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 Prosgeopax
Jaded, yethopeful?
Registered: 01/28/05
Posts: 1,258
Loc: Appearing at a mall near ...
Last seen: 17 years, 5 months
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 These THINGS are Evil 
#4212331 - 05/23/05 10:14 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Drugs are evil...
Guns are evil...
Money is the root of all evil...
Ah, not quite.
These are all inanimate objects. Is penicillin evil? Were the guns used by American soldiers to liberate Western Europe from the Nazis evil? Is money sent to Sally Struther's "Feed the Children" charity evil? How can anyone believe that these or any other non-living things can be the cause or source of evil? Evil is a value that can only come from the intentions of and actions taken by people. The actions and intent of humans manipulating objects in their environment to certain ends may be evil, but not the objects themselves.
Individuals should be assigned full responsibility for their actions and blame should be placed squarely upon the shoulders of the actors, not the objects used in their actions. To do otherwise is not treating the cause of the moral ills which threaten the well being of our fellow man. Human intent and behavior are at the root of all evil. If we are to improve our world, this is where we must start. Attempting to control the material when the source of our problem is in the realm of the spiritual/moral/cognitive will NEVER lead us to success.
So, where do we begin? First, within ourselves. Then in how we conduct ourselves as individuals helping other individuals in communicating and understanding the memes which are necessary to transform human society. Appeal to reason and appeal to humanity, it is better to get agreement than to command obedience. Coercion will not, threats will not, legislation will not, society only advances when people begin to accept the ideas and morality as their own, as part of their culture and part of their psyche.
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Money doesn't grow on trees, but deficits do grow under Bushes.
You can accept, reject, or examine and test any new idea that comes to you. The wise man chooses the third way.
- Tom Willhite
Disclaimer: I reserve the right to change my opinions should I become aware of additional facts, the falsification of information or different perspectives. Articles written by others which I post may not necessarily reflect my opinions in part or in whole, my opinions may be in direct opposition, the topic may be one on which I have yet to formulate an opinion or have doubts about, an article may be posted solely with the intent to stimulate discussion or contemplation.
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 eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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 Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Prosgeopax]
#4212352 - 05/23/05 10:18 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Drugs are evil...
Guns are evil...
.
Put both of these in a vat of molten metal.... How evil are they....?
Money is the root of all evil...
.
It is the greed for money that is the root cause for evil....
(again, you can use the vat of molten metal....)
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Uni-VersALL  MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Greed is evil?
If it was not for human greed, not only would you not be here right now, the entire human species probably wouldn't.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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 Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212545 - 05/23/05 11:08 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Quote:
Ravus said:
Greed is evil?
If it was not for human greed, not only would you not be here right now, the entire human species probably wouldn't.
How so....?
.
(I am wondering what you said before it got edited....!?) 
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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You being here is a combination of many tiny variables. If America had lost the Revolutionary War, none of us would be here, because chances are, even if your parents DID meet up and have sex (they probably wouldn't be here either), the fact that events change the entire course of people's lives. You were one sperm of hundreds of millions, so if even your dad had pumped your mom one less time, or did her a few nights later, you wouldn't be here. Another sperm out of those hundreds of millions would've taken your place, and your genetic code would be just a dormant dying cell in your mother's vagina.
As for humanity, greed is a useful trait created by natural selection. Imagine if humans didn't have greed? They gave all their food and money and possessions away to others, yet those people also gave it away, and soon all people without greed and those purely altruistic would die off. If something cataclysmic happened, it'd be those that were greedy and stockpiled many possessions that would probably survive, compared to those who only had a few items in the fridge because they donated the rest to charity.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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Silversoul
Rhizome
Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212603 - 05/23/05 11:27 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Quote:
Ravus said:
As for humanity, greed is a useful trait created by natural selection. Imagine if humans didn't have greed? They gave all their food and money and possessions away to others, yet those people also gave it away, and soon all people without greed and those purely altruistic would die off. If something cataclysmic happened, it'd be those that were greedy and stockpiled many possessions that would probably survive, compared to those who only had a few items in the fridge because they donated the rest to charity.
Is greed merely self-interest, or is it excessive self-interest?
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Silversoul]
#4212606 - 05/23/05 11:30 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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As long as it doesn't interfere with your reproduction, it's not excessive. Those who are greedy and reproduce will have more for them and their family. So I wouldn't say it's excessive unless they do it to the point where they can't pass their genetic material on, in which case that excess will die off.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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Silversoul
Rhizome
Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212609 - 05/23/05 11:31 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Don't you think excess can be applied to morality as well? Surely reproduction isn't the only goal worth pursuing?
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Drink_Punk_Soda
Now with ExtraVaganza!?
Registered: 06/14/02
Posts: 1,677
Loc: Nowhere fast
Last seen: 2 years, 3 months
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Prosgeopax]
#4212610 - 05/23/05 11:31 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Women are evil.
Proof:
Women = Time x Money
Time is money, so
women = money?
Money is the root of evil, so
Women = Evil.
Yeah, I didn't make it up.
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Kumbayah my lord, Kumbayah...
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Silversoul]
#4212615 - 05/23/05 11:33 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Morality is so subjective to individual people that it's much easier for me to try to look at these situations through the eyes of evolution and natural selection.
Morally, is there excess greed? That depends on your morals. If you feel it's your moral obligation to give to the poor, then yes, it's obviously greedy to fend for yourself.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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Silversoul
Rhizome
Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212626 - 05/23/05 11:36 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Well, from an evolutionary standpoint, you may succeed in passing on your genes, but be greedy to the point that society, and therefore those who live in it, will suffer. And since humans are social creatures, such suffering would be bad for us as a species.
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212644 - 05/23/05 11:41 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Quote:
Ravus said:
You being here is a combination of many tiny variables. If America had lost the Revolutionary War, none of us would be here, because chances are, even if your parents DID meet up and have sex (they probably wouldn't be here either), the fact that events change the entire course of people's lives. You were one sperm of hundreds of millions, so if even your dad had pumped your mom one less time, or did her a few nights later, you wouldn't be here. Another sperm out of those hundreds of millions would've taken your place, and your genetic code would be just a dormant dying cell in your mother's vagina.
.
As for humanity, greed is a useful trait created by natural selection. Imagine if humans didn't have greed? They gave all their food and money and possessions away to others, yet those people also gave it away, and soon all people without greed and those purely altruistic would die off. If something cataclysmic happened, it'd be those that were greedy and stockpiled many possessions that would probably survive, compared to those who only had a few items in the fridge because they donated the rest to charity.
.
Well, I musta~ been a fast swimmer as a sperm, but I am sure that it wasn't greed, it was desire and determination....  And if it was a different sperm that would have made it, I may not be sitting her enjoying you write about my mom's vagina....
(By the way, it is her birthday tomorrow, be nice....!) 
So you've got "greed" and "stockpiling", and you have got the opposite with "giving EVERYTHING away".... There is a happy medium between both of those, "desire".... Either way, it is not the money or the gun or the drugs that are evil, it is the greed for those things.... It doesn't matter how we got here, not now anyways.... We are here.... Would it be better if I said,
"The greed for power is the root of all evil"....?
We fought for freedom from England, it's taxes and government.... Look how far it got us.... It "works" reeeeeeallllllly good.... 
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Silversoul]
#4212649 - 05/23/05 11:43 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Not necessarily. Let's think of greed in society from the viewpoint of natural selection:
Those who do not have enough for themselves to survive are placed in a bad situation, either by laziness, stupidity, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, etc.
Those who do have enough for themselves and give to others will put themselves genetically at a disadvantage, as they now have less for them and their family, but genetically are helping those who should rightfully die due to laziness, stupidity, etc., survive.
Those who do have enough for themselves and are greedy will have the most for themselves and their family.
It's a bit harsh, but those who do not have enough without relying on the kindness of others, by natural selection, should die out. These people are usually a minority, so those with the right traits to acquire materials and keep it, and therefore help pass on their genetic code, are the ones who survive. Greed is just a part of this, albeit not the whole thing, but still an important component to survival in our individual human nature.
As humans, we don't need everyone to survive after all, just those who are in favorable circumstances. All others will either die or not reproduce, therefore evolving the species.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Actually, sperm don't have feelings.  As a sperm, I highly doubt you were determined like a human would be. Rather, your cell just had enough energy to propel you to the egg in front of all others.
It doesn't matter how we got here? But think, if evolution required certain essential human emotions and parts, and suddenly we as a culture try to dispose of them, what would that do to our survival? If you try to take away that which got us here, you could easily wipe yourself or a culture out because you lost the individual desire and greed that's been useful to survival.
Before you go on naming things that are possibly evil, I'll clarify that I don't believe in good and evil. The closest I think in terms of morality is there are those traits which help us as individuals and as a species survive, and there are those which hinder our individual and our species' survival.
The greed for power has helped humans through hundreds of thousands of years. Someone has to fight and kill to lead the pack, after all. Someone has to create order and peace so we don't kill each other off (completely, partially doesn't matter). The greed for power may appear negative, but it's actually helped us many times, which is why it's still with us today. If the greed to power hindered humanity, humans would be a bunch of egalitarian Christians.
And the revolution from England does work really well. The U.S. is the sole surviving superpower with the most nuclear weapons and the best army. What could be better for our country's survival?
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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 Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212694 - 05/23/05 11:54 PM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Those who do have enough for themselves and give to others will put themselves genetically at a disadvantage, as they now have less for them and their family, but genetically are helping those who should rightfully die due to laziness, stupidity, etc., survive.
.
It's a bit harsh, but those who do not have enough without relying on the kindness of others, by natural selection, should die out. These people are usually a minority, so those with the right traits to acquire materials and keep it, and therefore help pass on their genetic code, are the ones who survive. Greed is just a part of this, albeit not the whole thing, but still an important component to survival in our individual human nature.
.
As humans, we don't need everyone to survive after all, just those who are in favorable circumstances. All others will either die or not reproduce, therefore evolving the species.
.
.
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Since everything may happen by chance(depending on what you believe), what if that "poor" person has the key to genetic evolution, and we all let that person not survive because all of the rich people of the world decided that it was more important to have 20 houses instead of 19 - with enough to purchase 100 new houses on the spot....?
What if you were that poor person that was at the wrong place at the wrong time....?
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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No one person has the key to genetic evolution. That's why bacteria breed so rapidly, and that's why there's 6 billion humans on the planet. If evolution required the genetic material of one person, we'd have been fucked long ago.
And if I was that poor person at the wrong place at the wrong time, I'd fight to survive, but if I didn't, c'est la vie.
I'm not actually saying I wouldn't help people and that I'm greedy myself, because I'm not. But I understand why greed isn't "evil" and why it's an essential component to human survival.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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 Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212749 - 05/24/05 12:10 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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It doesn't matter how we got here? But think, if evolution required certain essential human emotions and parts, and suddenly we as a culture try to dispose of them, what would that do to our survival? If you try to take away that which got us here, you could easily wipe yourself or a culture out because you lost the individual desire and greed that's been useful to survival.
.
.
.
Again, we are here.... All that stuff happened for a reason, and was important for the times.... We now know what is on the other side of the world, and people now live everywhere on the planet.... For the most part, the boundaries are set, and for the most part, we are all connected by some sort of communication devices....
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Now it is a race to figure out how to keep the Earth and ourselves healthy and alive without destroying ourselves and the Earth.... It is just different times, it is here and now.... We are not exploring and figuring out how to "start things up with structure and morals", we now need to focus on how to survive together.... Weather you are political, religious, or not, the goal is to survive - and is the underlying foundation to politics, religion, and instinct....
.
I think we have evolved as humans to feel compassion for a reason.... If it was just about greed for survival, we would not need or have compassionate feelings.... Right....?
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Kalix
'Head
Registered: 03/20/05
Posts: 1,504
Last seen: 17 years, 5 months
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4212903 - 05/24/05 01:12 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Quote:
Ravus said:
Not necessarily. Let's think of greed in society from the viewpoint of natural selection:
Those who do not have enough for themselves to survive are placed in a bad situation, either by laziness, stupidity, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, etc.
Those who do have enough for themselves and give to others will put themselves genetically at a disadvantage, as they now have less for them and their family, but genetically are helping those who should rightfully die due to laziness, stupidity, etc., survive.
Those who do have enough for themselves and are greedy will have the most for themselves and their family.
It's a bit harsh, but those who do not have enough without relying on the kindness of others, by natural selection, should die out. These people are usually a minority, so those with the right traits to acquire materials and keep it, and therefore help pass on their genetic code, are the ones who survive. Greed is just a part of this, albeit not the whole thing, but still an important component to survival in our individual human nature.
As humans, we don't need everyone to survive after all, just those who are in favorable circumstances. All others will either die or not reproduce, therefore evolving the species.
That's insane, IMHO, imagine a large carnivorous fish, in a pond. He is a huge fish, and very mean, he has a mate, and there is another pair of carnivorous fish in this pond. Less big, and mean. Also, there is a limited population of small meek fish that the carnivore fish eat. If the larger meaner fish where to be unwilling to share the population of the smaller meek fish, following your theory of evolution, he would soon kill off the population of meek fish, and everyone would die. If, he instead only ate sparingly, what he needed, then the meek fish would have time to reproduce and feed him, not to mention his species would do better, because the other carnivore fish, would be able to survive and reproduce also.
The point of not looking out for your fellow beings, to accumulate more than you need is destructive. Why should a few get fat, and let everyone else starve? It will end up hurting them too, if not right away, then down the road. After all the point of life is to reproduce...
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My Unitarian Jihad Name is: The Shotgun of Sweet Reason
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Kalix]
#4212932 - 05/24/05 01:35 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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We are all just big fish in a big pond..... I like that....! 
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Evil is live spelled backwards. You dig!     
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"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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 Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Icelander]
#4213049 - 05/24/05 02:27 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Silversoul
Rhizome
Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Prosgeopax]
#4213057 - 05/24/05 02:29 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Did you hear about the dyslexic atheist? He doesn't believe in dog.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Silversoul]
#4213065 - 05/24/05 02:32 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Man we is funny.  
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"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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eMotionALLmotion
DivineeMotive....
Registered: 02/28/05
Posts: 759
Loc: The Symphony of Lights......
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Icelander]
#4213077 - 05/24/05 02:36 AM (18 years, 8 days ago) |
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Nam, ew is ynnuF....
(I don't believe in dog jokes....)
I will stop now.... 
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Uni-VersALL MasterPeace
eMotive Divinity NowThere Infinity eMelody
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Nomad
Mad Robot
Registered: 04/30/02
Posts: 422
Last seen: 15 years, 5 months
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4213307 - 05/24/05 07:29 AM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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Greed is evil? If it was not for human greed, not only would you not be here right now, the entire human species probably wouldn't.
Yes, but that would be a good thing, obviously. That's why greed is evil.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Nomad]
#4213354 - 05/24/05 07:55 AM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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Case closed! 
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"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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JacquesCousteau
Being.
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Posts: 7,825
Loc: Everywhere, Everytime.
Last seen: 1 year, 22 days
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4213360 - 05/24/05 08:00 AM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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Quote:
Ravus said:I'm not actually saying I wouldn't help people and that I'm greedy myself, because I'm not.
Why do you feel the need to point this out? Or even moreso, why do you adhere to that system if you yourself said there's nothing wrong with greed?
I understand the concept of transcending labels of good and evil, as they are a product of our perceptions and not inherent values of any given thing...
But I don't see how you can say all that, and then turn around and say that you don't condone the systems through action.
What is it that prevents you from being greedy, if not a moral standpoint??
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OldWoodSpecter
waiting
Registered: 02/01/05
Posts: 4,033
Loc: mountains and lakes
Last seen: 16 years, 7 months
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Icelander]
#4213383 - 05/24/05 08:13 AM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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Quote:
Icelander said:
Evil is live spelled backwards. You dig!
only in english language, therefore it is a coincedence
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I descend upon your earth from the skies
I command your very souls you unbelievers
Bring before me what is mine
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Ya I dig, big daddy Specter. 
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"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.
" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.
With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Alan Stone
Corpus
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4213815 - 05/24/05 11:08 AM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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Quote:
As humans, we don't need everyone to survive after all, just those who are in favorable circumstances.
You mean you don't need any of the less fortunate souls who work in factories assembling your car? How about those in sweatshops sewing your sneakers? How about those poor coffee farmers who provide your cup o' Joe? How about sewage workers? I can go on for a while, ya know.
Those in favourable circumstances (us, Occidentals) do not need to be greedy to reproduce. Basic health care is enough.
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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
- Aristotle
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Doom
Rogue
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Alan Stone]
#4213842 - 05/24/05 11:14 AM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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Quote:
Alan Stone said:
Quote:
As humans, we don't need everyone to survive after all, just those who are in favorable circumstances.
You mean you don't need any of the less fortunate souls who work in factories assembling your car? How about those in sweatshops sewing your sneakers? How about those poor coffee farmers who provide your cup o' Joe? How about sewage workers? I can go on for a while, ya know.
Those in favourable circumstances (us, Occidentals) do not need to be greedy to reproduce. Basic health care is enough.
Occidentals? shit, last time I checked most people who lived in trailer parks were occidentals. maybe Mr.Said should pay them a visit.
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Quote:
Why do you feel the need to point this out? Or even moreso, why do you adhere to that system if you yourself said there's nothing wrong with greed?
I understand the concept of transcending labels of good and evil, as they are a product of our perceptions and not inherent values of any given thing...
But I don't see how you can say all that, and then turn around and say that you don't condone the systems through action.
What is it that prevents you from being greedy, if not a moral standpoint??
I point it out because I don't follow many traditional human traits, even if it would help my survival. Humans have faith and hope for a reason, just like they have greed and selfishness for a reason, and I realize that faith helps get humans through hard times. This is the beauty of evolution. I myself still do not adhere to it, even if I realize its use for human survival.
I don't say all that, I observe it to be true, that greed is helpful for human survival. People will use the analogy of the big fish in the pond eating all the little fish and killing off their species, but the problem with that analogy applied to humans is that everybody has the potential to be a big fish, and we are in an ocean of resources. Everybody is fighting to eat the little fish and stay alive, and though some humans die in the process, this is simply survival. There is no human who is possibly a big enough fish to eat all the little fish and singlehandedly kill off the species. Even the top few thousand people in the world in terms of money and resources don't take so much that there's not enough for mostly everyone else, yet with such massive amounts of money, houses and cars, how could they be considered anything but greedy?
This doesn't mean I, or anyone else, has to follow anything that is useful to human survival. But neither will I call it evil or say that it should be eliminated, as many "enlightened" people who would kill off humanity do. My own human decision allows me to not be greedy in terms of resources, because to be completely honest, I'm too greedy in terms of trying to acquire knowledge.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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JacquesCousteau
Being.
Registered: 06/10/03
Posts: 7,825
Loc: Everywhere, Everytime.
Last seen: 1 year, 22 days
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4214548 - 05/24/05 02:23 PM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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My own human decision allows me to not be greedy in terms of resources, because to be completely honest, I'm too greedy in terms of trying to acquire knowledge.
Thanks for the response. While I agree with that statement, and even embody it myself, there is a difference to be noted: When one gains knowledge, no one loses it as a result. So, in a way, moral dictation may still apply, because we choose a form of greed much less likely to hinder someone else's way of life.
Just thinkin' out loud... 
Just to clarify:
I'm not saying that your decisions are necessarily consciously based on morality... I am saying that there is a fair chance that there is a subconscious "backbone" to our chosen methods that explains our choices based on a core belief that it's morally wrong to harm others unless absolutely necessary.
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Veritas
Registered: 04/15/05
Posts: 11,089
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I believe the original phrase was "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil."
IMO the "evil" lies in devoting oneself to material wealth at the expense of spiritual wealth.
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Kalix
'Head
Registered: 03/20/05
Posts: 1,504
Last seen: 17 years, 5 months
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4214906 - 05/24/05 04:00 PM (18 years, 7 days ago) |
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I point it out because I don't follow many traditional human traits, even if it would help my survival. Humans have faith and hope for a reason, just like they have greed and selfishness for a reason, and I realize that faith helps get humans through hard times. This is the beauty of evolution. I myself still do not adhere to it, even if I realize its use for human survival.
I don't say all that, I observe it to be true, that greed is helpful for human survival. People will use the analogy of the big fish in the pond eating all the little fish and killing off their species, but the problem with that analogy applied to humans is that everybody has the potential to be a big fish, and we are in an ocean of resources. Everybody is fighting to eat the little fish and stay alive, and though some humans die in the process, this is simply survival. There is no human who is possibly a big enough fish to eat all the little fish and singlehandedly kill off the species. Even the top few thousand people in the world in terms of money and resources don't take so much that there's not enough for mostly everyone else, yet with such massive amounts of money, houses and cars, how could they be considered anything but greedy?
This doesn't mean I, or anyone else, has to follow anything that is useful to human survival. But neither will I call it evil or say that it should be eliminated, as many "enlightened" people who would kill off humanity do. My own human decision allows me to not be greedy in terms of resources, because to be completely honest, I'm too greedy in terms of trying to acquire knowledge.
I think there are different grades of greed. The kind of greed that helps a race survive, such as the urge to orgasm are different than the kind of greed that makes people horde wealth and resources. The first kind is natural and needed, but the second is a perverted, and inappropriate form of the first...
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My Unitarian Jihad Name is: The Shotgun of Sweet Reason
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Nomad
Mad Robot
Registered: 04/30/02
Posts: 422
Last seen: 15 years, 5 months
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 Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4217672 - 05/25/05 07:54 AM (18 years, 6 days ago) |
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Regarding your new sig - I really don't consider you a fascist, and I actually find your sarcasm quite refreshing; yet I have to admit that I, too, smelt the stench of such tendency behind your posts. Since I now know that I am not the only one who interpreted you that way, I feel compelled to throw some light on the issue, for your benefit. For if I were to write posts which others judge as having kind of fascist content, I'd appreciate very much when someone gives me a hint, so I may reconsider my position, change my style, or just be more aware of the provocation involved for casual readers.
I am more than happy to provide that service for you.
According to your argument, there must not be any humans on the planet without greed, for greedless humans are less capable of reproduction, and therefore have become extinct long ago. What you are expounding is not natural selection, but the so-called "natural fallacy", the attempt to derive human values from nature. The corresponding philosophy is called "social darwinism", it's most famous promoter being german scientist Ernst Haeckel, who provided the ideological justification for racism and genocide.
Fascism
a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
b. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
It's a bit harsh, but those who do not have enough without relying on the kindness of others, by natural selection, should die out.
The greed for power has helped humans through hundreds of thousands of years. Someone has to fight and kill to lead the pack, after all.
See?
Now, something completely different:
But neither will I call it evil or say that it should be eliminated, as many "enlightened" people who would kill off humanity do.
Ah, not only humanity, you know. That would be too easy. They all have to go, every single sentient being in every single realm of existence, above, below, and in each parallel dimension, too, merging their consciousness with the supreme bliss of unconditioned deathlessness, until, one beautiful day, samsara will be - empty. That's the plan, anyway.
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Ravus
Not an EggshellWalker
Registered: 07/18/03
Posts: 7,991
Loc: Cave of the Patriarchs
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Nomad]
#4219304 - 05/25/05 04:52 PM (18 years, 6 days ago) |
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Actually, I was just testing out a German-English translator, and thought that the stereotypical fascist ramblings of the Nazis looked and sounded quite interesting. I also thought no one knew German or cared enough to translate it, but alas, the mods proved me wrong on that, and I was asked to change it.
One of the biggest fallacies people have is that because the Nazis supported something, it must be wrong or evil. I consider this to be pure bullshit. I don't care who endorsed what in the past, as it doesn't change the current scientific theories or my own philosophical leanings. So a Nazi scientist had a similar view on natural selection that I have? Good for him, maybe he was intelligent, maybe he was insane, but his opinions will not discourage me from posting mine.
My scientific views on the origins of human values, emotions and traits doesn't reflect my views on politics or government in any way. I realize the usefulness of greed, I realize that death is essential to evolution, but do I advocate them because of this? If anything, my leanings are somewhere between the social and economic freedom of the libertarians and the environmental protection of the greens.
Nor do the Nazis go against my observations, either. Germany was in bad condition after losing World War I, but under the guidance of a strong central leader, crazy as he was, he organized the country back into a strong superpower and waged war on the world, taking over many territories before he was stopped. Someone does indeed have to fight and kill for the pack, even if they're insane, because human nature has humanity follow confident central leaders.
Sadly, those that the craziest and most set in their beliefs are often the ones most confident in their views and their leadership, which is why we'll notice mentally unstable people coming to power. Not only Hitler, but Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Reagan, Vlad the Impaler, mainly all rulers throughout the Middle Ages and even before that, were all some of the worst people for the job. That is natural selection though, and since these people were the strongest and won the position, they are remembered throughout history.
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So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another.
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Alan Stone
Corpus
Registered: 11/23/02
Posts: 986
Loc: Ten feet up
Last seen: 17 years, 10 months
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Doom]
#4219531 - 05/25/05 05:46 PM (18 years, 6 days ago) |
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Quote:
Shit, last time I checked most people who lived in trailer parks were occidentals. maybe Mr.Said should pay them a visit.
You mean trailer park folk cannot and do not reproduce? What's your point?
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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
- Aristotle
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kaiowas
lest we baguette
Registered: 07/14/03
Posts: 5,501
Loc: oz
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Re: These THINGS are Evil [Re: Ravus]
#4219610 - 05/25/05 06:15 PM (18 years, 6 days ago) |
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ravus...greed is caused by fear isn't it? People that want more than they need, also known as avarice. it's a downward spiral of human's ruthlessness against its own kind.
lets look at some hisotry...
When France was defeated in 1871 in the Franco-Prussian War it was forced to pay a huge indemnity. After Germany was defeated in WWI France exacted a greedy settlement from it. This overtaxed the German economy resulting in huge inflation. The people turned to Hitler as a way out of the mess, resulting in WWII including the occupation of France.
you consider this evolution?
Greed..this type of fear is characterized by an exaggerated valuation for external things. It causes people to wish particularly to accumulate and possess things which others consider to be valuable as a means of asserting their own worth. it limits compasssion..and you call this evolution?
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Annnnnnd I had a light saber and my friend was there and I said "you look like an indian" and he said "you look like satan" and he found a stick and a rock and he named the rock ooga booga and he named the stick Stick and we both thought that was pretty funny. We got eaten alive by mosquitos but didn't notice til the next day. I stepped on some glass while wading in the swamp and cut my foot open, didn't bother me til the next day either....yeah it was a good time, ended the night by buying some liquor for minors and drinking nips and going to he diner and eating chicken fingers, and then I went home and went to bed.
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