At the end of the day there's only right and wrong. Justice and lack of it. The latter of which never lasts for long. I'd rather witness some of the wrong then know only the right. Perhaps I'd bring back a token of what was wrong as a momento or something. I'd be so jealous if I was born after the fact and someone I know lived to witness such a time.

So someone suffering sever emotional distress should face a real life animal attack instead of a metaphorical one as seems to be the subject here?

Yeah. Avoid all losing lottery tickets while you're at it. Funny people have that in common. You gotta scratch the surface before you determine the value.

I'd rather learn about wild animals from a virtual setting than in the wild, now wouldn't you?

What made you interested in philosophy? Being able to understand more, become smarter, more sophisticated or otherwise improve your life? To improve the world and the lives of others around you? Whatever it was two highly circumstantial yet equally relevant facts remain. The world we live in is imperfect and though full of joy is also full of hardship. And it is in fact the gentle who would remind an adversary their shoes are untied and a true as you say "polisher of the posterior" who would instead say nothing and allow him to fall.

No not every thread here is a showstopper. But the majority are intellectually occupying and sometimes even downright over my head. Which is all good. I'd stick around a bit.

So now it's a crime to try to do/learn about something worthwhile? Put someone in a racecar with no training. Put someone raised in the city their whole life into the wild forest with only the clothes on their backs. Put a beginner in chess against a lifelong prodigy. Bet they won't win.

Frankly, I think after one is enlightened, they want as little to do with technology or rather the modern world or current society as possible. Let's drop the crab mentality some eh. Let others grow.

Revolting? Damn. I want to move where the women who behave like you describe live. XD

What is your gender/relationship status/type of government just curious?

I'm assuming you're over the age of 25 ie. when the brain is finished developing. If you deny not only your own humanity but someone else's, rather our position above the animals, specifically animal instinct, what is left? A few sounds we call words, a few inventions, shiny lights, tall buildings, and bombs? To some, that is all that distinguishes man from the animals. An object is something to be used or can be used and either exists solely due to the result of or is otherwise subservient to a higher intelligence or process. Until you distinguish man from animal and the mandatory social and moral fabric that comes with such a position the question is a rather moot one. How can an object objectify itself?

a). If you know you have been plugged in the achievements become meaningless and staged. Theres no authenticity to your successes. — Benj96

Not neccesarily. Pro gaming has become a billion dollar industry with nearly 7 billion hours spent this year just.. watching people sit in a chair and play video games. And those figures are just from professional "eSports" alone.

An emotionally provocative discussion, as shown.

One would hope the intent is to dissuade others from limiting their life choices and hence opportunity due to the fear, rational or irrational, of death. Within reasonable limits of course. Not locking your doors or traveling to unsavory neighborhoods obviously being excluded.

However, I have noticed people speak as if they know what "being dead" is due to their own ironic religious doctrine of believing only what can be proven, something that if followed would have us in a world without theories and essentially living in the Bronze Age. Or that persons lost to suicide did so for reasons other than deeply personal ones. They were likely suffering in some way and chose to end it. Terrible? Perhaps. But if people who did so wanted those they knew and chose to befriend in life to suffer as well they would've surely said so. I am not saying so little as that the decision should be respected as clearly the suffering was likely hoisted onto their plate and so had little say over it, rather that their life was exactly that, their life. Not an accent to another's for enjoyment or emotional depth that just so happens to affect one's own.

If you care about a social pandemic, where do you spend the majority of your time and energy. Analyzing the symptom or the cause?

there isn’t really a point in being so attached to anything in this life because, in the grand scheme of things, they … don’t really matter. — Abdul

But that's exactly what makes them so precious to us is it not. To quote my favorite series: "We love a rose because we know it will soon be gone. Whoever loved a stone?".

Mindlessly attached? Of course not. However, one should note the clear distinction between covetousness and insolent pettiness or even a deep-seated ingratitude for that matter with escaping the ignorance of the near social mandate upon which you must value something by what others deem it to be worth instead of the value you give it or face the "firing squad" of public humiliation/judgement of your peers. Some people will live that way their entire lives. It's why some people can't enjoy a $5,000 vacation to themselves while some can enjoy a $5 sub sandwich in a busy cafe. Why some people have to go to the end's of the Earth just to feel connected with nature when some can just sit on their front porch, crack open a beer, and just listen to the birds sing.

"Eye of the beholder", it is said.

An interesting concept. So the planet is like a biome powered by a nuclear fusion reactor (the Sun) and presumably it or the larger system is traveling somewhere.

I think the better question is are we going toward something or fleeing from it? What is it?

Reminded of a bit of theory I read on another forum. Something about how humans are the only organism that is born utterly helpless and unable to walk. Animals are largely self sufficient or at least able to walk or whatever their mode of travel is pretty quickly. His theory was this allows us to adapt to whatever gravity we happen to be subject to at the time. Think about it..

Let me tell you a joke, mate. A homophobe, an Islamaphobe, an Islamist, a gay man with a scar under his left eye from persecution, and a Christian walk into a bar. The first two insult the gay man. The second and third start to get into it. The Christian tells them to calm down some. Later, the first and third take the gay man up to the roof to throw him off it. The second and the Christian go up to stop it while the second says "I told you so". The first and third push him off but being so drunk they forgot they were only on the third story. The second and the Christian, in their drunken state take the first and third to the top and throw the remaining off. The Christian converts the first one and they team up to fight Christianophobia in the Middle East. The two make it far in politics yet are discovered when they realize the man who got them where they were, after taking off his mask was the gay man from the bar. They are led to be beheaded. The two Christians are about to be beheaded when a stranger comes up and shouts "Stop. By order of the Emir!" The two Christians turn to see a man dressed in royal robes who's head is cloaked, save for one view of a small scar. They are allowed to return home and the former dictatorship is now a democracy, where no man is persecuted due to his action.

Far from a joke, friend. It's happening as we speak.

And that women are less likely to be victimized if they dress more conservatively is irrelevant and an insult to suggest, even if true. — Michael

Even if true. Well. There we have it. Says who? You? A male? How omniscient of you. Well it appears even the best of us have some chauvinistic tendencies.

No. The criminal is always at fault and will receive due punishment no matter how hard they try to circumvent or obfuscate. Meanwhile. Can you wave a magic wand and turn all would be rapists into dust? Can you pass some law that pragmatically eliminates all rape? Unless the answer is yes the question remains the same. Does a statement that prevents sexual assault of women in the interim offer a service or a disservice? Do you still state that such a statement that prevents sexual assault is irrelevant and an insult? Bear in mind were also talking about the general non-binary concept of a sober person being less likely to be taken advantage of than a deliriously drunk person.

Sure, there are people in this world who will harm others for no good reason — creativesoul

Like it'd be some epic lifelong journey to find some or something! :rofl:
On that note, sure there are fish in the ocean.

People, especially young ones, mentally and otherwise, crave to be desired. Especially when one's early home life did not facilitate this. It's natural.

Somewhat off topic but just to say so, my views on modesty in attire are correlated to what is conducive to a strong social fabric. Married/non-single women don't need to be on Instagram or in public bearing just about it all for the world to see. It's annoying. More poignantly, modest dress is required in the workplace or productivity will suffer. That is a fact.

None of this was my point however, my point is, in a world where men do kill other men and rape women, while we'd both agree saying a crime victim deserved it is brash and vile, if it is a fact, and I believe it is, that a woman wearing next to nothing and becoming deliriously intoxicated who becomes sexually assaulted would not have been if they were dressed modestly and sober, and if a man who states again what I am arguing is a fact. That root fact essentially being "less women will become sexually assaulted if dressed modestly and remain sober". If it is a fact and by communicating it to multiple people less women become victims of sexual assault... I ask you. Is that a service or a disservice?

There is no church state now. No moral guidelines for raising children. If people want to embrace the worst traits of humanity to get ahead they will. It is simply the world we live in. So again. Is such a statement that prevents countless sexual assaults a service or a disservice?

Man this OP took forever to read. :)

A man who appears vulnerable and is drunk out of his mind may be robbed and killed at a much greater chance. While I wouldn't say he had it coming to him, he did set the table, so to speak. The world we live in is not a masterpiece across every corner. Fortune favors the prepared.

Takes two to tango, honestly. Who's really being objectified am I right.

What about the world would you change?

Do what feels right. Eventually, after enough mistakes, you start to learn a little something every now and then. Usually. Only way some folks will ever learn anything, unfortunately. And who hasn't gone through hardship really?

All I know is a $50 steak tastes $45 better than a $5 one.

I think we all know there's a difference between people who live on social media 24/7 and those who prefer to talk to others in person or read a newspaper or books. Great. You get to see the judgements, views, and opinions of billions of people you don't know and may not ever. What does that do for the concerned reader? Besides, this doesn't get much coverage now, but you can buy followers, likes, retweets, all of that. Plus you never know who's a bot or shill.

I've always found it odd how on Trump's twitter posts even the top comments rarely ever have more than a few thousand retweets. And only a few replies down you have very few comments and discussions.

Do you count the early days of YouTube as 'social media' or would you say that's reserved for the social network/microblogging explosion?

It was a common practice. A sign of status. It'd be like having acres of land today. Many were inherited and naturally a responsibility. Of course you a 21st century person reading this on a computer can't imagine being in the 17th century when *I think* they finally invented a flushing toilet. No one like that could.

Moreover though, the idea of 'a slave to God' is a bit of a misnomer for several reasons. That assumes you believe in a God that created you for essentially no reason and usually some kind of Hell. Not hard to put two and two together. Even not, you'd just be a slave to whoever happens to be stronger than you. Not only physically, but mentally, and that's the ticket to understanding. I suppose you could say morality and whatnot didn't come from or by means of God. I say, look around even today. Do you really think anyone with amassed power would give it up just because some philosopher came up with an emotionally satisfying monologue or an oppressed people looked at the person with a sad face? Doubtful. It took divine power. And suffering.

I don't think you or I can ever name a period in history where society wasn't rapidly changing.

Social media has redefined any definition of media. We see something good, bad, or sad, we can share it. In an instant. It truly is the people's house. Most media sources, large corporate ones or personal channels tend to lean toward one political persuasion or the other. It's more or less balanced. I think each majority political view has its problems, rather extremes that can lead to bad outcomes. And some simply view one as 'more restrictive' or 'less wholesome'. It's a delicately balanced yin and yang I suppose.

In principle, in our virtual media environment, do 'real facts' matter? — Number2018

Probably. But to air on the side of safety. For many folk when it comes to things that don't immediately and blatantly affect them, "things don't matter until they do."

Basically, they do. Some are just less relevant than others. That is to say can exist without major coverage.

I'm sorry is there a philosophical question or debate to be had (using philosophy and not mindless political opinion) or is this just what the site is now.

Can we? As in is it possible? Sure.

But think for a minute. What if Brad Pitt walked into a Wal-Mart. Or a McDonalds? How do you think that would turn out. They'd want to talk to the guy, get an autograph, try to become friends. No one would just do their job and get the man his product quickly and efficiently. And worse. Alot of people, more than you might think, would want to be "the guy who spit in Brad Pitt's burger" .. or worse. Infamy. The natural consolation of those who seek fame yet do not find it.

Now imagine that times... I'd say infinity but factoring in the human comprehension probably times 10... yeah it wouldn't work out so good. I've used a metaphor for it before.

Say you have a 10 million dollar inheritance. You want it to go toward your lifelong interest of I dunno fixing up old buildings.. or something. But you're old and dying. Who do you want it to go to? Someone who knows the money is up for grabs and responds to an ad with all the right qualifications or someone who takes a blind low paying ad for the job because they love the work. Not hard to figure out really.

Will it change my life completely from what it is right now - meaningless and sad - to something else - meaningful and happy? — TheMadFool

Oh. I'm sorry I wasn't aware in the few days I've been away someone ended child hunger and slavery. *clears throat extremely loudly*

Look I don't know you mate. What you have on your plate or how your health is and whatnot but I'd bet money you wouldn't know sadness and misery if it bit you in the arse.

Sorry. Taking a deep breath. What I meant to say was, I've read many of your posts and a few threads during my time here. Always decent. Usually enjoying or at least mildly interesting. So, while I may not know you, I know your words and views are- at least in a small way- part of my own life now and consider them very meaningful. As do others I'm sure. Still, it's your perspective that you're asking about being changed more than anything. What do you think?

Hapiness is complicated. Contentness brings complacency which brings inattentiveness which brings mistakes which brings suffering.

Furthermore it's not some sleazy massage parlour under the expressway. You don't just come in saying you'll do or give this and that for this and that in return. It takes time. It's a journey. Especially for the demanding.

a benevolent creator who will unfailingly look out for me no matter what? — TheMadFool

This is setting yourself up for failure. Life is ups and downs. Sometimes more of the latter. That's why it's life. Humans are not little Tamigachi pets that God pushes buttons to feed, play with, and clean up waste.

Watch something for me would you. Twilight Zone "A Nice Place to Visit". I think you'll begin to understand how life can be as it is if there is a benevolent creator.

Consumerism, and though I largely get the idea I did Google it, meaning protection and promotion of the interests of the consumer. Before I did so Id've said it could have a few definitions or meanings rather. Two extremes, polarized, respectively. The idea of simply being able to buy and sell goods or otherwise the system of having literally anything physical that's not owned by the state. Or. Where it's essentially synonymous to materialism. Basically where it comes close to something along the lines of the only point of living is to get more stuff (non essentials). Which can deny one of some of lifes greatest true pleasures. And perhaps then some.

I'd say my view is somewhere in the middle and the actual definition sums it up nicely.

It's nice to see some of the amazing things there are to buy in the modern world. The crazy cars, the mansions, that tricked out PC setup, jewelry, watches, all that. Unfortunately or not it's the best motivator. For honest hard work.. and of course other types as well..

I'd say there are two kinds of people who want to be rich. Those who want to live like a king, and those who want to treat others as such. There's a bit of irony there for the more refined.

I wouldn't say either of you are, that is to say not earnestly arguing opposing viewpoints with relevant information to consider. However as it stands, you seem to be the one who is stopping short in this particular exchange. :)

Anyway. I believe there is both systemic and systematic racism in human society everywhere. The majority or status quo wants to maintain itself. It's human nature. A white (or black) majority doesn't want to be replaced by any other group, black, Asian, or whatever.

Obviously there is more than that going on when it comes to race relations in the US. Someone posted something along the lines of "a rich black man in a suit will be viewed/treated the same as a poor white punk". I want to doubt that as a common view as I certainly wouldn't but again I'm sure some would.

I just think it's important to distinguish an officer being uncharacteristically hostile (as in he's normally not) toward a respectable looking (all we can judge about character/danger is appearance) black man walking down a random street and an officer being on a hair trigger when facing someone blasting violent music, wearing "street clothes" that could easily conceal a gun, maybe having gang or teardrop tattoos, and speaking rude or in an unintelligent manner in an area that has a high murder rate and gang activity. It makes all the difference. You don't want to be the boy who cries wolf. You definitely don't want to make it where criminals can torment and destroy black communities unabated simply because they happen to be black. Actually. Perhaps some do...

While I agree with a fair amount of what you posted, I think. It'd be a bit like coming to the conclusion that you can't judge a book by its cover... after burning or otherwise damaging those with covers that didn't quite tickle your fancy.

There are serious problems in society. Some that a few thought-provoking philosophical arguments unfortunately can't quite address I'm afraid.

I agree what has been happening is not only not the right solution but counterproductive to all.

So what is important in all this is how other countries see the 'mercans? That sorta misses the point. — Banno

I was suggesting, to some, yes it is the only thing. It completely misses the point. And that was mine.

Exactly. No one is protesting about that. Why do you think that is? Because it doesn't effect them. They have nothing to gain.

Every country has had turmoil. Perhaps you're a glass half empty kind of guy. Darkest before the dawn isn't really your philosophy. That's fine. You could be right. I would however bet you money very little will change as a result of this as far as the national system. Maybe laws. Definitely not territory. Except, and this is important, those who do not abide by the Constitution (life, liberty, pursuit of Happiness, all men equal, etc) will be removed and may even be charged as the enemies of the State that they are, violators of 'color of law' will be punished timely and properly, and so on. Which only restores the idea and essentially gets it back on track. Basically all should be well. Got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette. Speaking of which... I'm hungry. :grin:

I think the real question is, appropriately, what are non-Americans who are so quick to shame other nations doing for the "George Floyd's" at home or concepts responsible for why we even know about the incident in the first place like free speech, open internet, independent media, accountability of the state, etc.

I'm not the only one who thinks this way as this article mentions.

I know of no country that does not have some legacy past or even current of slavery, colonialism, racism, or expansionism.

I have a few hunches. That I will keep to myself. Except to say, I really hope Trump didn't start an unwarranted global propaganda war he can't win leaving 350 million Americans to absorb the blowback.

My own biases aside, I think know if non-Americans are using an American tragedy for the sole purpose of stroking their own national ego, especially those who couldn't care less about George Floyd or not just black people but minorities in their own country... black Americans should be pissed. Not to say many or even most are just, if your nation is less than 13% African or people can't just stop and record civil servants performing their duties and share it globally, the old adage of make sure your own house is in order first and the beam in your eye before the speck in your brother's both come to mind.

Reminded of a very good movie. Should check it out.

Interestingly enough it's called "Re-Cycle". :)

Bit of horror but very well done where it's not even the focus. Stunning. Visually. And conceptually. Must see. Man I want to watch that now.

Sounds kinda shady to be honest. Every incident you described you actually witnessed?

Why would you leave for 18 months when you could just come back the next day and either defend yourself from any hostile home invaders or call the police and have them arrested on the spot? With drugs to boot.

I'm not saying this stuff doesn't happen just.. idk.

The pet aspect is kind of messed up. Does sound like gang activity/intimidation/harrassment which those involved should be arrested as they're only decreasing property values and encouraging divestment which only hurts the people living there and contributes to keeping everyone down.

You're drinking right now aren't you? :)

Why wouldn't they? They don't know the predictor is infallible nor do they know what may or may not be in Box B. I was thinking it'd be funny if Box B contained an IOU for $2,000 legally bound to the owner of the box but unfortunately that was not part of this riddle.

An infallible predictor as fictious as the idea is would focus on outcome. Free will or not. So they're either right or simply not infallible.

It can be is what I meant. Perhaps there are. But yeah the metaphorical guards I mentioned.

No not every opportunity. But perhaps more than you'd like.

Yeah perhaps you're right. It (faith) is often viewed as the antithesis of reason and whatnot and so would easily "fit the bill". It was kind of random I agree. I enjoy a few beers while I peruse the internet. Suppose I just wanted to assert that was not what I was alluding to. It could've easily seemed like it imo. Times are tough. Faith without evidence takes strength. Not one to knowingly or unknowingly weaken that.

Where would you propose a nihilist would get their motivation from?

It wouldn't be from anything meaningful hence powerful. From primal pleasure? A bottle?

That I see as a restriction.

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