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I feel that a majority of the populous is actually devolving. Anyone else share this sentiment?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
People seem to always come through and do amazing things, even those that I had judged inferior. I’ve decided to allow the human race to proceed in its own way and not worry about its development.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
People seem to always come through and do amazing things, even those that I had judged inferior. I’ve decided to allow the human race to proceed in its own way and not worry about its development.
When did you first realize that religion made no sense?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
Christianity as presented by churches has never made sense to me from my early years. Not all religions are the same though. Some religions make perfect sense mostly.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
Christianity as presented by churches has never made sense to me from my early years. Not all religions are the same though. Some religions make perfect sense mostly.
Why are religious people so blinded by faith and dumb?? I need answers
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
I am also a former Baptist.
What I’d say is that not all religious people are dumb. Some of the most brilliant geniuses throughout history have been deeply religious. One was Sir Isaac Newton. Most of the founders of modern physics were religious in their own ways, and even today about half of all scientists in the US believe in God. Those smart religious people probably don’t take the Bible literally and they aren’t encumbered with dogma—they are religious in a more sophisticated way.
When I opted out of the Baptist Church I left behind those ridiculous dogmas but I retained a deep seated awareness and appreciation for the mystery and beauty of reality. For me that is religion enough. For friends and family who remain I have the utmost respect. They are following their hearts and doing what they have to do.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
I am also a former Baptist.
What I’d say is that not all religious people are dumb. Some of the most brilliant geniuses throughout history have been deeply religious. One was Sir Isaac Newton. Most of the founders of modern physics were religious in their own ways, and even today about half of all scientists in the US believe in God. Those smart religious people probably don’t take the Bible literally and they aren’t encumbered with dogma—they are religious in a more sophisticated way.
When I opted out of the Baptist Church I left behind those ridiculous dogmas but I retained a deep seated awareness and appreciation for the mystery and beauty of reality. For me that is religion enough. For friends and family who remain I have the utmost respect. They are following their hearts and doing what they have to do.
I'm still not convinced climate change is a problem. Can you convince me otherwise?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_temperature
Average annual temperature of NYC is 55.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Average annual temperature of Boston is 51.7 degrees Fahrenheit
NYC, is 3.6 degrees warmer than Boston on average.
According to NASA satellite measurements, the earth is warming at the rate of 0.13 degrees Celsius per decade, or 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit.
http://www.drroyspencer.com/2018/09/uah-global-temperature-update-for-august-2018-0-19-deg-c/
Divide 3.6 by 0.23 and you learn that Boston is projected to be as warm as NYC in 15.7 decades, or 157 years.
No one knows if temperatures will continue as they are going, but if they do, assuming uniform change, in 157 years Boston will be as warm as NYC is currently. Would that be a sky-falling catastrophe?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_temperature
Average annual temperature of NYC is 55.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Average annual temperature of Boston is 51.7 degrees Fahrenheit
NYC, is 3.6 degrees warmer than Boston on average.
According to NASA satellite measurements, the earth is warming at the rate of 0.13 degrees Celsius per decade, or 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit.
http://www.drroyspencer.com/2018/09/uah-global-temperature-update-for-august-2018-0-19-deg-c/
Divide 3.6 by 0.23 and you learn that Boston is projected to be as warm as NYC in 15.7 decades, or 157 years.
No one knows if temperatures will continue as they are going, but if they do, assuming uniform change, in 157 years Boston will be as warm as NYC is currently. Would that be a sky-falling catastrophe?
On the subject of DNA + RNA.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
Our bodies are very finely made robots, and yes, apes are our cousins. IMO we are not our bodies. No robot has conscious awareness and free will. We are extensions of Ultimate Reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 15, 2019:
Our bodies are very finely made robots, and yes, apes are our cousins. IMO we are not our bodies. No robot has conscious awareness and free will. We are extensions of Ultimate Reality.
Liberals and Conservatives Are Both Susceptible to Fake News, but for Different Reasons - Scientific...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
I can see that if a person has a strong belief in an ideology and they identify intimately with that ideology they’d be looking for evidence to reinforce their belief at every turn as an exercise in ego.
The odd thing is that conservatism and liberalism are not opposites—in their purest form a person can be both liberal and conservative at the same time. Those who are the most zealous in their partisanship are mainly just playing ego games IMO, though they might not even be aware of that.
They ought to redo the study and provide a category for “both liberal and conservative”. I’ll bet those folks would be more resistant to fake news.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
I can see that if a person has a strong belief in an ideology and they identify intimately with that ideology they’d be looking for evidence to reinforce their belief at every turn as an exercise in ego.
The odd thing is that conservatism and liberalism are not opposites—in their purest form a person can be both liberal and conservative at the same time. Those who are the most zealous in their partisanship are mainly just playing ego games IMO, though they might not even be aware of that.
They ought to redo the study and provide a category for “both liberal and conservative”. I’ll bet those folks would be more resistant to fake news.
In brooklyn we have a religious group called the black Israelites they use the bible to spew hate ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
It’s ironic alright. Humans can be very irrational. We are all the same stuff IMO, and it makes no sense to divide up into groups based on belief or on ancestry.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
It’s ironic alright. Humans can be very irrational. We are all the same stuff IMO, and it makes no sense to divide up into groups based on belief or on ancestry.
Atheism does only mean lack of belief in gods.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Rather than label myself with some grand “ism” I’d rather just say that I highly value humanity, or that I am intrigued with Ultimate Reality but think traditional gods are just mythical.
In the final analysis all these “isms” represent nothing but personal opinions, of little significance.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Rather than label myself with some grand “ism” I’d rather just say that I highly value humanity, or that I am intrigued with Ultimate Reality but think traditional gods are just mythical.
In the final analysis all these “isms” represent nothing but personal opinions, of little significance.
Science is a journey toward truth, religion is pretending you have already arrived there.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
I disagree that all religion can be defined as pretending you have arrived at truth. A person can be deeply religious without believing anything at all IMO. The ultimate journey of religion is to realize that you are totally and abysmally ignorant.
Science might be a journey toward truth, but that truth, so long as it is based on materialistic assumptions will forever be superficial. Science does not even address, much less answer the deep questions of existence, while religion might foster deep awareness and appreciation for those questions.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
I disagree that all religion can be defined as pretending you have arrived at truth. A person can be deeply religious without believing anything at all IMO. The ultimate journey of religion is to realize that you are totally and abysmally ignorant.
Science might be a journey toward truth, but that truth, so long as it is based on materialistic assumptions will forever be superficial. Science does not even address, much less answer the deep questions of existence, while religion might foster deep awareness and appreciation for those questions.
darn buddhists!!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Maybe it’s like this:
Our sense of self as a separate body is an illusion. We might share memories with a previous person, now dead, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we ARE that person. That person as a separate entity never really existed. Our common true self is Universal Consciousness, existing outside the realm of time and space, immortal and omnipresent.
Could past life regression be something like remote viewing where we might share memories or sensations with someone in a distant place?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2019:
Maybe it’s like this:
Our sense of self as a separate body is an illusion. We might share memories with a previous person, now dead, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we ARE that person. That person as a separate entity never really existed. Our common true self is Universal Consciousness, existing outside the realm of time and space, immortal and omnipresent.
Could past life regression be something like remote viewing where we might share memories or sensations with someone in a distant place?
Global insect decline may see 'plague of pests' - BBC News
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
I don’t recall the Soviet Union being especially benign about environmental matters. They were very interested in increasing agricultural production—same with China—very developmentally oriented. Looking back in history, it seems to me that there have always been wealthy, powerful people. Long before the word “capitalism” was contrived wiley traders were becoming wealthy. Their wealth was not causing other people to be poor—it was just the opposite. The wealthy were wealthy because they were providing valued goods and services.
That’s great that you are so concerned about the separation of wealthy people from their fellow human beings. You must be a really good person to express such a sentiment. Unfortunately I am so busy with sudoku and what-not that I don’t have time to worry about the alienation of rich people. Maybe they could join the Y or something.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
I don’t recall the Soviet Union being especially benign about environmental matters. They were very interested in increasing agricultural production—same with China—very developmentally oriented. Looking back in history, it seems to me that there have always been wealthy, powerful people. Long before the word “capitalism” was contrived wiley traders were becoming wealthy. Their wealth was not causing other people to be poor—it was just the opposite. The wealthy were wealthy because they were providing valued goods and services.
That’s great that you are so concerned about the separation of wealthy people from their fellow human beings. You must be a really good person to express such a sentiment. Unfortunately I am so busy with sudoku and what-not that I don’t have time to worry about the alienation of rich people. Maybe they could join the Y or something.
"STATE OF THE UNION" — A Bad Lip Reading - YouTube
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
Very funny!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
Very funny!
What does "freedom from religion" mean (compared to "freedom of religion")?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
If, by freedom from religion we mean the banning of all religion from public view, I think we have to be careful. The dividing line between what is considered religious and what is considered non religious is not all that distinct. Is a discussion about Universal Consciousness religious in nature, and to be prohibited? Is it religion to mention that ultimate reality lies beyond the world of our senses?
IMO you can not prohibit the public display of religion without violating the right to free speech. All you can do is prohibit government endorsement of any particular religious group, including atheism.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 13, 2019:
If, by freedom from religion we mean the banning of all religion from public view, I think we have to be careful. The dividing line between what is considered religious and what is considered non religious is not all that distinct. Is a discussion about Universal Consciousness religious in nature, and to be prohibited? Is it religion to mention that ultimate reality lies beyond the world of our senses?
IMO you can not prohibit the public display of religion without violating the right to free speech. All you can do is prohibit government endorsement of any particular religious group, including atheism.
Is Heaven and Hell real? Yes because both are a state of mind.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
We are in heaven all the time everywhere, but often don’t appreciate that fact. Through untrue judgmental thoughts we can make ourselves miserable. Heaven and hell are not opposites.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
We are in heaven all the time everywhere, but often don’t appreciate that fact. Through untrue judgmental thoughts we can make ourselves miserable. Heaven and hell are not opposites.
It does not matter how convenient WiFi Devices are, in reality they are a public health hazard we ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Bunch of crap IMO. What the hell is WiFi radiation? There is electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies around us all the time from the sun, from the ground, from our own bodies. The only radiation proven to be harmful is ionizing radiation such as from X-rays, and that only at certain levels of intensity.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Bunch of crap IMO. What the hell is WiFi radiation? There is electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies around us all the time from the sun, from the ground, from our own bodies. The only radiation proven to be harmful is ionizing radiation such as from X-rays, and that only at certain levels of intensity.
How Did Consciousness Evolve? - The Atlantic
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The study is based on the assumption that consciousness is a mechanistic process arising from the firing of neurons. Within that model there is no real understanding of deep conscious awareness, and therefore what we are given amounts only to a lot of meaningless words.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The study is based on the assumption that consciousness is a mechanistic process arising from the firing of neurons. Within that model there is no real understanding of deep conscious awareness, and therefore what we are given amounts only to a lot of meaningless words.
Poverty exists because...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Not true. Where is the evidence for such an assertion?
Who are these pompous “we” who claim they are trying to feed the poor? If each person concentrated on her own well-being rather than on the portfolios of wealthy people we’d all be better off.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Not true. Where is the evidence for such an assertion?
Who are these pompous “we” who claim they are trying to feed the poor? If each person concentrated on her own well-being rather than on the portfolios of wealthy people we’d all be better off.
Apparently it’s not just the Catholics as sexual predators
[edition.cnn.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Nineteen cases per year spread over a membership of fifteen million—that’s not sufficient evidence to brand and demonize the group as a whole. Wherever there are children there is a chance there will be predators. Predation happens in schools, for example, but no one thinks of schools as being riddled with the profane and evil.
If there were a school run by atheists there would be a chance that pedophiles might infiltrate.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Nineteen cases per year spread over a membership of fifteen million—that’s not sufficient evidence to brand and demonize the group as a whole. Wherever there are children there is a chance there will be predators. Predation happens in schools, for example, but no one thinks of schools as being riddled with the profane and evil.
If there were a school run by atheists there would be a chance that pedophiles might infiltrate.
I'm a bit perturbed this morning by friends posting about being blessed by God for the things they ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Maybe it’s just a way to acknowledge our oneness with nature and to express joy.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
Maybe it’s just a way to acknowledge our oneness with nature and to express joy.
God? Anyone...?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The word is only a symbol, but it can refer to various concepts from silly mythical gods to ultimate reality. There is definitely an ultimate reality but I shy away from labeling that as “God”. Some people do however.
Ultimate Reality is not a “he”.out there somewhere. We collectively are Ultimate Reality—not our bodies but our essence as conscious beings.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The word is only a symbol, but it can refer to various concepts from silly mythical gods to ultimate reality. There is definitely an ultimate reality but I shy away from labeling that as “God”. Some people do however.
Ultimate Reality is not a “he”.out there somewhere. We collectively are Ultimate Reality—not our bodies but our essence as conscious beings.
Inside the push to legalize magic mushrooms for depression and ptsd.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
Do you reckon our state legislators are going to jump on this and legalize magic mushrooms Skado?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
Do you reckon our state legislators are going to jump on this and legalize magic mushrooms Skado?
What is consciousness? - Michael S. A. Graziano - YouTube
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
The question is not answered by the video. No one knows the answer. You might explain bodily sentience to some degree with the materialistic model, but there is a higher level of deep awareness that can not be approached.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
The question is not answered by the video. No one knows the answer. You might explain bodily sentience to some degree with the materialistic model, but there is a higher level of deep awareness that can not be approached.
How Your Brain Decides Without You - Nautilus - Pocket
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
“Dan Kahan has suggested, polarization does not happen with debates like climate change because one side is thinking more analytically, while the other wallows in unreasoned ignorance or heuristic biases.9 Rather, those subjects who tested highest on measures like “cognitive reflection” and scientific literacy were also most likely to display what he calls “ideologically motivated cognition.”
Very interesting!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
“Dan Kahan has suggested, polarization does not happen with debates like climate change because one side is thinking more analytically, while the other wallows in unreasoned ignorance or heuristic biases.9 Rather, those subjects who tested highest on measures like “cognitive reflection” and scientific literacy were also most likely to display what he calls “ideologically motivated cognition.”
Very interesting!
The things that we find aren’t all new but our forefathers decisions to ignore them in pursuit of ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
Corporations are just people. I don’t see how you can legally prevent people from donating money to whatever they want.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
Corporations are just people. I don’t see how you can legally prevent people from donating money to whatever they want.
The reasons the industrialized world will never get off fossil fuels until a crash causes an ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
LENR seems to be getting a foothold but the news media won’t report on it. I think we’ll soon see some big changes.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
LENR seems to be getting a foothold but the news media won’t report on it. I think we’ll soon see some big changes.
Grow up!
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
There are different ways of being religious. There are various avenues for immaturity.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
There are different ways of being religious. There are various avenues for immaturity.
WOTM: Can I Trust My Own Thinking? - misterdeity
[youtube.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
There is no conclusive evidence for the mechanistic/materialistic dogma advocated in the video. Recent studies in epigenetics cast doubt on the role of random mutations and natural selection as the sole driver of evolution.
No one knows the answers to the deep questions of existence. It is important IMO to not allow authoritarian people such as the guy in this video to foist their personal opinions, cast as proven fact, onto us.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 11, 2019:
There is no conclusive evidence for the mechanistic/materialistic dogma advocated in the video. Recent studies in epigenetics cast doubt on the role of random mutations and natural selection as the sole driver of evolution.
No one knows the answers to the deep questions of existence. It is important IMO to not allow authoritarian people such as the guy in this video to foist their personal opinions, cast as proven fact, onto us.
How important is the role of the mysterious in your life?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Mystery is very important in my life. No, science does not de-mystify life—It’s just the opposite. Science opens up ever greater avenues of mystery. Every scientific finding spawns multiple mysteries of ever greater proportions.
The last question is moot. There’s no such thing as a life without mystery. There are people wearing blindfolds who choose not to look at the mysterious.
Every second of conscious awareness is a profound mystery of staggering proportions.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Mystery is very important in my life. No, science does not de-mystify life—It’s just the opposite. Science opens up ever greater avenues of mystery. Every scientific finding spawns multiple mysteries of ever greater proportions.
The last question is moot. There’s no such thing as a life without mystery. There are people wearing blindfolds who choose not to look at the mysterious.
Every second of conscious awareness is a profound mystery of staggering proportions.
"The entire capital of our bankers, merchants, manufacturers and large landowners is nothing but the...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
A visitor from outer space without preconceived ideas might see it differently. Maybe it’s all these rich folks, enslaved by their wealth who are the working drones, giving up the best of life in order to feed their obsessions, much to the benefit of the rest of us.
By investing in State Capitalism we might be able to rescue some of those unfortunate rich sots.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
A visitor from outer space without preconceived ideas might see it differently. Maybe it’s all these rich folks, enslaved by their wealth who are the working drones, giving up the best of life in order to feed their obsessions, much to the benefit of the rest of us.
By investing in State Capitalism we might be able to rescue some of those unfortunate rich sots.
Canadians, not Mexicans, represent largest number of visa overstays in the US according to the Dept ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Overstaying your visa is one thing. Sneaking in without a visa with plans to stay forever—that’s something else.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Overstaying your visa is one thing. Sneaking in without a visa with plans to stay forever—that’s something else.
Is there actually such a thing as Protestant Mormonism and Chirstian Atheism?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
I think you might admire and study the teachings of Jesus while rejecting the God-concept of the Old Testament. I don’t think Jesus was an atheist—far from it. You’d have to twist words and meanings to call yourself a Christian Atheist.
I always that Mormonism was a Protestant religious group. It is an outgrowth of Protestantism and never was connected with Catholicism.
Words are just words.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
I think you might admire and study the teachings of Jesus while rejecting the God-concept of the Old Testament. I don’t think Jesus was an atheist—far from it. You’d have to twist words and meanings to call yourself a Christian Atheist.
I always that Mormonism was a Protestant religious group. It is an outgrowth of Protestantism and never was connected with Catholicism.
Words are just words.
This is why religion is so messed up
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Everything we read we fit into our previous thought system—our world view. Some ideas resonate. They are understandable and meaningful because they mesh with what we know. Some of our ideas and concepts are buried in the subconscious, but when we see them articulated we have an ah-hah moment.
If an idea clashes with what we think we know we are likely to reject it. Sometimes a radical new thought will expand our understanding if we allow it to through repeated contemplation
Usually some scripture like the Upanishads will be accompanied by commentary, and even commentary about the commentary. Sometimes I look at all that and think the the commenters are off track and are missing the essential higher meaning.
A translator can not but help but put some of her own opinions into a translation. I think that you are smart to read several interpretations. A good option might be to publish a book with each passage as translated by several noted scholars. No commentary should be needed.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Everything we read we fit into our previous thought system—our world view. Some ideas resonate. They are understandable and meaningful because they mesh with what we know. Some of our ideas and concepts are buried in the subconscious, but when we see them articulated we have an ah-hah moment.
If an idea clashes with what we think we know we are likely to reject it. Sometimes a radical new thought will expand our understanding if we allow it to through repeated contemplation
Usually some scripture like the Upanishads will be accompanied by commentary, and even commentary about the commentary. Sometimes I look at all that and think the the commenters are off track and are missing the essential higher meaning.
A translator can not but help but put some of her own opinions into a translation. I think that you are smart to read several interpretations. A good option might be to publish a book with each passage as translated by several noted scholars. No commentary should be needed.
Why do some of us read books that agree with our world view?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Those who disagree with me are wrong. Why should I read things that are untrue? :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
Those who disagree with me are wrong. Why should I read things that are untrue? :-)
Maslow went beyond self actualization...
[youtu.be]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
I really don’t understand what technology has to do with transcendence. I thought that to transcend was to grow spirituality—to become deeply aware and to begin to identify with something greater than ourselves—to realize our oneness with all of nature.
I think of technology as tools we develop that help us survive. Maybe I’m wrong.
https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/self-transcendence/
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2019:
I really don’t understand what technology has to do with transcendence. I thought that to transcend was to grow spirituality—to become deeply aware and to begin to identify with something greater than ourselves—to realize our oneness with all of nature.
I think of technology as tools we develop that help us survive. Maybe I’m wrong.
https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/self-transcendence/
CORCOVADO ANDREA MOTIS JOAN CHAMORRO QUINTET & SCOTT HAMILTON - YouTube
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 9, 2019:
Great music in every way! I especially like her emotional expression—arousing even for an old fart like me.
Thanks for posting.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 9, 2019:
Great music in every way! I especially like her emotional expression—arousing even for an old fart like me.
Thanks for posting.
Is Suicide A Sin If You’re A Theist (or Just Plain Wrong If You’re An Atheist)?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 9, 2019:
A person can have a God concept without believing in sin. IMO there’s no such thing as sin, only mistakes.
As you point out, in some circumstances suicide is a manifestation of courage and empathy. In most cases I think suicide represents defeat and lack of awareness. Each second of conscious awareness is a precious gem, to be savored. IMO if a person is unhappy and aggrieved by life it is because of untrue thoughts running wild in his head.
Suicide often has a very adverse effect on friends and family members.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 9, 2019:
A person can have a God concept without believing in sin. IMO there’s no such thing as sin, only mistakes.
As you point out, in some circumstances suicide is a manifestation of courage and empathy. In most cases I think suicide represents defeat and lack of awareness. Each second of conscious awareness is a precious gem, to be savored. IMO if a person is unhappy and aggrieved by life it is because of untrue thoughts running wild in his head.
Suicide often has a very adverse effect on friends and family members.
Why is person A a believer, but person B is an atheist?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 9, 2019:
A good message, very well stated. At heart IMO we are all the same thing. We manifest different opinions, attitudes, preferences, etc., but those things are superficial. From a logical perspective mutual respect and love is necessary.
We have to try and understand human egoic tendencies also, and not demonize those who demonize others or claim to be superior. To do that is just more of the same.
Shining the light of awareness is the answer.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 9, 2019:
A good message, very well stated. At heart IMO we are all the same thing. We manifest different opinions, attitudes, preferences, etc., but those things are superficial. From a logical perspective mutual respect and love is necessary.
We have to try and understand human egoic tendencies also, and not demonize those who demonize others or claim to be superior. To do that is just more of the same.
Shining the light of awareness is the answer.
What if the Placebo Effect Isn’t a Trick?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 8, 2019:
I didn’t have the patience to read your long post. Nobody has to persuade me that the placebo effect is real—it’s been verified over and over.
The placebo effect along with various other eerie anomalies is easily understood with the theory of universal consciousness. Consciousness is primary in nature and matter is only a manifestation of mind.
That’s what I lean toward thinking anyway.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 8, 2019:
I didn’t have the patience to read your long post. Nobody has to persuade me that the placebo effect is real—it’s been verified over and over.
The placebo effect along with various other eerie anomalies is easily understood with the theory of universal consciousness. Consciousness is primary in nature and matter is only a manifestation of mind.
That’s what I lean toward thinking anyway.
Buddha Philosophy if not quote. Found on Pinterest.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 8, 2019:
We were not born in sin and we don’t need saving.
IMO the only “salvation” is to wake up to who we really are and to the absolutely staggering implications of existence. There’s no such thing as sin—there’s only mistaken thoughts.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 8, 2019:
We were not born in sin and we don’t need saving.
IMO the only “salvation” is to wake up to who we really are and to the absolutely staggering implications of existence. There’s no such thing as sin—there’s only mistaken thoughts.
Knowing the Path and Walking the Path brings different results.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 8, 2019:
Good point. In the past I have leaned more toward analysis and understanding on an intellectual level, but I know that rational understanding is limited. At some point a person just has to realize that they know and understand nothing except in a superficial way, and any future knowledge will be based on direct experience, intuition, or some sort of revelation.
So far as paths, the only path I know is to meditate. I assume that words and actions follow spontaneously from insights gained in meditation. To lay out a formal code—to try to be a good person, that seems phony to me. We love because there is no other option.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 8, 2019:
Good point. In the past I have leaned more toward analysis and understanding on an intellectual level, but I know that rational understanding is limited. At some point a person just has to realize that they know and understand nothing except in a superficial way, and any future knowledge will be based on direct experience, intuition, or some sort of revelation.
So far as paths, the only path I know is to meditate. I assume that words and actions follow spontaneously from insights gained in meditation. To lay out a formal code—to try to be a good person, that seems phony to me. We love because there is no other option.
Consciousness... Can it be measured objectively?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It is a very pertinent and obvious question, yet there are few people who want to think about such a question. I respect your courage.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It is a very pertinent and obvious question, yet there are few people who want to think about such a question. I respect your courage.
Stupid people: they are the bane of human existence.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Many people deemed to be stupid are actually very smart in their own way. Remember that every person alive is the culmination of a long line of survivors.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Many people deemed to be stupid are actually very smart in their own way. Remember that every person alive is the culmination of a long line of survivors.
Psychological characteristics of religious delusions [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[m.youtube.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It is true that psychotic people often have delusions of a religious nature. From that fact is it possible to equate religion with mental illness? Not in my world. Is the Dalai Lama mentally ill? Was Ghandi? Mother Theresa?
John Nash thought at one point that he was king of the world. Can a rational person conclude then that politics is a mental illness? He was also a mathematician. Does that make mathematics a mental illness? If you disagree with someone, it is not a valid argument to claim that they are crazy. Those who make such arguments are themselves irrational.
According to the book “Rethinking Madness”, people create their own psychoses as a way of dealing with dire existential crises. Given support such people usually overcome and emerge with a deep reverence and appreciation for reality—with spirituality.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It is true that psychotic people often have delusions of a religious nature. From that fact is it possible to equate religion with mental illness? Not in my world. Is the Dalai Lama mentally ill? Was Ghandi? Mother Theresa?
John Nash thought at one point that he was king of the world. Can a rational person conclude then that politics is a mental illness? He was also a mathematician. Does that make mathematics a mental illness? If you disagree with someone, it is not a valid argument to claim that they are crazy. Those who make such arguments are themselves irrational.
According to the book “Rethinking Madness”, people create their own psychoses as a way of dealing with dire existential crises. Given support such people usually overcome and emerge with a deep reverence and appreciation for reality—with spirituality.
Are they happier because they live in a goddamn dream world where fluffy happy clouds and rainbows ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
There is a sort of white-trash subculture in which people are habitually drunk or on drugs, where they steal and rob and fight and are often in jail.
Adopting religion and joining a church would be a definite step upward for these folks, and I for one do not look upon them with condescension, condemnation, hatred or disgust.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
There is a sort of white-trash subculture in which people are habitually drunk or on drugs, where they steal and rob and fight and are often in jail.
Adopting religion and joining a church would be a definite step upward for these folks, and I for one do not look upon them with condescension, condemnation, hatred or disgust.
Just had a weird conversation with a co-worker.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Atheism is often underlain by a zealous, religious-like faith in the tenets of materialism and scientism. While technically not a religion, that kind of atheism might as well be thrown in with the fundamentalist religions for practical purposes.
On the other hand, there are open-minded people who call themselves atheists who are as deeply aware and and appreciative of the dramatic mystery of reality as any truly religious person.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Atheism is often underlain by a zealous, religious-like faith in the tenets of materialism and scientism. While technically not a religion, that kind of atheism might as well be thrown in with the fundamentalist religions for practical purposes.
On the other hand, there are open-minded people who call themselves atheists who are as deeply aware and and appreciative of the dramatic mystery of reality as any truly religious person.
Why are religious people so judgemental?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Not all religious people are the same.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
Not all religious people are the same.
There’s a lot of atheist books I have that are covered with a paper bag cover or I wait to read ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It’s only because you go to a Christian college. Ordinarily nobody would have any interest in what you are reading, or even if they were interested they’d respect your choice.
I think that if you are open and assertive you’ll get more respect than if you hide your true sentiments.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
It’s only because you go to a Christian college. Ordinarily nobody would have any interest in what you are reading, or even if they were interested they’d respect your choice.
I think that if you are open and assertive you’ll get more respect than if you hide your true sentiments.
Are truth and objectivity the same thing?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
An assertion can be true with respect to one logical system and yet be false with respect to another, depending on the basic assumptions of each system. The assertion might also be undecideable or meaningless in some systems. We’d like to think of truth as absolute but when it comes down to brass tacks our way of knowing is based on assumptions, many of which are superficial or incorrect.
Spiritual people speak of truth as knowledge of a higher or absolute reality. I’m not sure why that is referred to as “truth”, but in any event that is not our everyday truth. Maybe they are talking about mystical experience.
There is truth, knowledge, and experience, all of which are tied together but I’m not sure of just how.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 7, 2019:
An assertion can be true with respect to one logical system and yet be false with respect to another, depending on the basic assumptions of each system. The assertion might also be undecideable or meaningless in some systems. We’d like to think of truth as absolute but when it comes down to brass tacks our way of knowing is based on assumptions, many of which are superficial or incorrect.
Spiritual people speak of truth as knowledge of a higher or absolute reality. I’m not sure why that is referred to as “truth”, but in any event that is not our everyday truth. Maybe they are talking about mystical experience.
There is truth, knowledge, and experience, all of which are tied together but I’m not sure of just how.
Ties between the Isha upanishad and a unified field theory of physics?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 6, 2019:
Great post sir!
Namaste
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 6, 2019:
Great post sir!
Namaste
Many of Shakespeare's quotes and even, due to the language interpretation today, his words are ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 5, 2019:
"Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?"
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 5, 2019:
"Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?"
In Science, Some Ideas Are More Contagious Than Others - Scientific American
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 5, 2019:
It’s an interesting study. Maybe it has to do with the percentage of ideas coming from prestigious universities that are good and productive versus the percentage from the less prestigious ones. We tend to “consider the source”, thereby missing out on an occasional jewel. In a similar vein, we would pay more attention to a well established professor than to a new one, but the new professor might have some very valuable ideas.
What’s the solution? Maybe it’s just greater awareness on the part of editors and publishers of scientific journals.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 5, 2019:
It’s an interesting study. Maybe it has to do with the percentage of ideas coming from prestigious universities that are good and productive versus the percentage from the less prestigious ones. We tend to “consider the source”, thereby missing out on an occasional jewel. In a similar vein, we would pay more attention to a well established professor than to a new one, but the new professor might have some very valuable ideas.
What’s the solution? Maybe it’s just greater awareness on the part of editors and publishers of scientific journals.
In most cases, and in the vast majority of people, "reasoning" functions as follows.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 4, 2019:
I agree. Just about everybody is like that.
Except me. Of course I’m not that way. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 4, 2019:
I agree. Just about everybody is like that.
Except me. Of course I’m not that way. :-)
what kind of stupid position is a soul anyway?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
The soul concept makes no sense to me. I think that the sense of self as a separate human body is only an illusion due to our limited interface with reality, based on our artificial matter/space/time model. I see no place for a soul. I am Universal Consciousness, not born and not to die.
The very concept that something “exists” is nothing but a shallow human ego idea which is meaningless in Ultimate Reality. Things exist in time or they are thought to be created at particular times, but even modern physics is saying that there is no such thing as time.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
The soul concept makes no sense to me. I think that the sense of self as a separate human body is only an illusion due to our limited interface with reality, based on our artificial matter/space/time model. I see no place for a soul. I am Universal Consciousness, not born and not to die.
The very concept that something “exists” is nothing but a shallow human ego idea which is meaningless in Ultimate Reality. Things exist in time or they are thought to be created at particular times, but even modern physics is saying that there is no such thing as time.
Supernatural Silliness - I have come to realize that if religious indoctrination takes place at a ...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
Indoctrination into scientism leads to many irrational and unsubstantiated beliefs. Beliefs are nothing but emotions. We need to get away from belief altogether and go with wonder and awe.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
Indoctrination into scientism leads to many irrational and unsubstantiated beliefs. Beliefs are nothing but emotions. We need to get away from belief altogether and go with wonder and awe.
Fascinating
America is falling out if love with billionaires, and it's about time.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
IMO the reason some people are poor is not because other people are wealthy. Money is not wealth, rather it is an accounting system whereby contributions to society are repaid in kind.
If a person wants more they ought to think of ways to contribute more. Sitting there in envy will get you nowhere. The options are to either learn to be happy with little (maybe the best option) or find a way to contribute something that people value.
That C&W song about not counting your money at the table delivers a potent message. Thinking about money is a distraction that impedes productivity.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
IMO the reason some people are poor is not because other people are wealthy. Money is not wealth, rather it is an accounting system whereby contributions to society are repaid in kind.
If a person wants more they ought to think of ways to contribute more. Sitting there in envy will get you nowhere. The options are to either learn to be happy with little (maybe the best option) or find a way to contribute something that people value.
That C&W song about not counting your money at the table delivers a potent message. Thinking about money is a distraction that impedes productivity.
Why don't we teach coping skills in schools?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
I agree wholeheartedly! The topic could be blended in with other subjects, especially health or psychology. Just a single one day class might work wonders if taught by a qualified person.
Elementary schools should introduce the subject IMO. Maybe they do for all I know, but I don’t remember anything like that.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
I agree wholeheartedly! The topic could be blended in with other subjects, especially health or psychology. Just a single one day class might work wonders if taught by a qualified person.
Elementary schools should introduce the subject IMO. Maybe they do for all I know, but I don’t remember anything like that.
At what age did you learn about evolution?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
Evolution was taught in our high school, but anyone with open ears would have known about it way before that through radio, television, books, magazines and newspapers. It was even discussed at the Baptist Church where we went. The consensus there seemed to be that no one knows how God creates, and that God could well have created through evolution. So far as the seven days bit in Genesis, it was said that a day could have represented a billion years for all anybody knew.
What concerns me more than the indoctrination of children into creationism is the apparent indoctrination of adults into a dogmatic attachment to an outmoded theory of evolution. Evidence shows clearly that the way we were taught evolution in school is incorrect or incomplete, and that evolution is not driven only by random mutations and natural selection. There seems to be very little interest in epigenetics. Apparently most people have their fake world views well protected and don’t want to be bothered by worrisome evidence to the contrary.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
Evolution was taught in our high school, but anyone with open ears would have known about it way before that through radio, television, books, magazines and newspapers. It was even discussed at the Baptist Church where we went. The consensus there seemed to be that no one knows how God creates, and that God could well have created through evolution. So far as the seven days bit in Genesis, it was said that a day could have represented a billion years for all anybody knew.
What concerns me more than the indoctrination of children into creationism is the apparent indoctrination of adults into a dogmatic attachment to an outmoded theory of evolution. Evidence shows clearly that the way we were taught evolution in school is incorrect or incomplete, and that evolution is not driven only by random mutations and natural selection. There seems to be very little interest in epigenetics. Apparently most people have their fake world views well protected and don’t want to be bothered by worrisome evidence to the contrary.
Do you feel depressed because there is no afterlife?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
I am elated because there is conscious awareness in the moment. Time is an illusion.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 2, 2019:
I am elated because there is conscious awareness in the moment. Time is an illusion.
I still think it funny that people won't recognize that global warming has been occurring since the...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Apparently the recent warming trend is not all that unprecedented:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/phys.org/news/2015-11-global-fast-today.amp
The current rate of warming, determined by satellite measurements since ‘79 is 0.13C per decade or 0.23F. On average, Boston is 3.6F colder than New York City, At the current rate of warming Boston will be as warm as today’s NYC in 157 years.
It doesn’t seem like much of an emergency to me.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Apparently the recent warming trend is not all that unprecedented:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/phys.org/news/2015-11-global-fast-today.amp
The current rate of warming, determined by satellite measurements since ‘79 is 0.13C per decade or 0.23F. On average, Boston is 3.6F colder than New York City, At the current rate of warming Boston will be as warm as today’s NYC in 157 years.
It doesn’t seem like much of an emergency to me.
Harry Dresden wisdom:
"If you can’t stop the bad thoughts from coming to visit, at least you can...
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Good plan. Just shining the light of awareness on disturbing, untrue thoughts makes them wither on the vine.
Writing out your thoughts longhand and analyzing them is a sure way to find peace and happiness.
According to his biographer, John Nash rid himself of schizophrenia by learning to police his thoughts.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Good plan. Just shining the light of awareness on disturbing, untrue thoughts makes them wither on the vine.
Writing out your thoughts longhand and analyzing them is a sure way to find peace and happiness.
According to his biographer, John Nash rid himself of schizophrenia by learning to police his thoughts.
Is there a word for a false flag of a false flag?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Who has decreed that it is a horrible, evil activity for a foreign country to attempt to influence an election? Anyone in the world is perfectly free to put forth information regarding any subject. That information needs to be critically analyzed and verified before a discriminating voter will be swayed.
I would not have voted for Roy Moore in any event, not because of alleged foreign “interference” but because of his attempts to intermingle religious dogma with the legal system, actions for which he was twice kicked off the bench.
It is unfortunate that politics is such a sordid game of lies, accusations and demonization, but those who engage in those tactics often damage themselves more than they damage their opponents.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
Who has decreed that it is a horrible, evil activity for a foreign country to attempt to influence an election? Anyone in the world is perfectly free to put forth information regarding any subject. That information needs to be critically analyzed and verified before a discriminating voter will be swayed.
I would not have voted for Roy Moore in any event, not because of alleged foreign “interference” but because of his attempts to intermingle religious dogma with the legal system, actions for which he was twice kicked off the bench.
It is unfortunate that politics is such a sordid game of lies, accusations and demonization, but those who engage in those tactics often damage themselves more than they damage their opponents.
from: Pascal Boyer: "Religion Explained.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
This is exactly what I’ve been propounding. Religion is not an attempt to explain the world. Religion is not about faith or belief. Finally, religion is not necessarily a refuge from the fear of death.
You might find elements of those things in the formal tenets of religious organizations, but behind it all there is also an innate natural religious impulse based on deep awareness of the mystery and grandeur of existence. That innate religion is expressed as joy, excitement, awe, appreciation and gratitude for life, and it is the driver of art, science and philosophy as well as formal religion.
I am not in full accord with the idea that we tend toward religion because our brains evolved as they did. I suspect we tend toward religion because of conscious awareness and that evolution is driven by conscious awareness also. Correlation is not causation.
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 1, 2019:
This is exactly what I’ve been propounding. Religion is not an attempt to explain the world. Religion is not about faith or belief. Finally, religion is not necessarily a refuge from the fear of death.
You might find elements of those things in the formal tenets of religious organizations, but behind it all there is also an innate natural religious impulse based on deep awareness of the mystery and grandeur of existence. That innate religion is expressed as joy, excitement, awe, appreciation and gratitude for life, and it is the driver of art, science and philosophy as well as formal religion.
I am not in full accord with the idea that we tend toward religion because our brains evolved as they did. I suspect we tend toward religion because of conscious awareness and that evolution is driven by conscious awareness also. Correlation is not causation.
What do you do to help fight against man-made climate change?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 31, 2019:
I have installed a state of the art solar clothes dryer.
Also we heat with wood, which is carbon neutral.
But I’m not totally sold on the climate change thing. Mainly I’m saving money.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 31, 2019:
I have installed a state of the art solar clothes dryer.
Also we heat with wood, which is carbon neutral.
But I’m not totally sold on the climate change thing. Mainly I’m saving money.
Darwin Day Ideas
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 31, 2019:
To keep Darwinism from turning into a mindless cult I think you should have a presentation on epigenetics, thereby exposing the fact that the theory of evolution as it has been taught for decades is not altogether right. There’s much more to evolution than random mutations and natural selection.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 31, 2019:
To keep Darwinism from turning into a mindless cult I think you should have a presentation on epigenetics, thereby exposing the fact that the theory of evolution as it has been taught for decades is not altogether right. There’s much more to evolution than random mutations and natural selection.
Magical thinking: the belief that one's ideas, thoughts, actions, words, or use of symbols can ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 30, 2019:
Did you really mean to say that actions can not influence the course of events in the world? Please explain. And remember that thoughts often precede actions.
You remark on the schizophrenic end of the spectrum of magical thinking, but the article goes on to say that the skeptical end of the spectrum also has its drawbacks. A certain amount of magical thinking might be desirable.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 30, 2019:
Did you really mean to say that actions can not influence the course of events in the world? Please explain. And remember that thoughts often precede actions.
You remark on the schizophrenic end of the spectrum of magical thinking, but the article goes on to say that the skeptical end of the spectrum also has its drawbacks. A certain amount of magical thinking might be desirable.
"Grab him by the walls, Nancy!"
(Headline of the German newspaper "taz")
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 30, 2019:
Does taz publish in English? I’m surprised.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 30, 2019:
Does taz publish in English? I’m surprised.
Please comment on this idea about the PFC and consciousness
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 30, 2019:
Try as I might, I can’t see how the firing of neurons could possibly cause conscious awareness as we experience it. I lean toward thinking that our bodies are nothing but robots, without conscious awareness or free will. Perhaps consciousness is primary, existing in ultimate reality, and it interacts somehow with our brains. In that sense, “we” are not our bodies but consciousness itself.
Have you read about Donald Hoffman’s Conscious Realism?
http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/ConsciousRealism2.pdf
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 30, 2019:
Try as I might, I can’t see how the firing of neurons could possibly cause conscious awareness as we experience it. I lean toward thinking that our bodies are nothing but robots, without conscious awareness or free will. Perhaps consciousness is primary, existing in ultimate reality, and it interacts somehow with our brains. In that sense, “we” are not our bodies but consciousness itself.
Have you read about Donald Hoffman’s Conscious Realism?
http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/ConsciousRealism2.pdf
China is a strong allie of Venezuela.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
China has every right to form an alliance with Venezuela or any other country it pleases. The US should stay the hell out of Venezuela, Ukraine, the Middle East, et al. If we have a mutual defense agreement with a country, then we have to help them IF THEY ARE ATTACKED—otherwise we need to butt out IMO.
Navigation on the high seas is perfectly legal.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
China has every right to form an alliance with Venezuela or any other country it pleases. The US should stay the hell out of Venezuela, Ukraine, the Middle East, et al. If we have a mutual defense agreement with a country, then we have to help them IF THEY ARE ATTACKED—otherwise we need to butt out IMO.
Navigation on the high seas is perfectly legal.
What are your thoughts on Donald Hoffman's theory of conscious agents?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
I am extremely intrigued by Dr. Hoffman and his Conscious Realism. He is yet another example of a high-level scientist who advocates universal consciousness, a concept that appeals to me greatly.
His work however is based on the assumption that reality is composed of conscious agents. As he says, we have to start with some sort of assumption. The common assumption for many people is that the universe is composed of particles of matter. There are phenomena that can not be understood with materialism, but Conscious Realism explains those phenomena handily, especially the mind-body problem.
http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/ConsciousRealism2.pdf
The above link gives a detailed and scholarly presentation of Conscious Realism.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
I am extremely intrigued by Dr. Hoffman and his Conscious Realism. He is yet another example of a high-level scientist who advocates universal consciousness, a concept that appeals to me greatly.
His work however is based on the assumption that reality is composed of conscious agents. As he says, we have to start with some sort of assumption. The common assumption for many people is that the universe is composed of particles of matter. There are phenomena that can not be understood with materialism, but Conscious Realism explains those phenomena handily, especially the mind-body problem.
http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/ConsciousRealism2.pdf
The above link gives a detailed and scholarly presentation of Conscious Realism.
The Evolutionary Advantages of an Addictive Personality - Scientific American Blog Network
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
The article was written by a woman, which might shed light on why there was no mention of those risk-taking young males. Yes, I think evolution has shaped humanity so that women tend to be patient, intelligent, and to take care of themselves while young men tend to fight, drink, do drugs, engage in extreme sports, etc.
I like her final assessment. For anyone who is bored there are healthful activities that are more effective than drugs. In her case, she had the strength to replace drug addiction with becoming a neuroscientist.
I used to get bored, and I’ve done some fairly risky things. Nowadays I am the opposite of bored. Just thinking about the immense significance of reality throws me into a state of excitement.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 29, 2019:
The article was written by a woman, which might shed light on why there was no mention of those risk-taking young males. Yes, I think evolution has shaped humanity so that women tend to be patient, intelligent, and to take care of themselves while young men tend to fight, drink, do drugs, engage in extreme sports, etc.
I like her final assessment. For anyone who is bored there are healthful activities that are more effective than drugs. In her case, she had the strength to replace drug addiction with becoming a neuroscientist.
I used to get bored, and I’ve done some fairly risky things. Nowadays I am the opposite of bored. Just thinking about the immense significance of reality throws me into a state of excitement.
Peace man ... follow me
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Good post!
Namaste.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Good post!
Namaste.
Should it be illegal to indoctrinate kids with religion ?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Kids learn by example mainly. Formal indoctrination leaves them cold.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Kids learn by example mainly. Formal indoctrination leaves them cold.
Celibacy vs.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
A great many highly accomplished people have delayed or forgone marriage in order to dedicate themselves fully to their careers. From that perspective the Church’s requirement for the celibacy of priests seems more rational. Remember when women school teachers were required to be unmarried? It is an old and outmoded rule in both cases.
If anyone truly wants to do without sex they ought to wait until they are 76 years old when it is much easier. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
A great many highly accomplished people have delayed or forgone marriage in order to dedicate themselves fully to their careers. From that perspective the Church’s requirement for the celibacy of priests seems more rational. Remember when women school teachers were required to be unmarried? It is an old and outmoded rule in both cases.
If anyone truly wants to do without sex they ought to wait until they are 76 years old when it is much easier. :-)
Promising! [nytimes.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Great advance! It’s a good thing to hear about.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Great advance! It’s a good thing to hear about.
Wednesday it is forecasted to be -11 F. Sunday 40F. weather in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
We are currently enduring a cool 60F. Tuesday night is supposed to be 26F and people here are very concerned about such a hard freeze.
Just had to needle y’all. We suffer plenty in July and August.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
We are currently enduring a cool 60F. Tuesday night is supposed to be 26F and people here are very concerned about such a hard freeze.
Just had to needle y’all. We suffer plenty in July and August.
I am the centre of my world as it should be but it is what lies beyond me that makes me what I am.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Profound idea, and nicely stated.
This warrants contemplation.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Profound idea, and nicely stated.
This warrants contemplation.
Is morality "subjective"?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Maybe the answer depends on your concept of subjective/objective. IMO reality is subjective on a fundamental level and the sense of objectivity is illusory. If consciousness is primary and we are extensions of that universal consciousness maybe our sense of self as an individual body is also illusory.
In theory a group of unaware, robotic bodies could develop a set of rules for group behavior but no set of rules can cover every situation and that set of rules will inevitably be self contradictory. So from the perspective of one of the bodies morality is both objective and subjective—mostly objective but subject to individual interpretation.
From the perspective of our common self, Universal Consciousness, objectivity does not even appear. If a particular body allows itself to be led into certain actions by conscious awareness, it might appear to the other bodies that someone is abrogating illegal power, when actually the person is acting from a higher level morality shared by all. That’s why I try not to judge ill the actions of other people.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
Maybe the answer depends on your concept of subjective/objective. IMO reality is subjective on a fundamental level and the sense of objectivity is illusory. If consciousness is primary and we are extensions of that universal consciousness maybe our sense of self as an individual body is also illusory.
In theory a group of unaware, robotic bodies could develop a set of rules for group behavior but no set of rules can cover every situation and that set of rules will inevitably be self contradictory. So from the perspective of one of the bodies morality is both objective and subjective—mostly objective but subject to individual interpretation.
From the perspective of our common self, Universal Consciousness, objectivity does not even appear. If a particular body allows itself to be led into certain actions by conscious awareness, it might appear to the other bodies that someone is abrogating illegal power, when actually the person is acting from a higher level morality shared by all. That’s why I try not to judge ill the actions of other people.
Wow ... so much hate
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
kauva, I am on board with your ideas about universal consciousness. The concept goes by various names, but the general idea has been espoused by many prominent physicists, and I expect that universal consciousness will play a prominent role in the future of science.
Keep on being yourself and sharing your insights. Some people become angry if you challenge their superficial materialistic world views. They mistakenly view your insights as attacks on themselves—yet we are truly one united self as viewed from a cosmic perspective.
Endure and persevere!
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 28, 2019:
kauva, I am on board with your ideas about universal consciousness. The concept goes by various names, but the general idea has been espoused by many prominent physicists, and I expect that universal consciousness will play a prominent role in the future of science.
Keep on being yourself and sharing your insights. Some people become angry if you challenge their superficial materialistic world views. They mistakenly view your insights as attacks on themselves—yet we are truly one united self as viewed from a cosmic perspective.
Endure and persevere!
What about the possibility of creating a nation of No Religion.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 27, 2019:
It’s been tried many times over. Read “State Atheism” in Wikipedia. It was attempted in Mexico in fact. All attempts to force people to change their natures have failed. People are primary and governments have to follow suite.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 27, 2019:
It’s been tried many times over. Read “State Atheism” in Wikipedia. It was attempted in Mexico in fact. All attempts to force people to change their natures have failed. People are primary and governments have to follow suite.
Homosexuality: natural or not.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 27, 2019:
Everything in nature is natural. There are reasons why things are as they are, but we might not know or understand those reasons. In that sense, both homosexuality and homophobia are completely natural and must be accepted and respected.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 27, 2019:
Everything in nature is natural. There are reasons why things are as they are, but we might not know or understand those reasons. In that sense, both homosexuality and homophobia are completely natural and must be accepted and respected.
Do you believe in ghosts?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 27, 2019:
“Supernatural” is just something in nature that we can’t understand. A supernatural event of today might become relabeled as natural in the future.
Some people have been exposed to dramatic evidence of ghosts and they can not help but believe. Others have not seen the evidence and they can not help but disbelieve.
Others, like me, have been told of the evidence by trusted people and they lean toward belief, but not in an absolute sense.
When I was in elementary school ball lightning was considered to be supernatural and was given in our science book as an example of superstition. Today ball lightning is a subject of serious scientific study.
The question of the existence or meaning of “God” is a subject well worth discussion, but it is not a question of belief in the supernatural vs belief in “hard” evidence. Hard evidence is that evidence which persuades you—it is subjective. Evidence is just evidence.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 27, 2019:
“Supernatural” is just something in nature that we can’t understand. A supernatural event of today might become relabeled as natural in the future.
Some people have been exposed to dramatic evidence of ghosts and they can not help but believe. Others have not seen the evidence and they can not help but disbelieve.
Others, like me, have been told of the evidence by trusted people and they lean toward belief, but not in an absolute sense.
When I was in elementary school ball lightning was considered to be supernatural and was given in our science book as an example of superstition. Today ball lightning is a subject of serious scientific study.
The question of the existence or meaning of “God” is a subject well worth discussion, but it is not a question of belief in the supernatural vs belief in “hard” evidence. Hard evidence is that evidence which persuades you—it is subjective. Evidence is just evidence.
What was the major factor that assisted Trump win the presidency in your opinion?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
IMO the major factor that explains Trump’s election is that he presents a bald-faced blustery, bold front. I think that for many people Trump represents leadership—they felt drawn to the guy because certain subconscious cues were triggered. Most people are not all that analytical—they go with gut feelings. Trump’s style certainly seems to offend a lot of people—he’s something different and many people are uncomfortable with the unorthodox.
The trouble with Hillary is that though she is a nice church lady and all, at heart she’s not very inspiring as a leader.
The most wolfish of wolves will be the leader of a wolf pack.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
IMO the major factor that explains Trump’s election is that he presents a bald-faced blustery, bold front. I think that for many people Trump represents leadership—they felt drawn to the guy because certain subconscious cues were triggered. Most people are not all that analytical—they go with gut feelings. Trump’s style certainly seems to offend a lot of people—he’s something different and many people are uncomfortable with the unorthodox.
The trouble with Hillary is that though she is a nice church lady and all, at heart she’s not very inspiring as a leader.
The most wolfish of wolves will be the leader of a wolf pack.
A good article about how Buddhism helps to get rid of self-deception.
[aeon.co]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I enjoyed the article—it is thought-provoking.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I enjoyed the article—it is thought-provoking.
Love and Compassion for all.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Good point. We do not love because we are trying to be good people. We love from necessity. We have no choice.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Good point. We do not love because we are trying to be good people. We love from necessity. We have no choice.
"For the sight being sent upwards by light and beholding the nature of the stars and their ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Amazing! No, nothing has changed. That sense of awe and wonder is just as intense today as it ever was for those with their eyes open.
However, many people nowadays are wearing the blinders of materialistic scientism which blunts their perception. So sad.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Amazing! No, nothing has changed. That sense of awe and wonder is just as intense today as it ever was for those with their eyes open.
However, many people nowadays are wearing the blinders of materialistic scientism which blunts their perception. So sad.
[pbs.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I know that American culture has been greatly influenced by native Americans. It is so ingrained that few of us ever think about it. A very high percentage of Americans have at least a little bit of native ancestry, and most are not aware of that fact.
I look forward to watching the documentary later.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I know that American culture has been greatly influenced by native Americans. It is so ingrained that few of us ever think about it. A very high percentage of Americans have at least a little bit of native ancestry, and most are not aware of that fact.
I look forward to watching the documentary later.
"I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Nobody understands the world except in a superficial way.
The true dichotomy is not between religion and science. It is between arrogant self-delusion under the name of science or religion, and the perception of fundamental human ignorance concerning reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Nobody understands the world except in a superficial way.
The true dichotomy is not between religion and science. It is between arrogant self-delusion under the name of science or religion, and the perception of fundamental human ignorance concerning reality.
Cosmic awareness
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Awesome thought!
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Awesome thought!
Tau and Theta.
Why do some claim there is life after death?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Nicely written sir!
IMO we were not born and we will not die. We are living in illusion.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Nicely written sir!
IMO we were not born and we will not die. We are living in illusion.
Education and learning
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Teach yourself.
William Faulkner made it only through sixth grade, yet became perhaps America’s greatest novelist. Just think of the greatness he might have achieved had he not been subjected to six years of swaggering, bullying school teachers.
Thomas Edison never darkened the door of a school. You can bet that if he had his creativity and enthusiasm would have been killed.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
Teach yourself.
William Faulkner made it only through sixth grade, yet became perhaps America’s greatest novelist. Just think of the greatness he might have achieved had he not been subjected to six years of swaggering, bullying school teachers.
Thomas Edison never darkened the door of a school. You can bet that if he had his creativity and enthusiasm would have been killed.
I think I have figured out the big conflict with christianity
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I fully agree. Christianity as an organized religion is a contrived thing, imposed on the world by zealous and egotistical organizers who had little understanding of the teachings of Jesus.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 26, 2019:
I fully agree. Christianity as an organized religion is a contrived thing, imposed on the world by zealous and egotistical organizers who had little understanding of the teachings of Jesus.
Does the end justify the means?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 25, 2019:
If the intent is greater good for all, then yes, any means can be used. If all we are seeking is selfish gain, then no.
We are not perfect however, and often we are mistaken in our assessment. People get hurt. Think of a doctor who orders chemotherapy for a cancer patient. There is a chance the treatment will kill the patient, yet to do nothing might also bring death.
It’s not about morality but about analysis.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 25, 2019:
If the intent is greater good for all, then yes, any means can be used. If all we are seeking is selfish gain, then no.
We are not perfect however, and often we are mistaken in our assessment. People get hurt. Think of a doctor who orders chemotherapy for a cancer patient. There is a chance the treatment will kill the patient, yet to do nothing might also bring death.
It’s not about morality but about analysis.
So should I be feeling incredibly satisfied that I reached level 8?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
I’m so jealous. But congratulations...I guess.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
I’m so jealous. But congratulations...I guess.
[toshmigoshandbushblaremysteries.blogspot.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
Holy smokes! What an imagination you have!
Neat piece of writing.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
Holy smokes! What an imagination you have!
Neat piece of writing.
Are you frugal?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
Frugality is about making smart choices. Instead of eating that ridiculously expensive boxed cereal I eat feed wheat, intended for livestock. Sometimes I salvage roadkill. I garden.
By cutting costs in numerous small ways a person can enjoy a sense of wealth and bounty, always having money for pleasure or to invest and grow.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
Frugality is about making smart choices. Instead of eating that ridiculously expensive boxed cereal I eat feed wheat, intended for livestock. Sometimes I salvage roadkill. I garden.
By cutting costs in numerous small ways a person can enjoy a sense of wealth and bounty, always having money for pleasure or to invest and grow.
Share your happiness... ?
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
It’s an interesting analogy. Little flames of awareness and joy are sparked here and there in different times and places, and those flames are forever dying, but viewed from a higher perspective, there is only one eternal fire.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
It’s an interesting analogy. Little flames of awareness and joy are sparked here and there in different times and places, and those flames are forever dying, but viewed from a higher perspective, there is only one eternal fire.
Should Reality Make Us Glad or Sad? - Scientific American Blog Network
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
IMO gladness and sadness are not opposites. A lake, normally placid, might be temporarily whipped into turmoil by wind, but it’s natural state is placidity.
Truth or reality does not cause anyone to become sad. It’s THINKING untrue things ABOUT that truth or reality that leads to sadness. Stop thinking negative, judgmental, untrue things and you will return to your normal, joyous state of being.
Garbage in, garbage out. Give a computer false data to work with and you’re likely to get chaos for the output. The computer has no conscious awareness and has no way to weed out untrue data. Same with our subconscious minds. Plug in a negative, fear-arousing thought and your body will be thrown into a nervous state of alertness, ready to do battle or to mourn. Fear will raise its ugly head, triggering more untrue thoughts, snowballing into guilt, tension, irritation, anger, loneliness, poor health, alienation, insanity and death.
Allow conscious awareness to correct those untrue thoughts and happiness will follow.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 24, 2019:
IMO gladness and sadness are not opposites. A lake, normally placid, might be temporarily whipped into turmoil by wind, but it’s natural state is placidity.
Truth or reality does not cause anyone to become sad. It’s THINKING untrue things ABOUT that truth or reality that leads to sadness. Stop thinking negative, judgmental, untrue things and you will return to your normal, joyous state of being.
Garbage in, garbage out. Give a computer false data to work with and you’re likely to get chaos for the output. The computer has no conscious awareness and has no way to weed out untrue data. Same with our subconscious minds. Plug in a negative, fear-arousing thought and your body will be thrown into a nervous state of alertness, ready to do battle or to mourn. Fear will raise its ugly head, triggering more untrue thoughts, snowballing into guilt, tension, irritation, anger, loneliness, poor health, alienation, insanity and death.
Allow conscious awareness to correct those untrue thoughts and happiness will follow.
I was to the store the other day and had a Muslim check out clerk.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
Our country=their country
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
Our country=their country
Bob is a Theist.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
There might be ghosts but if so they are one hundred percent natural phenomena. By all means, let’s approach these eerie questions with open minds and with mutual respect.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
There might be ghosts but if so they are one hundred percent natural phenomena. By all means, let’s approach these eerie questions with open minds and with mutual respect.
Hello my beautiful heathen friends.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
There’s nothing to be afraid of, even in the worst scenario of total obliteration. After all, there was a time when we didn’t exist. It seems perfectly natural and okay that we would return to that state.
IMO existence as an individual personality in a body is an illusion. We are not our bodies, but rather, we are extensions of universal consciousness. It is that which exists beyond time and is immortal by default. You can’t lose what you never had.
There is nothing to fear.
WilliamFleming comments on Jan 23, 2019:
There’s nothing to be afraid of, even in the worst scenario of total obliteration. After all, there was a time when we didn’t exist. It seems perfectly natural and okay that we would return to that state.
IMO existence as an individual personality in a body is an illusion. We are not our bodies, but rather, we are extensions of universal consciousness. It is that which exists beyond time and is immortal by default. You can’t lose what you never had.
There is nothing to fear.
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