Are You Happy?

[old_nick]

These are the things of which you state nick, which scare the hell out of me.

That's okay, people who think any action is justified if their imaginary friend tells them it is scare the hell out of me.

These are the very instruments and thoughts of people the likes of Dr. Mengele

Ah, the argument ad Nazium. You know who else liked to compare people to Nazis? Hitler.

and the newest mad scientists who advocate eugenics

Who is advocating eugenics in the scientific community right now? Neo-eugenics perhaps, which I support myself, but not likely eugenics. Eugenics has too many problems, particularly when it comes to genetic diversity. It would run the risk of driving us extinct more easily.

and want to play god.

"Play god" is such an insipid, worthless, and utterly idiotic phrase. What god? No god exists? So which of humanities fictionalized gods are we playing at? The Abrahamic jealous, spiteful, vindictive god that condones and commands rape, torture, and murder? The Hellenic gods with their womanizing and petty grudges? One thing that never seems to change is that humanity has the potential to be infinitely more moral than the gods it dreams up and out of some well of stupidity draws forth the desire to worship these imaginings of barbaric and horrible times. No, no god exists to play as, and being a creature of conscience, I doubt most would choose to play as one anyway.

Humans learn and apply that learning to our surroundings to survive and thrive. That is the animal we are. It is the animal we've evolved to be.

I think the human race has done quite enough damage to this earth and to our own species by those who think they are superior to others and are entitled to commit genocide.

The human race has done quite enough damage by those who believe in the insane ramblings of Bronze Age desert tribesmen as written by Iron Age politicians. Would you call the elimination of a mental illness genocide? I wouldn't. Removing the disease of superstition and theism is a good thing. Is a healthy man superior to a sick one? No, he is just in better health. I don't think I am your superior, just in a better state of health.

While you criticize those who have a faith/belief in a higher power and the instruments of those faiths, you eschew the very same mentality by suggesting human demi-gods alter the human condition through a lobotomizing of the brain.

I don't think that sentence means what you think it means. Eschew means to avoid. So you're telling me I avoid "the very same mentality" when I believe you're attempting to accuse me of having it. However, I do not. I have no faith, nore any need of a faith. I think that humans should indeed alter the human condition, it is what we are evolved to do and we stand to eliminate a great deal of suffering if we do so with care. And, more importantly, I am not suggesting anyone be lobotomized. Connection to the prefrontal cortex would remain and functionality would not be diminished.

There are some enjoyable, even useful, effects in phenomena associated with "religious" experience. The problem comes with the religious continuing to confuse their neurological effects with some sort of reality.

IMO, that is an indication of a very troubled mind.

Coming from a woman who cannot separate her imagination from reality, that means less than nothing to me.

~ I'm sorry, I don't agree with arguments. Yes, I know you could say my disagreeing with argumentation is an argument...

I won't argue with it.

You could probably call me a rather seaweed-type of person, I go with the flow & avoid confrontation.

Not just because it makes me uncomfortable but also I've found that it doesn't do any good...

Personalities get bumped & bruises cause escalation & it just seems like a silly waste of energy and time.

Could be wrong of course, often am!

Confrontation is systemic. I am comfortable with that, and my personality doesn't get harmed here at all. It may sound callous, but I do not have a deep enough emotional investment in anyone here to care what they think of me. At moments I am not even certain if I see you lot as people. Automations or an elaborate practical joke is more comforting.

[To`na Wanagi]

Who is advocating eugenics in the scientific community right now? Neo-eugenics perhaps, which I support myself, but not likely eugenics. Eugenics has too many problems, particularly when it comes to genetic diversity. It would run the risk of driving us extinct more easily.

The manipulation of our food sources, the human genome project, all these are leading to what you apparently aspire to.

"Play god" is such an insipid, worthless, and utterly idiotic phrase. What god? No god exists? So which of humanities fictionalized gods are we playing at? The Abrahamic jealous, spiteful, vindictive god that condones and commands rape, torture, and murder? The Hellenic gods with their womanizing and petty grudges? One thing that never seems to change is that humanity has the potential to be infinitely more moral than the gods it dreams up and out of some well of stupidity draws forth the desire to worship these imaginings of barbaric and horrible times. No, no god exists to play as, and being a creature of conscience, I doubt most would choose to play as one anyway.

Whether you wish to admit it or not, those same "god-delusions of grandiosity" are not reserved to only religious gods, but also to the ones some have made up in their minds about themselves. Those whose condescension toward others who do not meet with their approval or intellectual standards such as you have illustrated by your own words. The suggestion of manipulating the human brain to eliminate certain aspects of its natural functioning interferes with the natural evolution of our species. By this action, those who attempt this are of the belief they know what is best for humankind and are therefore qualified to alter the entire species to their own liking, taking that action, you deny others their most basic rights to life, liberty and their own personal pursuit of happiness. No one is qualified or authorized to take this away from another human being.

Humans learn and apply that learning to our surroundings to survive and thrive. That is the animal we are. It is the animal we've evolved to be.

Then allow our species to evolve at its own rate not to be determined by another fallible human....You do consider yourself fallible, don't you?

The human race has done quite enough damage by those who believe in the insane ramblings of Bronze Age desert tribesmen as written by Iron Age politicians.

As well as modern day chemists and scientists. The extinction of species in the last 100 years surpasses those of the bronze or iron ages. And today's politicians are still quite adept at insane ramblings.

Would you call the elimination of a mental illness genocide? I wouldn't.

That has not been accomplished and is still a far way off. Are you suggesting we return to continuing to use human Guinea Pigs as they did in the days of old thorazine and lobotomizing and radical ECT? Oh yeah, they are anyway!

Removing the disease of superstition and theism is a good thing. Is a healthy man superior to a sick one? No, he is just in better health. I don't think I am your superior, just in a better state of health.

That is your opinion, of which I strongly disagree.

I don't think that sentence means what you think it means. Eschew means to avoid. So you're telling me I avoid "the very same mentality" when I believe you're attempting to accuse me of having it.

No. I stand by the word which means "to shun something unworthy or injurious". As you declare you do, you are unable to admit you are of that same mind which you shun.

However, I do not. I have no faith, nore any need of a faith. I think that humans should indeed alter the human condition, it is what we are evolved to do and we stand to eliminate a great deal of suffering if we do so with care.

Again, this is nothing more than a conjecture and opinion...a dangerous one (emboldened above).

And, more importantly, I am not suggesting anyone be lobotomized. Connection to the prefrontal cortex would remain and functionality would not be diminished.

Removing or destroying parts of the brain can certainly be called a lobotomy. And functionality would be diminished because that aspect of the human brain would cease to exist and function. And just because a person may not be cognizant of this fact does not make it any less so. It is still gone. And who are you to say what that specific part of the brain might evolve into naturally? Do you presume to know how those folds and wrinkles will eventually move and migrate as our species evolves?

There are some enjoyable, even useful, effects in phenomena associated with "religious" experience.

Again, as a result of these experiences, will the human condition evolve by te experience? And yet you would put an end to the natural process and phenomenon which is still hypthetical and conjecture of those who have some gripe/beef with religiosity/faith?

Coming from a woman who cannot separate her imagination from reality, that means less than nothing to me.

That is a great assumption on your part. Because I protect the right of others to believe as they will does not mean I endorse those beliefs. I accept the natural order of things and have no desire to interfere with those processes as this creation evolves. I have no fears of death, or extermination, and am not subject to superstition. I feel no need to play god and change the course of evolution on any plane. I contend that whatever a person experiences is real to them and it must be they who come to the terms of those natural conditions. I also contend that no one has the right to take away those rights or experiences. My best expression of love is to live and let live...not to think I have cornered the market on truth or that my way is the only way.

Have you ever wondered why humankind is on such a fast pace to its own demise and destruction? Why is it only we humans have to hurry things up, change our environments, believe we have the right to eliminate specific species, and now to manipulate the very core of our identity through demagoguery? (the process of leading the populace by pandering prejudices and passions, unprincipled and unbridled.)IMO, people who plant these kinds of seeds in the minds of others depend upon both, their approval and their ignorance. I provide neither to anyone. But I do endorse the right for them to believe as they wish and will be there to issue my objections to foolishness.

Edited December 9, 2011 by To`na Wanagi

[Pastor Dave]

Yes, I am happy.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

You also mentioned contentment.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

[VonNoble]

old_nick: "All things are an argument, in the end. Life is war. We are at war with our very surroundings. Each moment there is other life waiting to fill the niche in which you stand. It's brutal, it's hard, it'd be cruel if nature were a thinking feeling thing. I do believe, though, that we have a moral imperative to use the brain knowledge has given us to find a way to minimize the brutality of life(Human driven intelligent design). But, as long as there are people who waste it on things such as superstition, we'll be stuck in that war. It'd almost be worth deliberately modifying the human brain to be incapable of "religious" experience as it is neurological phenomena and nothing more. "

While it is a certainty that we have intellect - it does not stand alone. It is encased or surrounded by other features that often demand and receive equal time. Emotions for example can often over-ride intellect. I can reason forever and a day that i do not need to eat so much food. in fact, I am quite certain that science can give me a long list of reasons why I should eat less and drop some weight for my health. There are reasons why people should not over indulge in booze, illegal drugs, mis-use Rx drugs or smoke cigarettes. But intellect alone does not drive our actions. (Star Trek had lots of fund with that notion in the form of the Vulcan character)......

No matter how much we want our intellect to be in full and complete control - it is not.

Emotionally we need to feel needed, appreciated and loved.

If someone needs to believe in a god.....or even just wants to because it gives them comfort - why is it of any harm to me that they do so? How is that a waste? I see gamblers at the casino hanging on to all sorts of lucky charms and I am not offended by the superstition. Why does a belief that is not logical present such an issue and such an emotional response of disgust or even anger? Why is it anyone's business to eliminate that belief. In and of itself (within the confines of that one person) - it harms no one else.

If the argument is because horrible things were done (or will be done) in the name of religion....were not horrible things also done in the name of science.

Were not horrible things done in the name of medicine in our not too distant past? Are not horrible things done today in the name of profits? The religion of greed is a bit of a hazard to humanity.

Why is theology the only "ology" to receive such a measured response? Why is it the entity identified as an enemy combatant?

Why is "the self" (including that powerful brain) listed as the issue? Who among us has conquered self?

Life can be a war. If that is your choice. It can also be a gentle float downstream. Much of that is colored by your choices and point of view. There will always be adversity and combatants around you; but you need not view them through lenses of their choosing.

There is a great deal of positioning as a superior being when we mock those who believe in gods or religion. As if, any of us have risen above that sort of thinking. That is not necessarily true. We may have simply traded one superstition with a dedication or even obsession of another stripe...or perhaps we simply do not have that need any longer but have others of equal potency in our lives. Perhaps we harbor some other toxicity?

One might better ask oneself - - - If am am so smart why aren't I content? Content to enjoy where I am - who I am and what I have. Contented people rarely are "at war" with their surroundings, no?

Just a thought.

Von

[Atwater Vitki]

Von,

I would like to suggest we send your above response out for Gold Plating!

Wonderful words, thank you.

Blessings of Peace,

[Qryos]

Confrontation is systemic. I am comfortable with that, and my personality doesn't get harmed here at all. It may sound callous, but I do not have a deep enough emotional investment in anyone here to care what they think of me. At moments I am not even certain if I see you lot as people. Automations or an elaborate practical joke is more comforting.

~ I'm sorry to bring this up, I know it's silly... I just found that reply funny...

{ People find God comforting & all & it just gave me a giggle }

I personally don't mind being considered a joke { I'm really not very practical unless ya need chores done } & elaborate, well, no one's ever said that about me, so coool!

< Automaton... Come on! No automaton could be nearly as annoying as I am, right? >

Yes Dear, I apologise if I annoy too badly. It just seems that perhaps a bit of playful may assist, that's all.

[deborahjean]

Yes, I am very happy and content. I live a life of love and service to God and others and I fill my time with Bible reading and studies toward becoming a minister proper through the Baptist Seminary. Blessings

[Crzyme]

For me Happiness came when I allowed myself to be me and not to put forth someone elses idea of who I should be. When I was trying to live up to someone elses idea of the woman I should be I was never happy, content or a peace; as soon as I found I could shed all that baggage I found I could breathe easy, smile naturally and happiness was just here. I do think we allow ourselves to be happy (or any other emotion) or we disallow our emotions by trying to live lives others choose for us (usually parents, but friends and mates can have us change to fit more to what they wish us to be).

Personally I was a "pleaser" and thought making others happy would make me happy, if I was what they wanted me to be then it would make them happy and thusly make me happy, didn't ever really work out that way but I was stuck for many years still trying the same crap, even as it failed. As doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is the very deffinition of stupidity, thankfully one day I jumped off that ride.

So for me personally finding my own way, living life on my own pace allowed me to be free to be happy, and I choose to keep allowing myself to be so.

[Qryos]

~ I know what you mean Angie... It is sometimes sooo hard to find yourself amidst the demands & expectations & needs of others.

"What do I need to be, to become, to change into, to satisfy _____"

t's like breaking out of a chrysalis, changing from a caterpillar into a winged creature that can fly without fearful restraints

I did & still find enjoyment in making other people happy. I really enjoy helping people at work with whatever. It's just the moth I am

~ Deborahjean, Thrilled for you that you've found the path that gives you contentment

Sincerly hope it also gives you the strength to know yourself well & the wisdom to use the greatness you have within!

[Dan56]

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ... 'Wow ! What a ride!'~Robert Winger

[Crzyme]

~ I know what you mean Angie... It is sometimes sooo hard to find yourself amidst the demands & expectations & needs of others.

"What do I need to be, to become, to change into, to satisfy _____"

t's like breaking out of a chrysalis, changing from a caterpillar into a winged creature that can fly without fearful restraints

I did & still find enjoyment in making other people happy. I really enjoy helping people at work with whatever. It's just the moth I am

~ Deborahjean, Thrilled for you that you've found the path that gives you contentment

Sincerly hope it also gives you the strength to know yourself well & the wisdom to use the greatness you have within!

I still enjoy making others happy, I just do it as me and not who people wanted me to be, and it all works out well now, no more pounding my head in the wall to attempt to achieve it

[Qryos]

I really am thrilled for you Angie It's marvelous when one finds themself & is comfortable & happy

{ I'm still a bit of a head banger, but not so much }

[Hyper Real]

Here is an interesting article about what makes happy. I agree with most of the article, including that any money above the basic needs does not make happy.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/02/08/what-really-makes-people-happy/?intcmp=spotlight

Unfortunately there is still this idea with many that one should amass as much money as possible in this world.

[Brother Kaman]

Here is an interesting article about what makes happy. I agree with most of the article, including that any money above the basic needs does not make happy.

http://www.foxnews.c...ntcmp=spotlight

Unfortunately there is still this idea with many that one should amass as much money as possible in this world.

I would much rather be unhappy rich than unhappy poor. Money does not make one happy but then neither does poverty. Money does not automatically discount one the opportunity to be happy and less money does not necessarily mean one would be happy. Happy is a state of mind, not an economic issue.

[Zequatanil]

Very happy and contented--

I always tell people if they are not simply change what you are doing. I have always been this way--sure we all have a bad day, some temporary sadness, but that dosn`t change anything for me. I have never wanted to be anyone else, do anything else that I am doing as a profession, would have the same family--and don`t regret anything, no relationships, look any different, change the people in my life--partings from loved ones, lovers--none has never ever been on a bad note, not a single one.--infact, I am a better person through all that has transpired in my life. I carry no red in my aura--no baggage whatsoever. I never ask God for anything, only thank Him, and ask to show me His will--

Even if I pray for an other for some event, my prayer is always --for God to do what is right.

A favourite minister of mine--Charles Price here in Toronto-- just the other Sunday said--Jesus never ever said `please` to God. It was always a prayer of thanksgiving and for His will to be done.

AS for money--I believe God always provides--in my case anyway. I have never had problems and never worried about it--I know this is not the same for everyone, but maybe this is because I truly believe that God will provide always--he always has.

Since I was a child I remember a statement from my aunt, she is still around--she said `always be contented, happy never look up but down--and see how bad it is for some people. And life can always get worse especially if you do not appreciate what you have--and thank God for His blessings.` This is also why I spend as much time with my family as possible--especially my mother--so later I shall have no regrets.

Yes--I am very happy!

blessings,

S

Edited July 1, 2012 by sarkany