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Theology is keeping people afraid and dense. How do we change society to a true learning life style?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 18, 2019:
Was Trump elected because of theology? I really don’t think so—Trump was elected by a broad spectrum of Americans across the country of varying religious opinions.
Trump leans toward secularism, saying that he fixes his own mistakes without involving God. Trump was elected because he out-politicked his rival. The only evangelical Christian in the race was Hillary Clinton.
I keep pointing that out but no one has ever offered a response.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 18, 2019:
Was Trump elected because of theology? I really don’t think so—Trump was elected by a broad spectrum of Americans across the country of varying religious opinions.
Trump leans toward secularism, saying that he fixes his own mistakes without involving God. Trump was elected because he out-politicked his rival. The only evangelical Christian in the race was Hillary Clinton.
I keep pointing that out but no one has ever offered a response.
First a disclaimer: Don't judge the essay by its title.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 18, 2019:
Why am I me and you are you in the first place? It’s a question worth thinking about. Could it be that our sense of personal identity as a separate self is an illusion? Our entire perception of reality is an illusion, and that is confirmed by physics. From a cosmic perspective there’s no such thing as time, so all talk of what happens later is meaningless.
There’s no need to seek solace in the hoped for survival of the human species. That is because the higher essence of humanity is part of something infinitely bigger. Our tears and fears are as nothing in the face of ultimate reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 18, 2019:
Why am I me and you are you in the first place? It’s a question worth thinking about. Could it be that our sense of personal identity as a separate self is an illusion? Our entire perception of reality is an illusion, and that is confirmed by physics. From a cosmic perspective there’s no such thing as time, so all talk of what happens later is meaningless.
There’s no need to seek solace in the hoped for survival of the human species. That is because the higher essence of humanity is part of something infinitely bigger. Our tears and fears are as nothing in the face of ultimate reality.
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?
REVIEW: -
Richard Wrangham's new book (The Goodness Paradox: How Evolution Made Us Both More ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 14, 2019:
Consciously aware humans can step in and cause evolution to happen. There is a tendency among scholars to think of humans as dumb machines, and to ascribe all their characteristics to random mutations and natural selection. There must be an evolutionary niche for people who think that way. Perhaps those who allow the stark, overwhelming truth of reality into their awareness stop being scholars and become mystics. College professors make more money than mystics, which enables them to have more children, giving them an evolutionary advantage. I just checked the want-ads and didn’t see a single opening for a mystic.
Just as farmers will not tolerate a dangerous and aggressive domestic animal and will not let it live and reproduce, so also does society rid itself of dangerous and aggressive humans. It’s happening right now, today, both legally and illegally.
I’ve noticed that puppies love to engage in rough play with their siblings. That play strengthens them and prepares them for life as a dog, but if they get too rowdy their mothers nip their ears and make them behave. My ears were nipped, metaphorically, numerous times, not because my mother was programmed by evolution, but because she desired an orderly household and wanted to protect my siblings.
It was conscious awareness.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 14, 2019:
Consciously aware humans can step in and cause evolution to happen. There is a tendency among scholars to think of humans as dumb machines, and to ascribe all their characteristics to random mutations and natural selection. There must be an evolutionary niche for people who think that way. Perhaps those who allow the stark, overwhelming truth of reality into their awareness stop being scholars and become mystics. College professors make more money than mystics, which enables them to have more children, giving them an evolutionary advantage. I just checked the want-ads and didn’t see a single opening for a mystic.
Just as farmers will not tolerate a dangerous and aggressive domestic animal and will not let it live and reproduce, so also does society rid itself of dangerous and aggressive humans. It’s happening right now, today, both legally and illegally.
I’ve noticed that puppies love to engage in rough play with their siblings. That play strengthens them and prepares them for life as a dog, but if they get too rowdy their mothers nip their ears and make them behave. My ears were nipped, metaphorically, numerous times, not because my mother was programmed by evolution, but because she desired an orderly household and wanted to protect my siblings.
It was conscious awareness.
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.
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.
The religious won't reflect on the hypocrisy but they should.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
Hmmm...
What if my religion is not based on the Bible?
Even if it were, what would Trumps signing some Bibles have to do with anything?
Better think before announcing that it’s time.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
Hmmm...
What if my religion is not based on the Bible?
Even if it were, what would Trumps signing some Bibles have to do with anything?
Better think before announcing that it’s time.
Well, we have been fighting this religious bullshit for a long time, but a short time in ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
What do you mean. I learned about evolution in school back in the fifties. In Alabama it is required by law that evolution be taught.
Turns out there’s more to evolution than we were taught—a lot more, as revealed by epigenetics.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
What do you mean. I learned about evolution in school back in the fifties. In Alabama it is required by law that evolution be taught.
Turns out there’s more to evolution than we were taught—a lot more, as revealed by epigenetics.
As a person who has psychic abilities, and believes in reincarnation, I wonder what peoples thought ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
There’s a lot of evidence for reincarnation, but when it comes down to brass tacks, I simply don’t know what happens when we die. But what I suspect is this: Nothing of significance changes. The sense of self as an individual body is just an illusion. We are not what we think. Our true essence is not understood in terms of space, time, and matter. “We” will continue being what we were and are, in a collective sense. There is no reason for the preservation of an individual sense of self. That sense is wholly dependent on memory, and is ephemeral.
A reincarnated self is also probably nothing but illusion. You might share memories with a deceased person but both selves are illusional.
I like your bio.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
There’s a lot of evidence for reincarnation, but when it comes down to brass tacks, I simply don’t know what happens when we die. But what I suspect is this: Nothing of significance changes. The sense of self as an individual body is just an illusion. We are not what we think. Our true essence is not understood in terms of space, time, and matter. “We” will continue being what we were and are, in a collective sense. There is no reason for the preservation of an individual sense of self. That sense is wholly dependent on memory, and is ephemeral.
A reincarnated self is also probably nothing but illusion. You might share memories with a deceased person but both selves are illusional.
I like your bio.
how foolishly arrogant of you to believe that people who do not follow your belief system are ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
In general I agree. Of course secularism is also a belief system. Not all religions are so arrogant as you describe. There’s no shortage of arrogance among the secular either, apparently.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 11, 2019:
In general I agree. Of course secularism is also a belief system. Not all religions are so arrogant as you describe. There’s no shortage of arrogance among the secular either, apparently.
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.
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.
Why do people think that those religious mega churches have a any sense of morale values.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
The two assertions, linked by a “but” have no logical connection and nothing can be inferred from their juxtaposition. I’m surprised that people who pride themselves on logical thinking would resort to or fall for stupid propaganda.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.al.com/life/2019/03/alabamas-largest-church-gives-update-on-tornado-relief.html%3foutputType=amp
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
The two assertions, linked by a “but” have no logical connection and nothing can be inferred from their juxtaposition. I’m surprised that people who pride themselves on logical thinking would resort to or fall for stupid propaganda.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.al.com/life/2019/03/alabamas-largest-church-gives-update-on-tornado-relief.html%3foutputType=amp
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.
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.
I love the mountains where I live!
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
I live not far from the highest knoll in Florida. Very spectacular I think. Actually I’ve never actually noticed it except on a map.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
I live not far from the highest knoll in Florida. Very spectacular I think. Actually I’ve never actually noticed it except on a map.
Does the concept of human dignity need to be justified?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
There are various reasons why humans, along with all of nature, are worthy of dignity and respect. The fact that anything at all exists is unbelievably marvelous. A single living cell is as complex as a city.
To not accord respect to all aspects of nature is to be living in a fog. To take it all for granted and greet life and reality with anger and scorn is illogical and irrational.
We DON’T KNOW how all of this arose, or what it means. The only logical response that I can think of is that of the utmost respect, awe, gratitude and appreciation in the face of the overwhelming miracle of existence.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 10, 2019:
There are various reasons why humans, along with all of nature, are worthy of dignity and respect. The fact that anything at all exists is unbelievably marvelous. A single living cell is as complex as a city.
To not accord respect to all aspects of nature is to be living in a fog. To take it all for granted and greet life and reality with anger and scorn is illogical and irrational.
We DON’T KNOW how all of this arose, or what it means. The only logical response that I can think of is that of the utmost respect, awe, gratitude and appreciation in the face of the overwhelming miracle of existence.
"Rousseauians say we are a naturally peaceful species corrupted by society.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 9, 2019:
Offhand the Rousseauian perspective seems incorrect. Until WWII there were various tribes of very primitive peoples on the island of Borneo who had never had contact with the outside world, and they were at continuous war among themselves. If there has ever been lasting peace among humans I’m not aware of it. Warriors—that’s what we are.
Even the peace within a society seems not to last long, and it’s not really all that peaceful either.
Maybe the best we can hope for is to find peace and happiness within ourselves individually.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 9, 2019:
Offhand the Rousseauian perspective seems incorrect. Until WWII there were various tribes of very primitive peoples on the island of Borneo who had never had contact with the outside world, and they were at continuous war among themselves. If there has ever been lasting peace among humans I’m not aware of it. Warriors—that’s what we are.
Even the peace within a society seems not to last long, and it’s not really all that peaceful either.
Maybe the best we can hope for is to find peace and happiness within ourselves individually.
Why should WE care what happens to the planet, either as a whole or to human beings in particular?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 9, 2019:
I agree fully with what you are saying. Angst over natural event not under our control is irrational. There’s nothing to fear.
Of course we will try to survive as long as possible, but even if all life everywhere were instantly wiped out it wouldn’t matter. It’s not the nuts and bolts of living organisms that are of value. What is of value is conscious awareness and appreciation for reality.
Say that life is wiped out and in a trillion years it re-emerges. From the perspective of the cosmos that trillion years would seem no longer than the blink of an eye. Without conscious awareness time has no meaning.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 9, 2019:
I agree fully with what you are saying. Angst over natural event not under our control is irrational. There’s nothing to fear.
Of course we will try to survive as long as possible, but even if all life everywhere were instantly wiped out it wouldn’t matter. It’s not the nuts and bolts of living organisms that are of value. What is of value is conscious awareness and appreciation for reality.
Say that life is wiped out and in a trillion years it re-emerges. From the perspective of the cosmos that trillion years would seem no longer than the blink of an eye. Without conscious awareness time has no meaning.
Darwin came out with "On the origin of species" 160 years ago.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 9, 2019:
Because for many people there’s no conflict, and in fact Darwin himself was not an atheist.
Besides that, the Theory Of Evolution leaves many unanswered questions. Studies in epigenetics suggest that randon mutations and natural selection can not fully explain evolution of species.
Depending on your concept of God, the question of her existence is unanswered and probably unknowable.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 9, 2019:
Because for many people there’s no conflict, and in fact Darwin himself was not an atheist.
Besides that, the Theory Of Evolution leaves many unanswered questions. Studies in epigenetics suggest that randon mutations and natural selection can not fully explain evolution of species.
Depending on your concept of God, the question of her existence is unanswered and probably unknowable.
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.
Two years ago I had a near death experience of having to have quadruple heart bypass surgery at 46.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 8, 2019:
Congratulations on freeing yourself from church dogma. I especially relate to the fear and guilt part.
As a courageous person who has taken firm steps, you are now in a position to be truly aware and joyous. Stay the course. Every moment of conscious awareness is a precious gem to be savoured.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 8, 2019:
Congratulations on freeing yourself from church dogma. I especially relate to the fear and guilt part.
As a courageous person who has taken firm steps, you are now in a position to be truly aware and joyous. Stay the course. Every moment of conscious awareness is a precious gem to be savoured.
Why are people so quick to judge?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 8, 2019:
You are only hearing the judgmental name calling being done by noisy right wingers, but the news media is waging a bitter propaganda war against DT, and their voices are much louder, or at least more pervasive. Just scan through MSN.
I don’t especially like Trump and I don’t agree with all of his policies, however I do support him as our legally elected president. I’ve said that before on this forum, and even such tame words got me skewered by zealous leftists.
We should treat each other better.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 8, 2019:
You are only hearing the judgmental name calling being done by noisy right wingers, but the news media is waging a bitter propaganda war against DT, and their voices are much louder, or at least more pervasive. Just scan through MSN.
I don’t especially like Trump and I don’t agree with all of his policies, however I do support him as our legally elected president. I’ve said that before on this forum, and even such tame words got me skewered by zealous leftists.
We should treat each other better.
A major puzzle about our moral psychology is why, as a species, we have evolved to be so sensitive ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 7, 2019:
Maybe there’s survival value in keeping each other in line. Some behaviors or actions after all can be dangerous to individuals or to the group. As children we are subjected to a lot of corrections by parents, and by older siblings who have picked up up the control mentality.
That control mentality is rampant in government and in society at large, and it can be very irritating when carried too far.
Animals can’t nag and yap at each other because their language is not sophisticated enough. Or I doubt if it is. Dogs bite each other though.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 7, 2019:
Maybe there’s survival value in keeping each other in line. Some behaviors or actions after all can be dangerous to individuals or to the group. As children we are subjected to a lot of corrections by parents, and by older siblings who have picked up up the control mentality.
That control mentality is rampant in government and in society at large, and it can be very irritating when carried too far.
Animals can’t nag and yap at each other because their language is not sophisticated enough. Or I doubt if it is. Dogs bite each other though.
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!
Guilty while being black in America (again) ?
[theroot.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 7, 2019:
What a disgusting story!
Such a thing would not likely happen where I live because there is a large percentage of Blacks. We are accustomed to seeing each other, and for the most part we know and like each other.
And there are a lot of Black police officers, as there should be.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 7, 2019:
What a disgusting story!
Such a thing would not likely happen where I live because there is a large percentage of Blacks. We are accustomed to seeing each other, and for the most part we know and like each other.
And there are a lot of Black police officers, as there should be.
I got into a fb discussion with someone and this is his argument.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Because of all the confusion brought on by the term “God”, I prefer not to say that word. It doesn’t bother me for others to speak of God, but I prefer to say Ultimate Reality.
Reality is just reality. The “ultimate” part is only because our ordinary perception of reality is only symbolic. The real reality is beyond our comprehension.
Ultimate Reality is not supernatural—it is nature.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Because of all the confusion brought on by the term “God”, I prefer not to say that word. It doesn’t bother me for others to speak of God, but I prefer to say Ultimate Reality.
Reality is just reality. The “ultimate” part is only because our ordinary perception of reality is only symbolic. The real reality is beyond our comprehension.
Ultimate Reality is not supernatural—it is nature.
As a nonbeliever, do you fear death?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
My opinion is that our sense of self as a body is nothing but illusion. You can’t lose what you never had. It is nature herself that has conscious awareness.
There is no space, no time, no matter. We are living in a sort of dream world made of symbols. Ultimate Reality is beyond our comprehension, but from that higher perspective creation, immortality, death, afterlife, and even existence itself have no meaning.
I am not afraid or worried. The only thing real is ultimate reality, which is immortal by default. We are in heaven right now.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
My opinion is that our sense of self as a body is nothing but illusion. You can’t lose what you never had. It is nature herself that has conscious awareness.
There is no space, no time, no matter. We are living in a sort of dream world made of symbols. Ultimate Reality is beyond our comprehension, but from that higher perspective creation, immortality, death, afterlife, and even existence itself have no meaning.
I am not afraid or worried. The only thing real is ultimate reality, which is immortal by default. We are in heaven right now.
IT TIME FOR THE UGLY TRUTH
How long we are going to allow the ignorance breeding ground to go ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Actively practicing religious people are much, much less likely to engage in criminal behavior than non-religious people.
http://marripedia.org/effects_of_religious_practice_on_crime_rates
The practice of religion does not cause people to be criminals, but if you are booked into a prison and given a questionnaire to fill out, you’d probably check the traditional religion of your family. That doesn’t make you religious.
Religious training in prison is, however, an important part of the rehabilitation process.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
Actively practicing religious people are much, much less likely to engage in criminal behavior than non-religious people.
http://marripedia.org/effects_of_religious_practice_on_crime_rates
The practice of religion does not cause people to be criminals, but if you are booked into a prison and given a questionnaire to fill out, you’d probably check the traditional religion of your family. That doesn’t make you religious.
Religious training in prison is, however, an important part of the rehabilitation process.
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 far does
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
One person’s thinking stops when they realize that in the face of ultimate reality they are abysmally and totally ignorant.
That is when they see that thinking is not up to the task and the only recourse is to live in extreme awe.
Nice sunglasses.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 6, 2019:
One person’s thinking stops when they realize that in the face of ultimate reality they are abysmally and totally ignorant.
That is when they see that thinking is not up to the task and the only recourse is to live in extreme awe.
Nice sunglasses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is Democratic socialism not capitalism.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 4, 2019:
Capitalism and socialism are not opposites—both are manifestations of cooperative effort, a fundamental attribute of nature.
Maybe the question is whether projects are better done by government or by the private sector. Obviously some things are better done by government: justice, warfare, international diplomacy, planning for large public construction projects, etc. Maybe health care should be on that list because currently the private sector is failing abysmally.
I have worked for and dealt with government extensively, and I have worked in the private sector. IMO it is a mistake to think of government as “we the people”. Government is a large, somewhat disorganized power structure that can be roughly compared with a feudal system, with fiefdoms ruled by bureaucratic lords, each fighting for power and money. The only goal of government is the perpetuation and expansion of government, and if you think those people are looking out for you and the public interest, you are mistaken IMO.
A well-run, vibrant private company has a public mission, and is well-motivated, and those involved are rewarded in kind. Government workers are paid with tax money—their only concern is the perpetuation of their jobs, and the covering of their asses by refusing to make any decision not previously sanctioned by written regulations. I could talk about my very frustrating, infuriating encounters with government bureaucrats, but I’m trying to relax.
Let me say though, if you think those people are going to take over society and run every aspect of life in an efficient and successful way, you are mistaken IMO.
In a free society we have a right to form up into cooperatives, unions, associations, companies, and corporations, and for whatever purpose we wish as long as our goals are legal. Government is a necessary evil that we allow to exist.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 4, 2019:
Capitalism and socialism are not opposites—both are manifestations of cooperative effort, a fundamental attribute of nature.
Maybe the question is whether projects are better done by government or by the private sector. Obviously some things are better done by government: justice, warfare, international diplomacy, planning for large public construction projects, etc. Maybe health care should be on that list because currently the private sector is failing abysmally.
I have worked for and dealt with government extensively, and I have worked in the private sector. IMO it is a mistake to think of government as “we the people”. Government is a large, somewhat disorganized power structure that can be roughly compared with a feudal system, with fiefdoms ruled by bureaucratic lords, each fighting for power and money. The only goal of government is the perpetuation and expansion of government, and if you think those people are looking out for you and the public interest, you are mistaken IMO.
A well-run, vibrant private company has a public mission, and is well-motivated, and those involved are rewarded in kind. Government workers are paid with tax money—their only concern is the perpetuation of their jobs, and the covering of their asses by refusing to make any decision not previously sanctioned by written regulations. I could talk about my very frustrating, infuriating encounters with government bureaucrats, but I’m trying to relax.
Let me say though, if you think those people are going to take over society and run every aspect of life in an efficient and successful way, you are mistaken IMO.
In a free society we have a right to form up into cooperatives, unions, associations, companies, and corporations, and for whatever purpose we wish as long as our goals are legal. Government is a necessary evil that we allow to exist.
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.
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.
Is there such a thing as a "free market"?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 3, 2019:
You make some good points. The market is only partly free. For example, if a farmer foresees a demand for a particular crop, he is free to plant that crop. He can plant whatever he wants, but there are rules and regulations that govern the market.
The market is free relative to a Marxist economy where government owns all the land and decides what is to be planted,
Most people recognize the need for regulations, but when those regulations go too far and attempt to curb the natural laws of supply and demand, the economy can be adversely affected.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 3, 2019:
You make some good points. The market is only partly free. For example, if a farmer foresees a demand for a particular crop, he is free to plant that crop. He can plant whatever he wants, but there are rules and regulations that govern the market.
The market is free relative to a Marxist economy where government owns all the land and decides what is to be planted,
Most people recognize the need for regulations, but when those regulations go too far and attempt to curb the natural laws of supply and demand, the economy can be adversely affected.
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
Should we atheists expose the lies of theists whenever possible, or should we sacrifice truth for ...
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
Truth can be a slippery subject. Everybody thinks of their own opinions as truth, but the actual truth might be out of reach. IMO it’s best not to call people liars. I would just say that my opinion is different, or that I think they are mistaken.
Neither option works for me.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
Truth can be a slippery subject. Everybody thinks of their own opinions as truth, but the actual truth might be out of reach. IMO it’s best not to call people liars. I would just say that my opinion is different, or that I think they are mistaken.
Neither option works for me.
Mississippi passes Anti-Richard Dawkins law
[patheos.com]
Edit: This is satire.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
Nothing but a hoax or satire or whatever. It’s not funny to me. Mississippi is a great state, full of intelligent and warm-hearted people.
https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/3470198-fake-news-mississippi-passes-anti-richard-dawkins-law.html
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
Nothing but a hoax or satire or whatever. It’s not funny to me. Mississippi is a great state, full of intelligent and warm-hearted people.
https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/3470198-fake-news-mississippi-passes-anti-richard-dawkins-law.html
Could Mind Forge the Universe?
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
Sounds interesting. I’ve got it book-marked and will read it later. Thanks!
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 2, 2019:
Sounds interesting. I’ve got it book-marked and will read it later. Thanks!
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 ...
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.
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.
Grand Canyon and Milky Way. Grandeur of the universe!
[yourshot.nationalgeographic.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
Stunning photography! Thanks.
We feast on visual grandeur daily.
WilliamFleming comments on Mar 1, 2019:
Stunning photography! Thanks.
We feast on visual grandeur daily.
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.
Want to know why we have an Electoral College?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 28, 2019:
There are good reasons for the electoral college. To understand you have to remember that we are a federation of states. That fact is often overlooked, but in our nation the states have final authority. At any time the states have it within their power to come together in a convention and modify the constitution in any way they please. They can abolish the constitution or they can disband if they want to.
The Union was created by agreement among the colonies. Provisions were made so that each state would have a voice and the country would not be dominated by one or two populous areas. One provision is that each state has two senators regardless of population, and the electoral college is another provision.
The electoral college prevents the densely populated coastal areas from imposing radical laws that reflect urban cultural values but are detested by the country at large. I think the country would simply collapse or erupt into civil war if the political left had total control. Such things as radical environmental laws, reparations for slavery, confiscation of firearms, extremely high taxes and imposition of federal control over every aspect of life are simply not acceptable to Americans across the countryside.
Compare with the EU. Europeans do not vote at all for the president. National heads of state nominate a candidate and the European Parliament votes. Suppose the president were elected by popular vote. Germany, being the most populous nation, would control every election and would have enormous power to shape EU policies to its benefit. How long would the smaller nations stay in such a union?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 28, 2019:
There are good reasons for the electoral college. To understand you have to remember that we are a federation of states. That fact is often overlooked, but in our nation the states have final authority. At any time the states have it within their power to come together in a convention and modify the constitution in any way they please. They can abolish the constitution or they can disband if they want to.
The Union was created by agreement among the colonies. Provisions were made so that each state would have a voice and the country would not be dominated by one or two populous areas. One provision is that each state has two senators regardless of population, and the electoral college is another provision.
The electoral college prevents the densely populated coastal areas from imposing radical laws that reflect urban cultural values but are detested by the country at large. I think the country would simply collapse or erupt into civil war if the political left had total control. Such things as radical environmental laws, reparations for slavery, confiscation of firearms, extremely high taxes and imposition of federal control over every aspect of life are simply not acceptable to Americans across the countryside.
Compare with the EU. Europeans do not vote at all for the president. National heads of state nominate a candidate and the European Parliament votes. Suppose the president were elected by popular vote. Germany, being the most populous nation, would control every election and would have enormous power to shape EU policies to its benefit. How long would the smaller nations stay in such a union?
"Christians invented the idea of religion as it is commonly understood today.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
That’s been my objection to Christianity for a long time. How am I supposed to make myself believe anything? “Believe on the lord Jesus Christ”, they say, “and thou shalt be saved”. But it didn’t SEEM believable to me as a boy. I reckoned I’d just go to hell—there was no other way, but I could pretend to believe and spare my parents the agony of knowing what was going to happen to me. I thought if I went along with the charade I might begin to believe later, but it didn’t happen—my doubts about the crucifixion story only grew.
Christianity as presented by traditional churches is fatally flawed and should be discontinued IMO.
Once again: ITS NOT ABOUT BELIEF. Belief is nothing but an emotion, a value judgment, of little significance.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
That’s been my objection to Christianity for a long time. How am I supposed to make myself believe anything? “Believe on the lord Jesus Christ”, they say, “and thou shalt be saved”. But it didn’t SEEM believable to me as a boy. I reckoned I’d just go to hell—there was no other way, but I could pretend to believe and spare my parents the agony of knowing what was going to happen to me. I thought if I went along with the charade I might begin to believe later, but it didn’t happen—my doubts about the crucifixion story only grew.
Christianity as presented by traditional churches is fatally flawed and should be discontinued IMO.
Once again: ITS NOT ABOUT BELIEF. Belief is nothing but an emotion, a value judgment, of little significance.
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.
The wisest living American is now 88.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
I just watched most of it. But it locked up. Maybe I’ll finish later. Sowell is truly a great intellectual and courageous leader IMO.
Thanks for posting this.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
I just watched most of it. But it locked up. Maybe I’ll finish later. Sowell is truly a great intellectual and courageous leader IMO.
Thanks for posting this.
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.
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.
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.
Here's some perspective
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
One of the greatest benefits of a religious mindset is to be able to reconcile and overcome unpleasant events and live in awareness and joy. In that regard, the story of Job is inspiring.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
One of the greatest benefits of a religious mindset is to be able to reconcile and overcome unpleasant events and live in awareness and joy. In that regard, the story of Job is inspiring.
How can religion tolerate and defend rape , while it's intolerant of masturbation , the solution ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
Which religions are the ones that tolerate and defend rape? I missed it.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
Which religions are the ones that tolerate and defend rape? I missed it.
To walk the journey is to become one with it.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
Wow, somebody with some sense!
Give us more.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
Wow, somebody with some sense!
Give us more.
"The progress of humanity has replaced belief in divine providence.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
That idea of an objective God who created the world and is out there somewhere standing by, watching, caring, interacting—in other words, exercising divine providence—that idea doesn’t appeal to me. Maybe that idea has been replaced with a faith in humanity in some quarters, but the idea is still rampant.
Rather than just faith in humanity, I think faith in nature, of which humanity is a part, makes more sense. By nature I mean ultimate reality. In that model there is not some separate god “out there”. Rather there is the subjective Us. In a certain sense, “We” are God.
For sure let’s continue with our “progress”. Develop a better arrowhead, faster transportation, efficient clean energy, space travel, etc. That kind of know-how is valuable for survival of the human organism, but progress toward what? If progress is our mantra we darned well better figure out what we are supposed to be progressing toward.
The nuts and bolts are good and necessary, but IMO the main progress needed is courage to look directly at the significance of reality with deep appreciation and to realize our truly staggering value. The only progress truly needed is to take off our blinders. We are in heaven everywhere at all times.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 27, 2019:
That idea of an objective God who created the world and is out there somewhere standing by, watching, caring, interacting—in other words, exercising divine providence—that idea doesn’t appeal to me. Maybe that idea has been replaced with a faith in humanity in some quarters, but the idea is still rampant.
Rather than just faith in humanity, I think faith in nature, of which humanity is a part, makes more sense. By nature I mean ultimate reality. In that model there is not some separate god “out there”. Rather there is the subjective Us. In a certain sense, “We” are God.
For sure let’s continue with our “progress”. Develop a better arrowhead, faster transportation, efficient clean energy, space travel, etc. That kind of know-how is valuable for survival of the human organism, but progress toward what? If progress is our mantra we darned well better figure out what we are supposed to be progressing toward.
The nuts and bolts are good and necessary, but IMO the main progress needed is courage to look directly at the significance of reality with deep appreciation and to realize our truly staggering value. The only progress truly needed is to take off our blinders. We are in heaven everywhere at all times.
What being a progressive really means
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
Just being progressive doesn’t say much. You have to say what it is you want to progress toward and how you plan to go about achieving your goals.
Hitler was a progressive, with his dream of a world without Jews. It’s a matter of perspective.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 25, 2019:
Just being progressive doesn’t say much. You have to say what it is you want to progress toward and how you plan to go about achieving your goals.
Hitler was a progressive, with his dream of a world without Jews. It’s a matter of perspective.
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...
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.
...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.
Ignorance is a virus.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
I think we need to be careful here. We are all ignorant—just in different areas. It’s easy to see ignorance and prejudice in other people, but we are all basically in the same boat.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
I think we need to be careful here. We are all ignorant—just in different areas. It’s easy to see ignorance and prejudice in other people, but we are all basically in the same boat.
Is causing the death of another ever justified?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
Someone must think so. Look at the world wars. For example, Gen. Curtis LeMay ordered the fire bombing of Tokyo, burning alive 100,000 civilians and leaving a million homeless. And that’s just a tiny fraction of the total carnage.
Our bodies are frail and temporary anyway. From a cosmic perspective it matters little. We are more than our bodies IMO.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
Someone must think so. Look at the world wars. For example, Gen. Curtis LeMay ordered the fire bombing of Tokyo, burning alive 100,000 civilians and leaving a million homeless. And that’s just a tiny fraction of the total carnage.
Our bodies are frail and temporary anyway. From a cosmic perspective it matters little. We are more than our bodies IMO.
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.
If you’re not registered then please do so especially if you live in a closed primary state.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
You seem to assume that everyone is a Democrat.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
You seem to assume that everyone is a Democrat.
[washingtonpost.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
Supposing I had half Black African ancestry and half White ancestry from Europe. My White half would owe reparations to my Black half and I’d come out even.
When you meddle in history by making moral judgments you get all sorts of contradictions. If it had not been for slavery there’d hardly be any Black folks in the country. I heard a young Black woman point that out on NPR where she was being interviewed. The hostess quickly cut her off and changed the subject.
Where would it end? Certainly Native Americans would have to be compensated. Say goodby to your house. Mexico needs to have their land returned—goodby to most of the western US.
I suspect I have a measure of Celtic blood. If you have germanic ancestry feel free to send me reparations for moving into Britain without the right papers. All you Italians also—compensate me for the Roman invasion of our territory. Message me and I’ll give you my mailing address—cheques accepted. Checks too.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
Supposing I had half Black African ancestry and half White ancestry from Europe. My White half would owe reparations to my Black half and I’d come out even.
When you meddle in history by making moral judgments you get all sorts of contradictions. If it had not been for slavery there’d hardly be any Black folks in the country. I heard a young Black woman point that out on NPR where she was being interviewed. The hostess quickly cut her off and changed the subject.
Where would it end? Certainly Native Americans would have to be compensated. Say goodby to your house. Mexico needs to have their land returned—goodby to most of the western US.
I suspect I have a measure of Celtic blood. If you have germanic ancestry feel free to send me reparations for moving into Britain without the right papers. All you Italians also—compensate me for the Roman invasion of our territory. Message me and I’ll give you my mailing address—cheques accepted. Checks too.
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.
Mindfulness Meditation - Evidence Based?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
There are definitely measurable effects on a person’s body from meditation. This is confirmed by various studies.
So far as benefits, it is something that individuals can easily determine for themselves. My experience is that yes, there are benefits. The greatest benefit is just an experience—to realize that you are not your thoughts or emotions, rather that you are pure consciousness.
I readily admit to being a woo kind of guy however.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 23, 2019:
There are definitely measurable effects on a person’s body from meditation. This is confirmed by various studies.
So far as benefits, it is something that individuals can easily determine for themselves. My experience is that yes, there are benefits. The greatest benefit is just an experience—to realize that you are not your thoughts or emotions, rather that you are pure consciousness.
I readily admit to being a woo kind of guy however.
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.
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.
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!
When Christians Were Atheists
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 22, 2019:
Great reading—thanks skado.
I’ve often thought that for all its flaws, Christianity was a definite step upward from the previous religions. To worship a single cosmic God seems more reasonable, and getting away from the old blood sacrifices also. The message of love as taught by Jesus is in definite contrast to the harsh tribal ethics of the day. Our ancestors must have thought they were following the right course when they converted.
Power seekers rushed in to control the churches, leading to what amounts to not much more than a cultic regime of guilt, fear, and repression. An option for those who want a religion is to upgrade to something more sophisticated, such as New Thought.
Another option is simply to rejoice in existence and celebrate nature in your own way. Life is good!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 22, 2019:
Great reading—thanks skado.
I’ve often thought that for all its flaws, Christianity was a definite step upward from the previous religions. To worship a single cosmic God seems more reasonable, and getting away from the old blood sacrifices also. The message of love as taught by Jesus is in definite contrast to the harsh tribal ethics of the day. Our ancestors must have thought they were following the right course when they converted.
Power seekers rushed in to control the churches, leading to what amounts to not much more than a cultic regime of guilt, fear, and repression. An option for those who want a religion is to upgrade to something more sophisticated, such as New Thought.
Another option is simply to rejoice in existence and celebrate nature in your own way. Life is good!
Not complaining, nor campaigning for change, simply making an observation about this online meeting ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
I am neither an atheist nor a believer. I don’t think that belief is an appropriate emotion in the face of the overwhelming fact of our existence as conscious beings. No one understands Ultimate Reality. The only appropriate emotion as I see it is a sense of awe and wonder.
It makes not one bit of difference what word you use to label Ultimate Reality. If you want to say “God”, that is ok with me. “Nature” works as well, or Universal Consciousness too.
The reason I like this forum is that there are a good many courageous and intelligent people here who have rejected shallow church dogmas and are full of stimulating thoughts and ideas.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
I am neither an atheist nor a believer. I don’t think that belief is an appropriate emotion in the face of the overwhelming fact of our existence as conscious beings. No one understands Ultimate Reality. The only appropriate emotion as I see it is a sense of awe and wonder.
It makes not one bit of difference what word you use to label Ultimate Reality. If you want to say “God”, that is ok with me. “Nature” works as well, or Universal Consciousness too.
The reason I like this forum is that there are a good many courageous and intelligent people here who have rejected shallow church dogmas and are full of stimulating thoughts and ideas.
What piece of advice would you give the next generation?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
Try to stay alive.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
Try to stay alive.
Is "White Face" racist, like some claim "Black Face" is?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
Depends on the attitudes of the participants. I understand that the original cake-walk dances consisted of Blacks and Whites engaging in good-natured fun by aping each other’s speech and mannerisms.
It’s what’s in the heart that counts. Anything less than deep love and respect is irrational.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 21, 2019:
Depends on the attitudes of the participants. I understand that the original cake-walk dances consisted of Blacks and Whites engaging in good-natured fun by aping each other’s speech and mannerisms.
It’s what’s in the heart that counts. Anything less than deep love and respect is irrational.
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.
States trying to stop teachers from teaching about climate change in the classroom.
[psmag.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Teachers ought not advocate for political or social causes. In any class discussion both sides of an issue should be represented.
Schools exist to awaken the students, not to brainwash them into some dogmatic belief.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Teachers ought not advocate for political or social causes. In any class discussion both sides of an issue should be represented.
Schools exist to awaken the students, not to brainwash them into some dogmatic belief.
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.
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.
The sage battles his own ego.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Good point. If we are battling the egos of others then we are struggling to promote our own egos.
No battle is needed. Just shine the light of conscious awareness on your thoughts and ego will melt away.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Good point. If we are battling the egos of others then we are struggling to promote our own egos.
No battle is needed. Just shine the light of conscious awareness on your thoughts and ego will melt away.
Is a "None" the same as an "atheist"?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
A none can be a deeply religious person who is not in accord with any organization. She might also be an atheist, but more likely she just doesn’t know and doesn’t give a damn.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
A none can be a deeply religious person who is not in accord with any organization. She might also be an atheist, but more likely she just doesn’t know and doesn’t give a damn.
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.
Old but interesting summary of believes/science comparison.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Interesting to me is that two thirds of younger scientists (aged 18 to 32) say they believe in some sort of higher power. I wonder if that represents a coming trend, or will those younger scientists change their minds as they age.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
Interesting to me is that two thirds of younger scientists (aged 18 to 32) say they believe in some sort of higher power. I wonder if that represents a coming trend, or will those younger scientists change their minds as they age.
An update from a closeted atheist:
I told a couple people in my close circle that I do not believe ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
The truth is that not many people are interested in the religious opinions of someone else. It’s just not that big of a deal. When you decide not to live a lie though, you project poise and self confidence and people will admire you for that.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
The truth is that not many people are interested in the religious opinions of someone else. It’s just not that big of a deal. When you decide not to live a lie though, you project poise and self confidence and people will admire you for that.
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.
Revolt against the Rich - Scientific American Blog Network
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
“One vocal billionaire-basher is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a newly elected Congresswoman from New York and self-identified democratic socialist. “I’m not saying that Bill Gates or Warren Buffet are immoral,” she said recently, “but a system that allows billionaires to exist when there are parts of Alabama where people are still getting ringworm because they don’t have access to public health is wrong.”
It’s ironic that the congresswoman would pick Alabama as a poverty-stricken place, held down by these rich individuals. Adjusted for cost of living, Alabama is near the middle of the pack in the percentage of people in poverty. New York is next to worst, worse than Mississippi, and outranked only by California in poverty.
There is no ringworm problem here, however there really is a poor county in Alabama with a hookworm problem, caused no doubt by the likes of Bill Gates and Elon Musk. The troubles started with MSDOS and things have been going downhill ever since.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.al.com/news/2019/01/alexandria-ocasio-cortezs-ringworm-flub-shines-light-on-alabama-sanitation-issue.html%3foutputType=amp
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 20, 2019:
“One vocal billionaire-basher is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a newly elected Congresswoman from New York and self-identified democratic socialist. “I’m not saying that Bill Gates or Warren Buffet are immoral,” she said recently, “but a system that allows billionaires to exist when there are parts of Alabama where people are still getting ringworm because they don’t have access to public health is wrong.”
It’s ironic that the congresswoman would pick Alabama as a poverty-stricken place, held down by these rich individuals. Adjusted for cost of living, Alabama is near the middle of the pack in the percentage of people in poverty. New York is next to worst, worse than Mississippi, and outranked only by California in poverty.
There is no ringworm problem here, however there really is a poor county in Alabama with a hookworm problem, caused no doubt by the likes of Bill Gates and Elon Musk. The troubles started with MSDOS and things have been going downhill ever since.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.al.com/news/2019/01/alexandria-ocasio-cortezs-ringworm-flub-shines-light-on-alabama-sanitation-issue.html%3foutputType=amp
Beliefs.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 19, 2019:
From one perspective, belief is divisive and unnecessary, yet belief is what we have. It seems to be part of the human condition, maybe because we need to make quick value judgments sometimes in order to survive. I think that it is in trying to analyze and understand our reality that belief is inappropriate. It is inappropriate because in the final analysis no one really knows anything except superficially.
A belief is just an emotion, a value judgment, an opinion, a statement about the person and it has little significance regarding the issue at hand. A mathematician would not say that she “believes” a certain theorem. She would say that the theorem is in accord with other mathematical assertions previously held to be true, and that if the theorem is false then the entire logical system is false and based on incorrect assumptions.
I don’t know anything about crystals but karma is an interesting concept, well worthy of discussion IMO. The irrational beliefs that I notice on this site have to do with an irrational, religious-like faith in the tenets of scientism.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 19, 2019:
From one perspective, belief is divisive and unnecessary, yet belief is what we have. It seems to be part of the human condition, maybe because we need to make quick value judgments sometimes in order to survive. I think that it is in trying to analyze and understand our reality that belief is inappropriate. It is inappropriate because in the final analysis no one really knows anything except superficially.
A belief is just an emotion, a value judgment, an opinion, a statement about the person and it has little significance regarding the issue at hand. A mathematician would not say that she “believes” a certain theorem. She would say that the theorem is in accord with other mathematical assertions previously held to be true, and that if the theorem is false then the entire logical system is false and based on incorrect assumptions.
I don’t know anything about crystals but karma is an interesting concept, well worthy of discussion IMO. The irrational beliefs that I notice on this site have to do with an irrational, religious-like faith in the tenets of scientism.
The aetheists prayer ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 19, 2019:
I am in total agreement except that I do not call myself an atheist.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 19, 2019:
I am in total agreement except that I do not call myself an atheist.
Science . .
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 19, 2019:
It’s sometimes hard to prove that something exists, but in general proving negative assertions is no harder than proving positive ones.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 19, 2019:
It’s sometimes hard to prove that something exists, but in general proving negative assertions is no harder than proving positive ones.
Liberals and Conservatives React in Wildly Different Ways to Repulsive Pictures
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
It’s an interesting article, and no doubt there is at least some connection between the disgust factor and political opinions. But I think there’s a lot more to conservatism than going to church, homophobia, opposition to immigration, and racial prejudice. That characterization represents a stereotype IMO.
What about loyalty to your country, a belief in hard work. fiscal responsibility, and a limited government with personal responsibility and freedom. It’s hard to associate the disgust factor with those traits.
I do think the studies help explain why certain people are the way they are—very insightful and valuable knowledge. Thanks for posting.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
It’s an interesting article, and no doubt there is at least some connection between the disgust factor and political opinions. But I think there’s a lot more to conservatism than going to church, homophobia, opposition to immigration, and racial prejudice. That characterization represents a stereotype IMO.
What about loyalty to your country, a belief in hard work. fiscal responsibility, and a limited government with personal responsibility and freedom. It’s hard to associate the disgust factor with those traits.
I do think the studies help explain why certain people are the way they are—very insightful and valuable knowledge. Thanks for posting.
It's very hard to believe in a God of love when the followers of that God, claiming to have the ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Remember that all religious people are not the same. A recent PEW poll shows that only about 14% of Church folks are of the radical political variety. Most church people that I know are warm hearted and kind.
Even if some religious pretenders are hateful it won’t help matters to be hateful toward them.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Remember that all religious people are not the same. A recent PEW poll shows that only about 14% of Church folks are of the radical political variety. Most church people that I know are warm hearted and kind.
Even if some religious pretenders are hateful it won’t help matters to be hateful toward them.
Is universal cooperation possible?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Even though we might have evolved to be clannish that’s not the end of story. We are consciously aware entities, and we have the ability to look with love on all of nature, including even enemy tribes. We have no choice but to do so if we are aware, but it still might be necessary sometimes to fight against the enemy.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Even though we might have evolved to be clannish that’s not the end of story. We are consciously aware entities, and we have the ability to look with love on all of nature, including even enemy tribes. We have no choice but to do so if we are aware, but it still might be necessary sometimes to fight against the enemy.
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.
I see lots of discussion here of religion-originated words and phrases, most of which can be looked ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
There are a few of us who claim to actually be religious in our own peculiar ways. That is not looked upon with benevolence. Not at all.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
There are a few of us who claim to actually be religious in our own peculiar ways. That is not looked upon with benevolence. Not at all.
“Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Great! In that case there’s no need to raise an army to create your revolution. Just let things evolve.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 18, 2019:
Great! In that case there’s no need to raise an army to create your revolution. Just let things evolve.
There is no agnostic vs. atheist! The peeve I have...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 17, 2019:
A person’s opinion about religion is of little importance. Dressing up your opinion with some grand label does not change the fact that we are all abysmally ignorant about the ultimate nature of reality, including ourselves and conscious awareness itself, which is the only thing that enables this discussion.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 17, 2019:
A person’s opinion about religion is of little importance. Dressing up your opinion with some grand label does not change the fact that we are all abysmally ignorant about the ultimate nature of reality, including ourselves and conscious awareness itself, which is the only thing that enables this discussion.
The Brain in Nirvana:
What neurobiology has to say about enlightenment
and how to achieve it ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 16, 2019:
There is a suggestion in there (If I understand it correctly) that when the Buddha said that our world is illusory he only meant that our perception of the world is distorted by the nature of perception, not that the world is “fake”.
What I think is that our reality is indeed fake. The maya concept of an illusory reality is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, predating Buddhism. The assumption of the article seems to be that the brain is primary, clicking away like a well oiled machine, causing all of our experiences, including conscious awareness. Maybe I am reading it wrongly.
It’s still a good, practical article. Thanks for posting.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 16, 2019:
There is a suggestion in there (If I understand it correctly) that when the Buddha said that our world is illusory he only meant that our perception of the world is distorted by the nature of perception, not that the world is “fake”.
What I think is that our reality is indeed fake. The maya concept of an illusory reality is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, predating Buddhism. The assumption of the article seems to be that the brain is primary, clicking away like a well oiled machine, causing all of our experiences, including conscious awareness. Maybe I am reading it wrongly.
It’s still a good, practical article. Thanks for posting.
Can you be a spiritual agnostic?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 16, 2019:
If by spirituality you mean belief in the supernatural, then I would think not. If by spirituality you think, as I do, that nature is a dazzling, miraculous, overwhelmingly beautiful and mysterious realm of which we collectively, as a conscious being are an extension, then yes.
With respect to mythical gods of old I am an atheist. But there is an ultimate reality beyond the reach of our senses which we can not understand with our space/time/matter model. Since we are almost totally ignorant, whatever name you give ultimate reality is nothing but an empty label.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 16, 2019:
If by spirituality you mean belief in the supernatural, then I would think not. If by spirituality you think, as I do, that nature is a dazzling, miraculous, overwhelmingly beautiful and mysterious realm of which we collectively, as a conscious being are an extension, then yes.
With respect to mythical gods of old I am an atheist. But there is an ultimate reality beyond the reach of our senses which we can not understand with our space/time/matter model. Since we are almost totally ignorant, whatever name you give ultimate reality is nothing but an empty label.
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