Saturday, March 19, 2011 5:15:16 PM
Let's say that everything must be created, and that was done by an omnipotent god. A god which stands above time, space, moral and existence, which is self containing and in it self has it's own cause. This entity (God) can surely be replaced by the known world. The world stands above time, space, moral, existence, is self containing and in it has it's own meaning. Most theists agree that god has a nature. Then we must raise the question, who created god's nature? If we just accept that god has a nature and exists without a cause, why not say that the known world just is and that the laws of physics are what they are, without a cause?
God is not really an explanation, only a non-explanation. It is impossible to gain information from non-information so God as an explanation is a dead end. When we have said that the reason for something is that 'god did it that way' there is no way to understand it any further. We just shrug our shoulders and accept things as they are. To explain the unknown by god is only to explain how it happened, not why. If we are to investigate the world and build our views of life from the world, we cannot assume a god. Because adding god as an explanation leaves as many, if not more questions than it explains, god has to be removed if we are serious in investigating the world.
If there is no way to know this but to trust people who claim they have had "divine experiences" there is no way to tell true from false prophets. One has to give up his free mind and follow the authority of a dictator. Remember also that it is the person making a positive claim who has to prove it.
Sunday, January 16, 2011 4:13:59 PM
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them
fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit
was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The
two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit
with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop,
that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took
heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down
and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again,
the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He
jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the
other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to
them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the
entire time.
This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging
word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it
through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes
to kill them.
Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your
path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand
that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak
words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in
difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time
to encourage another.
Sunday, December 19, 2010 3:24:34 AM
There are countless ways to look at this question. When contemplating this complex comparison, perhaps it would be best to examine it in context. Visualize, if you may, an average sized man who sees his best friend become trapped under the tire of a car. Now imagine (this unexplainable phenomenon) the man picking the car up to free and save his friends life. This imaginary scenario would lead one to ask ones self, "How did that average sized man lift that car to save his friends life." This question that one is lead to ponder about, is essentially the same question that I am addressing. Did this man somehow will himself to lift the car (Mind). On the other end of the argument, the vehicle was obviously too heavy for an average sized man, or a well built one for that matter, to lift (Matter). From a scientists point of view, he/she would claim that adrenaline came rushing through the mans body, providing him with the strength to lift the car. From a Christians point of view, he/she would claim that the Lord provided the strength to that man to lift that insurmountable object. It is only after realizing that the same question has different answers, that one is able to see it all depends on the person who is asking the question, and essentially their belief structure.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 4:25:41 AM
It's time again for the annual 'Stella Awards'! For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico, where she purchased coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right? That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.
Here are the ‘Stellas’ for this past year -- 2009:
SEVENTH PLACE -
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son.
Start scratching!
SIXTH PLACE -
Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles, California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.
Scratch some more ...
FIFTH PLACE -
Terrence Dickson, of Bristol , Pennsylvania , who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut.
Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT days and survive on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental Anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish. Keep scratching. There are more ...
Double hand scratching after this one …
FOURTH PLACE -
Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.
Pick a new spot to scratch, you're getting a bald spot!
THIRD PLACE -
Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. Whatever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?
Only two more: so, ease up on the scratching …
SECOND PLACE -
Kara Walton, of Claymont , Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.
Ok … Here we go with …
FIRST PLACE!
This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was: Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich.
Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned.
Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her … (are you sitting down?) …
…
…
$1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy a motor home.
Are we, as a society, getting more stupid … or is the government serving on the jury?
Saturday, October 30, 2010 1:52:19 PM
Why do we continue living? We do things in life because there is a payoff in the end. We work at certain endeavors to get money to buy things that give us pleasure. Even when we work for free there is an ulterior motive, we either work for free because it gives us a vicarious feeling of pleasure for helping others or we work for free because we feel others will think better of us for doing so.
But what is the big payoff in life? What ultimately drives us to do anything if the end result is simply death and oblivion? For those who know that there is no life after death, what is the driving force that makes us put one foot in front of the other day after day? For those who have invented some sort of afterlife, there is a presumed payoff for being righteous and living a pure life. But it is suspicious that man does not have the ingrained instinct of an afterlife and that it is an invention of religion, so it certainly seems that religious people are deluding themselves into chasing the proverbial carrot. Besides who is the heck is truly righteous and pure…give me a break.
Fear of death is an instinct that keeps us from ultimately deciding that life has no TRUE meaning at all and that ending it all is okay when the pain of living is greater than the ability to cope with the pain. But what happens when the fear of death is removed by rationalization? Suicide happens… and that’s okay.
Saturday, October 16, 2010 2:15:13 PM
Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.
Not all stress is avoidable, but here are some of the more typical ways you can help manage your stress.
Go for a walk.
Spend time in nature.
Call a good friend.
Sweat out tension with a good workout.
Write in your journal.
Take a long bath.
Light scented candles
Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Play with a pet.
Work in your garden.
Get a massage.
Curl up with a good book.
Listen to music.
Watch a comedy
In what unique ways do you deal with the everyday stress in your life?
Saturday, September 25, 2010 1:37:01 PM
When you're asked, "Who are you?" what is your answer? "I'm a mom." "I'm a doctor." "I live in Ohio." Often the answer is not who you are, but what you do, what your social station is, or how you see your function in life. You can't answer who you are, because you don't know.
There is another level of existence that is the real, true, genuine substance of who you are. It's what is defined as the authentic self.
The authentic self is the you that can be found at your absolute core. It is the part of you not defined by your job, function or role. It is the composite of all your skills, talents and wisdom. It is all of the things that are uniquely yours and need expression, rather than what you believe you are supposed to be and do.
When you're not living faithfully to your authentic self, you find yourself feeling incomplete, as if there is a hole in your soul. You may have found that it's easier to fill the roles your family and friends expect of you, rather than becoming who you really want to be. Living this way drains you of the critical life energy you need to pursue the things you truly value.
When you live a life that has you ignoring your true gifts and talents while performing assigned or inherited roles instead, you are living as your fictional self.
The fictional self sends you false information about who you are and what you should be doing with your life. It blocks the information you need in order to maintain the connection with your authentic identity. Relying on information from the fictional self means you're putting your trust in a broken compass.
Saturday, September 18, 2010 4:19:08 PM
What is the place of man in the universe? Is man the highest fruit of the universe or is he just an insignificant speck in infinite space—or something in between? Is the universe conscious or unconscious of man? If it is aware, is it warm and friendly to him, or cold and indifferent, or even hostile? Does the spirit of man descend into matter from higher spiritual realms, or has it evolved from matter?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 5:00:56 PM
Everything in our universe makes perfect sense. The reason that it all makes sense is that the laws of the universe control all that exist. The same laws that govern the physical universe also govern the spiritual universe as well. As spiritual entities, we exist simultaneously in two universes; the physical universe and the non-physical universe of consciousness, perception and experience.
You are a non-physical Being whose essence is Will and Awareness. Although you are currently focusing through a body to play in the physical universe, you never cease to be a non-physical, life-energy entity, a spirit, a "psycan." All the laws, principles, and energies of spirit continue to apply to you. You are currently living in two totally distinct universes, the Spirit Universe and the Physical Universe, at the same time: right now.
Your Spirit Universe includes all your non-physical energies/experiences: identities, self-image, self-esteem, emotions, thoughts, love, relationships, and happiness or suffering. This is your BE, FEEL, THINK, and RELATE in the illustration below. It is also called your Psycanic Universe.
No matter what you DO or HAVE in the physical universe (the green areas to the far right in the illustration below); it will never make any long term difference in your functioning and success as a spiritual Being, and therefore will NEVER make you happy. (Verify this yourself: Notice that throughout your life, you have had many goals to be happy: find a boy/girl friend, graduate school, get a job, get a car, get a raise, get a new position, buy a house, have a child, etc. etc. Notice that none of them have ever resolved the problem of your happiness. They never will.)
Life works according to the Causal Sequence of BE→ FEEL→ THINK→ RELATE / DO→ HAVE. Everything in your life falls into one of these 6 areas. Notice that the things you most seek in life: wisdom, intelligence, creativity, power, self-esteem, love, and happiness are all non-physical/spiritual energies. They all lie within the BE, FEEL, THINK, and RELATE area in the illustration below (the blue side). They do not exist in, can not be found in, and cannot be produced by anything in the physical universe—EVER. Until you understand this and start to work on your Spirit Universe, you never achieve much expansion of those non-physical things that you most seek in life.
Saturday, September 11, 2010 12:16:52 AM
The question of right and wrong has been battled over for centuries. Many conservatives still believe that truth is absolute, while others disagree, saying that truth is relative. I believe that truth is an individual’s perception of beliefs and decisions.
For that reason, truth differentiates among individuals through their contrasting opinions. But, truth is something that everyone believes to be correct. Thus, it greatly depends on what’s true in the minds of the people. On the contrary, truth that’s spoken with bad intent is considered to be worse than a lie. Hence, truth is an expression, symbol or statement that corresponds to reality and happiness.
Truth is dominated by one’s subjective thoughts and beliefs. It is a concept that’s created by man, and therefore can never have any absolutes. And if a concept such as the truth has no absolutes, it becomes subjective based upon your perceptions of it. However, an individual’s experiences, thoughts and beliefs shape their perception of truth. Truth is timeless, abstract and unchanging ideals based on the individual. All truth is subjected to an individual’s opinion. It is based on person’s perspective on society and developed by their past experiences.
Monday, September 6, 2010 9:10:57 PM
My plans have failed-
I am not wise
Nor have I beauty as the day,
Or fiery hair that streams and flows
In every merry wind that blows
Across the horse I haven’t got
As swiftly, we away!
The secret language of the beasts
I was never shown
The moon is fairer than my skin,
And I begin
To doubt I shall stay ever young,
Ever laughing, ever strong
Against Time’s teasing pen.
Let it come!
I bid the years-
Come bring me all your treasures!
Lay them out in seashells,
In songs with pretty measures-
And after night is ended
Perhaps I’ll wake to find
The dreams I sought in twilight
Are there, are real, are mine.
Saturday, September 4, 2010 8:45:00 PM
How can someone of your intelligence not see something that which, to me, is as plain as the nose on your face? I'm talking about being real and dealing with reality. Most of the time you talk in riddles and often answer a question with a question. Why is that? What compels you to deal with life on YOUR terms instead of most people I know who deal with life on LIFE'S terms. How can someone with a plethera of knowledge about so many diversified topics not ever have both feet on the ground? I have a guess but I will not reveal that guess to you. Instead I will ask you in this open letter to tell me what has happened in your life to make you the way that you are. There is something you are not telling people...or at least not telling me, why? Do you have secrets that are too deep to reveal? If so, just say so and that will be that. But somehow I believe there is something you want to say but just may not know the way to go about saying it. Am I wrong? If so just say so and this letter can just be ignored and I will gladly go on to the next post. Also, if I am getting too personal just tell me to back off and we can pick up from there and forget about all this.
Everyone has their own personality but somehow I believe that yours is contrived...do I just not know you well enough or is my intuition correct? Where are you going in your life or have you reached an end road and you are just treading water? You remind me of an old friend I once had who thought they had achieved Nirvana only to find out years later that it was an illusion and he had wasted many years resting on his laurels. Where do you really stand with a higher power?
Answering this letter is up to you but even your silence will speak volumes.
My best to you always ersi, James.
Sunday, August 22, 2010 10:26:03 PM
Why does life even exist on Earth? How can it be?From science we know that the Universe is a very hostile place, and it is not an environment for life to simply exist. From blackholes to the vacuum of Space itself, everything seems to pose as a danger to anything living. Take cosmic radiation alone, and we know that that life as we define it on Earth will not survive out there, but will be cooked as good as a marshmallow in a microwave oven!
There are numerous of Factors to consider for even life to exist. Let us just count a few:
Distance of Earth from the Sun. This will dictate the temperature of the planet and for water to exist in liquid form. Push the Earth a but further, and our planet will be colder. Place the Earth closer and water will evaporate.
Rotation of the Earth. Our 24 hour daily rotation gives enough heat for one side of the planet - not cooking it too much, or cooling it down. The weather on Earth is relatively "calmer" as compared to observable weather on clouds of Jupiter or Saturn. A faster rotation also means that the Ocean Currents will become faster in its velocity, which has quite a number of effects on life and even the geology of continental shorelines.
Tilt of the Earth. If our tilt of axis is at 0 degrees, the equator and the poles will be one of the most hostile places for life to exist. The equator will be the natural barrier between the two hemispheres. Because of the tilt, we have seasons, and there is a migration of species as we know it today. Tilt it too much and then we will have too great a variety of seasons for our planet, and even down to the temperature differences between night and day.
Mass of the Earth. Gives out the right amount of gravitational pull. Too strong a gravity, and you have probably a different life form as we see it today - a theory has been presented that our gravity is just perfect for us to "evolve" as bipedal (walking on two feet) beings.
Composition of the Atmosphere. Most of the elements in our atmosphere are poison, yet we breathe a combination of these which is just perfect. Oxygen on its own is quite corrosive. Hydrogen is flammable. Nitrogen balances the equation.
Atmospheric Pressure. Low atmospheric pressure means lower boiling point for water - we can throw out the ocean into the vastness of space them. High atmospheric pressure will also have a great impact on life - from cellular respiration to even the challenge harnessing the energy of a boiling kettle (talk about steam engine which began the industrial revolution).
Mass of the Oceans. Controls the temperature of the surface and atmosphere of our planet.
Salinity of the Ocean. Also controls the temperature of the Oceans, and numerous of chemical reactions for life to be sustainable in the waters.
Mass & Distance of the Moon. Our moon is quite large as compared to other planets and their satellites, but this has a good effect on Earth. Our Moon's mass and distance is not to great to cause great tidal variance in our oceans, or worse tectonic activities. The size of the Moon is also just perfect for Solar Eclipses, which last only a few minutes, yet has allowed us to learn more about our Sun than any other moment during the year. Because of this, astronomers today can analyze other stars and their composition through spectral analysis.
Rotation of the Moon. The moon takes 28 days to go around the Earth. It is quite slow enough not to cause gravitational friction to slow the Earth's revolution.
Van Allen Belt. Protects the Earth from Solar Flares.
Ozone Layer. Protects the living beings from UV radiation. Interestingly Earth is the only planet that has an Ozone Layer.
Then there is also the soil of the Earth, the amount of metals in our rocks, the tectonic activities, acidity of the ocean, amount of volcanic activity, solar radiation, age of the sun, size of the sun, type of star our suns, etc. If we will go down this list, we will be considering at the least a total of 28 Factors that have a grave effect or permissibility for life to even exist, but there is surely more if we go down to the nitty gritty details.
Thursday, July 29, 2010 8:10:48 PM
Finding yourself is an enlightening experience. You become self-sufficient and do things for others without expectations of something in return. You are no longer needy and become utterly grateful for all the things people have done for you in the past. Finding yourself is a time of harmony because you develop that philosophy or belief system that will carry you throughout the rest of your life. When you love yourself and who you are, you will savor and enjoy both life's pain and pleasures. How do you know you have found yourself? When you are able to help others find themselves. Finding yourself is not easy. If you have never felt connected to who you are, and you want to find whatever makes you you, being yourself will be hard. The first step is always the hardest, but after that hill, you will be smooth sailing to discovering who you are.
Monday, July 26, 2010 5:47:42 PM
Pros of Space ExplorationSpace exploration has the potential of discovering the yet undiscovered facts about space. It has a great potential of resolving mysteries that surround the outer space. It may bring about a dramatic change to our lives.
Through the exploration of space, we may find new minerals, new precious materials. We may end up finding new human-like species in the outer space. We may find new living beings that are better developed and better evolved than we are. Exploring space may lead us to the discovery of an all-new world. An unexpected progress and advancement that the living beings in space might have made, may take us by surprise.
Space exploration whets the human appetite for adventure. There are many brave souls around the world who wish to take risks in life. They love adventure, they love accepting challenges, and they love making the impossibilities possible. Space exploration satisfies this human desire of adventure.Cons of Space ExplorationOne of the most important cons of space exploration is the money spent in the research. The money that is spent on space exploration can rather be spent to reduce poverty in the underdeveloped countries. The national wealth can rather be channelized towards the betterment of the downtrodden lot of the society. Space exploration involves both astronomy and space technology. It requires a huge amount of money to be spent on the journey to space. Some believe that the money can be diverted towards the poor. When many cannot even meet their basic needs of life, is it right to spend on space exploration?
Manned missions to space impose a huge amount of risk on the astronauts who travel to space. Apart from the expenditure of money, a travel to space also risks the human life. The human beings who travel in space have to face harsh conditions and challenge themselves to adapt to unfriendly environment. Unmanned missions and those using robots to explore space are a solution to risking the human life. But robots mean another new technology, thus incurring added costs.
What seems to take us by surprise may land us in trouble. We may find something in space that is lethal to life on Earth. We may discover something that is extremely harmful for the living beings on Earth. Space exploration may invite some dangerous microorganisms that may exist in space. The extraterrestrial beings may actually prove dangerous for human life.
Space exploration can mean a major leap for mankind but it is also criticized as not having achieved any major scientific breakthroughs. Public interest can serve as the determinant factor in judging the suitability of space exploration. It may not be wise to splurge on space exploration if other basic needs are being ignored or left unfulfilled.
What do you think?
Monday, July 19, 2010 7:58:08 PM
If you were YOUR God, who ever that may be, for one day. You had all of his/her powers, you controlled EVERYTHING. What would you do. If you are an Atheist just fake it. This is meant to be a FUN question. If you don't believe in God, but believe in something else, same question. This isn't meant to be a battleground for Atheist vs Christian. Or anyone else. JUST FOR FUN!
Monday, July 12, 2010 6:20:05 PM
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Every day, thousands of people are saved from painful diseases and death by powerful medical drugs and treatments. This incredible gift of medicine would not be possible without animal testing. Despite these overwhelming benefits, however, some people are calling for animal testing to be banned because of alleged cruelty.
Those against the use of animal testing claim that it is inhumane to use animals in experiments. I disagree completely. It would be much more inhumane to test new drugs on children or adults. Even if it were possible, it would also take much longer to see potential effects, because of the length of time we live compared to laboratory animals such as rats or rabbits.
Opponents of animal testing also claim that the results are not applicable to humans. This may be partly true. Some drugs have had to be withdrawn, despite testing. However, we simply do not have alternative methods of testing. Computer models are not advanced enough, and testing on plants is much less applicable to humans than tests on animals such as monkeys. Until we have a better system, we must use animal testing.
A further point often raised against animal testing is that it is cruel. Some of the tests certainly seem painful, but the great majority of people on this planet eat meat or wear leather without any guilt. Where is their sympathy for animals? Furthermore, animals clearly do not feel the same way as humans, and scientists are careful to minimize stress in the animals, since this would damage their research.
I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for testing new products have the minimum of suffering. However, I am convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue to benefit humans in new and wonderful ways.
Thursday, July 1, 2010 8:09:56 PM
More popular than a belief in a personal God, more widespread than a belief in humanistic potential, and more prevalent than any kind of belief in natural or earth based spirits, the belief in Luck crosses lines of religion, class, race, culture, upbringing, and geographic distance. Like all of what we call 'mysteries of life' it is impossible, of course, to prove one way or the other.
According to some people, "shallow men believe in luck, believe in circumstances. Real men believe in cause and effect". I say, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity".
How about you; have you had a truely lucky experience? Well then let's hear about it.[/FONT]
Monday, June 28, 2010 6:52:33 PM
This is one of the greatest puzzles, as it seems so counter-intuitive to be able to answer this with 'yes'. However, if we agree to the fact that we are here (and hence there is something), we must accept one of these two additional facts:
- something came from nothing
- there has always been something
Of the two, the second seems more surprising than the first. If there has always been something, then there is just no answer to the questions 'when was the universe created, who by (if anyone) and how'.
At least if something can come from nothing, there are answers to this question. Therefore it is believed something can come from nothing, as we are here. The problem is answering how this can happen.
Quantum theory states that small particles can come into existence temporarily, then pop out again, by borrowing energy from the universe. Perhaps over some unimaginable period of time, the build up of particles popping into existence was significant and physical laws about particular interactions governed the rest. But the honest answer is simply that no-one really knows how so much matter as there is in the universe could come from nothing!
What do you believe?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 10:49:18 PM
It is purposed that thought is explainable at a fundamental level by physics and chemistry, also that the present-day inability of computer science to explain thought and meaning is no reason to doubt there can be such an explanation. Futhermore that the complexity of mind is the outcome of evolution, which has built thought processes that act unlike the standard algorithms of computer science and that to understand the mind we need to understand these thought processes and the evolutionary process that produced them in computational terms.
It is further proposed that underlying mind is a complex but compact program that corresponds to the underlying structure of the world. And argued further that the mind is essentially programmed by DNA. We learn more rapidly than computer scientists have so far been able to explain because the DNA code has programmed the mind to deal only with meaningful possibilities. Thus the mind understands by exploiting semantics, or meaning, for the purposes of computation; constraints are built in so that although there are myriad possibilities, only a few make sense. Evolution discovered corresponding subroutines or shortcuts to speed up its processes and to construct creatures whose survival depends on making the right choice quickly.
The mystery of life and thought is being explained by science and logic and found not to be the magic of supreme beings but-more simply-nature, physics and chemistry working awesomely and astonishingly well in tandem to produce Earth's utimate creature...humans.
Friday, June 18, 2010 3:15:29 AM
Most people would agree that the road to authentic life begins with an examination of the self. Being honest about our fear, our anger, and our shortcomings is the beginning of maturity. When we are open and trusting enough in our relationships to confide in others about our shadow side, then we are on the road to authenticity and peace.
It is important at least to tell from time to time the secret of who we truly and fully are, even if we tell it only to ourselves, because otherwise we run the risk of losing track of who we truly and fully are and little by little come to accept instead the highly edited version which we put forth in hope that the world will find it more acceptable than the real thing. It is important to tell our secrets too because it makes it easier that way to see where we have been in our lives and where we are going. It also makes it easier for other people to tell us a secret or two of their own, and exchanges like that have a lot to do with what being a family is all about and what being human is all about.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 2:21:16 AM
Can you raed this? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
Monday, June 14, 2010 10:04:36 PM
I see the question all the time and I'm just curious.
Monday, June 14, 2010 3:25:22 AM
The Great Philosophical Question: Why?
Answer: Why not?
This is the actual answer to a philosophy teacher's question. Why not? Seems simple enough, right?
In the mind of a philosophy professor, this answer is packed with so much information that hundreds of books have been written about them and the things they relate to, modern music relates to them, all of humanity seems to be caught up in the "why not" without even knowing it. And I say it is perhaps the greatest danger to society today.
Truth. What is truth? Philosopher's have been asking this question for centuries, and they've finally come up with their answer in the past few decades.
Their answer: there is no truth.
Well, that sucks for humanity I guess, at least if they are right. I would like to make a quick point. Saying that there is no truth, that is a truth in itself. And considering there is no truth, at least in the philosopher's mind, that seems sketchy. And if what they say is true, which it can't be because "truth" doesn't exist to them, then humanity has a huge problem, one that we can not fix.
This new philosophical theory is known as Post-modernism, and related to post-modernism is Existentialism, Pluralism, Nihilism, Relativism and any other of the -ism's for the most part. While all of them have their differences, they all have one thing in common, no single supreme being, no God. And all of this packed into two little words.
I won't bore you with the details of each of these -ism's, but I would like to mention a few things about them.
1. Post-modernism- of, relating to, or being a theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language. In other words, a complete overhaul of society needs to be done, religion must be executed, and Christianity might be the only thing that stands in its' path. Problem: post-modernism claims that there is very little wrong in the world. Take a look around and tell me if that is true, because it isn't. Post-modernism also says there is no truth, which means there is no God, which means man is God. And if man is God, then we in deep trouble. Does that mean all decisions that man makes is bad? Of course not. But many are, and those are more easily noticed than the good ones.
2. Existentialism- a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad. In other words, we must take the consequences of our actions, and if their is an eternity, we are judged by those actions. Problem: if we are to be judged by our actions, then we should all burn in hell.
3. Pluralism- the theory that all paths lead to where they say they end. In other words, the Christian gets to Heaven, the Muslim gets to paradise, etc, the only rule is, however, that you cannot say your belief is better than mine. The problem with this theory is that why would the "gods" of so many religions all agree to let everyone reach the endpoint of where that religion aims? And if the "gods" of these religions are all powerful, as many of them claim to be, then why would they allow a powerless being who would be beneath them be a "god"? Doesn't make sense.
All of this from two simple words that have become so dangerous to the world: Why not? And all of this I have written only scratches the surface.
In my opinion these two questions should be reversed. Why? That seems like a better question to ask humanity. Why are we here? Why is the world the way it is? Why? Why? Why?
Sunday, June 6, 2010 4:18:19 PM
I don't believe in (a) God, but I live in a place where many people do and I have often wondered why; what has made them think this way? Here is a short list of the reasons why I think people have come to believe in God. The list probably isn't complete, so if you’re not included, please comment.
1. You can’t explain the existence or origin of things, so you believe God must have done it.
2. The universe seems too complex, too ordered, too beautiful, to have appeared naturally.
3. You’ve been educated that way.
4. You feel that your faith in something greater than yourself gives your life purpose and meaning.
5. You’ve “felt” the presence or touch of God.
6. It’s comforting to believe that someone is taking care of you.
7. You’re afraid of death, and want to believe that it’s not the end, that you simply go to a better place.
8. You feel that finite life in this world is meaningless unless there’s something afterwards.
9. You like the sense of community that comes from belonging to a church.
10. Your death is getting closer and closer.
I've tried to cover all the bases here but it is possible that I missed a couple of reasons. Now, please be honest; if you’re a believer, do you fit into one (or more) of the above? Or is your case different? I’d like to know.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 7:59:15 PM
Please take that extra moment to Thank our Military.
This is easy to do and will be much appreciated!
A little something we all need to remember to say
Thank You!
This is pretty neat...
(30 second video)...
Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you
and wanted to convey to them your thanks,
but weren't sure how
or it felt awkward?
Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture
which could be used and has started a movement to get the word out.
Please everybody take just a moment to watch...
The Gratitude Campaign;
...and then forward it to your friends!
THEN START USING THE SIGN.
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php
Please pass it on![/ALIGN]
Friday, May 28, 2010 3:26:08 AM
You and I live on a planet where bad things often happen to good people, it is unfortunate but true that we will all face sorrow at some time in our lives. The question is not whether we will have sorrow, but how we will handle that sorrow. Many men do not naturally have the ability to handle sorrow, and feel a little overwhelmed when they feel great loss. We have a tendency to bottle up our emotions, thinking we may be perceived as weak or effeminate if we show grief, but actually the opposite is true. It takes great strength of character to come out from behind the facades we build around our emotions, and to be real.
Sorrow and grief are very real emotions, they can be a powerful life changing experience. If we try to ignore them they can become like a cancer inside us that embitters us to everything in the world and robs us of the peace and joy we long for. If we ignore these feelings, it may well be to our own detriment. It may also begin a cycle of not allowing life's experiences to mold us into wiser men.
There is often a hidden purpose, or a positive outcome that is invisible in the midst of the storm that is sorrow and grief. This purpose can often be seen only after the season has passed, and in the wisdom of hindsight. We don't have to take our sorrow and grief to the grave, although the process to regaining emotional stability can take some time. Tempus fugit...please.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 10:26:37 PM
Dumb as a box of RocksA VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF REPRESENTATION WE HAVE IN CONGRESS,TRUE STORY:[B[SIZE=5]]A noted psychiatrist was a guest speaker at an academic function where Nancy Pelosi happened to appear. Ms Pelosi took the opportunity to schmooze the good doctor a bit and asked him a question with which he was most at ease.
'Would you mind telling me, Doctor,' she asked, 'how you detect a mental deficiency in somebody who appears completely normal?'
'Nothing is easier,' he replied. 'You ask a simple question which anyone should answer with no trouble. If the person hesitates, that puts you on the track.'
'What sort of question?' asked Pelosi.
Well, you might ask, 'Captain Cook made three trips around the world and died during one of them. Which one?''
Pelosi thought a moment, and then said with a nervous laugh, 'You wouldn't happen to have another example would you? I must confess I don't know much about history[/SIZE].'[/B]
Believe in the hope that a new day is dawning,
Believe that your dreams will come true,
Believe in the promise of brighter tomorrows,
Begin by believing in you......
Monday, May 17, 2010 6:12:48 PM
utopia
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What is the good life for the individual and for the many (society)? Why are things the way they are? How should things be ideally? What would a Utopian society, a heaven on earth, be like? Is it even possible to create a Utopia? If so, how? Would not a Utopia assure personal freedom?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 5:30:16 PM
destiny, fate
[imgright]
What determines the fate of each individual; Is man a creator and mover of his life, or does he live at the effect of forces over which he has little control? Does free will exist or are our lives determined by outside factors, and if so, what are those factors? Is there a Supreme Force that intervenes in our lives, or is everything pre-determined from the beginning of time; or is life just random, full of coincidence and accident?
Monday, May 10, 2010 1:02:47 AM
[B[B]]Now that I've done a post on needs and wants, let's try to imagine that the unthinkable happens, a situation almost void of wants. A catastrophe occurs, an Extinction Level Event (ELE). You've no doubt seen the movies about this type of thing, "Asteroid" or "Armageddon" with Bruce Willis or "2012" (about Yellowstone eruption). These are a little far fetched but they have happened a number of times in Earth's history.
At any rate, let me set up the scenario for you: A stray comet is knocked off its path and comes streaking towards Earth, all attempts to knock it out of our path fail and it strikes the Earth in Northern Canada. It is almost a mile wide and creates a 300 mile diameter crater, lifting dirt and debris in a dust cloud that covers all of North America quickly and spreads to eventually envelop the world. Within a month, the bread-basket of America is a dry and barren wasteland of dead crops. All vegetation begins to die as the sun is blocked out from the huge cloud now covering the Earth. Animals that live on vegetation are almost gone and people begin to starve; panic and looting are rampant. After 3 months 20% of the population in the US is dead and people are dying at an accelerated rate. Communications are down to only radios and there is no electricity. It will be more than a year before the Earth can support plant life again.
You live in a suburb of San Diego, CA. You have survived so far by rationing and getting what food you could from vacant houses. You are almost out of food and water, you are with your spouse and 2 children ages 13 & 16, both males. You have a car with little gasoline and a gas powered generator. You have a 22 caliber pistol and a shotgun with plenty of ammo for both... HOW DO YOU SURVIVE? OR CAN YOU? WHAT DO YOU DO FIRST? WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS? DO YOU TRY TO ORGANIZE OR GO IT ALONE?[/B][/B]
Saturday, May 8, 2010 11:48:25 PM
We all have boundaries. Within those boundaries lies our "Personal Space" that contains all that we are and all that we believe in. Our boundaries are our early warning system that tells people "Don't Tread On Me". We can express this in a myriad of ways but no matter how it's done, the message is unmistakable. If one persists on invading our space they may suffer the consequences of our wrath. What are our personal boundaries? Why are we so defensive at some times and not at others? How far should we go in defending our personal space? What is appropriate; what is not appropriate? When do we tell people to "back off"?
Thursday, May 6, 2010 8:39:27 PM
What do we need? What do we want? Can you survive on a minimum wage budget? Is health insurance a need? Is a car a need? Do wants and needs change between cultures? What about social needs and wants? 
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 7:32:06 PM
Is there a Supreme Being? If so, what is His nature? Did He create the universe? Does He continue to control it personally and if so, at what level? What is his relationship with man? Does he intervene in the affairs of man? Is this Being good? If this Being is good and all-powerful, how can evil exist?[/SIZE]
Sunday, May 2, 2010 11:08:38 PM
reality, ideas, thought, matter
...
What is reality? What is mind; what is thought? Is thought real? Where do ideas come from? Are there laws that control thought? Which is superior: mind or matter? Has mind created matter or has matter evolved mind? Does thought have any importance--does it make any difference in our lives--or is it just fantasy?
Sunday, May 2, 2010 5:32:03 PM
time, universe, gift
The greatest gift we have is to be a witness to the unfolding of time and the universe however, this gift seems to be wasted on most people who simply take it for granted. No matter what your lot is in life, if you can't see the significance of being who, what and where you are today, it is nothing short of a crying shame.
My Opera
