on the golden throne of scientism if you wish, but it is a throne sitting on quicksand. A dose of real science might sink your throne.
Do not leap from the frying pan of religious dogma into the fire of materialistic scientism. Throw away the bath water—keep the baby!
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 5, 2019:
I think consciousness is just onsciousness. Consciousness is the same when you are four as when you are a hundred and four, and it is the same for all organisms. We are swimming in consciousness—we ARE consciousness.
We would like to think that we are our bodies, and there are a hundred ways of reinforcing that egotistical delusion and hiding from our true Self : stay drunk, cloud the mind with lies, foster grievances, play the victim, stir up internal fear, wallow in guilt, think only of wealth and power, etc.
If a person finds himself mired in a relgious setting where fear and guilt are fostered and where belief in silly dogm is required, then to analyze all that and declare atheism is a great leap forward IMO. Becoming an atheist leads, not to “higher” consciousness, but to awareness of the consciousness that was there all along, and to freedom.
What is not so apparent is the tendency to cloud the mind with false thoughts about science—to tell ourselves that the universe is made of matter and that reality is handily explained by science. Sit proudly on the golden throne of scientism if you wish, but it is a throne sitting on quicksand. A dose of real science might sink your throne.
Do not leap from the frying pan of religious dogma into the fire of materialistic scientism. Throw away the bath water—keep the baby!
Apparently there are a lot of brain damaged people living in the Bible Belt. [rawstory.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 8, 2019:
I am led to wonder if the author of the article has lesions on his prefrontal cortex. Every paragraph says essentially the same thing over and over, and there are at least ten paragraphs. The essence is that there is a correlation between damage to the front part of the brain and fundamentalist religious belief. A confused and bungled statement near the end indicates (I think) that brain inflexibility is a cause for a fifth of fundamentalist views as determined by the study.
I am extremely skeptical of the study. If the scientists are truly interested in rigid thinking patterns they should look, not only at religion but at all areas of human thinking. For many students for example, their textbooks are gospel, not to be questioned. And many cling desperately to a materialist interpretation of reality even when science has moved on.
It’s a pretty ridiculous study from the get-go, based on the religious beliefs of infantry soldiers with brain damage. That is a very small group. Measure the religious beliefs of PHDs with brain damage and you’d get a different result I’ll bet. A high percentage of them are probably atheists. You could then yell that brain damage causes atheism.
How does all this relate to the so-called, and mislabeled “Bible Belt”? Contrary to what is often thought, religious fundamentalism is not an old southern tradition. Christian fundamentalism arose in the twentieth century and was created by churches in the Northeast, specifically New England. Fundamentalism as a doctrine only gained a significant foothold in the Southern Baptist Association in the 1940’s.
Anyone who doggedly opposes my opinion has brain damage. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 8, 2019:
I am led to wonder if the author of the article has lesions on his prefrontal cortex. Every paragraph says essentially the same thing over and over, and there are at least ten paragraphs. The essence is that there is a correlation between damage to the front part of the brain and fundamentalist religious belief. A confused and bungled statement near the end indicates (I think) that brain inflexibility is a cause for a fifth of fundamentalist views as determined by the study.
I am extremely skeptical of the study. If the scientists are truly interested in rigid thinking patterns they should look, not only at religion but at all areas of human thinking. For many students for example, their textbooks are gospel, not to be questioned. And many cling desperately to a materialist interpretation of reality even when science has moved on.
It’s a pretty ridiculous study from the get-go, based on the religious beliefs of infantry soldiers with brain damage. That is a very small group. Measure the religious beliefs of PHDs with brain damage and you’d get a different result I’ll bet. A high percentage of them are probably atheists. You could then yell that brain damage causes atheism.
How does all this relate to the so-called, and mislabeled “Bible Belt”? Contrary to what is often thought, religious fundamentalism is not an old southern tradition. Christian fundamentalism arose in the twentieth century and was created by churches in the Northeast, specifically New England. Fundamentalism as a doctrine only gained a significant foothold in the Southern Baptist Association in the 1940’s.
Anyone who doggedly opposes my opinion has brain damage. :-)
This looks like an interesting read.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 8, 2019:
Sounds interesting.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 8, 2019:
Sounds interesting.
A gift to all of us who have or had mothers.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 9, 2019:
Though there is some truth there, I think the case is dramatically overstated. I take a more pragmatic view.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 9, 2019:
Though there is some truth there, I think the case is dramatically overstated. I take a more pragmatic view.
You cannot create a black hole by simply adding mass.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 9, 2019:
Interesting info. Thanks.
Teach us more.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 9, 2019:
Interesting info. Thanks.
Teach us more.
Is this Ao Guang?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 10, 2019:
Had to look up Ao Guang. Wikipedia shows a picture that is different but of course there could be many different artistic representations.
After reading the article I have decided to withhold belief in this Ao Guang thing. THERE IS ZERO EVIDENCE—THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON THE ONE MAKING A POSITIVE STATEMENT! YOU CANT PROVE A NEGATIVE!!
Ha ha, I’m learning a lot from this forum. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 10, 2019:
Had to look up Ao Guang. Wikipedia shows a picture that is different but of course there could be many different artistic representations.
After reading the article I have decided to withhold belief in this Ao Guang thing. THERE IS ZERO EVIDENCE—THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON THE ONE MAKING A POSITIVE STATEMENT! YOU CANT PROVE A NEGATIVE!!
Ha ha, I’m learning a lot from this forum. :-)
If every life is sacred...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 10, 2019:
The Bhagavad-Gita explains it nicely.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 10, 2019:
The Bhagavad-Gita explains it nicely.
I think I’ll just...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 10, 2019:
Is that a contrail in the background? Weird.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 10, 2019:
Is that a contrail in the background? Weird.
Have to start making huge changes in my life from today.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 11, 2019:
Hang in there! I wish you success in your journey.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 11, 2019:
Hang in there! I wish you success in your journey.
Who else wonders why people are so stupid to believe in gods when there is no proof of their ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 11, 2019:
Many of the most brilliant people down through history have believed in God, and even today about half of scientists report a belief in God. If your opinion is different than someone else’s you’ll have to make a better argument than to say they’re stupid.
There is evidence. It might not be evidence that persuades YOU, but it is evidence nevertheless. There’s nature with her immutable laws, the dazzling spectacle of life, the experience of conscious awareness that frames our every experience and gives us free will. There is evidence.
I think you are talking about religious myths, and I agree that those are not believable to courageous and discriminating people. But that in no way addresses the question of the existence of God, or whatever you choose to call Ultimate Reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 11, 2019:
Many of the most brilliant people down through history have believed in God, and even today about half of scientists report a belief in God. If your opinion is different than someone else’s you’ll have to make a better argument than to say they’re stupid.
There is evidence. It might not be evidence that persuades YOU, but it is evidence nevertheless. There’s nature with her immutable laws, the dazzling spectacle of life, the experience of conscious awareness that frames our every experience and gives us free will. There is evidence.
I think you are talking about religious myths, and I agree that those are not believable to courageous and discriminating people. But that in no way addresses the question of the existence of God, or whatever you choose to call Ultimate Reality.
Classified information from CIA
[youtu.be]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 14, 2019:
I made it halfway. I’ll believe it when it happens.
Even if such a thing happened. So what? We all die at some point.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 14, 2019:
I made it halfway. I’ll believe it when it happens.
Even if such a thing happened. So what? We all die at some point.
The problem with giving a QM interpretation, not just a comforting, homey sort of interpretation, ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 18, 2019:
Since the time of Faraday and Maxwell physics has abandoned the materialist/physicalist world view. Anyone still clinging to that sort of illusion is living a lie.
Reality is not the way it seems.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 18, 2019:
Since the time of Faraday and Maxwell physics has abandoned the materialist/physicalist world view. Anyone still clinging to that sort of illusion is living a lie.
Reality is not the way it seems.
Our greatest journey.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 18, 2019:
Great post!
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 18, 2019:
Great post!
great tits
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 19, 2019:
I feel cheated. :-(
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 19, 2019:
I feel cheated. :-(
The death penalty - why dress it up?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 19, 2019:
There are good arguments on both sides and I remain undecided. IMO it’s not a moral issue, even if an occasional innocent person is executed. What about all the innocent people killed in wars? I can only conclude that an individual human body has little value. The right policy is the one that gives the best outcome for society.
The way we execute people in the US though seems pretty irrational. Keeping a person on death row for ten or twenty years for endless rounds of legal proceedings is ridiculous. What I think is that Americans no longer have the stomach to do the job properly. This is born out also by the ruse that there are no suitable drugs available when any veterinarian could do the job handily at any time.
If the public is all that squeamish we should just stop the killing. One pertinent question is whether or not you yourself would be willing to personally be the executioner. For me the answer is no.
Maybe I’m decided after all.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 19, 2019:
There are good arguments on both sides and I remain undecided. IMO it’s not a moral issue, even if an occasional innocent person is executed. What about all the innocent people killed in wars? I can only conclude that an individual human body has little value. The right policy is the one that gives the best outcome for society.
The way we execute people in the US though seems pretty irrational. Keeping a person on death row for ten or twenty years for endless rounds of legal proceedings is ridiculous. What I think is that Americans no longer have the stomach to do the job properly. This is born out also by the ruse that there are no suitable drugs available when any veterinarian could do the job handily at any time.
If the public is all that squeamish we should just stop the killing. One pertinent question is whether or not you yourself would be willing to personally be the executioner. For me the answer is no.
Maybe I’m decided after all.
The brilliant science that has creationists and the Christian right terrified
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 20, 2019:
I am extremely skeptical of the theory described, but let’s say it’s true. What then do we understand?
Nothing really. Nature in its ultimate form is just as bewildering as ever. You see, those carbon atoms that just HAVE to form themselves into life forms—they are not “things”—they exist only as interactions between covariant quantum fields. if we are going to discuss where things came from, where did the environment come from that enabled these carbon atoms to even exist, let alone arrange themselves into living organisms. From whence came the law of thermodynamics, said not to be violated in this case, along with all the other natural laws?
Anyone sitting smugly, thinking that science explains reality is living a life of self-deception more insidious than that based on any religious dogma. Ascribing nature to God, in some cases, might be nothing but a humble admission that you don’t know or understand ultimate reality, but that you are aware of and appreciate the enormously awe-inspiring mystery with which we are faced.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 20, 2019:
I am extremely skeptical of the theory described, but let’s say it’s true. What then do we understand?
Nothing really. Nature in its ultimate form is just as bewildering as ever. You see, those carbon atoms that just HAVE to form themselves into life forms—they are not “things”—they exist only as interactions between covariant quantum fields. if we are going to discuss where things came from, where did the environment come from that enabled these carbon atoms to even exist, let alone arrange themselves into living organisms. From whence came the law of thermodynamics, said not to be violated in this case, along with all the other natural laws?
Anyone sitting smugly, thinking that science explains reality is living a life of self-deception more insidious than that based on any religious dogma. Ascribing nature to God, in some cases, might be nothing but a humble admission that you don’t know or understand ultimate reality, but that you are aware of and appreciate the enormously awe-inspiring mystery with which we are faced.
The problem of dogma. – Possumpipesup
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 21, 2019:
Whether something is a profound truth or just dogma might be only a matter of opinion. Most likely both sides have it wrong. There could also be some truth to both perspectives.
I like that about belief. Best not to believe anything if you can help it.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 21, 2019:
Whether something is a profound truth or just dogma might be only a matter of opinion. Most likely both sides have it wrong. There could also be some truth to both perspectives.
I like that about belief. Best not to believe anything if you can help it.
In my 59 year life, I have offered to "give my soul for eternity" to ANY entity that would ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
I’m an entity. I can appear to you. Whur you at?
Pay no mind to silly church dogma or old scriptures. Ultimate Reality reveals herself in every second of conscious awareness, in the advent of life, in reality and in nature herself.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
I’m an entity. I can appear to you. Whur you at?
Pay no mind to silly church dogma or old scriptures. Ultimate Reality reveals herself in every second of conscious awareness, in the advent of life, in reality and in nature herself.
So should I be feeling incredibly satisfied that I reached level 8?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
I’m so jealous. But congratulations...I guess.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
I’m so jealous. But congratulations...I guess.
Does the end justify the means?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 25, 2019:
If the intent is greater good for all, then yes, any means can be used. If all we are seeking is selfish gain, then no.
We are not perfect however, and often we are mistaken in our assessment. People get hurt. Think of a doctor who orders chemotherapy for a cancer patient. There is a chance the treatment will kill the patient, yet to do nothing might also bring death.
It’s not about morality but about analysis.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 25, 2019:
If the intent is greater good for all, then yes, any means can be used. If all we are seeking is selfish gain, then no.
We are not perfect however, and often we are mistaken in our assessment. People get hurt. Think of a doctor who orders chemotherapy for a cancer patient. There is a chance the treatment will kill the patient, yet to do nothing might also bring death.
It’s not about morality but about analysis.
I think I have figured out the big conflict with christianity
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I fully agree. Christianity as an organized religion is a contrived thing, imposed on the world by zealous and egotistical organizers who had little understanding of the teachings of Jesus.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I fully agree. Christianity as an organized religion is a contrived thing, imposed on the world by zealous and egotistical organizers who had little understanding of the teachings of Jesus.
Education and learning
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Teach yourself.
William Faulkner made it only through sixth grade, yet became perhaps America’s greatest novelist. Just think of the greatness he might have achieved had he not been subjected to six years of swaggering, bullying school teachers.
Thomas Edison never darkened the door of a school. You can bet that if he had his creativity and enthusiasm would have been killed.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Teach yourself.
William Faulkner made it only through sixth grade, yet became perhaps America’s greatest novelist. Just think of the greatness he might have achieved had he not been subjected to six years of swaggering, bullying school teachers.
Thomas Edison never darkened the door of a school. You can bet that if he had his creativity and enthusiasm would have been killed.
Tau and Theta.
Why do some claim there is life after death?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Nicely written sir!
IMO we were not born and we will not die. We are living in illusion.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Nicely written sir!
IMO we were not born and we will not die. We are living in illusion.
[pbs.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I know that American culture has been greatly influenced by native Americans. It is so ingrained that few of us ever think about it. A very high percentage of Americans have at least a little bit of native ancestry, and most are not aware of that fact.
I look forward to watching the documentary later.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I know that American culture has been greatly influenced by native Americans. It is so ingrained that few of us ever think about it. A very high percentage of Americans have at least a little bit of native ancestry, and most are not aware of that fact.
I look forward to watching the documentary later.
"For the sight being sent upwards by light and beholding the nature of the stars and their ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Amazing! No, nothing has changed. That sense of awe and wonder is just as intense today as it ever was for those with their eyes open.
However, many people nowadays are wearing the blinders of materialistic scientism which blunts their perception. So sad.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Amazing! No, nothing has changed. That sense of awe and wonder is just as intense today as it ever was for those with their eyes open.
However, many people nowadays are wearing the blinders of materialistic scientism which blunts their perception. So sad.
A good article about how Buddhism helps to get rid of self-deception.
[aeon.co]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I enjoyed the article—it is thought-provoking.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I enjoyed the article—it is thought-provoking.
Is morality "subjective"?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Maybe the answer depends on your concept of subjective/objective. IMO reality is subjective on a fundamental level and the sense of objectivity is illusory. If consciousness is primary and we are extensions of that universal consciousness maybe our sense of self as an individual body is also illusory.
In theory a group of unaware, robotic bodies could develop a set of rules for group behavior but no set of rules can cover every situation and that set of rules will inevitably be self contradictory. So from the perspective of one of the bodies morality is both objective and subjective—mostly objective but subject to individual interpretation.
From the perspective of our common self, Universal Consciousness, objectivity does not even appear. If a particular body allows itself to be led into certain actions by conscious awareness, it might appear to the other bodies that someone is abrogating illegal power, when actually the person is acting from a higher level morality shared by all. That’s why I try not to judge ill the actions of other people.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Maybe the answer depends on your concept of subjective/objective. IMO reality is subjective on a fundamental level and the sense of objectivity is illusory. If consciousness is primary and we are extensions of that universal consciousness maybe our sense of self as an individual body is also illusory.
In theory a group of unaware, robotic bodies could develop a set of rules for group behavior but no set of rules can cover every situation and that set of rules will inevitably be self contradictory. So from the perspective of one of the bodies morality is both objective and subjective—mostly objective but subject to individual interpretation.
From the perspective of our common self, Universal Consciousness, objectivity does not even appear. If a particular body allows itself to be led into certain actions by conscious awareness, it might appear to the other bodies that someone is abrogating illegal power, when actually the person is acting from a higher level morality shared by all. That’s why I try not to judge ill the actions of other people.
I am the centre of my world as it should be but it is what lies beyond me that makes me what I am.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Profound idea, and nicely stated.
This warrants contemplation.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Profound idea, and nicely stated.
This warrants contemplation.
Wednesday it is forecasted to be -11 F. Sunday 40F. weather in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
We are currently enduring a cool 60F. Tuesday night is supposed to be 26F and people here are very concerned about such a hard freeze.
Just had to needle y’all. We suffer plenty in July and August.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
We are currently enduring a cool 60F. Tuesday night is supposed to be 26F and people here are very concerned about such a hard freeze.
Just had to needle y’all. We suffer plenty in July and August.
Promising! [nytimes.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Great advance! It’s a good thing to hear about.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Great advance! It’s a good thing to hear about.
Celibacy vs.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
A great many highly accomplished people have delayed or forgone marriage in order to dedicate themselves fully to their careers. From that perspective the Church’s requirement for the celibacy of priests seems more rational. Remember when women school teachers were required to be unmarried? It is an old and outmoded rule in both cases.
If anyone truly wants to do without sex they ought to wait until they are 76 years old when it is much easier. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
A great many highly accomplished people have delayed or forgone marriage in order to dedicate themselves fully to their careers. From that perspective the Church’s requirement for the celibacy of priests seems more rational. Remember when women school teachers were required to be unmarried? It is an old and outmoded rule in both cases.
If anyone truly wants to do without sex they ought to wait until they are 76 years old when it is much easier. :-)
Should it be illegal to indoctrinate kids with religion ?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Kids learn by example mainly. Formal indoctrination leaves them cold.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Kids learn by example mainly. Formal indoctrination leaves them cold.
Peace man ... follow me
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Good post!
Namaste.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Good post!
Namaste.
The Evolutionary Advantages of an Addictive Personality - Scientific American Blog Network
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
The article was written by a woman, which might shed light on why there was no mention of those risk-taking young males. Yes, I think evolution has shaped humanity so that women tend to be patient, intelligent, and to take care of themselves while young men tend to fight, drink, do drugs, engage in extreme sports, etc.
I like her final assessment. For anyone who is bored there are healthful activities that are more effective than drugs. In her case, she had the strength to replace drug addiction with becoming a neuroscientist.
I used to get bored, and I’ve done some fairly risky things. Nowadays I am the opposite of bored. Just thinking about the immense significance of reality throws me into a state of excitement.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
The article was written by a woman, which might shed light on why there was no mention of those risk-taking young males. Yes, I think evolution has shaped humanity so that women tend to be patient, intelligent, and to take care of themselves while young men tend to fight, drink, do drugs, engage in extreme sports, etc.
I like her final assessment. For anyone who is bored there are healthful activities that are more effective than drugs. In her case, she had the strength to replace drug addiction with becoming a neuroscientist.
I used to get bored, and I’ve done some fairly risky things. Nowadays I am the opposite of bored. Just thinking about the immense significance of reality throws me into a state of excitement.
What do you do to help fight against man-made climate change?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 31, 2019:
I have installed a state of the art solar clothes dryer.
Also we heat with wood, which is carbon neutral.
But I’m not totally sold on the climate change thing. Mainly I’m saving money.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 31, 2019:
I have installed a state of the art solar clothes dryer.
Also we heat with wood, which is carbon neutral.
But I’m not totally sold on the climate change thing. Mainly I’m saving money.
Harry Dresden wisdom:
"If you can’t stop the bad thoughts from coming to visit, at least you can...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Good plan. Just shining the light of awareness on disturbing, untrue thoughts makes them wither on the vine.
Writing out your thoughts longhand and analyzing them is a sure way to find peace and happiness.
According to his biographer, John Nash rid himself of schizophrenia by learning to police his thoughts.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Good plan. Just shining the light of awareness on disturbing, untrue thoughts makes them wither on the vine.
Writing out your thoughts longhand and analyzing them is a sure way to find peace and happiness.
According to his biographer, John Nash rid himself of schizophrenia by learning to police his thoughts.
I still think it funny that people won't recognize that global warming has been occurring since the...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Apparently the recent warming trend is not all that unprecedented:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/phys.org/news/2015-11-global-fast-today.amp
The current rate of warming, determined by satellite measurements since ‘79 is 0.13C per decade or 0.23F. On average, Boston is 3.6F colder than New York City, At the current rate of warming Boston will be as warm as today’s NYC in 157 years.
It doesn’t seem like much of an emergency to me.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Apparently the recent warming trend is not all that unprecedented:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/phys.org/news/2015-11-global-fast-today.amp
The current rate of warming, determined by satellite measurements since ‘79 is 0.13C per decade or 0.23F. On average, Boston is 3.6F colder than New York City, At the current rate of warming Boston will be as warm as today’s NYC in 157 years.
It doesn’t seem like much of an emergency to me.
At what age did you learn about evolution?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
Evolution was taught in our high school, but anyone with open ears would have known about it way before that through radio, television, books, magazines and newspapers. It was even discussed at the Baptist Church where we went. The consensus there seemed to be that no one knows how God creates, and that God could well have created through evolution. So far as the seven days bit in Genesis, it was said that a day could have represented a billion years for all anybody knew.
What concerns me more than the indoctrination of children into creationism is the apparent indoctrination of adults into a dogmatic attachment to an outmoded theory of evolution. Evidence shows clearly that the way we were taught evolution in school is incorrect or incomplete, and that evolution is not driven only by random mutations and natural selection. There seems to be very little interest in epigenetics. Apparently most people have their fake world views well protected and don’t want to be bothered by worrisome evidence to the contrary.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
Evolution was taught in our high school, but anyone with open ears would have known about it way before that through radio, television, books, magazines and newspapers. It was even discussed at the Baptist Church where we went. The consensus there seemed to be that no one knows how God creates, and that God could well have created through evolution. So far as the seven days bit in Genesis, it was said that a day could have represented a billion years for all anybody knew.
What concerns me more than the indoctrination of children into creationism is the apparent indoctrination of adults into a dogmatic attachment to an outmoded theory of evolution. Evidence shows clearly that the way we were taught evolution in school is incorrect or incomplete, and that evolution is not driven only by random mutations and natural selection. There seems to be very little interest in epigenetics. Apparently most people have their fake world views well protected and don’t want to be bothered by worrisome evidence to the contrary.
Fascinating
America is falling out if love with billionaires, and it's about time.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
IMO the reason some people are poor is not because other people are wealthy. Money is not wealth, rather it is an accounting system whereby contributions to society are repaid in kind.
If a person wants more they ought to think of ways to contribute more. Sitting there in envy will get you nowhere. The options are to either learn to be happy with little (maybe the best option) or find a way to contribute something that people value.
That C&W song about not counting your money at the table delivers a potent message. Thinking about money is a distraction that impedes productivity.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
IMO the reason some people are poor is not because other people are wealthy. Money is not wealth, rather it is an accounting system whereby contributions to society are repaid in kind.
If a person wants more they ought to think of ways to contribute more. Sitting there in envy will get you nowhere. The options are to either learn to be happy with little (maybe the best option) or find a way to contribute something that people value.
That C&W song about not counting your money at the table delivers a potent message. Thinking about money is a distraction that impedes productivity.
what kind of stupid position is a soul anyway?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
The soul concept makes no sense to me. I think that the sense of self as a separate human body is only an illusion due to our limited interface with reality, based on our artificial matter/space/time model. I see no place for a soul. I am Universal Consciousness, not born and not to die.
The very concept that something “exists” is nothing but a shallow human ego idea which is meaningless in Ultimate Reality. Things exist in time or they are thought to be created at particular times, but even modern physics is saying that there is no such thing as time.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
The soul concept makes no sense to me. I think that the sense of self as a separate human body is only an illusion due to our limited interface with reality, based on our artificial matter/space/time model. I see no place for a soul. I am Universal Consciousness, not born and not to die.
The very concept that something “exists” is nothing but a shallow human ego idea which is meaningless in Ultimate Reality. Things exist in time or they are thought to be created at particular times, but even modern physics is saying that there is no such thing as time.
Ties between the Isha upanishad and a unified field theory of physics?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 6, 2019:
Great post sir!
Namaste
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 6, 2019:
Great post sir!
Namaste
Are truth and objectivity the same thing?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
An assertion can be true with respect to one logical system and yet be false with respect to another, depending on the basic assumptions of each system. The assertion might also be undecideable or meaningless in some systems. We’d like to think of truth as absolute but when it comes down to brass tacks our way of knowing is based on assumptions, many of which are superficial or incorrect.
Spiritual people speak of truth as knowledge of a higher or absolute reality. I’m not sure why that is referred to as “truth”, but in any event that is not our everyday truth. Maybe they are talking about mystical experience.
There is truth, knowledge, and experience, all of which are tied together but I’m not sure of just how.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
An assertion can be true with respect to one logical system and yet be false with respect to another, depending on the basic assumptions of each system. The assertion might also be undecideable or meaningless in some systems. We’d like to think of truth as absolute but when it comes down to brass tacks our way of knowing is based on assumptions, many of which are superficial or incorrect.
Spiritual people speak of truth as knowledge of a higher or absolute reality. I’m not sure why that is referred to as “truth”, but in any event that is not our everyday truth. Maybe they are talking about mystical experience.
There is truth, knowledge, and experience, all of which are tied together but I’m not sure of just how.
There’s a lot of atheist books I have that are covered with a paper bag cover or I wait to read ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It’s only because you go to a Christian college. Ordinarily nobody would have any interest in what you are reading, or even if they were interested they’d respect your choice.
I think that if you are open and assertive you’ll get more respect than if you hide your true sentiments.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It’s only because you go to a Christian college. Ordinarily nobody would have any interest in what you are reading, or even if they were interested they’d respect your choice.
I think that if you are open and assertive you’ll get more respect than if you hide your true sentiments.
Why are religious people so judgemental?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Not all religious people are the same.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Not all religious people are the same.
Just had a weird conversation with a co-worker.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Atheism is often underlain by a zealous, religious-like faith in the tenets of materialism and scientism. While technically not a religion, that kind of atheism might as well be thrown in with the fundamentalist religions for practical purposes.
On the other hand, there are open-minded people who call themselves atheists who are as deeply aware and and appreciative of the dramatic mystery of reality as any truly religious person.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Atheism is often underlain by a zealous, religious-like faith in the tenets of materialism and scientism. While technically not a religion, that kind of atheism might as well be thrown in with the fundamentalist religions for practical purposes.
On the other hand, there are open-minded people who call themselves atheists who are as deeply aware and and appreciative of the dramatic mystery of reality as any truly religious person.
Consciousness... Can it be measured objectively?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It is a very pertinent and obvious question, yet there are few people who want to think about such a question. I respect your courage.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It is a very pertinent and obvious question, yet there are few people who want to think about such a question. I respect your courage.
This is why religion is so messed up
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Everything we read we fit into our previous thought system—our world view. Some ideas resonate. They are understandable and meaningful because they mesh with what we know. Some of our ideas and concepts are buried in the subconscious, but when we see them articulated we have an ah-hah moment.
If an idea clashes with what we think we know we are likely to reject it. Sometimes a radical new thought will expand our understanding if we allow it to through repeated contemplation
Usually some scripture like the Upanishads will be accompanied by commentary, and even commentary about the commentary. Sometimes I look at all that and think the the commenters are off track and are missing the essential higher meaning.
A translator can not but help but put some of her own opinions into a translation. I think that you are smart to read several interpretations. A good option might be to publish a book with each passage as translated by several noted scholars. No commentary should be needed.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Everything we read we fit into our previous thought system—our world view. Some ideas resonate. They are understandable and meaningful because they mesh with what we know. Some of our ideas and concepts are buried in the subconscious, but when we see them articulated we have an ah-hah moment.
If an idea clashes with what we think we know we are likely to reject it. Sometimes a radical new thought will expand our understanding if we allow it to through repeated contemplation
Usually some scripture like the Upanishads will be accompanied by commentary, and even commentary about the commentary. Sometimes I look at all that and think the the commenters are off track and are missing the essential higher meaning.
A translator can not but help but put some of her own opinions into a translation. I think that you are smart to read several interpretations. A good option might be to publish a book with each passage as translated by several noted scholars. No commentary should be needed.
Canadians, not Mexicans, represent largest number of visa overstays in the US according to the Dept ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Overstaying your visa is one thing. Sneaking in without a visa with plans to stay forever—that’s something else.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Overstaying your visa is one thing. Sneaking in without a visa with plans to stay forever—that’s something else.
"The entire capital of our bankers, merchants, manufacturers and large landowners is nothing but the...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
A visitor from outer space without preconceived ideas might see it differently. Maybe it’s all these rich folks, enslaved by their wealth who are the working drones, giving up the best of life in order to feed their obsessions, much to the benefit of the rest of us.
By investing in State Capitalism we might be able to rescue some of those unfortunate rich sots.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
A visitor from outer space without preconceived ideas might see it differently. Maybe it’s all these rich folks, enslaved by their wealth who are the working drones, giving up the best of life in order to feed their obsessions, much to the benefit of the rest of us.
By investing in State Capitalism we might be able to rescue some of those unfortunate rich sots.
How important is the role of the mysterious in your life?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Mystery is very important in my life. No, science does not de-mystify life—It’s just the opposite. Science opens up ever greater avenues of mystery. Every scientific finding spawns multiple mysteries of ever greater proportions.
The last question is moot. There’s no such thing as a life without mystery. There are people wearing blindfolds who choose not to look at the mysterious.
Every second of conscious awareness is a profound mystery of staggering proportions.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Mystery is very important in my life. No, science does not de-mystify life—It’s just the opposite. Science opens up ever greater avenues of mystery. Every scientific finding spawns multiple mysteries of ever greater proportions.
The last question is moot. There’s no such thing as a life without mystery. There are people wearing blindfolds who choose not to look at the mysterious.
Every second of conscious awareness is a profound mystery of staggering proportions.
Inside the push to legalize magic mushrooms for depression and ptsd.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
Do you reckon our state legislators are going to jump on this and legalize magic mushrooms Skado?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
Do you reckon our state legislators are going to jump on this and legalize magic mushrooms Skado?
God? Anyone...?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The word is only a symbol, but it can refer to various concepts from silly mythical gods to ultimate reality. There is definitely an ultimate reality but I shy away from labeling that as “God”. Some people do however.
Ultimate Reality is not a “he”.out there somewhere. We collectively are Ultimate Reality—not our bodies but our essence as conscious beings.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The word is only a symbol, but it can refer to various concepts from silly mythical gods to ultimate reality. There is definitely an ultimate reality but I shy away from labeling that as “God”. Some people do however.
Ultimate Reality is not a “he”.out there somewhere. We collectively are Ultimate Reality—not our bodies but our essence as conscious beings.
Apparently it’s not just the Catholics as sexual predators
[edition.cnn.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Nineteen cases per year spread over a membership of fifteen million—that’s not sufficient evidence to brand and demonize the group as a whole. Wherever there are children there is a chance there will be predators. Predation happens in schools, for example, but no one thinks of schools as being riddled with the profane and evil.
If there were a school run by atheists there would be a chance that pedophiles might infiltrate.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Nineteen cases per year spread over a membership of fifteen million—that’s not sufficient evidence to brand and demonize the group as a whole. Wherever there are children there is a chance there will be predators. Predation happens in schools, for example, but no one thinks of schools as being riddled with the profane and evil.
If there were a school run by atheists there would be a chance that pedophiles might infiltrate.
How Did Consciousness Evolve? - The Atlantic
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The study is based on the assumption that consciousness is a mechanistic process arising from the firing of neurons. Within that model there is no real understanding of deep conscious awareness, and therefore what we are given amounts only to a lot of meaningless words.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The study is based on the assumption that consciousness is a mechanistic process arising from the firing of neurons. Within that model there is no real understanding of deep conscious awareness, and therefore what we are given amounts only to a lot of meaningless words.
It does not matter how convenient WiFi Devices are, in reality they are a public health hazard we ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Bunch of crap IMO. What the hell is WiFi radiation? There is electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies around us all the time from the sun, from the ground, from our own bodies. The only radiation proven to be harmful is ionizing radiation such as from X-rays, and that only at certain levels of intensity.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Bunch of crap IMO. What the hell is WiFi radiation? There is electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies around us all the time from the sun, from the ground, from our own bodies. The only radiation proven to be harmful is ionizing radiation such as from X-rays, and that only at certain levels of intensity.
"STATE OF THE UNION" — A Bad Lip Reading - YouTube
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
Very funny!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
Very funny!
darn buddhists!!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Maybe it’s like this:
Our sense of self as a separate body is an illusion. We might share memories with a previous person, now dead, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we ARE that person. That person as a separate entity never really existed. Our common true self is Universal Consciousness, existing outside the realm of time and space, immortal and omnipresent.
Could past life regression be something like remote viewing where we might share memories or sensations with someone in a distant place?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Maybe it’s like this:
Our sense of self as a separate body is an illusion. We might share memories with a previous person, now dead, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we ARE that person. That person as a separate entity never really existed. Our common true self is Universal Consciousness, existing outside the realm of time and space, immortal and omnipresent.
Could past life regression be something like remote viewing where we might share memories or sensations with someone in a distant place?
Atheism does only mean lack of belief in gods.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Rather than label myself with some grand “ism” I’d rather just say that I highly value humanity, or that I am intrigued with Ultimate Reality but think traditional gods are just mythical.
In the final analysis all these “isms” represent nothing but personal opinions, of little significance.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Rather than label myself with some grand “ism” I’d rather just say that I highly value humanity, or that I am intrigued with Ultimate Reality but think traditional gods are just mythical.
In the final analysis all these “isms” represent nothing but personal opinions, of little significance.
Liberals and Conservatives Are Both Susceptible to Fake News, but for Different Reasons - Scientific...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
I can see that if a person has a strong belief in an ideology and they identify intimately with that ideology they’d be looking for evidence to reinforce their belief at every turn as an exercise in ego.
The odd thing is that conservatism and liberalism are not opposites—in their purest form a person can be both liberal and conservative at the same time. Those who are the most zealous in their partisanship are mainly just playing ego games IMO, though they might not even be aware of that.
They ought to redo the study and provide a category for “both liberal and conservative”. I’ll bet those folks would be more resistant to fake news.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
I can see that if a person has a strong belief in an ideology and they identify intimately with that ideology they’d be looking for evidence to reinforce their belief at every turn as an exercise in ego.
The odd thing is that conservatism and liberalism are not opposites—in their purest form a person can be both liberal and conservative at the same time. Those who are the most zealous in their partisanship are mainly just playing ego games IMO, though they might not even be aware of that.
They ought to redo the study and provide a category for “both liberal and conservative”. I’ll bet those folks would be more resistant to fake news.
I feel that a majority of the populous is actually devolving. Anyone else share this sentiment?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
People seem to always come through and do amazing things, even those that I had judged inferior. I’ve decided to allow the human race to proceed in its own way and not worry about its development.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
People seem to always come through and do amazing things, even those that I had judged inferior. I’ve decided to allow the human race to proceed in its own way and not worry about its development.
No one is perfect. Please reserve your thoughts about others.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Very True.
We have to respect each other out of logical necessity. It’s not that we’re trying to be nice.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Very True.
We have to respect each other out of logical necessity. It’s not that we’re trying to be nice.
Today in "searching for the ultimate answer" news
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Interesting, intriguing.
Thanks for that link.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Interesting, intriguing.
Thanks for that link.
Atheists are a minority.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
There are a great many keenly intelligent critical thinkers who do not arrive at the atheist position. There are many atheists who are nothing but mouthpieces for scientism.
Our opinions about religion are not very important IMO.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
There are a great many keenly intelligent critical thinkers who do not arrive at the atheist position. There are many atheists who are nothing but mouthpieces for scientism.
Our opinions about religion are not very important IMO.
I saw this the other day and thought I'd share:
[pewforum.org]
Where do you fall?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
I do not venture to use the god word, however there are some odd things about evolution that can not be understood in terms of random mutations and natural selection. Studies in epigenetics suggest that there’s something eerie at play beyond the simplistic dogmas we were taught in school.
Universal consciousness, if there is such, might someday offer a way of understanding reality on a deeper level.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
I do not venture to use the god word, however there are some odd things about evolution that can not be understood in terms of random mutations and natural selection. Studies in epigenetics suggest that there’s something eerie at play beyond the simplistic dogmas we were taught in school.
Universal consciousness, if there is such, might someday offer a way of understanding reality on a deeper level.
A Different Kind of Theory of Everything | The New Yorker
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Wow!
This merits some thought.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Wow!
This merits some thought.
Is religion a multi-purpose "coping mechanism"?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
I can see that religion might sometimes be used as a coping mechanism, but I posit that such usage does not invalidate or define religion.
Here’s an article I just read about awe:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/why-scientists-say-experiencing-awe-can-help-you-live-your-best-life/ar-BBTPigC?ocid=se
I feel that the religious impulse was founded in awe, and that could not have been possible without a deep and profound awareness and appreciation for nature.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
I can see that religion might sometimes be used as a coping mechanism, but I posit that such usage does not invalidate or define religion.
Here’s an article I just read about awe:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/why-scientists-say-experiencing-awe-can-help-you-live-your-best-life/ar-BBTPigC?ocid=se
I feel that the religious impulse was founded in awe, and that could not have been possible without a deep and profound awareness and appreciation for nature.
I hope I don't sound too sophomoric but I got this strange thought about how weird, mysterious and ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 22, 2019:
We see eye to eye, and no, it’s not sophomoric. Apparently you have the courage to look directly at the ramifications of stark reality without flinching.
Not a day goes by but what I wonder what in the world does all this mean. Who or what am I? What is conscious awareness? There is something staggeringly magnificent but mysterious beyond our world of senses and it is of the utmost significance.
Let’s keep on appreciating every moment of conscious awareness. The implications are mind boggling!
My hat is off to you sir!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 22, 2019:
We see eye to eye, and no, it’s not sophomoric. Apparently you have the courage to look directly at the ramifications of stark reality without flinching.
Not a day goes by but what I wonder what in the world does all this mean. Who or what am I? What is conscious awareness? There is something staggeringly magnificent but mysterious beyond our world of senses and it is of the utmost significance.
Let’s keep on appreciating every moment of conscious awareness. The implications are mind boggling!
My hat is off to you sir!
Have we (America) separated church and state?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 22, 2019:
Yes, we have separation of church and state. There is no state sanctioned religion and we are perfectly free to practice any religion or none. Having the word “God” in the pledge of allegiance is not establishing a state religion. I don’t know why some of y’all are so sensitive about that unless you are insecure in your non-belief.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 22, 2019:
Yes, we have separation of church and state. There is no state sanctioned religion and we are perfectly free to practice any religion or none. Having the word “God” in the pledge of allegiance is not establishing a state religion. I don’t know why some of y’all are so sensitive about that unless you are insecure in your non-belief.
Those who believe that humans have an "immortal soul" must be able to explain how this soul (or mind...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
The soul concept makes no sense to me. Who or what is it that is supposed to be having a soul? One possible explanation regarding our existence is that the body might be nothing but a robot, lacking true awareness and free will. In this model our sense of self as a separate, bodily entity is nothing but illusion. In that case the sense of self as a soul or as a reincarnation would also be illusory. Remember that sometimes various “selves” occupy a single body. It’s seems perfectly logical to dismiss those selves as illusory and yet they are no different from our own selves. Lose your memory and you are no longer your former self.
Yet we do experience conscious awareness, free will, love, and various facets of existence of which robots are inherently incapable. What I suspect is that when we experience those things it is not our individual selves but it is the cosmic “I” of reality, Universal Consciousness that is expressing through us.
In my short novel, “The Staggering Implications of the Mystery of Existence”, available on Kindle, I discuss these ideas.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
The soul concept makes no sense to me. Who or what is it that is supposed to be having a soul? One possible explanation regarding our existence is that the body might be nothing but a robot, lacking true awareness and free will. In this model our sense of self as a separate, bodily entity is nothing but illusion. In that case the sense of self as a soul or as a reincarnation would also be illusory. Remember that sometimes various “selves” occupy a single body. It’s seems perfectly logical to dismiss those selves as illusory and yet they are no different from our own selves. Lose your memory and you are no longer your former self.
Yet we do experience conscious awareness, free will, love, and various facets of existence of which robots are inherently incapable. What I suspect is that when we experience those things it is not our individual selves but it is the cosmic “I” of reality, Universal Consciousness that is expressing through us.
In my short novel, “The Staggering Implications of the Mystery of Existence”, available on Kindle, I discuss these ideas.
TIL That the term "Agnostic" was coined in 1869 by T.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
Very good, courageous and intelligent advice.
I might add that having reached that honest appraisal one need not give up. It is entirely reasonable and desirable to forge ahead with experimentation, analysis, metaphysical speculation, and intuitive contemplation, as did T.H.’s grandson Aldous.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
Very good, courageous and intelligent advice.
I might add that having reached that honest appraisal one need not give up. It is entirely reasonable and desirable to forge ahead with experimentation, analysis, metaphysical speculation, and intuitive contemplation, as did T.H.’s grandson Aldous.
Quick question for the room: Does it actually say anywhere in the proposals made by politicians like...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
If we had smarter, more capable leaders we’d balance the budget, pay off the national debt, and amass a huge investment fund managed for the citizens. Done right all taxes could be eliminated along with every social program. There’d be a lifelong subsistence income for every person born.
Be as lazy as you want—no big deal. There’s not going to be enough work to keep people busy in the future—nor should there be. Work is a liability.
Under this new system people could still become wealthy if they wanted to. The good part is that they could relax, enjoy friends and family, participate in sports and hobbies, or commit themselves to scholarship.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
If we had smarter, more capable leaders we’d balance the budget, pay off the national debt, and amass a huge investment fund managed for the citizens. Done right all taxes could be eliminated along with every social program. There’d be a lifelong subsistence income for every person born.
Be as lazy as you want—no big deal. There’s not going to be enough work to keep people busy in the future—nor should there be. Work is a liability.
Under this new system people could still become wealthy if they wanted to. The good part is that they could relax, enjoy friends and family, participate in sports and hobbies, or commit themselves to scholarship.
...the most reasonable conclusion is that they’re ALL wrong!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
The kind of religion that makes shaky grandiose claims about reality and insists that those claims be believed in an absolute way—those religions will be in constant conflict with other religions as well as with science. One such religion is rote, unquestioned materialism IMO.
There is a more sophisticated religion that resides in the hearts of individuals. It is a religion of humble acknowledgement of human ignorance, of deep awareness and appreciation for reality, and of joy and celebration.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
The kind of religion that makes shaky grandiose claims about reality and insists that those claims be believed in an absolute way—those religions will be in constant conflict with other religions as well as with science. One such religion is rote, unquestioned materialism IMO.
There is a more sophisticated religion that resides in the hearts of individuals. It is a religion of humble acknowledgement of human ignorance, of deep awareness and appreciation for reality, and of joy and celebration.
a question re global warming/climate change.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
It the Gulf rises by 200 feet I’ll own waterfront property. Maybe it’ll stop rising at that level.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
It the Gulf rises by 200 feet I’ll own waterfront property. Maybe it’ll stop rising at that level.
Believability
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
Maybe it’s because they know some low characters in their neighborhoods who are unchurched non-believers, and they make unwarranted associations. In other words, stereotyping.
Maybe if they got to know you better they’d be less judgmental. On the other hand...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
Maybe it’s because they know some low characters in their neighborhoods who are unchurched non-believers, and they make unwarranted associations. In other words, stereotyping.
Maybe if they got to know you better they’d be less judgmental. On the other hand...
United Methodist Church Votes To Keep Bans On Same-Sex Weddings, LGBTQ Clergy : NPR
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
I wonder what Hillary Clinton has to say about this policy of her church.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
I wonder what Hillary Clinton has to say about this policy of her church.
As a species, we collectively generate so much misery. Not an indicator of a healthy society.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
We generate that misery within ourselves by the thinking of untrue thoughts. A lot of those thoughts are sparked by the media. We need to police our thoughts and weed out the lies. What’s left will bring joy and happiness.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
We generate that misery within ourselves by the thinking of untrue thoughts. A lot of those thoughts are sparked by the media. We need to police our thoughts and weed out the lies. What’s left will bring joy and happiness.
Violation of the 8th Amendment? People doing life for nonviolent crime..[democracynow.org]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
In the article, Racism is blamed for a lot of the problem, and Louisiana is mentioned over and over as a place where this injustice needs attention. I’m not sure about the statistics for those with life sentences, but this ten year old study shows Louisiana to be about average in the incarceration rate for Blacks. When it comes to the ratio of Black to White incarceration Louisiana, along with the other southern states are relatively low at a ratio of three or four to one—still too large IMO. The big offenders in that category are in the Northeast and Midwest, with ten or twelve to one ratios.
https://www.sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Uneven-Justice-State-Rates-of-Incarceration-by-Race-and-Ethnicity.pdf
A solution IMO is the inclusion of more Blacks in the justice system from top to bottom.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
In the article, Racism is blamed for a lot of the problem, and Louisiana is mentioned over and over as a place where this injustice needs attention. I’m not sure about the statistics for those with life sentences, but this ten year old study shows Louisiana to be about average in the incarceration rate for Blacks. When it comes to the ratio of Black to White incarceration Louisiana, along with the other southern states are relatively low at a ratio of three or four to one—still too large IMO. The big offenders in that category are in the Northeast and Midwest, with ten or twelve to one ratios.
https://www.sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Uneven-Justice-State-Rates-of-Incarceration-by-Race-and-Ethnicity.pdf
A solution IMO is the inclusion of more Blacks in the justice system from top to bottom.
The scientific dream that still remains Impossible is fusion the unlimited supply of energy.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
What was called cold fusion probably isn’t really fusion, but it seems to be progressing apace under the name of LENR. I look for some dramatic advances soon.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
What was called cold fusion probably isn’t really fusion, but it seems to be progressing apace under the name of LENR. I look for some dramatic advances soon.
What's wrong the "New Atheists"?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
John Gray sounds like a very perceptive person. I’ll try to get that book.
The irony is that many or most atheists describe themselves as simply withholding belief in God. The “burden of proof” is supposed to be on the other side. Then they proceed with a slurring, hateful campaign against their opponents, setting forth numerous faulty arguments in a condescending manner, claiming openly that they themselves are superior in intelligence, courage, morality, mental health and just about everything else. I expect to read next that atheists are better looking than religious folks.
I can understand a degree of anger toward certain religious organizations, but attacking the people who belong to those organizations does nothing to address the God question.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
John Gray sounds like a very perceptive person. I’ll try to get that book.
The irony is that many or most atheists describe themselves as simply withholding belief in God. The “burden of proof” is supposed to be on the other side. Then they proceed with a slurring, hateful campaign against their opponents, setting forth numerous faulty arguments in a condescending manner, claiming openly that they themselves are superior in intelligence, courage, morality, mental health and just about everything else. I expect to read next that atheists are better looking than religious folks.
I can understand a degree of anger toward certain religious organizations, but attacking the people who belong to those organizations does nothing to address the God question.
Religion's Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health | Pew Research Center
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
From the article:
“Finally, it could also be that religious activity is associated with greater well-being simply because happier, healthier people have more inclination and ability to be active in their communities, including religious groups. People who are unhappy and struggling physically or financially generally may be more isolated and less able to engage in social activities.”
I lean toward thinking that this is the main reason for the findings. Sitting in church is not the CAUSE, for health, happiness, etc., but there is a correlation.
What I think is that deep awareness and appreciation for the magnificent reality that we experience gives us courage, joy, health, and motivation to live well. There is probably more of that kind of awareness among religious people, but they don’t hold exclusive rights to that attitude. A good many people who call themselves atheists are also deeply aware. There are those with a sullen, argumentive frame of mind in both camps.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
From the article:
“Finally, it could also be that religious activity is associated with greater well-being simply because happier, healthier people have more inclination and ability to be active in their communities, including religious groups. People who are unhappy and struggling physically or financially generally may be more isolated and less able to engage in social activities.”
I lean toward thinking that this is the main reason for the findings. Sitting in church is not the CAUSE, for health, happiness, etc., but there is a correlation.
What I think is that deep awareness and appreciation for the magnificent reality that we experience gives us courage, joy, health, and motivation to live well. There is probably more of that kind of awareness among religious people, but they don’t hold exclusive rights to that attitude. A good many people who call themselves atheists are also deeply aware. There are those with a sullen, argumentive frame of mind in both camps.
In the debate of whether or not AI will create massive job losses, people seem too focused on past ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
Why would we want work? Machines can make life easier for everyone. The goal should be less work and more play, more leisure for family and friends, for hobbies and sports.
With the greater efficiency afforded by AI, products will be cheaper and hours can be cut.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
Why would we want work? Machines can make life easier for everyone. The goal should be less work and more play, more leisure for family and friends, for hobbies and sports.
With the greater efficiency afforded by AI, products will be cheaper and hours can be cut.
Debunked: "Socialism Has Never Worked" - YouTube
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
I haven’t actually heard anyone say that socialism doesn’t work. I hear them say that Marx-style communism doesn’t work, and there is a degree of truth in that sentiment I think. The video states several times that communism is not socialism, but rather is “right-wing” dictatorship created by force. Did anyone tell the participants in the Russian revolution that they were right-wingers? The video makes some good points but IMO is flawed by a reactionary and argumentive stance. Despite that, I gained valuable information, especially by all those biblical quotes calling for socialism and by information about socialism in various old civilizations.
All of these conflicting ideas and “isms” can be confusing and divisive—perfect fodder for power-hungry politicians. I am certainly no expert in economics, but I think it helps to take a broader view.
It is obvious that joint effort often leads to greater efficiency and enhanced survival. The principle is embedded in all of nature from the development of multi-celled organisms to the establishment of families, villages, nations and international corporations. But there is an optimal level of joint effort which depends on the environment. Please note that there remains a large role for single-celled organisms—there is a niche for one-person businesses, just as there are some very small countries.
Nearly everyone agrees that some level of cooperation is desirable. Even if you live alone in the wilderness you will be dependent on mankind for your birth if nothing else. It’s a question of personal preference and goals. If you want to own a Stemme S12 motor glider obviously you will require a high level of mutual support in order to get $400k to fulfill your goal. By living on the street, eating cheap food and walking everywhere a person might be just as happy but won’t get to soar around in the clouds.
Socialism and capitalism are not opposites. They are manifestations of the same underlying principle. My electricity is provided by a co-op. A credit union provides my banking needs. A member-owned association provides insurance and manages my retirement account. All that is socialism. I shop at Walmart, a corporation, but I AM PART OWNER OF WALMART, and that is also socialism. Capitalism is socialism! It doesn’t matter if it’s through government or through private investment, joint efforts are joint efforts.
There can be too much socialism (or too little). There is an optimal amount depending on conditions. Government itself is a joint effort, but if through government we force an excessive level of socialism there might be a negative impact, with subsequent corrections. Please don’t force me to join your group or to buy insurance, etc.
Some of Bernie’s ideas might ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
I haven’t actually heard anyone say that socialism doesn’t work. I hear them say that Marx-style communism doesn’t work, and there is a degree of truth in that sentiment I think. The video states several times that communism is not socialism, but rather is “right-wing” dictatorship created by force. Did anyone tell the participants in the Russian revolution that they were right-wingers? The video makes some good points but IMO is flawed by a reactionary and argumentive stance. Despite that, I gained valuable information, especially by all those biblical quotes calling for socialism and by information about socialism in various old civilizations.
All of these conflicting ideas and “isms” can be confusing and divisive—perfect fodder for power-hungry politicians. I am certainly no expert in economics, but I think it helps to take a broader view.
It is obvious that joint effort often leads to greater efficiency and enhanced survival. The principle is embedded in all of nature from the development of multi-celled organisms to the establishment of families, villages, nations and international corporations. But there is an optimal level of joint effort which depends on the environment. Please note that there remains a large role for single-celled organisms—there is a niche for one-person businesses, just as there are some very small countries.
Nearly everyone agrees that some level of cooperation is desirable. Even if you live alone in the wilderness you will be dependent on mankind for your birth if nothing else. It’s a question of personal preference and goals. If you want to own a Stemme S12 motor glider obviously you will require a high level of mutual support in order to get $400k to fulfill your goal. By living on the street, eating cheap food and walking everywhere a person might be just as happy but won’t get to soar around in the clouds.
Socialism and capitalism are not opposites. They are manifestations of the same underlying principle. My electricity is provided by a co-op. A credit union provides my banking needs. A member-owned association provides insurance and manages my retirement account. All that is socialism. I shop at Walmart, a corporation, but I AM PART OWNER OF WALMART, and that is also socialism. Capitalism is socialism! It doesn’t matter if it’s through government or through private investment, joint efforts are joint efforts.
There can be too much socialism (or too little). There is an optimal amount depending on conditions. Government itself is a joint effort, but if through government we force an excessive level of socialism there might be a negative impact, with subsequent corrections. Please don’t force me to join your group or to buy insurance, etc.
Some of Bernie’s ideas might ...
So has anyone else run into this?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
One person’s wu is another person’s profound insight. If you are mired in materialism and scientism it is only because you are wearing a blindfold. Study the ideas of the founders of modern physics and you might change your outlook for the better.
Sir Arthur Eddington:
The universe is of the nature of a thought or sensation in a universal Mind... To put the conclusion crudely — the stuff of the world is mind-stuff.
We are no longer tempted to condemn the spiritual aspects of our nature as illusory because of their lack of concreteness.
The scientific answer is relevant so far as concerns the sense-impressions... For the rest the human spirit must turn to the unseen world to which it itself belongs.
Wu is real! https://www.thoughtco.com/wu-wei-the-action-of-non-action-3183209
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
One person’s wu is another person’s profound insight. If you are mired in materialism and scientism it is only because you are wearing a blindfold. Study the ideas of the founders of modern physics and you might change your outlook for the better.
Sir Arthur Eddington:
The universe is of the nature of a thought or sensation in a universal Mind... To put the conclusion crudely — the stuff of the world is mind-stuff.
We are no longer tempted to condemn the spiritual aspects of our nature as illusory because of their lack of concreteness.
The scientific answer is relevant so far as concerns the sense-impressions... For the rest the human spirit must turn to the unseen world to which it itself belongs.
Wu is real! https://www.thoughtco.com/wu-wei-the-action-of-non-action-3183209
There was this philosopher for the life of me I forget his name, anyway he stated: "Religion reveals...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 4, 2019:
Depth in religion might reveal atheism, but meditation and contemplation reveal deep awareness, appreciation and gratitude for conscious awareness of nature or Ultimate Reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 4, 2019:
Depth in religion might reveal atheism, but meditation and contemplation reveal deep awareness, appreciation and gratitude for conscious awareness of nature or Ultimate Reality.
How do you meditate / clear your mind?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 4, 2019:
It’s beautiful!
There are no mountains here on the coastal plain but I stroll in the woods and clear my mind in that way.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 4, 2019:
It’s beautiful!
There are no mountains here on the coastal plain but I stroll in the woods and clear my mind in that way.
Susceptibility to Mental Illness May Have Helped Humans Adapt over the Millennia - Scientific ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 5, 2019:
It’s a good article.
It’s easy to see how some of the “mental illnesses” might have survival benefits, if not for the individual, then for the village. Those having bipolar e.g. have startling bursts of insight, energy and creativity, beneficial to the group at large, even with the subsequent period of depression. Some prominent leaders are said to have had bipolar disorder, such as Winston Churchill. Obviously you wouldn’t want everyone in the village to be that way.
In “Rethinking Madness” it is posited that schizophrenia is a desperate survival attempt, and that those afflicted usually emerge as deeply aware in a spiritual sense, potentially becoming leaders or teachers.
If a blizzard is going on there is survival value in lying lowly—hiding out in a depressed state until it’s over. This has been pointed out often. Another reason for depression might be that subconsciously a person might know that contemplation and mental analysis is needed to resolve some inner conflict. Thus they awaken in the night, or they devote a lot of time to solitary brooding.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 5, 2019:
It’s a good article.
It’s easy to see how some of the “mental illnesses” might have survival benefits, if not for the individual, then for the village. Those having bipolar e.g. have startling bursts of insight, energy and creativity, beneficial to the group at large, even with the subsequent period of depression. Some prominent leaders are said to have had bipolar disorder, such as Winston Churchill. Obviously you wouldn’t want everyone in the village to be that way.
In “Rethinking Madness” it is posited that schizophrenia is a desperate survival attempt, and that those afflicted usually emerge as deeply aware in a spiritual sense, potentially becoming leaders or teachers.
If a blizzard is going on there is survival value in lying lowly—hiding out in a depressed state until it’s over. This has been pointed out often. Another reason for depression might be that subconsciously a person might know that contemplation and mental analysis is needed to resolve some inner conflict. Thus they awaken in the night, or they devote a lot of time to solitary brooding.
So how do you maintain a level of respect for those who believe in these fairytales?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 5, 2019:
As I see it we have no logical choice but to respect everyone, not because we are trying to be good, but because everyone is worthy of respect. It is respect as in taking a second look and recognizing the miracle of life and mystery of conscious awareness. We love and respect children, and they are prone to believing all kinds of silly things. If the person is a threat, steps might be needed, but that is another issue.
The concept of God that you describe is by no means universal, even among fundamentalists. I think that almost all religious people think of God as being outside the realm of space, time, and matter.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 5, 2019:
As I see it we have no logical choice but to respect everyone, not because we are trying to be good, but because everyone is worthy of respect. It is respect as in taking a second look and recognizing the miracle of life and mystery of conscious awareness. We love and respect children, and they are prone to believing all kinds of silly things. If the person is a threat, steps might be needed, but that is another issue.
The concept of God that you describe is by no means universal, even among fundamentalists. I think that almost all religious people think of God as being outside the realm of space, time, and matter.
Why do many of us see beauty in nature?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Nature is way more than a bunch of random events IMO, for example, natural laws are not random events. The fact that anything exists is mind boggling, and you are right. We don’t understand nature. We are in the dark as to the nature of conscious awareness, and besides that we don’t even understand the meaning of the word exist. It follows that we don’t know what we ourselves are.
I think the reason we see beauty in nature is that we are conscious awareness itself, and that love for reality is an expression of that awareness. Nature, in its ultimate aspect, might be subjective.
We are looking at ourselves and we like what we see.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Nature is way more than a bunch of random events IMO, for example, natural laws are not random events. The fact that anything exists is mind boggling, and you are right. We don’t understand nature. We are in the dark as to the nature of conscious awareness, and besides that we don’t even understand the meaning of the word exist. It follows that we don’t know what we ourselves are.
I think the reason we see beauty in nature is that we are conscious awareness itself, and that love for reality is an expression of that awareness. Nature, in its ultimate aspect, might be subjective.
We are looking at ourselves and we like what we see.
Lost a close family member and it's gut wrenching.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
I’m sorry to hear this. You sound like a strong person who will come through your sorrow and live in joy.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
I’m sorry to hear this. You sound like a strong person who will come through your sorrow and live in joy.
Is life not to expand the mind as we spin on this beautiful blue marble in the cosmos?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Possibly so.
Another option might be that we ARE the expanding universal mind.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Possibly so.
Another option might be that we ARE the expanding universal mind.
How many of yall believe in a historical Jesus? And why?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 7, 2019:
Jesus’s greatest miracle was turning water into wine, truly a beneficial act if there ever was one!
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 7, 2019:
Jesus’s greatest miracle was turning water into wine, truly a beneficial act if there ever was one!
In Alabama the tornado is called an act of God that caused a lot of damage and 23 lost lives.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 8, 2019:
According to Wikipedia,
“In legal usage throughout the English-speaking world, an act of God[1] is a natural hazard outside human control, such as an earthquake or tsunami, for which no person can be held responsible.”
It’s just a descriptive term, in common usage. So far as why churches teach silly things, who knows? I for one don’t care.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 8, 2019:
According to Wikipedia,
“In legal usage throughout the English-speaking world, an act of God[1] is a natural hazard outside human control, such as an earthquake or tsunami, for which no person can be held responsible.”
It’s just a descriptive term, in common usage. So far as why churches teach silly things, who knows? I for one don’t care.
About to read Atlas Shrugged again. I do think it's relevant these days.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
It was years ago when I read “Atlas Shrugged”, and I hardly remember it, but doesn’t it present a libertarian perspective?
It’s one thing to advocate for altruism in other people, for punishing rich people, etc., but it’s a different undertakinging to approach society as it really is and try to understand how it works and why.
It’s the difference between an attitude of open-minded respectful curiosity—a desire to understand, and an attitude of envy, grievance, and greed. It’s the difference between actually helping produce real wealth and attempting to wrest money from other people.
Government is not your benevolent protector and provider. Government is a massive, mindless, feudal-like power structure whose only purpose is self-perpetuation and the forceful acquisition of money and power. Some government might be necessary but it must be kept carefully in check.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
It was years ago when I read “Atlas Shrugged”, and I hardly remember it, but doesn’t it present a libertarian perspective?
It’s one thing to advocate for altruism in other people, for punishing rich people, etc., but it’s a different undertakinging to approach society as it really is and try to understand how it works and why.
It’s the difference between an attitude of open-minded respectful curiosity—a desire to understand, and an attitude of envy, grievance, and greed. It’s the difference between actually helping produce real wealth and attempting to wrest money from other people.
Government is not your benevolent protector and provider. Government is a massive, mindless, feudal-like power structure whose only purpose is self-perpetuation and the forceful acquisition of money and power. Some government might be necessary but it must be kept carefully in check.
Meanwhile, the religious affiliation that has flourished the most during this period is no religion ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
I have seen a lot of these articles lately that single out “evangelicalism” and seem to link that with conservatism and with low-income regions. Some articles go so far as to make correlations with health, longevity, education level, drug addiction, etc.
I don’t understand all this interest in evangelicals. You’d think that Catholics, Mormons, and mainline Protestants would be of equal interest. There is nothing sinister or inherently evil about evangelicals—it’s sort of an ill-defined term. Hillary Clinton, for example, is an evangelical. Could it be because of a few high-profile televangelists?
It’s easy to see why Protestantism is more prominent in the South, and why in general Southern states have a somewhat lower median income. During the last half of the nineteenth century through the early part of the twentieth, Catholic and Lutheran immigrants from Europe flocked into the industrializing manufacturing regions— hence those regions are today predominantly Catholic, and they have more wealth. The South, settled earlier by British Protestants, remained chiefly agricultural. For various reasons agricultural regions tend to be conservative.
I don’t know why all these correlations even need to be made. Correlation is not causation.
I agree though that rising percentages of the unaffiliated is a good trend. It means that more people are thinking for themselves and asserting themselves.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
I have seen a lot of these articles lately that single out “evangelicalism” and seem to link that with conservatism and with low-income regions. Some articles go so far as to make correlations with health, longevity, education level, drug addiction, etc.
I don’t understand all this interest in evangelicals. You’d think that Catholics, Mormons, and mainline Protestants would be of equal interest. There is nothing sinister or inherently evil about evangelicals—it’s sort of an ill-defined term. Hillary Clinton, for example, is an evangelical. Could it be because of a few high-profile televangelists?
It’s easy to see why Protestantism is more prominent in the South, and why in general Southern states have a somewhat lower median income. During the last half of the nineteenth century through the early part of the twentieth, Catholic and Lutheran immigrants from Europe flocked into the industrializing manufacturing regions— hence those regions are today predominantly Catholic, and they have more wealth. The South, settled earlier by British Protestants, remained chiefly agricultural. For various reasons agricultural regions tend to be conservative.
I don’t know why all these correlations even need to be made. Correlation is not causation.
I agree though that rising percentages of the unaffiliated is a good trend. It means that more people are thinking for themselves and asserting themselves.
Suppose religions were something like mites (the comparison is not at all absurd, because mites are ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
Good advice IMO.
And that same attitude can be extended to all of nature. Rather than wallow in fear, anger, or disgust over some perceived condition, it would be more fruitful to seek understanding. Things are as they are for natural reasons.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
Good advice IMO.
And that same attitude can be extended to all of nature. Rather than wallow in fear, anger, or disgust over some perceived condition, it would be more fruitful to seek understanding. Things are as they are for natural reasons.
Atheists Can Be Spiritual Too, What Do You Think?
[google.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
I like the term “spiritual”, and I say that I am spiritual. I don’t care if it sounds religious because I am religious in a certain way.
From the article:
“The problem is that spirituality isn't one thing; it is two things. It is the feeling we get "when we are truly in relationship with others" and that "deep sense of incomprehensibility at the wonder of sheer existence." To put it simply, spirituality is the feeling of deep connection we have towards one another and with the universe in general.”
The wonder of sheer existence—that’s me. Good article, thanks.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
I like the term “spiritual”, and I say that I am spiritual. I don’t care if it sounds religious because I am religious in a certain way.
From the article:
“The problem is that spirituality isn't one thing; it is two things. It is the feeling we get "when we are truly in relationship with others" and that "deep sense of incomprehensibility at the wonder of sheer existence." To put it simply, spirituality is the feeling of deep connection we have towards one another and with the universe in general.”
The wonder of sheer existence—that’s me. Good article, thanks.
What’s Wrong With Equestrian Atheism
The Four Horsemen are/were good guys.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 13, 2019:
I am in full agreement. What is called religion by most people today is a relatively new invention. In the old days it was just life.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 13, 2019:
I am in full agreement. What is called religion by most people today is a relatively new invention. In the old days it was just life.
Religion must end
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 13, 2019:
We need religion. It’s inside us and always will be. Religion is not about belief in lies. Religion is not about belief at all. Religion is a way of looking at reality, and it is a way of life.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 13, 2019:
We need religion. It’s inside us and always will be. Religion is not about belief in lies. Religion is not about belief at all. Religion is a way of looking at reality, and it is a way of life.
Do we know if Socrates was a historical character or a literary device used by Plato?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 14, 2019:
Wikipedia gives some references that seem to verify the life of Socrates. For example, Socrates was a soldier during the Peloponnesian War and was mentioned by others as fulfilling that role nobly.
How could Plato have pulled off such a prank and not been exposed?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 14, 2019:
Wikipedia gives some references that seem to verify the life of Socrates. For example, Socrates was a soldier during the Peloponnesian War and was mentioned by others as fulfilling that role nobly.
How could Plato have pulled off such a prank and not been exposed?
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