How long is this Ching thing you've got going to last? — Bitter Crank
Much better! Thanks.Time and time again, in philosophy we tend to apply "sometimes", to act out in moderation, as a welcomed answer to a plethora of questions, one most notably on the organization of one's life. This is illustrated by Goldilocks, Aristotles Golden Mean, Harmony; it would seem that, to act in moderation is in instant of a rationalized act, to be, in some way or another, perfect. — john27
An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind. — Mahatma Gandhi
In that regard, your issue now focuses more on the response we make -- the middle, or the moderate answer. I think a lot of us want to play it safe by giving this kind of answer. We don't want to come off as the "bad guy", or having a extreme view. — Caldwell
The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you. — T Clark
Humility is a big deal in Taoism. Many verses talk about the danger of exalting yourself. Trying to achieve acclaim. One metaphor that gets used a lot is that Tao is like water. It always seeks out low places, but it has great power. In low places, things gain no advantage or acclaim. They are ignored. — T Clark
I agree with you on that, but is it, for lack of a better word, right? — john27
Or maybe, if this is true, what reasons would we have to strive for excellence? Is there a defense for excellence?
Yet through cunning, or via strength, or via moral vicissitude, or through blood viscosity, they overcome the challenge. Otherwise the book is a fail. — god must be atheist
The love of mediocrity seems to come from a casual necessity to appeal to the average populous. Almost like a global escapist project.Desperate times call for desperate measures! — Agent Smith
This is a complete hoax, a total separation from reality. In real life the average guy is a loser, and the genius / strong man / moral giant is never a loser. — god must be atheist
The OP can't and ought not to be believed when it promotes ideals, values and general expectations gleaned from books of literary fiction. — god must be atheist
Ahhh you got me good there. — john27
Sorry... I meant the Original Post not the Original Poster. I clarified it in the beginning of my post there. — god must be atheist
You are not a liar, a cheater, a thief. At least I have no evidence of that. I trust you and welcome your opinions. — god must be atheist
Mediocre guys are invariably pitted against a challenge that they are unlikely to overcome.
Yet through cunning, or via strength, or via moral vicissitude, or through blood viscosity, they overcome the challenge. Otherwise the book is a fail. — god must be atheist
No. There's nothing wrong with having an extreme view. Having an extreme view is relative anyway: People are disgusted with filth! That's extreme, as in, no middle ground there. Are they correct? Yes, they are.Right. But is that ok? What's wrong with having an extreme view; better yet, what's wrong with being mediocre? — john27
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.