Total posts: 3,943
-->
@borz_kriffle
I find the Tao Te Ching difficult to read myself,
I'm not sure if there are other books that talk about the Tao. Probably are.
I 'do think it can be too pacific and accepting of circumstances at times.
But I don't know much about Taoist history or practitioners in practice.
I think that avoiding conflicts and enemies 'can have a place though.
"But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
People can get too caught up with conflict,
End up in a circles of violence,
Like the Hatfields and McCoys, various inner city gangs, Americans and Native Americans.
A lot of conflicts have been made worse or unending by people unable to put their swords away,
A lot of people can end up ruined by their pursuit of revenge, violence has a way of giving people PTSD, turning some's dreams to nightmares,
Or even their waking lives into dysfunction with those they love and even simple tasks.
Lot of wars in history, seems to some in retrospect, a pointless waste of time and lives, even if they still honor the soldiers who's sacrifice still has meaning.
Though personally I think it better people use the sword at 'some point, lest they be swept away.
Some people will kill you and take your land if you don't fight a bit,
Or beat you and take your lunch money.
Still, fights come together easier when two people are aggressive,
Though I still think one can manage to start it without the other trying.
"Penguin Classics Tao Te Ching
L
113 When going one way means life and going the other
means death, three in ten will be comrades of life, three in
ten will be comrades of death, and there are those who
value life and as a result move into the realm of death, and
these also number three in ten. Why is this so? Because
they set too much store by life. I have heard it said that one
who excels in safeguarding his own life does not meet
with rhinoceros or tiger when traveling on land nor is he
touched by weapons when charging into an army. There is
nowhere for the rhinoceros to pitch its horn; there is
nowhere for the tiger to place its claws; there is nowhere
for their weapon to lodge its blade. Why is this so? Because
for him there is no realm of death."
A different translation
"Chapter 50
Coming into life, entering death
The followers of life, three in ten
The followers of death, three in ten
Those whose lives are moved toward death
Also three in ten
Why? Because they live lives of excess
I've heard of those who are good at cultivating life
Traveling on the road, they do not encounter rhinos or tigers
Entering into an army, they are not harmed by weapons
Rhinos have nowhere to thrust their horns
Tigers have nowhere to clasp their claws
Soldiers have nowhere to lodge their blades
Why? Because they have no place for death"
Being too absorbed by death, can lead to bad decisions.
I suppose 'stressing too much over life can lead to a shorter less enjoyable life,
Like some person focusing too much on a schedule during a family outing,
Instead of caring about the moment and life,
They care about time and scheduling,
Which they only 'made so they could enjoy life and their family.
A person who is terrified by the concept of death,
Maybe takes more psychological damage, than a person more accepting of deaths existence,
Death comes to all regardless.
Or a person terrified might run when they should stand their ground, or freeze when they should run.
While a person not afraid, can run or stand their ground as is necessary.
But they can manage this by their detachment.
Well, so long as one cares 'some about being alive, a degree of attachment isn't bad.
Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
I 'am a cherry picker and warper of what I read to my own purposes though. I think.
But eh, so long as I remember there is a sometimes objective view and many other people's views,
I don't think it's 'bad.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Best.Korea
Certainly an accomplishment of sorts.
Created:
-->
@Owen_T
I consider it a 'concern,
But I don't consider it a dealbreaker,
It didn't factor into my third party vote.
The time when White people could have explicitly genocide other races has past, I think. Generally speaking.
Doesn't have enough support by whites, and other races have rights, population, power. Generally speaking.
Laws against it.
President isn't a dictator.
Trump is old.
Created:
Posted in:
AOE 2 Sure has a lot of addons and mods that people play with,
Would make sense if someone made an RTS with such features already,
But they probably do.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@CatholicApologetics
Well, maybe I and many others have some difficulty in 'defining religion.
Religion, Culture, Philosophy, Politics,
Seem to me to have similarities in what we think existence is, what we ought do, what we 'do.
Of Christianity,
When I was once a Christian, 10 years or so ago,
I became a Nihilist and a Hedonist before I became an Atheist,
There were parts of Christianity, Existence, and the Bible,
That to my understandings back then, had blank spaces, uncertainties,
As well as my wanting to value myself and my own interests most.
. .
As for my Atheism now,
I'd say it has to do with habit and increased beliefs in materialism. Though I am not 'without doubts.
. . . I would 'think the more one explores other cultures, religions, and philosophies other than Christianity,
The more one might separate from Christianity.
. . . But, if one encounters other norms one considers evil, or if one encounters other norms in the company of fellow Christians, I suppose there might be no change.
Maybe other reasons,
Missionaries exist, and Travellers, and sometimes even people singularly hold to their faiths I assume. Or perhaps their faiths view changes slightly, but they hold to it.
(Shrug)
I've heard of Atheist Christians before,
And while I may use the Bible from time to time for wisdom, or feel moved to Christian actions,
I prefer to keep my selfishness and hedonism.
Created:
-->
@Greyparrot
Do you mean 'land private property, or personal wealth/item property?
Might be, I have not read much about Native American history and culture.
But,
North America is a big place, room for a lot of different cultures and societies.
I'm pretty sure tribal wars existed,
That they probably had 'some idea, even with a nomadic lifestyle of 'their territory.
I 'have heard vaguely here and there about Native Americans not considering land to be something to be sold,
But again, North America is pretty big.
I 'have heard of a lot of treaties with Native Americans, and Americans breaking those treaties,
Though one could argue coercion, them not reading English, being lied to, misunderstandings.
Or times Native Americans killed settlers for traveling in or settling too close. Shouldn't that count as an understanding of territory?
Still,
At 'some point, the concept would have had to come across.
I would think.
Created:
Posted in:
I suppose people,
Stress the body when exercising,
Stress the mind when problem solving.
Though one doesn't want to stress 'all the time and 'break their body or mind.
. . .
I suppose one stresses emotions,
But unlike physical or mental problem solving, I'm not sure that many people do emotional workouts.
. . . People 'already around others a fair bit, already often bend.
. . . . . . But then I suppose there are people who are emotionally stunted, rich or influential people, who might get no pushback, or little kids who get no pushback, people who get isolated in shipwrecks on islands, or emotionally abused by others, empathy/compassion fatigue for caregivers.
. . .
Most people though, probably stressing their emotions regularly through normal interactions, humans so social, not something we really work at.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
I do admit America was founded by Immigration,
Many who found it difficult to make it in their homelands, wanted opportunity, perhaps were persecuted, or wanted to form a new way of life in the New Country.
But I doubt the Native Americans 'appreciated that.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
Guns
I voted Libertarian this election, though I didn't care for the candidate.
Differences
What's wrong for voting against someone for religious differences?
If someone is from a religion with many values different than mine, why would I 'want them having a strong influence on my country or people?
. . .
I 'suppose you might argue that voting against someone for being or supporting trans, is similar to voting against someone for liking the color X.
. . . except I consider many Trans policies to have effects,
I think Trans athletes are unfair and harmful to women,
I think encouraging Trans surgeries on children is physically and mentally harmful to children,
I think funding Trans surgery in prison is a waste of my money, and that putting guys with dicks in female prisons is immoral and dangerous, as well as putting guys with dicks in female locker rooms in school.
I think it's harmful physical and mental action to encourage in adults.
. . .
Also, culturally, I just don't care for Trans much.
I wouldn't bebothered by a bunch of ***** not liking me in their society,
So why should I be bothered by my 'generally disliking them in mine?
Still, doesn't mean I think we should kill them, run them out on a rail, or prevent consenting adults from contacting doctors and having such surgeries preformed,
Doesn't mean I'd refuse them business if I owned a bar.
Bigger levels of government
I prefer to note how American society is connected,
Unless my state is allowed to secede, then I should have a 'degree of say in the rest of the country,
Such as in who we allow over.
If one doesn't have immigration controlled first at a national level, then some ***** Left state can import them by the truckload, give them citizenship, then push or let them cross over into other states and overrun other states.
Military
Military doesn't 'have to be expensive in all particulars,
Having citizens serve their country is good for them 'and the country.
Teaches discipline, job skills, how to fight, diversity.
. . . I don't dislike the idea in a 'new country, not this one, but in the new country everyone being given the 'opportunity to serve their country according to their abilities, even if their abilities are lacking.
"A citizen accepts personal responsibility for the safety of the body politic, defending it with his life, a civilian does not." - Johnny Rico
Soldiers are capable of serving their country in other ways than 'always shooting a gun,
Soldiers are often used for relief efforts,
In history soldiers have been used for farming during peacetime in various cultures and histories, but have kept a degree of training to be ready for war.
Births
I lean heavily towards Anti Natalism and Efilism.
But am unwilling to implement heavy regulation on an 'existing state.
'Immigrants however, are 'not part of the existing state, and thus I am fine with regulating heavily against them, to ideally decrease the number of people in my current country.
Culture
Culture can be nose hair or the hats that people wear as far as I'm concerned.
Fiddler On The Roof - Tradition
I don't think it is wrong to value one's 'Tribe, one's people, history Traditions, Genetics.
How many times have some conquerors tried to 'breed out the conquered?
'Some of us care about Blood,
About our Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters.
. . . I'm not saying everyone 'has to.
But one might as well support humans being replaced by a bunch of **** space aliens, if one does not care about their blood.
Ben Shapiro
American States are more alike to other States, than America is alike to other nations.
I 'don't agree it is like asking Ben Shapiro,
You could claim it's like asking someone why they moved one house over, instead of fixing their moved from house,
But it's 'not like that at all.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Greyparrot
Certainly Biden showed more class in his transfer of power, than Trump did, the time that Biden beat Trump.
Created:
Posted in:
Veterinarian put down Claire the cat today.
Wasn't able to eat or drink last couple days without giving a yowl,
And wasn't much eating or drinking at all.
I suppose I note it here, to note my lack of emotion,
I'm not sure I cared much years ago when the dog was put down either, can't recall.
Sure I was nice with both, would walk the dog, play, pet, talk,
And they were nice with me, good pets.
Hm, do I not care much because they were animals?
Because death is expected someday so why worry?
Just more selfish focused?
Other?
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Mharman
Other than debates,
Have you had any competitive glory moments?
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Owen_T
@#12
I don't 'know what Mall means,
But some people view a similarity between religion and science as high held values or guiding stars.
OH MY SCIENCE! - South Park 'Go God Go' Supercut
Though maybe Mall just means everyone has values that influence their actions.
. . . Imagine a world comprised only of Atheists,
I would think people would still vary in what they consider the 'right way to live life. The right state of affairs to promote.
An Atheist USSR might promote community over individuality,
An Atheist USA might promote individuality over community.
The state might not find itself removed from religion/organized belief/values.
Created:
-->
@Mall
I am coping with a shrug, and rationales.
Trump isn't American government all by himself,
So hopefully foreign policy goes okay.
. . . 'May be not back to have a jerk in the Whitehouse,
Being 'forceful 'can be good in foreign policy,
Though I 'do worry about Ukraine, Taiwan, Israel.
I've gotten over it by accepting it.
I encourage those disappointed, to accept that unless they are planning something for the President themself,
Then all they can work on is their situation,
Except for people with power, they can probably influence Trump situation some.
But rest of us, budget, save money, minor prep supplies, watch our blood pressures, stuff we should do anyway.
Maybe you'll get lucky and he'll peacefully pass away in his sleep.
I admit his age could be a concern, people sometimes see sudden declines in physical and mental ability, but, it's only four years.
Well, if I see him do something I agree with, I'll state why,
If I see something I don't agree with, I'll state why.
Hopefully, there's more than bad, Often dislikable task to endorse and justify a lesser or greater evil.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Owen_T
The Dream of Reason Produces Monsters | Jonathan Pageau 15 minutes, 1 second video.
I don't agree with everything that is said, but I 'do think reason can have difficulty in 'rooting a person.
Myself I keep repeating why? And keep finding myself unsettled,
Though of course being human, I loop around to familiar locations.
. . . Some people though, end up in fantastic locations, but I am unconvinced their locations rationally 'better.
I don't like to jump to Camus Absurdism, to Rebel for me, would be to surrender what I identify, however vaguely as myself, though Absurdism seeps in nonetheless at times.
I don't care for Existentialism arguments that we can create our 'own meaning in this world, for why then did I leave where I was before?
Only to replace it with some meaning logically as empty as the one before, but that it might appeal to some aspect of my self. It only partially does, and even what I had before could do that. Objective minded individuals (Some Religious) nonetheless approach existence subjectively.
Their interpretations and actions speaking their subjective experience and self created meaning,
For even when they feel the same Elephant, they have different descriptions, actions. Kindness or Cruelty the meaning they create in following their faith.
. . .
The difference with Existential Meaning, is I feel all the more 'aware of it's 'Artifice, by my own hand no less.
Of what I have heard of Kierkegaard or Dostoevsky, I cannot leap either.
For my love of 'Apparent Truth,
Though no doubt I deny it within many breaths in the day,
Don't tell me how many bugs are in a candy bar, I need not that truth.
. . .
So I stay an object at rest, or at motion, I am unsure.
Unable to rest/believe in Christianity, I am an Atheist, a Materialist,
I generally follow the law,
Am generally kind to family,
Polite to strangers,
Do not generally attempt harm,
Inquire of existence,
Laze about sloth,
Engage in gluttony and various vices,
Though mine I 'do consider dips of the toe into the pool of Hedonism, Hedonism nonetheless, I consider my contended awareness of eating normal meals.
It's the 'focus, that makes it Hedonism, the 'intention, in my mind.
. . . I still care about spoken values, vague notions of humanity, nation, and honor. Speak and feel of them.
. . . But is this path any more 'Objective, any more 'True for my being upon it?
. . .
Were I a villain and a criminal, would I suddenly 'lack reasons?
I don't think so, like a Psychologist claiming 'reasons in one's childhood, as outcome for now,
There are so many 'reasons one is aware of, whether Before, During, Post Hoc, Unconsciously, Consciously,
And I am not a man who 'Knows his reasons in certainty.
No, Reason and Atheism did not bring me solid ground.
Though I turned away from God and towards greed, reasoned Nihilism, before I reasoned Atheism.
Cheshire Kitten (We're All Mad Here) By SJ Tucker
. . .
Though It 'could just be me, and my being up for over 24 hours. . . 'Does discombobulate me a bit, loosen my inhibitions at times, when sleep deprivation does not weary, and one feels the manic haze.
. . . Not really 'healthy though, people say, sleep deprivation, but I 'did sleep a long time last time I slept.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Owen_T
I'm not sure I 'do base my morality on anything.
. . .
Perhaps it has become to vague for me, too changing, too situational.
Well, I imagine I base my morals on the various experiences and influences in my life, 'habits,
On what I value and desire,
But that 'changes, more often and quicker than you might think sometimes.
. . .
But I probably have an 'average, of what I do,
A 'usual go to for oughts.
Sorry, I don't know. (This moment)
Created:
Posted in:
"Should we treat these animals with more respect, because they're so much like us?"
Orangutans found using medicinal herbs
Yes and No.
. . .
I still don't understand consciousness/sentience/qualia.
if I smush a spider (Despite people saying they're harmless and help with pests)
I feel some discomfort, but I don't view the spider as a person.
. . . . . . People don't like mothers doing drugs when they are going to have a kid,
Because the kid ends up f***** up,
And usually with a lower chance at a quality of life, than a mother who does not do drugs.
Should it not follow that people with 'painful genetics should be discouraged to propagate?
. . .
But let's put that aside, what about consent,
Most people, myself among them, don't think nonhumans can consent to sex with a human,
I suppose people might argue some nonhumans are pretty smart,
But eh, I don't think human children can consent to sex with adults either.
. . . Might get fuzzy for mentally retarded people with 'really low IQs, but I think I'd consider it pretty f***** up for someone to have sex with someone who was 'really mentally retarded.
. . . Anyway, my thought process is, it'd just be better off if these primitive tool using animals were sterilized and let to die off over time.
. . .
Oh sure, I imagine four counter arguments,
We eat animals,
Ecosystem needs them,
By your logic aliens more intelligent than us would sterilize us,
By your logic should we sterilize humans.
Eh, sucks,
But with science and social engineering, maybe we can stop eating animals.
I imagine an ecosystem can be designed without 'some animals.
Maybe humans 'should be sterilized, but I don't think they'd agree to it. Besides, if we don't want this whole 'life situation popping up on Earth again, we would need to build a failsafe to destroy the Earth,
As well as some AI Fred Saberhagen Berserker Robots, without intelligence, to seek out and sterilize all life.
Hm. . . This all sounds rather insane, if I judge it from what I model most other human responses and values as. . . .
Eh, I hate typing something and not posting it.
And since I don't see my post on the Youtube video, guess I'll post it here.
Maybe Youtube didn't like some of the words I used.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Owen_T
I'll agree one can't 'just change what they believe.
But some Atheists 'do become Christians,
And as a former Christian, it might be even easier for you to do so than a all time Atheist.
People come across new information, experiences, logic, thoughts,
That can convince them of Christianity as true or might be,
Or they can make a Leap of faith.
In either case people don't 'just become Christian, there is 'something that 'causes their change of faith.
. . .
Though I don't expect to change my own views,
I have been 'somewhat enjoying Googling the concept of the soul recently.
Partially,
Because I am having trouble with Worldbuilding a fictional world, idle thoughts on video game or a book, and I hate not seeing the implications of some systems I might include. Though I am willing to leave it ambiguous, I still want the characters in the world to state 'some kind of justification/theory for their beliefs I find workable.
Partially Ego, As even if I intellectually come to a conclusion, that I 'think I will cease after death, my 'Ego can't seem to accept it.
Partially
Partially despair,
As I am fond of phrases such as one's body being chained, but their spirit and soul free,
Or master of one's own fate.
. . . I am 'fond of such phrases, but intellectually, I cannot accept them.
. . .
But there 'are interesting stories on the concept of soul,
Such as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_man, which I see as having value for real life, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller blind and deaf,
Or feral children, or AI, or brain organoids.
, , Not that I 'agree with all that Youtube channels views on sentience or consciousness, but still, interesting.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
Guns
I'm not going to argue my view that Trump is less likely to take my guns than Harris would have been.
I am simply going to state it,
It seems an obvious truth to me, and I don't want to go through the effort of arguing it.
Chauvin
Of Chauvin, feel free to read my thoughts.
Trans
Is the Lefts position and effect on Trans not obvious enough?
Do I 'really have to spend X hours tracking down specific policies on the internet?
Immigration
I am not against requiring the process of accepting immigrants to have to pass through national borders,
And then state borders,
And then county borders,
And then city borders,
And then individual borders.
Crab Bucket
I am against the government giving a 'handout to a specific group of people (College people),
Who 'accepted said debt,
(Data Expunged), why should they get a free ride,
Fix the college system if possible, sure,
(Data Expunged), they're already going to finish out better than the rest of us without college.
. . . Though I 'could go to college, having the GI Bill, still, I 'worked for that.
. . . . . . I don't mean to pull people down, when they're trying to climb out of a bucket, but excusing their debt, while raising mine, is them trying to 'step on me to climb out of the bucket. (Data Expunged).
I'm not against people trying to help the poor, though I think government can overreach itself.
In the military I 'never volunteered for any community charity work,
I was voluntold,
I don't (Data Expunged) need that in civilian life.
Immigration
The Left wants to import the poorest of the poor to work for dog food, and vote Democrat.
(Not really, but it's how I feel about their position)
Bringing poor people to work the minimum wage jobs forever, 'won't work,
Eventually we will reach a limit on our population,
We 'should desire smaller human pollution, not more, the smog and plastics and landfills I mean.
Nor should we encourage the 'existence of minimum wage jobs.
If there weren't more people willing to work for the minimum, then profits might be better divided between the workers and the owners.
"the effect of the plague may have been ultimately favourable, as the massive reduction of the workforce meant their labor was suddenly in higher demand. R. H. Hilton has argued that the English peasants who survived found their situation to be much improved."
Why should a population change it's culture and genetics in favor of outsiders?
Why shouldn't immigrants fix their own countries?
"in the fifth century the Romans lost control of the immigration process. Armies were sent to the Middle East to counter a hostile, newly invigorated Persia, leaving the West open. The Germanic tribes were allowed in, but once inside the empire they were not assimilated but retained their cultural and political identities, eventually combining to form armies within its borders that the Romans could no longer overcome."
I 'do have more positive and friendly things to say about immigration.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@zedvictor4
I imagine there 'have been soldiers in history,
Who have had a rip roaring good time,
Though many others might have ended up with PTSD in the same circumstances.
Outcomes depending on their perspectives of the events.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Mharman
Among Us is a fun game,
Though I haven't played in a while.
I preferred being a crewmember,
Less pressure to preform,
But being a successful Imposter sure was a rush.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Owen_T
Sorry to hear that.
It's true that being a Christian doesn't necessarily mean that one is tolerant, kind, or charitable.
But. . . Doesn't mean that there 'aren't Christians who can love and respect Atheists either.
Nor that there aren't Atheists who hate and deride Christians.
. . .
I've only ever talked to my eldest brother about my Atheism,
As I trust him, find him intelligent, and felt a need to tell 'somebody actually close to me.
Never the rest of my family, though I 'suspect they can already infer it, hard to tell.
For them I worry more about them worrying about me,
Thinking me to be 'missing something in my life, due to lacking a relationship with God.
. . . Also I suspect Atheism can be a harmful belief and/or belief for some people.
Besides I 'could be wrong, though I don't consider myself Agnostic.
I still say grace with my family on occasions we have get together,
I just take it as time to muse on religion, and God, as some people idealize them, kindness, family, morality. Still an Atheist though.
Course some people go for hate and vengeance with their religion, it varies.
Created:
Posted in:
What would various other species look like if they practiced weightlifting like humans do?
I'd suppose that derby horses practice running, but don't normal horses do that already?
Sled dogs, might look different than other dogs?
Gorillas already have heavy bodies they lift around, chimps already use arms a lot probably.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
Well, I voted for Clinton, because she was a career politician, who had served various positions such as a Senator and as Secretary of State, also her husband was president once, and I think I liked what he did with the budget.
I didn't 'like a number of her policies, but the other option was Trump,
Who at that point I considered completely untested in politics, the guy really worried me,
Though I can't say his first term as president has me 'enthused for his second now,
At least I 'think government can still function with him in office.
(1) So part of what changed is Trump became a more known variable as President.
(2) Clinton was a somewhat known variable, as to what her Presidency might be.
Harris, I was never able to get a good idea of what her actions and policies might be
Though some claim Clinton also had vague campaign promises, perhaps I was just more familiar with her as a politician and her history.
In the Trump vs Biden election,
I think I voted 3rd party, I don't 'quite remember why,
But I assume it was because Trump had been tested.
(3) 'Might also be that guns popped up in the current events topics,
I am for gun rights in America.
Ah, 2020 was also when those protests/riots occurred,
I didn't agree with the Chauvin trial results, though I accepted them as the legal outcome.
. . Possible I began to identify the Left more with lawlessness, Communism, and Identity politics. (I realize they are not Communists)
(4) So yeah, the Riots/Protests
In the Trump vs Harris Election,
We'd been having even more talk against guns during the Biden administration I think.
(5) I am against a number of transgender policies, I view as being endorsed by the Left,
In sports, prison, healthcare, school.
Hm, immigration was brought up some this last and past elections,
Republicans bussing illegals to Left cities, and the Left saying they don't want them. (I realize this is imperfect and unnuanced way to explain it.)
But I am for strong borders,
And would prefer we have a 'smaller lower working class population,
As I think just massing the people needed for said labor decreases their wages.
(6) So Immigration
I suppose many of these are not 'new, but they have kept popping up, and thus kept influencing my views, so perhaps 'I changed partially.
(7) Lack of time to research
Most of past year I was visiting my Dad because of some health issues of his, he doesn't have internet,
I suppose I could have gone to the library or used a newspaper occasionally, but I didn't.
I understand that my knowledge and views are imperfect and partial, but these are some of the issues and what changed.
Possible I missed some.
(8) Ah, I didn't like Biden's excusing of College debt,
I wouldn't be against changing the 'system, but I didn't like the way he tried to go about it.
I associated Biden with The Left, what Biden does, the Left does.
(Not quite correct, but I am explaining my brain, not 'justifying it)
(9) I didn't like talk of reparations
Though I am not against the poor, unfranchised, and so on as a 'class being helped,
I am not for a specific 'race being helped, at this time.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
Maybe,
But I voted for Clinton,
I didn't vote for Harris.
I voted third party in the Trump vs Harris election.
Created:
Posted in:
I tend to wear a hat when I take walks,
Eyes sensitive to light,
And I don't enjoy those long moments of walking towards and past other people,
I'm just not sure where to look, but hat solves that problem by allowing eye contact only when I choose,
And I 'do choose 'some eye contact.
I wonder if a city of Hermits/Introverts would ever catch on.
Where all the jobs and roads are designed that no one ever sees another person.
Sounds a bit dangerous to me somehow though,
My mind immediately pops to saboteurs, muggers, home invaders, and no one ever checking in on other people to see if they're alright.
Still, not as though such can't exist in 'current society,
Perhaps it's just the alienness of the idea, or the lack of familiarity such a society might have.
One has a 'knowledge of one's community through interaction and observation.
Created:
-->
@ADreamOfLiberty
It isn't for your or I to determine if something is worthwhile just because it's not a public need. - ADreamOfLiberty #47
I'm not sure I agree, but will think on it.
If they are not ashamed and you cannot give objective reasons why they should be, then they are not degenerates. ADreamOfLiberty #47
I'm a nihilist, 'I think 'all reasons are subjective, including cannibalism or killing.
But being human, care and react as though they 'are objective.
I argue,
If I view wearing polka dots as morally wrong,
Then the people who wear them 'are degenerates,
And I myself to them,
In my not wearing or disliking of polka dots.
Your reply on the illegal existence of X, reminds me of a question someone made on Youtube, and my reply,Of why do people choose to pick up policies that 'increase the number of unsafe X.
I think,
(A1) Fear of allowing X to become Normalized in society
I'm not sure that it is always so clear cut though,
If I get asked to vote on a measure banning X, I might say yes, we should ban that,
But then the lawmakers have excessively harsh laws, that don't fit the crime,
And I'm like what the f*** lawmakers?
But then if I vote 'no, I don't want to ban that, one worries about society becoming acclimated to the now not banned substance or practice.
It can be hard for a society to kick a habit once it is ingrained, take alcohol or slavery as examples.
So I often end up voting yes, ban that X,
Even though I hate how the lawmakers go about it.
Take marijuana as an example, I 'Really don't think legalizing it, 'decreased how many and much people use it.
Though the government had c** idiotic laws in 'how they approached the banning of it, I think.
(B1) Participation
People sometimes find it hateful to participate in an action they abhor, even if legalizing it might decrease it.
Though one might argue one 'still participates if they ban it, I don't think that's how people look at it.
Though if X is banned, it may still see people partake in it, but they feel they are doing their best to dissuade them from an evil action.
The banner may view it as 'those people's choice to do wrong,
Whilst if I 'allow it, lawfully, it then also becomes 'my choice, by my saying yes it is allowed.
My second brother still does drugs such as meth on occasion, but he does it far less, than if he was not urine tested, and reminded of the requirements for him living with us.
. . .Banning him from using certain drugs, 'can result in worse situations, where he is homeless, less happy, scared, abused by others, higher chance of death. Such 'has been his way of life in some moments of the past,
But to 'allow him to use drugs? To enable and participate in his degradation through enabling? Horrible to us.
'Even if the outcome is better for him using meth at home with family, than using meth while homeless.
That tough love 'eventually worked for us, for now.
But the point of (B1), is how I think people sometimes see voting to allow some X, as their own participation in the action.
(C1) Deontological Ethics vs Consequentialism in number or depth of Occurrence
For some people, allowing abortion means 'acquiescing to the murder of an unborn.
If some bandits come to my village, and demand a single person as sacrifice every 10 years,
We may lose 100 villagers fighting, but it is better than 'sacrificing one of our villagers.
We 'clearly lose more villagers through the fight option,
Even though part of the reason for our action is not wanting to lose someone,
Part of our motivation is the 'action itself,
We do not want to 'Sacrifice one of our own, even if it means 100 die, the action of them dying is different.
. . . , , , Though I suppose they are sacrificing themselves in a way, they are sacrificing themselves to 'fight an outside evil,
Not sacrificing themselves to 'submit to an outside evil.
Though 'banning other people from an action, isn't them self sacrificing,
Anti Abortion people often value the unborn, the unborn lacking the ability to make their own choice, perhaps Anti Abortion people think it better that they are sacrificed attempting not to be sacrificed,
Than sacrificed in acquiescing to (In the Anti Abortionists view perhaps) the outside evil bandits.
Given these discrepancies I must conclude that it is more normalcy bias than some kind of coherent collectivist mindset, and they would thus still lose the argument. - ADreamOfLiberty #47
Can't always win an argument if you don't convince the judges.
Created:
Posted in:
Cup of Tomato soup and a hot dog in a hamburger bun that has been toasted.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
What are Domestic Wars?
. . .
I do not see why a person cannot have a strong focus on freedom of the individual,
Yet lesser or equal other values and goals.
Why cannot a person be a Libertarian, yet desire to live in a small voluntary community where everyone is mandated to wear the color blue for instance,
Though I admit such communities would likely be smaller than states.
, , 'However, I make said argument to argue that a Libertarian could conceivable have values other than people can do whatever they want so long as it does not harm other people.
. . . I suppose additionally that a Libertarian could view the 'creation and public placement of pornography as harmful, like a person making bear traps and setting them up in public, yet not be against people choosing to step on said bear traps, or to make and place bear traps in their own home.
I can imagine Libertarians against public nudity in front of schools.
. . . .
Of States Rights,
"New Hampshire was chosen because the perceived individualist culture of the state was thought to resonate well with libertarian ideals.[25]
In 2004, following the selection of New Hampshire, a splinter group[citation needed] called the Free Town Project formed to move to the small town of Grafton and advocate for legal changes there."
Though one 'could argue said individuals only took said path out of necessity.
Created:
-->
@ADreamOfLiberty
Pornstars not being validated,
A fair point, that such might be an additional factor in suicide rate.
I'm unsure that we 'need to validate certain lifestyle or professions though.
Pornography does not seem a 'need to me, unlike public sanitation.
I have heard vaguely of "Untouchables" in India,
. .
Something or other about them being sanitation workers,
But I see the word 'scavenging, so am unsure if they would be better compared to homeless individuals who collect cans.
I'm going to assume without evidence though, that it is more referring to sanitation workers though.
It seems reasonable to me, to expect people not think highly of people who broach one's morals for seemingly carnal reason.
Though with how many people purchase and view porn,
Seems hypocritical,
But arguably such might be an 'additional reason for why 'some people wish to ban porn, hating their own participation.
Though I am not arguing my personal opinions one way or the other,
Simply exploring the topic.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair point on Prohibition,
Both on the time period I cited and on most recent event of World War,
Though your article 'does state,
"At the time, alcohol usage was soaring in the United States. Some estimates by alcohol opponents put consumption at three times what it is today. Activists thought that prohibiting its sale would curb excess drinking. Their efforts were very effective."
I 'Would have to put a lot of effort into arguing Prohibition being effective or not, I agree,
And if it were a formal debate, I think it likely I could lose half the time.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I 'do think you have a strong case on not everyone being 'addicted to their vices,
'Particularly in America, where freedom and Independence is strongly valued,
Though in societies where bending to greater good and social norms more strongly seen as objectively good,
You'd have a harder time.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
I'm not sure that Libertarian means no war.
Can there not be circumstances in which declaring war is reasonable,
When American citizens are taken as slaves or press ganged for instance?
"Libertarians believe that war is justified only in defense. We are opposed to a draft. If a war is just and necessary, Americans of all backgrounds will volunteer to fight it. We believe that a draft enforced by law is no different from slavery."
I admit I have a hard time imagining a Libertarian banning 'all drugs and porn,
'But I 'can imagine Libertarians in favor of banning 'some porn,
As well as 'regulating both porn and drug access.
Restricting the ability of children to easily access either, I mean,
'Or certain types of porn, such as Revenge Porn, Hidden Camera Porn, Child Pornography, Bestiality.
Though one could argue such bans are not about banning porn, but banning non-consent.
. . .
More tentatively, and not knowing Libertarianism well, I even suggest,
The banning of ads through advertisement or inclusion in under 18 rated media,
As fitting with Libertarianism,
I 'assume but do not know, that adolescents being 'completely free from approved indoctrination, is not one of their tenants.
. . . . . . .
I also ask, but do not know,
Do Libertarians support 'communities that choose to live certain ways under certain rules and bans?
The Amish not using technology in some places,
Though I don't know if certain locations have 'laws against it, or if it's just discouraged.
My 'point though,
Is I can imagine some Libertarians preferring the question of certain bans being left of to 'State, rather than Federal government,
But I 'do say imagine, as again I am not well read in Libertarian policy, history, or debate.
Created:
-->
@Vader
@ADreamOfLiberty
@DavidAZZ
@RemyBrown
I would expect ban porn to 'end 'up being more moderate than banning all porn,
Probably more effective too, to only ban certain aspects.
Various live action pornography being banned for instance.
Stronger verifications of a persons age,
Banning the monetization of porn,
Banning porn companies from making porn.
Lot of Anti-Porn people are more concerned about the people they view hurt by the making of porn,
Lot of porn actors who commit suicide I hear,
Porn industry already hurt by internet,
'Could try to kill live action porn companies through allowing AI and free access and storage of older porn releases to adults.
. . . Wouldn't kill 'porn, but it could kill some aspects of it.
. . .
One 'could argue prohibition was partially successful,
I've heard that alcohol 'was a huge problem in parts of America before Prohibition,
"By 1830, the average American over 15 years old consumed nearly seven gallons of pure alcohol a year – three times as much as we drink today – and alcohol abuse (primarily by men) was wreaking havoc on the lives of many, particularly in an age when women had few legal rights and were utterly dependent on their husbands for sustenance and support."
People vary in how much of a party or ideology they get behind,
Extreme or Moderate,
One can be a Libertarian while only supporting part of their platform, I think.
I 'do like junk food.
People 'do often argue against easy 'access to junk food,
Such as not allowing vending machines at school,
Heh, I don't think schools have porn vending machines though.
Created:
-->
@RemyBrown
Is Matt Walsh a member of Trumps staff?
I don't 'think he is, but I could be wrong.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Math_Enthusiast
I'm not sure about 'all humans needing challenges,
But I 'do suspect most humans need challenges.
"You get the right amount of stress and we call it stimulation.
The goal in life isn't to get rid of stress, the goal in life is to have the right type of stress.
Because when it is the right type we love it.
We jump out of our seats to experience it, we pay good money to get stressed that way.
It tends to be a moderate stressor, where you've got a stressor that's transient.
It's not for nothing that roller coaster rides are not three weeks long, and most of all what they're about is you relinquish a little bit of control in a setting that overall feels safe."
- Robert Sapolsky
I think there's something in our bodies/brains/design, that seeks it.
Same as I think 'most people need to socialize,
Though some people are hermits, seem to enjoy it,
Whether because of being outliers or fulfilling that need with something else.
. . .
I think people who aren't achieving Maslow's bottom two needs, physical needs, safety needs,
Have a harder time being happy,
Luxury/Money, is just seen as an obvious 'fix to those two, and to social standing often, since people's admiration can sometimes be bought.
. . .
I 'do think there is still value in making art or music, for the fact it came from 'oneself,
That one is developing their brain/self/soul,
Some people still practice martial arts, as a form of exercise and development.
People can organize in less tech social groups, like the Amish.
, , , Still. . . Who's to say what human culture or genetics will 'become?
. . . Many might find it easy to slip into luxury, whether it brings happiness/meaning, or not.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@zedvictor4
I 'do think that a Harris presidency would have less humor in it, than a Trump one.
Created:
Posted in:
Man, I am bad at guessing election results.
Can't lie, another Trump presidency makes me nervous.
Though I still didn't want Harris to win, just too many policies of the Left I don't agree with.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@Best.Korea
I assume that there 'have been third party candidates with the chance to in in past American elections,
But it's possible my assumption is wrong.
I think it is worthwhile for people to remind others that it is still an option,
Though a more feasible option in some elections than others,
Even in unfeasible elections, them receiving votes, keeps that third option alive.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@ILikePie5
Principle.
I live in Oregon, pretty sure it's going to Harris, no matter how I vote, but would that mean that except in those uncertain states, people should not vote if their candidate is expected to lose?
(Well, maybe there is purpose in counting up overall popular vote, and thus they should vote for the national count, even if their state not win, I don't know much about how voting works)
I 'would often like a third option in life,
I think that if everyone who did not vote, thinking their vote didn't matter, or f*** politics, or they are lazy,
Voted at 'least for third party candidate options,
People who vote seriously would have a better option/chance, in those third party candidates.
Created:
Posted in:
I predict Harris will win, though not in a complete landslide,
But I don't have much information or research about the subject, so wild guess on my part,
I'm conflicted on whether I'd want Trump to win or not.
I voted for third party candidate.
Created:
Posted in:
-->
@sadolite
I've seen bits of Sling Blade on Youtube, looks an enjoyable movie Mmm Hmm.
Guy has a good heart, and doesn't seem as dumb as his mannerisms imply.
. . .
The Devils Rejects, probably too messed up for my tastes.
Created:
"This world is mine.
I think this world may even just be a long, long dream I’m watching.
You guys may just be illusions, and it can’t be proven whether or not you really exist either.
In other words, this world was created with me at the center.
So what will happen if I die?
I don’t know.
My imagination isn’t very creative; I just can’t imagine myself dying.
In other words, there is no way this world can completely disappear.
But if I die, then everyone will disappear.
I am the only one in this world who won’t disappear.
The rest are just people I see as if in a dream."
- Felix Walken, Baccano!
Created:
Posted in:
Partially my sense of self/pride/importance/instincts,
Ego/Id/Superego?
Created:
Posted in:
As I search through various webpages on the concept of souls,
A thought among my many thoughts,
Believe and Think,
When I was a child, I did not think there was a monster under my bed,
I'd say I was 'sure that logically there was no monster under my bed,
But I still was careful not to let my limbs dangle over the edges of the bed,
Careful to get onto and off my bed quickly, when going to the bathroom.
Did I then 'believe there was a monster under the bed?
. . .
I suppose if some 'need had forced me as a child to stand beside my bed, I could have, and 'did I imagine.
. . Therefore I did 'not believe,
And yet another night or even 10 minutes later, that feeling back,
. . . Belief is not black or white then perhaps.
Nor is science and Think, I suppose, if one is skeptical.
Partially I've been looking up the concept of soul for the purposes of Worldbuilding,
Partially because even with my long stated doubts, I 'keep searching, like checking the couch for keys the tenth time,
(Sometimes they 'are there)
Partially because the Theory of Soul, has similarities with Psychology/Brain/Mind/Consciousness Theory. Which Soul might give an interesting approach/perspective one might not realize is a path to said similar concepts.
. . .
Lot of the Atheist comments I read are unhelpful on some pages,
"Well 'actually Atheism is 'just not believing in God." - RandomRedditAtheist,
Duh, I think, but what I am interested in is the implied true question,
If someone asks do Atheists believe in reincarnation?
Of 'course an Atheist can give a definition of Atheism, but 50 other people said that above you! I get it!
. . .
I'm more interested in hypothesis s people might suggest.
Which the eye rolling answers, don't help much with either,
Look to the earliest sciences, they came about through the barest fringes of science. Only by the pursuit of the supernatural can it become natural. Though often it remains unfounded.
what does detectable/provable 'mean?
are people 'wrong to create theories before, and perhaps even never having the means to test and 'prove said theories?
Much science was gained by hypothesis before ability to prove.
I dislike some Atheists views on knowledge.
I can imagine some ancient saying Icarus is just a fairy tale,
Man in no shape, form, or tool could fly.
. . . Well, maybe they wouldn't say that, with the birds flying and all,
But maybe they'd say there's no getting to the Moon.
. . . . . . . . .
Conventionally speaking, I think belief might be a choice,
Just might not be a choice one will or will not make.
Created:
Posted in:
why do people pursue policies against their interest?
1 minute 37 seconds.
I think video suggests,
People get their morality not from internal thought and soul searching, but from their leaders, institutions, and their community.
I think I'd agree that is often the case,
One of the 'reasons people elect leaders or institutions, is so that they can deal with various X problems.
Whether because we don't feel we have the time to deal with the problems, or to gain the expertise in the field of the problem.
So we can be quick to agree with broad vague plans that leaders and institutions propose.
Course, it often occurs that the 'proposal is skewed, partial, tangled, or flawed.
Not always, but it happens sometimes that leaders and institutions are opposed to other leaders or institutions, corrupt, or have different angles that they are going for.
Created:
Posted in:
Potatoes, sliced lengthwise into 4 wedges, placed on pan in oven 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes.
Created:
Posted in:
I humans were immortal, or at least lived much longer (500-1000 years),
What effect would this have on prison sentences?
The type I mean, for example when someone gets a 150 or 250 year sentence,
Though I assume such people sometimes get their sentences reduced.
I suppose they might simply 'extend prison sentences, taking into account the new human lifespan,
Just increase said sentence by X many years, 100 year sentence for 100 year human, 1000 year sentence for 1000 year human.
Created: