The End of Life

Many will be cold but few frozen.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

It is a bit hard to figure out what Christians believe when we don't have a set definition of what a Christian is.

Did it? Both Quantum Loop Gravity and String Theory say different.

Just FYI, in Dan Carrol language, "Carrol" has two ls.

---

"He supposed that the intent of the Gospels was to teach people, among other things, to be merciful, even to the lowest of the low. But the Gospels actually taught this: Before you kill somebody, make absolutely sure he isn't well connected."
-Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Mass-energy is positive, gravitational energy is negative. The energy content of the Universe is near zero. It may be exactly zero. If it is exactly zero, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle tells us that the Universe may just be a quantum fluctuation that could last an arbitrary length of time. IOW, according to very well grounded modern physics, it's possible that the Universe did just appear from nothing, randomly, for no reason whatsoever.We don't have anough evidence to accept or reject this hypothesis, but it's possible.

I think I didn't press the second "l" hard enough.So go read a comic!

Loudmouth, the world isn't ignorant because of a lack of knowledge. The world is rife with knowledge, but festers in its own lack of wisdom.

I'm sure if you wanted a giant robot Gundam, it's possible with the current advancements of technology. Thanks.

quote:

---

Loudmouth, the world isn't ignorant because of a lack of knowledge. The world is rife with knowledge, but festers in its own lack of wisdom.

---

I think we will have to agree to disagree on this one (afterall, this is just opinion). I feel that the world is on the edge of a neo-Enlightenment period. People are more conscious of suffering across the world, and are willing to do something about it. When in our history have people fought to treat people during a famine like we have in recent times? When have we fought for democracy and inalienable human rights for different cultures on different continents? When have we strove for the betterment of ALL peoples health and welfare? In distant history, cultures tended to be isolationist in nature, only looking at other countries as sources of slaves and natural resources (Spanish and Incas/Aztecs, African slave trade, Jews and the conquering of the Near East). There are still wars that go against this trend, but for the most part there is a world wide movement towards peace and the betterment of humankind as a whole. To me, this is an increase in wisdom, realizing that making life better for people that you will never meet is a good thing (dare I say Christian like). Although, we would have been better off without the song "We Are the World", that song was annoying.

What is your definition of wisdom, sir?

quote:

---

What is your definition of wisdom, sir?

---

The most beneficial choice. "Beneficial" being a subjective judgement about the consequences of an action. In my view, "beneficial" is the choice that helps all of mankind, but may not be beneficial to the individual. Some may think of wisdom as a personal philosophy, but philosophy is nothing without action. Wisdom is useless unless it changes our actions towards a better goal. Of course, this is just my opinion. What is your view on wisdom?

You are largely correct. Wisdom is the choice that benefits man, but it does not always harm the individual. However, wisdom requires an understanding of the matter. First knowledge, then understanding, then wisdom. Knowledge is useless without first having an understanding of it, and wisdom is exercising this understood knowledge.For my own knowledge, what kinds of things do you think could be beneficial to society? Do you think that there are things that haven't been understood? What about things that people claim to have understood, and have not an idea of how it should work?This message has been edited by TheNewGuy03, 06-04-2004 02:32 PM

quote:

---

First knowledge, then understanding, then wisdom. Knowledge is useless without first having an understanding of it, and wisdom is exercising this understood knowledge.

---

Something we can totally agree on. Believe it or not, us evos are actually easy going and will agree with creationists on some things.

quote:

---

For my own knowledge, what kinds of things do you think could be beneficial to society?

---

Better access to health care. An open education system that can bend to fit advanced students while still giving less advanced students and strong education. Less elitism within government (especially in the US, may be the same in other democracies, UK?). Fewer laws focusing on personal morality, sodomy laws for example, that do not affect society or its funciton. I would say "World Peace", but I am not contending for a sash and tiara. These are just a few, but the main focus is more personal freedom and easier access to institutions that can better our minds and bodies, which I think can lead to a healthier society.

quote:

---

Do you think that there are things that haven't been understood?

---

In the US, we call ourselves a democracy, but in truth we are a Republic or Federalist state. A democracy is "majority rules" sort of system, while in America the government is set up to protect the minority at the cost of weakening the majority. Protecting the minority view, in my opinion, is the wiser choice than simply folding to majority opinion. Sometimes we Americans forget about this aspect of our government and societal history and get upset when the majority opinion isn't followed, especially in cases surrounding the Separation of Church and State.

quote:

---

What about things that people claim to have understood, and have not an idea of how it should work?

---

See above. I like stunning people by telling them that us Americans do not live in a Democracy. They acted stunned, but start to understand when I ask them, "How did you vote on the Bill to fund the War in Iraq?" In a true democracy, every bill and law would be voted on by the entire populace instead of elected representatives. We do have a democratic government, but it is a Federalist Republic.

Yah, it's pretty shocking to most people. That's an example of ignorance. Ignorance isn't as bad as most people can say, but it can hurt you. Ignorance is simply the unknown.On a side note, do you think there is a significance to death? That there is a possibility that there is such thing as a God and the ethereal? Things like that can not be scientifically proven.

Surprisingly, many Americans even think the Constitution says every American has the right to vote for the President.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion