And we've also taken huge steps backwards socially. Communities are all but extinct. Inter-generational care is all but extinct. The value of a stay at home parent has been devalued. The love thy neighbour ideaology is all but extinct. The value we place on children has been devalued. The rights we give criminals have increased at the cost of victims rights decreasing.
We think government paid daycare as a step forward. But we forget the cost to the kids being raised by strangers. We act as if two working parents is necessary just to support a lifestyle of relative extravagance as compared to 50 years ago. It's one step forward, two steps back. We demand rights while eschewing all responsibilities. We act with no thought to consequences. It's one step forward, two steps back.
We do lose the way often. But I don't lose sight of the fact that people like you and me notice these problems and address them. We're not a perfect species. Sometimes the path to finding the right way will include missteps but we learn from experience. It may not be as quick of a learning process as we'd like but it is happening.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
We do lose the way often. But I don't lose sight of the fact that people like you and me notice these problems and address them. We're not a perfect species. Sometimes the path to finding the right way will include missteps but we learn from experience. It may not be as quick of a learning process as we'd like but it is happening.
And science continuously prevails in the face of magick.
This kabbalah and shit will be ignored by the majority, and it will just be the fringe who devote (waste) their lives to it.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
We do lose the way often. But I don't lose sight of the fact that people like you and me notice these problems and address them. We're not a perfect species. Sometimes the path to finding the right way will include missteps but we learn from experience. It may not be as quick of a learning process as we'd like but it is happening.
I agree with you that on somethings we are really improving, things like racism and equal treatment of people regardless of sex, color, race, etc... But as a society in our rush to proclaim our rights we eschew all our responsibilities. This is seen in things like our current income distribution system, lack or or decreasing socail safety nets.
And despite how fucked up I think the world is I have hope. How fucked up is that?
“One good thing about music,
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
I don't even know what he means. I gave up trying to.
Sorry, it was meant to be analagous but it came out kind of rude I guess. I just meant that you have only one criteria for belieivng in some fanciful idea, that is you find it attractive. Much like a slut has sex with people based on one criteria.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
I agree with you that on somethings we are really improving, things like racism and equal treatment of people regardless of sex, color, race, etc... But as a society in our rush to proclaim our rights we eschew all our responsibilities. This is seen in things like our current income distribution system, lack or or decreasing socail safety nets.
Yes, everyone has their own views on what will work best. We'll only learn through trial and error. I do think that we as a species care and are trying to get our act together...some obviously don't care but I think they are greatly out-numbered.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Sorry, it was meant to be analagous but it came out kind of rude I guess. I just meant that you have only one criteria for belieivng in some fanciful idea, that is you find it attractive. Much like a slut has sex with people based on one criteria.
How do you know how my mind goes through deduction? It's arrogant to think that because we disagree that my thought process is more simplistic than yours. So since you don't know what's popping inside my head...I think it's best you just stick with the subject matter and what you do know. I gave plenty of reasons why I believe this throughout the thread and I don't recall typing out because it just sounds so damn good...I gotta believe it!!! You can address the reasoning I put forth or choose to ignore it...it doesn't matter to me. Just know that I'm not here to talk about me.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
How do you know how my mind goes through deduction? It's arrogant to think that because we disagree that my thought process is more simplistic than yours. So since you don't know what's popping inside my head...I think it's best you just stick with the subject matter and what you do know. I gave plenty of reasons why I believe this throughout the thread and I don't recall typing out because it just sounds so damn good...I gotta believe it!!! You can address the reasoning I put forth or choose to ignore it...it doesn't matter to me. Just know that I'm not here to talk about me.
I didn't see any reasoning, can you give me a synposis of what you consider to be reason?
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
I didn't see any reasoning, can you give me a synposis of what you consider to be reason?
You didn't read the thread? I stated my reasoning already and frankly I feel it will be a waste of time to rehash it all with you when your mind is already closed to it. I honestly feel engaging in these debates with you is pointless and will only lead to more pages of insults and circles that go no where. I don't care to subject myself to it...I've learned better. You'll have to find someone else to prove your superiority over today, dear.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
You didn't read the thread? I stated my reasoning already and frankly I feel it will be a waste of time to rehash it all with you when your mind is already closed to it. I honestly feel engaging in these debates with you is pointless and will only lead to more pages of insults and circles that go no where. I don't care to subject myself to it...I've learned better. You'll have to find someone else to prove your superiority over today, dear.
All you have to do is provide evidence. I already suggested a full lobotomy.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
I did. Human evolution, social advancements. If those aren't good enough for you then I'm truly sorry.
Neither of those is evidence for "Integral Consciousness" or cosmic consciousness.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Neither of those is evidence for "Integral Consciousness" or cosmic consciousness.
Well, the point I was trying to make with this thread....that peace is possible. If you want to grasp onto that one part, fine. I'm not going to pretend to have read as much on the brain as you have. What I have read leans me a different direction than you, obviously. I've always been a big picture thinker and you weigh yourself down with all the details. I have no problem accepting that fact that we are two different people with two different approaches. If you wanna say that makes you absolutely right and me completely wrong...go ahead, it doesn't matter to me.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Well, the point I was trying to make with this thread....that peace is possible. If you want to grasp onto that one part, fine. I'm not going to pretend to have read as much on the brain as you have. What I have read leans me a different direction than you, obviously. I've always been a big picture thinker and you weigh yourself down with all the details. I have no problem accepting that fact that we are two different people with two different approaches. If you wanna say that makes you absolutely right and me completely wrong...go ahead, it doesn't matter to me.
I just think you restrict yourself to certain material, like Michael Talbot, or Rick Warren. I just watched a 30 mins speech by Rick Warren. I thought he was full of shit, but at least I watched him. I watched 3 1/2 hours of The Pharmacratic Inquisition, which covered a lot of things, including Chakras, Alex Gray and everything else about drugs and mysticism. It was making the case from history for mysticism. I thought probably 70% of it was bullshit, but I got lots of useful history from it and I wasn't restricting myself to one train of thought.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
I just think you restrict yourself to certain material, like Michael Talbot, or Rick Warren. I just watched a 30 mins speech by Rick Warren. I thought he was full of shit, but at least I watched him. I watched 3 1/2 hours of The Pharmacratic Inquisition, which covered a lot of things, including Chakras, Alex Gray and everything else about drugs and mysticism. It was making the case from history for mysticism. I thought probably 70% of it was bullshit, but I got lots of useful history from it and I wasn't restricting myself to one train of thought.
I watch other stuff, too. Just because I don't post about what I don't believe, doesn't mean I haven't gave it time. I don't see you posting about stuff you don't lean towards other than to call it bullshit.
I used to think a lot like you...I just changed. I am happy now and at peace with myself much more than ever before. I view that as a good thing no matter what your opinion of it may be.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I watch other stuff, too. Just because I don't post about what I don't believe, doesn't mean I haven't gave it time. I don't see you posting about stuff you don't lean towards other than to call it bullshit.
I used to think a lot like you...I just changed. I am happy now and at peace with myself much more than ever before. I view that as a good thing no matter what your opinion of it may be.
Yea, as one example, here is my original thread promoting the pharmacratic inquisition.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
But lets not act like I'm not open to other ideas either...when I used to be so cynical and anti-spirituality here on this board...that is until I listened, took a closer look and actually changed my perspective because of what I saw.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
But lets not act like I'm not open to other ideas either...when I used to be so cynical and anti-spirituality here on this board...that is until I listened, took a closer look and actually changed my perspective because of what I saw.
Its not like I've never bought into spirituality either. I've probably seen most of the stuff you've seen. But I also watch a lot of dry lectures that most people would turn off after 5 minutes.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Its not like I've never bought into spirituality either. I've probably seen most of the stuff you've seen. But I also watch a lot of dry lectures that most people would turn off after 5 minutes.
I'm not gonna lie about not caring for dry material. I've forced myself to read enough Chomsky...I know that pain all too well. But I do force myself every now and again. Kabong thinks What the Bleep is dry...he nods off everytime I put in it. On the other hand...I think it's exciting and fresh. To him, documentaries about war crimes and politics is where it's at...and boy, the thought of those on a Saturday night makes me cringe....give me philsophy or something I can ponder about. We're all different. But kudos to you for opening yourself up to things that you might not enjoy as much so often.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I'm not gonna lie about not caring for dry material. I've forced myself to read enough Chomsky...I know that pain all too well. But I do force myself every now and again. Kabong thinks What the Bleep is dry...he nods off everytime I put in it. On the other hand...I think it's exciting and fresh. To him, documentaries about war crimes and politics is where it's at...and boy, the thought of those on a Saturday night makes me cringe....give me philsophy or something I can ponder about. We're all different. But kudos to you for opening yourself up to things that you might not enjoy as much so often.
If you like what the bleep, you should watch Brain, Mind and Consciousness for a different view. It's a direct result of the what the bleep film put out by the skeptics society.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
I'm not gonna lie about not caring for dry material. I've forced myself to read enough Chomsky...I know that pain all too well. But I do force myself every now and again. Kabong thinks What the Bleep is dry...he nods off everytime I put in it. On the other hand...I think it's exciting and fresh. To him, documentaries about war crimes and politics is where it's at...and boy, the thought of those on a Saturday night makes me cringe....give me philsophy or something I can ponder about. We're all different. But kudos to you for opening yourself up to things that you might not enjoy as much so often.
I wanted to add that we all lean towards certain things and decide to run with it. When I first met kabong he stated how he believed in a God. I, at the time, thought I knew for sure one didn't exist. He didn't offer a whole lot as why he had the belief but stressed that he had faith there was one. Instead of thinking 'what an ignorant stance', I thought to myself how cool and was kinda humbled by it...here's a well read guy who takes plenty of time to educate himself on matters that concern him but at the same time is wise enough to follow his intuition and come to a certain point where he didn't need proof for him to feel at peace and trust his own inner voice. Now we did have plenty of discussions on God where we would disagree but we never felt the need to make the other one wrong or expect one to prove their faith. We just listened to each other. Now he thinks some of the stuff I believe about spirituality and interconnectedness is a little hard to swallow but he doesn't tell me he thinks I'm wrong. He simply says that's interesting and asks questions. When we reach a point where we just have to disagree...we're both fine with that.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
If you like what the bleep, you should watch Brain, Mind and Consciousness for a different view. It's a direct result of the what the bleep film put out by the skeptics society.
I just hope it isn't filled with negativity and insults. I hate those vibes. I'm more open to people who can make points without resorting to those tactics.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I just hope it isn't filled with negativity and insults. I hate those vibes. I'm more open to people who can make points without resulting to those tactics.
Skip Shermer at the beginning. The rest is quite entertaining and enlightening.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Here is a snippet from a paper by Paul J. Zak featured in the conference I mentioned "Brain, Mind and Consciousness"
The traditional view in economics is that individuals respond to incentives, but absent strong incentives to the contrary selfishness prevails. Moreover, this "greed is good" approach is deemed "rational" behavior. Nevertheless, in daily interactions and in numerous laboratory studies, a high degree of cooperative behavior prevails - even among strangers. A possible explanation for the substantial amount of "irrational" behavior observed in markets (and elsewhere) is that humans are a highly social species and to an extent value what other humans think of them. This behavior can be termed trustworthiness - cooperating when someone places trust in us. I also present the cross-country evidence for environments that produce high or low trust. A number of recent experiments from my lab have demonstrated that the neuroactive hormone oxytocin facilitates trust between strangers, and appears to induce trustworthiness. In rodents, oxytocin has been associated with maternal bonding, pro-social behaviors, and in some species long-term pair bonds, but prior to the work reviewed here, the behavioral effects of oxytocin in humans had not been studied. This chapter discusses the neurobiology of positive social behaviors and how these are facilitated by oxytocin. My experiments show that positive social signals cause oxytocin to be released by the brain, producing an unconscious attachment to a stranger. I also discuss recent research that manipulates oxytocin levels, and functional brain imaging research on trust. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=764944
This line of research may answer one or two of your questions about selfless acts.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
You may also find Robert Wright's interviews interesting. I don't particularly agree with Wright's views and think he's pretty ignorant, but he manages to get interviews with interesting people.
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Here is a snippet from a paper by Paul J. Zak featured in the conference I mentioned "Brain, Mind and Consciousness"
The traditional view in economics is that individuals respond to incentives, but absent strong incentives to the contrary selfishness prevails. Moreover, this "greed is good" approach is deemed "rational" behavior. Nevertheless, in daily interactions and in numerous laboratory studies, a high degree of cooperative behavior prevails - even among strangers. A possible explanation for the substantial amount of "irrational" behavior observed in markets (and elsewhere) is that humans are a highly social species and to an extent value what other humans think of them. This behavior can be termed trustworthiness - cooperating when someone places trust in us. I also present the cross-country evidence for environments that produce high or low trust. A number of recent experiments from my lab have demonstrated that the neuroactive hormone oxytocin facilitates trust between strangers, and appears to induce trustworthiness. In rodents, oxytocin has been associated with maternal bonding, pro-social behaviors, and in some species long-term pair bonds, but prior to the work reviewed here, the behavioral effects of oxytocin in humans had not been studied. This chapter discusses the neurobiology of positive social behaviors and how these are facilitated by oxytocin. My experiments show that positive social signals cause oxytocin to be released by the brain, producing an unconscious attachment to a stranger. I also discuss recent research that manipulates oxytocin levels, and functional brain imaging research on trust. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=764944
This line of research may answer one or two of your questions about selfless acts.
What about the selflessness that goes on without the need of recognition or even mention? I, myself, prefer to not mention things like charity. I will however mention protests or fundraisers because we need numbers.
And as for as feeling accepted or admired, I knew that when I posted this thread, I'd be ridiculed and called silly. I did because the point was more important than my ego....I did it despite my ego.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
What about the selflessness that goes on without the need of recognition or even mention? I, myself, prefer to not mention things like charity. I will however mention protests or fundraisers because we need numbers.
And as for as feeling accepted or admired, I knew that when I posted this thread, I'd be ridiculed and called silly. I did because the point was more important than my ego....I did it despite my ego.
Well, Zak's experiments focus on social trust. So I'm sure you are talking about something else, however, I think this research can give ideas of mechanism that cause other types of phenomena.
One example in the animal kingdom of charity is entirely egoism. Where leaders of packs donate their riches to less fortunate in order to display social dominance. There is a phenomenological experience that is quite different from the ego boost of winning a sporting match, but I would suggest that the phenomenology alone does not explain the mechanisms that cause it. It's quite possible that donating to charity is a selfish act, an act that makes us feel good in an altruistic fashion, but is not done solely for social trust, or the good of the tribe (and hence our own survival), but also for the unique experience inherent in giving. Why does that experience arise, seems to be the question you are asking. Would you be willing to accept an explanation that it is a selfish act, with either an evolutionary advantage, or perhaps the result of a self-destructive meme? Would you accept an explanation that is not as gratifying as the experience its self?
I necessarily have the passion for writing this, and you have the passion for condemning me; both of us are equally fools, equally the toys of destiny. Your nature is to do harm, mine is to love truth, and to make it public in spite of you. - Voltaire
Comments
We do lose the way often. But I don't lose sight of the fact that people like you and me notice these problems and address them. We're not a perfect species. Sometimes the path to finding the right way will include missteps but we learn from experience. It may not be as quick of a learning process as we'd like but it is happening.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
And science continuously prevails in the face of magick.
This kabbalah and shit will be ignored by the majority, and it will just be the fringe who devote (waste) their lives to it.
And despite how fucked up I think the world is I have hope. How fucked up is that?
when it hits you, you feel to pain.
So brutalize me with music.”
~ Bob Marley
Sorry, it was meant to be analagous but it came out kind of rude I guess. I just meant that you have only one criteria for belieivng in some fanciful idea, that is you find it attractive. Much like a slut has sex with people based on one criteria.
Yes, everyone has their own views on what will work best. We'll only learn through trial and error. I do think that we as a species care and are trying to get our act together...some obviously don't care but I think they are greatly out-numbered.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
How do you know how my mind goes through deduction? It's arrogant to think that because we disagree that my thought process is more simplistic than yours. So since you don't know what's popping inside my head...I think it's best you just stick with the subject matter and what you do know.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I didn't see any reasoning, can you give me a synposis of what you consider to be reason?
You didn't read the thread? I stated my reasoning already and frankly I feel it will be a waste of time to rehash it all with you when your mind is already closed to it. I honestly feel engaging in these debates with you is pointless and will only lead to more pages of insults and circles that go no where. I don't care to subject myself to it...I've learned better. You'll have to find someone else to prove your superiority over today, dear.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
what she said
All you have to do is provide evidence. I already suggested a full lobotomy.
I did. Human evolution, social advancements. If those aren't good enough for you then I'm truly sorry.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Neither of those is evidence for "Integral Consciousness" or cosmic consciousness.
Well, the point I was trying to make with this thread....that peace is possible. If you want to grasp onto that one part, fine. I'm not going to pretend to have read as much on the brain as you have. What I have read leans me a different direction than you, obviously. I've always been a big picture thinker and you weigh yourself down with all the details. I have no problem accepting that fact that we are two different people with two different approaches. If you wanna say that makes you absolutely right and me completely wrong...go ahead, it doesn't matter to me.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I just think you restrict yourself to certain material, like Michael Talbot, or Rick Warren. I just watched a 30 mins speech by Rick Warren. I thought he was full of shit, but at least I watched him. I watched 3 1/2 hours of The Pharmacratic Inquisition, which covered a lot of things, including Chakras, Alex Gray and everything else about drugs and mysticism. It was making the case from history for mysticism. I thought probably 70% of it was bullshit, but I got lots of useful history from it and I wasn't restricting myself to one train of thought.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-4555365073003895154
I watch other stuff, too. Just because I don't post about what I don't believe, doesn't mean I haven't gave it time. I don't see you posting about stuff you don't lean towards other than to call it bullshit.
I used to think a lot like you...I just changed. I am happy now and at peace with myself much more than ever before. I view that as a good thing no matter what your opinion of it may be.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Yea, as one example, here is my original thread promoting the pharmacratic inquisition.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=242544
That's cool
But lets not act like I'm not open to other ideas either...when I used to be so cynical and anti-spirituality here on this board...that is until I listened, took a closer look and actually changed my perspective because of what I saw.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Its not like I've never bought into spirituality either. I've probably seen most of the stuff you've seen. But I also watch a lot of dry lectures that most people would turn off after 5 minutes.
I'm not gonna lie about not caring for dry material. I've forced myself to read enough Chomsky...I know that pain all too well. But I do force myself every now and again. Kabong thinks What the Bleep is dry...he nods off everytime I put in it. On the other hand...I think it's exciting and fresh. To him, documentaries about war crimes and politics is where it's at...and boy, the thought of those on a Saturday night makes me cringe....give me philsophy or something I can ponder about. We're all different. But kudos to you for opening yourself up to things that you might not enjoy as much so often.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
If you like what the bleep, you should watch Brain, Mind and Consciousness for a different view. It's a direct result of the what the bleep film put out by the skeptics society.
I wanted to add that we all lean towards certain things and decide to run with it. When I first met kabong he stated how he believed in a God. I, at the time, thought I knew for sure one didn't exist. He didn't offer a whole lot as why he had the belief but stressed that he had faith there was one. Instead of thinking 'what an ignorant stance', I thought to myself how cool and was kinda humbled by it...here's a well read guy who takes plenty of time to educate himself on matters that concern him but at the same time is wise enough to follow his intuition and come to a certain point where he didn't need proof for him to feel at peace and trust his own inner voice. Now we did have plenty of discussions on God where we would disagree but we never felt the need to make the other one wrong or expect one to prove their faith. We just listened to each other. Now he thinks some of the stuff I believe about spirituality and interconnectedness is a little hard to swallow but he doesn't tell me he thinks I'm wrong. He simply says that's interesting and asks questions. When we reach a point where we just have to disagree...we're both fine with that.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I just hope it isn't filled with negativity and insults. I hate those vibes. I'm more open to people who can make points without resorting to those tactics.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Skip Shermer at the beginning. The rest is quite entertaining and enlightening.
My typos are so lovely to read back.
I'll look into it.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
The traditional view in economics is that individuals respond to incentives, but absent strong incentives to the contrary selfishness prevails. Moreover, this "greed is good" approach is deemed "rational" behavior. Nevertheless, in daily interactions and in numerous laboratory studies, a high degree of cooperative behavior prevails - even among strangers. A possible explanation for the substantial amount of "irrational" behavior observed in markets (and elsewhere) is that humans are a highly social species and to an extent value what other humans think of them. This behavior can be termed trustworthiness - cooperating when someone places trust in us. I also present the cross-country evidence for environments that produce high or low trust. A number of recent experiments from my lab have demonstrated that the neuroactive hormone oxytocin facilitates trust between strangers, and appears to induce trustworthiness. In rodents, oxytocin has been associated with maternal bonding, pro-social behaviors, and in some species long-term pair bonds, but prior to the work reviewed here, the behavioral effects of oxytocin in humans had not been studied. This chapter discusses the neurobiology of positive social behaviors and how these are facilitated by oxytocin. My experiments show that positive social signals cause oxytocin to be released by the brain, producing an unconscious attachment to a stranger. I also discuss recent research that manipulates oxytocin levels, and functional brain imaging research on trust.
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=764944
This line of research may answer one or two of your questions about selfless acts.
Here is one with Ursula Goodenough, also featured in the conference.
http://meaningoflife.tv/video.php?speaker=goodenough&topic=complete
What about the selflessness that goes on without the need of recognition or even mention? I, myself, prefer to not mention things like charity. I will however mention protests or fundraisers because we need numbers.
And as for as feeling accepted or admired, I knew that when I posted this thread, I'd be ridiculed and called silly. I did because the point was more important than my ego....I did it despite my ego.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Well, Zak's experiments focus on social trust. So I'm sure you are talking about something else, however, I think this research can give ideas of mechanism that cause other types of phenomena.
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:vBtEcJ9u4W0J:www.psych.upenn.edu/PLEEP/pdfs/2005%2520Zak%2520Kurzban%2520%26%2520Matzner%2520H%2520%26%2520B.pdf+paul+zak+experiment&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2
One example in the animal kingdom of charity is entirely egoism. Where leaders of packs donate their riches to less fortunate in order to display social dominance. There is a phenomenological experience that is quite different from the ego boost of winning a sporting match, but I would suggest that the phenomenology alone does not explain the mechanisms that cause it. It's quite possible that donating to charity is a selfish act, an act that makes us feel good in an altruistic fashion, but is not done solely for social trust, or the good of the tribe (and hence our own survival), but also for the unique experience inherent in giving. Why does that experience arise, seems to be the question you are asking. Would you be willing to accept an explanation that it is a selfish act, with either an evolutionary advantage, or perhaps the result of a self-destructive meme? Would you accept an explanation that is not as gratifying as the experience its self?