They are sad and scared.
They did everything "right" according to whatever risk/reward scale measures those kinds of things. They went to school. They did their chores. They got a job. They found a partner. They raised the 'next generation'. They answered when called upon to perform extraordinary services for "the greater good".
Sure, maybe they stumbled a little along the way and said or did something stupid, but if the something stupid didn't kill or incapacitate them, they learned not to do it again. At least not too many times. And all along they believed that there was some point to it. Some purpose. Some reason for self-awareness. At least enough to separate them in some way from the teeming microbes and single celled paramecium replicating, consuming, and expiring in an endless cycle of 'service to a greater purpose'.
They had questions. Sure, they had questions and they looked for the answers in the farthest reaches of their technological abilities, and in the deepest corners of their primal fears. They erected whole systems of understanding. Religions, philosophies, beliefs of all manner; each one carefully constructed and supported by the work of "the ones that came before" and venerated for their ancient status. Each one fallible, imperfect, and ultimately rejected.
Rejected just as every effort to define their own personal reason for 'being' is met with resistance and derision and scorn. Fallible. Imperfect. And, failing to find a reason to exist in all those religions and philosophies and beliefs they find a reason for failure instead.
It's because their parents didn't love them enough. It's because their teachers molded them into a compliant little citizens instead of rewarding actual reasoning skills. It's because their boss was more interested in maintaining the status quo than in achieving excellence. It's because the self interest of the self interested politicians and preachers and prophets demanded sublimation of the self interest of the individual self.
The penalty for defiance is exile. Some actually take that option, a cautionary tale and warning for the others. The ones who don't want to end up like that. Locked up. Put away. Shunned. Alone. And so they retreat into whatever numbs the pain of pointless awareness.
They are sad and they are scared and they suspect that there isn't any real reason to be any more aware of their own uniqueness than a flatworm retreating from the light that can only irritate the mitochondrial lens, triggering avoidance, but not illumination.
Think for yourself? Why bother to think at all? Replication. Consumption. Expiration. Maybe flatworms are smarter than to try to "win" when there is no game being played. Maybe it takes a monkey to fool themselves into believing there is more. The dim hope of a dumb ape.
They are sad and they are scared. And I just can't find it in myself to want to hate them for that.
:mittens:
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 03:34:52 PM
Think for yourself? Why bother to think at all? Replication. Consumption. Expiration. Maybe flatworms are smarter than to try to "win" when there is no game being played. Maybe it takes a monkey to fool themselves into believing there is more. The dim hope of a dumb ape.
I reject that concept utterly.
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 03:34:52 PM
They are sad and they are scared. And I just can't find it in myself to want to hate them for that.
I can.
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 03:34:52 PM
They are sad and scared.
They did everything "right" according to whatever risk/reward scale measures those kinds of things. They went to school. They did their chores. They got a job. They found a partner. They raised the 'next generation'. They answered when called upon to perform extraordinary services for "the greater good".
Sure, maybe they stumbled a little along the way and said or did something stupid, but if the something stupid didn't kill or incapacitate them, they learned not to do it again. At least not too many times. And all along they believed that there was some point to it. Some purpose. Some reason for self-awareness. At least enough to separate them in some way from the teeming microbes and single celled paramecium replicating, consuming, and expiring in an endless cycle of 'service to a greater purpose'.
They had questions. Sure, they had questions and they looked for the answers in the farthest reaches of their technological abilities, and in the deepest corners of their primal fears. They erected whole systems of understanding. Religions, philosophies, beliefs of all manner; each one carefully constructed and supported by the work of "the ones that came before" and venerated for their ancient status. Each one fallible, imperfect, and ultimately rejected.
Rejected just as every effort to define their own personal reason for 'being' is met with resistance and derision and scorn. Fallible. Imperfect. And, failing to find a reason to exist in all those religions and philosophies and beliefs they find a reason for failure instead.
It's because their parents didn't love them enough. It's because their teachers molded them into a compliant little citizens instead of rewarding actual reasoning skills. It's because their boss was more interested in maintaining the status quo than in achieving excellence. It's because the self interest of the self interested politicians and preachers and prophets demanded sublimation of the self interest of the individual self.
The penalty for defiance is exile. Some actually take that option, a cautionary tale and warning for the others. The ones who don't want to end up like that. Locked up. Put away. Shunned. Alone. And so they retreat into whatever numbs the pain of pointless awareness.
They are sad and they are scared and they suspect that there isn't any real reason to be any more aware of their own uniqueness than a flatworm retreating from the light that can only irritate the mitochondrial lens, triggering avoidance, but not illumination.
Think for yourself? Why bother to think at all? Replication. Consumption. Expiration. Maybe flatworms are smarter than to try to "win" when there is no game being played. Maybe it takes a monkey to fool themselves into believing there is more. The dim hope of a dumb ape.
They are sad and they are scared. And I just can't find it in myself to want to hate them for that.
You've been watching Nick at Night haven't you?
I have no issues thinking for myself. I could give a flying fuck who rejects me or what they think do or say when they do so. It's not hard hating sad and scared people, the ones who are constantly that way are too needy and whiny for me to tolerate anyway.
Life is hard. Either deal with it or leave it, but just STFU if you are going to whine!
This next decade is going to be too funny for me to be a nihilist.
I was shooting for 'compassionate'. How did I get to nihilistic?
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 05:45:26 PM
I was shooting for 'compassionate'. How did I get to nihilistic?
It was the paragraph I quoted earlier, and I was talking about them, not you.
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 03:34:52 PM
Think for yourself? Why bother to think at all? Replication. Consumption. Expiration. Maybe flatworms are smarter than to try to "win" when there is no game being played. Maybe it takes a monkey to fool themselves into believing there is more. The dim hope of a dumb ape.
Maybe its a matter of different moralities for different kinds of people.
Maybe some people just dont have the capacity to think for themselves even if they tried.
Maybe those that think for themselves dont have the choice to stop doing it.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:05:27 PM
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 05:45:26 PM
I was shooting for 'compassionate'. How did I get to nihilistic?
It was the paragraph I quoted earlier, and I was talking about them, not you.
Yes, I see that now. Is it possible that the antidote to the inherent nihilism is to enjoy the funny without jettisoning the compassion?
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 06:35:21 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:05:27 PM
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 05:45:26 PM
I was shooting for 'compassionate'. How did I get to nihilistic?
It was the paragraph I quoted earlier, and I was talking about them, not you.
Yes, I see that now. Is it possible that the antidote to the inherent nihilism is to enjoy the funny without jettisoning the compassion?
Actually, I'm pretty big on shadenfreude, not so much on compassion.
These fucking monkeys did this to themselves with their complacency and their apathy and their fucking "dog in the manger" attitude towards others. I have no sympathy for them, and I truly hope they get what they deserve...which ain't compassion.
For example, if someone is opposed to Gay marriage, then I do not give a shit about their rights or their welfare.
If someone is in favor of torture for any means, then I do not give a shit about their rights or their welfare.
If someone is for leaning on brown people because of terrorists, then I hope they die in a terrorist attack.
If someone is for ditching science in the classroom in favor of religious nutjobbery, then I hope they spend their 90s surrounded by nutcases who know Leviticus but not medicine.
I'd go on, but you get the picture. I really hate monkeys for loads of good reasons, and I want bad things to happen to them. So compassion, not so much.
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 06:35:21 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:05:27 PM
Quote from: singer on December 29, 2009, 05:45:26 PM
I was shooting for 'compassionate'. How did I get to nihilistic?
It was the paragraph I quoted earlier, and I was talking about them, not you.
Yes, I see that now. Is it possible that the antidote to the inherent nihilism is to enjoy the funny without jettisoning the compassion?
Yes... it certainly might be.
I have compassion for these poor shlubs because in many (perhaps most) cases... they didn't get born and say "Yeah, I'd like to be raised by some Christian nut jobs that will train be to believe that Science is Evil and the Earth is 6000 years old."
As far as I know, before conception we don't get a list of options to select from about who we'll be born to, where we'll be born or what belief systems will get shoved down our throats.
"Select #5 if you would like to be raised by racists and trained to think that anyone not like me is inherently evil"
What makes it even more sad is that most of the parents likely don't realize that they're building imprints and programs in their kids which will likely affect their worldview and reactions for the rest of their life. I have compassion for the poor schmoes because they're stuck in a Black Iron Prison, without committing a crime or getting a trial... and sadly for most of them... without even realizing that they're imprisoned. They can't see the walls and the bars, how the hell could they possibly realize that breaking out is an option?
That's a bit harsh, doesn't everybody deserve even a little bit of compassion? I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
That's a bit harsh, doesn't everybody deserve even a little bit of compassion?
Well, then, give them some of yours.
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
Oh, yeah. :lulz:
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
And there's some horrormirthy troof.
I liked it until the last line.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
:lulz:
Back when I had long hair and wanted to be a Beatle I used to believe in things like such as "unconditional love".. and I never thought that something like "compassion" could ever be misplaced. I have to say, I liked me more then.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
Damn. Now I'm gonna have to go boil that image outta my brain. (Dubya in stiletto heels with a USA sash draped across his speedo...)
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:22:58 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
:lulz:
Back when I had long hair and wanted to be a Beatle I used to believe in things like such as "unconditional love".. and I never thought that something like "compassion" could ever be misplaced. I have to say, I liked me more then.
Heh, back when I was a Bible thumping Christian, I had 'unconditional love' on the condition that you believed the same way I did. Everyone else, I viewed much like TGRR, except instead of Monkeys I called them Sinners.
Between the me now and the me then... I like my worldview much better now.
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:37:30 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:22:58 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 07:05:03 PM
Quote from: Doctor Rat Bastard on December 29, 2009, 07:00:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 06:59:18 PM
Quote from: FP on December 29, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
I mean - I personally believe, that US Americans are unable to do so, because some people out there, in our nation, don't have that, and eh I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here, in the US, should help the US, or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future... for our children.
That's a GW Bush quote, right?
Nope beauty queen pageant...
It was an easy mistake to make though.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
:lulz:
Back when I had long hair and wanted to be a Beatle I used to believe in things like such as "unconditional love".. and I never thought that something like "compassion" could ever be misplaced. I have to say, I liked me more then.
Heh, back when I was a Bible thumping Christian, I had 'unconditional love' on the condition that you believed the same way I did. Everyone else, I viewed much like TGRR, except instead of Monkeys I called them Sinners.
Between the me now and the me then... I like my worldview much better now.
Back when I was just a little girl, I fucking hated everyone.
I still do.
I like me more. Period.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 29, 2009, 07:40:46 PM
Back when I was just a little girl, I fucking hated everyone.
I still do.
I like me more. Period.
:lulz: