Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 27
August 31, 2020
Truth and Belief.
Truth is defined as the relation to fact or reality. However truth is often stated in connection with beliefs and ideologies. In this respect, I suggest the founding of knowledge claimed about the universe and life, must acknowledge nothing is static and everything is in a form of motion.
An example of this theory is at any point in time a snapshot of the universe will appear specific yet the whole picture is not fully formed. If one was to draw conclusions as to cause and reason it would be like building a foundation on quicksand.
Another useful analogy is that of a maze which is perpetually expanding, and one claiming to know where the centre and exit are in addition to an explanation as for what caused the maze. The truth is, anywhere and everywhere will appear to be at the centre of the maze.
For us life is important, but life forms come and go and how long we survive as a species is part of how things are. Life is a little like wild bush fires that spontaneously ignite until the circumstances change and no longer sustain the fire.
The point is that if truth is to have a consistent value it can not vary according to how facts of reality are viewed. Otherwise truth just becomes an expression of faith, that is not based on objective facts.
A chair is a specific object that serves a purpose and in that respect is complete. The universe and life are in a continuous state of change and therefore not complete. I do not mean this in relation to a single life but mean to demonstrate the whole process of changing life. The universe is constantly forming stars that live and eventually die and some may form black holes. The death of a star is a critical process of providing more complex material for the eventual birth of a new star and this could eventually become none specific life.
Faith does not require certainty of facts or reality, simply the ideology is excepted as being true. This might present a problem as truth is no longer being consistently based on the facts of reality.
If somebody chose to believe the moon is made of green cheese, it is not theoretically a problem as people should be free to believe in whatever they like. However if they try to force their belief on to others it is only right that the truth of the belief should be compared to facts.
Communication of different views should be conducted in a peaceful manner. It is imperative to full comprehension and integrity, that any sort of notion on truth and belief, be presented fairly and without the negative or brutal violation of one perspective over another. Fundamentally the basis of such principles born of personal philosophy and free thinking juxtapose a monopoly, distortion or oppression over this kind of thought and action.
An example of this theory is at any point in time a snapshot of the universe will appear specific yet the whole picture is not fully formed. If one was to draw conclusions as to cause and reason it would be like building a foundation on quicksand.
Another useful analogy is that of a maze which is perpetually expanding, and one claiming to know where the centre and exit are in addition to an explanation as for what caused the maze. The truth is, anywhere and everywhere will appear to be at the centre of the maze.
For us life is important, but life forms come and go and how long we survive as a species is part of how things are. Life is a little like wild bush fires that spontaneously ignite until the circumstances change and no longer sustain the fire.
The point is that if truth is to have a consistent value it can not vary according to how facts of reality are viewed. Otherwise truth just becomes an expression of faith, that is not based on objective facts.
A chair is a specific object that serves a purpose and in that respect is complete. The universe and life are in a continuous state of change and therefore not complete. I do not mean this in relation to a single life but mean to demonstrate the whole process of changing life. The universe is constantly forming stars that live and eventually die and some may form black holes. The death of a star is a critical process of providing more complex material for the eventual birth of a new star and this could eventually become none specific life.
Faith does not require certainty of facts or reality, simply the ideology is excepted as being true. This might present a problem as truth is no longer being consistently based on the facts of reality.
If somebody chose to believe the moon is made of green cheese, it is not theoretically a problem as people should be free to believe in whatever they like. However if they try to force their belief on to others it is only right that the truth of the belief should be compared to facts.
Communication of different views should be conducted in a peaceful manner. It is imperative to full comprehension and integrity, that any sort of notion on truth and belief, be presented fairly and without the negative or brutal violation of one perspective over another. Fundamentally the basis of such principles born of personal philosophy and free thinking juxtapose a monopoly, distortion or oppression over this kind of thought and action.
August 24, 2020
Table of Life.
I asked myself a quick but significant question the other day, who should be at the head of the table of life?
It got me thinking about who or what should take that most prominent position. What kind of ability or life skill qualifies for the answer to my question. First, I thought about the fact that amongst the species of jelly fish is the immortal jelly fish and as its name implies it simply does not die. This is quite a concept to comprehend! Achieved once it becomes mature, it has the ability to return to a former immature stage of life and keep repeating the process. However it still is vulnerable to other forms of death.
Maybe single cell prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms deserve a mention, as they first appeared on earth about four billion years ago and for a considerable amount of time all life was actually microorganisms.
An impressive stepping stone in the table of life are creatures that posses qualities of vegetation and animal behaviour, such as the green sea slug that uses photosynthesis for survival.
The Euglena is a good example of having the traits of life and processes for both vegetation and animal. It is small, narrow and propels itself through water by a whip like appendage. They have chloroplasts that are clearly visible and convert sun light into energy for living processes. This form of algae are incredible in their energy transfer ability and definitely ranking up there on a table of life.
The flat worm has a mind boggling ability to replace damaged or lost parts of its self, converting and regrowing accordingly so as to continue survival. I will not go into the details as they are slightly stomach turning. Did I say stomach? That reminds me of tape worms.
The Archaeopteryx caused a great debate over possessing bird feathers and scales, as well as teeth in its mouth. It also had a claw on its wing to help with climbing.
Not to be outdone with unusual attributes, the platypus is a mammal with a duck bill that lays eggs and is a carnivore. It has webbed feet and on its hind legs, a poisonous spur. It also is covered in fur and has a flattened tail. It’s habitat is in streams and rivers based in Australia and Tasmania
Is that the sound of a human baby crying? Compared with other forms of life, the human young take a very long time to reach the stage of being able to survive on its own. The human brain and the ability to speak, as well as cooperating for survival, are important attributes. However they are influential, as it is quite possible that these human models of civilised behaviour, could destroy the ecosystem by design or accident?
It should be pointed out that at a real table, most of these guests would be eating each other or infested with parasites and bacteria, not to leave out of course viruses. Yet it is important to realise that this is the way of life and for millions of years, even after mass extinction of creatures, there has been a new surge of life.
It got me thinking about who or what should take that most prominent position. What kind of ability or life skill qualifies for the answer to my question. First, I thought about the fact that amongst the species of jelly fish is the immortal jelly fish and as its name implies it simply does not die. This is quite a concept to comprehend! Achieved once it becomes mature, it has the ability to return to a former immature stage of life and keep repeating the process. However it still is vulnerable to other forms of death.
Maybe single cell prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms deserve a mention, as they first appeared on earth about four billion years ago and for a considerable amount of time all life was actually microorganisms.
An impressive stepping stone in the table of life are creatures that posses qualities of vegetation and animal behaviour, such as the green sea slug that uses photosynthesis for survival.
The Euglena is a good example of having the traits of life and processes for both vegetation and animal. It is small, narrow and propels itself through water by a whip like appendage. They have chloroplasts that are clearly visible and convert sun light into energy for living processes. This form of algae are incredible in their energy transfer ability and definitely ranking up there on a table of life.
The flat worm has a mind boggling ability to replace damaged or lost parts of its self, converting and regrowing accordingly so as to continue survival. I will not go into the details as they are slightly stomach turning. Did I say stomach? That reminds me of tape worms.
The Archaeopteryx caused a great debate over possessing bird feathers and scales, as well as teeth in its mouth. It also had a claw on its wing to help with climbing.
Not to be outdone with unusual attributes, the platypus is a mammal with a duck bill that lays eggs and is a carnivore. It has webbed feet and on its hind legs, a poisonous spur. It also is covered in fur and has a flattened tail. It’s habitat is in streams and rivers based in Australia and Tasmania
Is that the sound of a human baby crying? Compared with other forms of life, the human young take a very long time to reach the stage of being able to survive on its own. The human brain and the ability to speak, as well as cooperating for survival, are important attributes. However they are influential, as it is quite possible that these human models of civilised behaviour, could destroy the ecosystem by design or accident?
It should be pointed out that at a real table, most of these guests would be eating each other or infested with parasites and bacteria, not to leave out of course viruses. Yet it is important to realise that this is the way of life and for millions of years, even after mass extinction of creatures, there has been a new surge of life.
August 17, 2020
Swimming Gala
Some things in life are worth remembering, especially if they bring a genuine smile or two about, through the recollection process.
A particular incident happened to me when at junior school and during a swimming gala I had been picked with a class mate, to represent the school, in no less than the struggler's relay completion. It was a highly regarded event and it meant that for those who despite strenuous efforts had not mastered the skill of actually swimming, there was an incentive and objective to get those water based skills going!
On the day of the event we were full of nervous energy and felt far from practised enough. All thoughts on strategy, technique or methods went out of our minds and we all of a sudden had no clue as to what we were required to do.
The momentous time had finally come and an intimidating rope was stretched right across the swimming bath, it had been placed about thirty foot from the end of the shallow part of the pool. Eight couples representing each competing school prepared themselves for the start of the race. It was only then that my school mate offered to go first, to place two clothes pegs on the rope for me and to retrieve once he returned and had touched the side of the pool. The blast of the starting whistle made me jump and my class mate waded out to the rope.
I looked in mounting horror as it seemed that my partner had decided to place the pegs in the opposite way to all the others and to make things worse, all the other competitors were making their way back to the poolside.
Impatiently I waited as there was splash after splash while my competitors jumped into the pool.
Even jumping in the pool was not something I was comfortable with doing, however at last my school mate had arrived and so I slipped into the cool massive expanse of liquid, to gasp with shock at the feel of the water.
Courageously I started my epic, although near impossible struggle out to the clothes pegs. I appeared to be the only one going out, as by that critical time everybody else was on their way back, triumphantly clutching their clothes pegs. I was surprised on reaching the pegs, to observe that it was in fact much easier to snatch them from the rope and maybe the time spent in placing them was an advantage rather than a drawback. On turning I partly lost my balance, and holding my breath, valiantly disappeared under the water surface and pushed strongly against the pool bottom.
Now my swimming gait had become like a human submarine and as I broke the surface to gulp more air I heard the encouraging roar of the crowd which spurned me on to greater effort. It was with dismay that I glanced to my side and saw at least one competitor was about to touch the side of the pool.
Out of breath and exhausted I suddenly realised a lady was asking me for my name.
Later my class mate and I were standing second to receive our reward for the struggler's relay race. It was something of a consolation that one of the winning two turned to me and said that there would have been no doubt that if I had jumped in the pool, it would have been me and my classmate accepting the winning prize.
Of course I would have preferred to win, but the very fact of achieving what at first appeared impossible, is an enjoyment of its own. If you want to be philosophical about it, isn’t that what life is all about?
A particular incident happened to me when at junior school and during a swimming gala I had been picked with a class mate, to represent the school, in no less than the struggler's relay completion. It was a highly regarded event and it meant that for those who despite strenuous efforts had not mastered the skill of actually swimming, there was an incentive and objective to get those water based skills going!
On the day of the event we were full of nervous energy and felt far from practised enough. All thoughts on strategy, technique or methods went out of our minds and we all of a sudden had no clue as to what we were required to do.
The momentous time had finally come and an intimidating rope was stretched right across the swimming bath, it had been placed about thirty foot from the end of the shallow part of the pool. Eight couples representing each competing school prepared themselves for the start of the race. It was only then that my school mate offered to go first, to place two clothes pegs on the rope for me and to retrieve once he returned and had touched the side of the pool. The blast of the starting whistle made me jump and my class mate waded out to the rope.
I looked in mounting horror as it seemed that my partner had decided to place the pegs in the opposite way to all the others and to make things worse, all the other competitors were making their way back to the poolside.
Impatiently I waited as there was splash after splash while my competitors jumped into the pool.
Even jumping in the pool was not something I was comfortable with doing, however at last my school mate had arrived and so I slipped into the cool massive expanse of liquid, to gasp with shock at the feel of the water.
Courageously I started my epic, although near impossible struggle out to the clothes pegs. I appeared to be the only one going out, as by that critical time everybody else was on their way back, triumphantly clutching their clothes pegs. I was surprised on reaching the pegs, to observe that it was in fact much easier to snatch them from the rope and maybe the time spent in placing them was an advantage rather than a drawback. On turning I partly lost my balance, and holding my breath, valiantly disappeared under the water surface and pushed strongly against the pool bottom.
Now my swimming gait had become like a human submarine and as I broke the surface to gulp more air I heard the encouraging roar of the crowd which spurned me on to greater effort. It was with dismay that I glanced to my side and saw at least one competitor was about to touch the side of the pool.
Out of breath and exhausted I suddenly realised a lady was asking me for my name.
Later my class mate and I were standing second to receive our reward for the struggler's relay race. It was something of a consolation that one of the winning two turned to me and said that there would have been no doubt that if I had jumped in the pool, it would have been me and my classmate accepting the winning prize.
Of course I would have preferred to win, but the very fact of achieving what at first appeared impossible, is an enjoyment of its own. If you want to be philosophical about it, isn’t that what life is all about?
August 10, 2020
Epistemology.
It is rare to discover a total new way of reflecting and thinking about strongly felt positions which simultaneously offers a peaceful exploration of what knowledge really means.
The first step to this ideal goal could be by using Socratic open ended questions and doing this with a willing conversational partner. The key to start the process is a person who is willing to spend a little time in picking a subject and then considering how strongly they support a particular view about that chosen subject. Subsequently, the interviewer should at all times be respectful but probe how it is that they have arrived at their particular view and, if necessary offer hypothetical competing views. This is with the purpose, of establishing the efficiency of the method being used, to find the truth of that particular view.
A particular way of conducting organised interviews is called street epistemology. Nothing is quite like observing an example of this in action, as it is very informative to view a recording of a session and note the techniques that have been implemented. It should be clear to anyone who wants to actively engage in this kind of knowledge quest, that there is a method to it, and a successful interview is simply one that causes the person being interviewed to think about the methods they are using to find a truth.
Every interviewer should have an open mind and learn from the individual experiences. Furthermore, at the beginning of a session they should offer to disclose at the end of the session, their own feelings about the subject. Another useful point is to leave a contact method, should the interlocutor wish to have a further talk or need some clarification over the points raised.
Epistemology is a useful tool that can be used at any time, in all different situations and different ways. Once the form of questioning is understood, why not explore your own strongly held beliefs on a given topic? The benefit of this, is to understand your feelings better and it is good practice for selecting the appropriate open ended questions.
Just to be clear epistemology is the method being used to form knowledge, not debating the individual points that the interlocutor might be using to arrive at a conclusion.
It is how you know things and the reliability of how you have come to that result which can be both intriguing and insightful.
The first step to this ideal goal could be by using Socratic open ended questions and doing this with a willing conversational partner. The key to start the process is a person who is willing to spend a little time in picking a subject and then considering how strongly they support a particular view about that chosen subject. Subsequently, the interviewer should at all times be respectful but probe how it is that they have arrived at their particular view and, if necessary offer hypothetical competing views. This is with the purpose, of establishing the efficiency of the method being used, to find the truth of that particular view.
A particular way of conducting organised interviews is called street epistemology. Nothing is quite like observing an example of this in action, as it is very informative to view a recording of a session and note the techniques that have been implemented. It should be clear to anyone who wants to actively engage in this kind of knowledge quest, that there is a method to it, and a successful interview is simply one that causes the person being interviewed to think about the methods they are using to find a truth.
Every interviewer should have an open mind and learn from the individual experiences. Furthermore, at the beginning of a session they should offer to disclose at the end of the session, their own feelings about the subject. Another useful point is to leave a contact method, should the interlocutor wish to have a further talk or need some clarification over the points raised.
Epistemology is a useful tool that can be used at any time, in all different situations and different ways. Once the form of questioning is understood, why not explore your own strongly held beliefs on a given topic? The benefit of this, is to understand your feelings better and it is good practice for selecting the appropriate open ended questions.
Just to be clear epistemology is the method being used to form knowledge, not debating the individual points that the interlocutor might be using to arrive at a conclusion.
It is how you know things and the reliability of how you have come to that result which can be both intriguing and insightful.
August 3, 2020
Positive Principles
If you took up a map of the world showing all the different religions, it would form a colourful quilt of different beliefs.
Some of these religions focus on how the earth and humans came about, although interesting I believe is a more timely apt consideration, and that could be tolerance. If this one trait of principle is practised by the individual, hopefully a growing and collective good faith would encourage active social benevolence to all different faiths.
Unfortunately in reality some world views specifically state humane goals and in a drive to achieve those aims will adopt particular forms of dress and display symbols of their faith. It is ironic that in defiance of these admirable goals these clearly visible practitioners of every day observance will with extreme violence attack and kill those of a different culture. What is even worse in some cases is that their leaders will swear that these actions did not take place.
Then there are those of a similar belief that will, for a minor interpenetration of their religion, conduct war on their fellow brother and sisters. In approaching this highly emotive topic one should not ignore countries that share a common belief yet feel justified in annihilating each other.
To be clear, it is the human conduct rather than religion that I am trying to highlight.
Faith can sustain admirable goals and also horrific actions on fellow human beings. Therefore ideally this concept might suggest using an active personal moral approach to implementing religion in the way of positively and proactively treating other people with compassion.
Faith alone does not decide what is true. That is up to the individual. However when truth is in conflict with empathy and human welfare, I would choose the latter.
Some of these religions focus on how the earth and humans came about, although interesting I believe is a more timely apt consideration, and that could be tolerance. If this one trait of principle is practised by the individual, hopefully a growing and collective good faith would encourage active social benevolence to all different faiths.
Unfortunately in reality some world views specifically state humane goals and in a drive to achieve those aims will adopt particular forms of dress and display symbols of their faith. It is ironic that in defiance of these admirable goals these clearly visible practitioners of every day observance will with extreme violence attack and kill those of a different culture. What is even worse in some cases is that their leaders will swear that these actions did not take place.
Then there are those of a similar belief that will, for a minor interpenetration of their religion, conduct war on their fellow brother and sisters. In approaching this highly emotive topic one should not ignore countries that share a common belief yet feel justified in annihilating each other.
To be clear, it is the human conduct rather than religion that I am trying to highlight.
Faith can sustain admirable goals and also horrific actions on fellow human beings. Therefore ideally this concept might suggest using an active personal moral approach to implementing religion in the way of positively and proactively treating other people with compassion.
Faith alone does not decide what is true. That is up to the individual. However when truth is in conflict with empathy and human welfare, I would choose the latter.
July 27, 2020
Fairy godmother
Dreams are really interesting and this can be especially so if you can find some useful information out from them.
After one particular night’s revel in the subconscious maze of imagination and memory, I recall entering into a room with a harassed scribe who with quill and ink was muttering that he needed more questions. There were piles of written sheets of paper piled on the desk and on the floor. I ventured to say that surely you need the right answers, instead of simply more questions. No, no he replied, it has to be the right question in order to get the right answer.
The dream continued but the scene changed to that of a Thumbelina sized fairy complete with wand and I immediately said that I know who you are, you are the tooth fairy, which was rather strange as I had not lost any teeth recently. In frustration and temper the small fairy stamped her foot on the desktop and replied it has happened again. No I am not the tooth fairy, I am your fairy godmother and I am here to grant you a wish. I could not believe the sound of my own voice saying but hang on what about the other two wishes, which on reflection must have sounded very ungrateful.
On receiving the one wish the scene changed back to the harassed scribe still writing question after question. I said excuse me but do you know the ultimate answer, the one that ends all questions? The scribe stopped writing and looked thoughtful as he reached for a flask of water and drank from it. What would an answer like that be worth, he inquired. What a stroke of luck, I exclaimed as my fairy godmother has just given me a wish from with which I can give to you the ultimate answer.
What do you intend to do with that answer, asked the scribe. I will share it with everybody, I in my dream mode stated, as surely it will satisfy the quest for knowledge gaining questions and create a mindful peace for all.
It was in that case, the scribe replied that he would accept my wish to him, and told me that the ultimate of all answers is God. Once you know God is the cause and reason for existence then there is no need for any further questions, for God is the answer.
Of course in a wakeful critical state of mind, such an answer of God may only fuel the quest for the ultimate question. There you have it though, that is as some may argue, the transient, enigmatic and perhaps enlightening basis for dreams.
After one particular night’s revel in the subconscious maze of imagination and memory, I recall entering into a room with a harassed scribe who with quill and ink was muttering that he needed more questions. There were piles of written sheets of paper piled on the desk and on the floor. I ventured to say that surely you need the right answers, instead of simply more questions. No, no he replied, it has to be the right question in order to get the right answer.
The dream continued but the scene changed to that of a Thumbelina sized fairy complete with wand and I immediately said that I know who you are, you are the tooth fairy, which was rather strange as I had not lost any teeth recently. In frustration and temper the small fairy stamped her foot on the desktop and replied it has happened again. No I am not the tooth fairy, I am your fairy godmother and I am here to grant you a wish. I could not believe the sound of my own voice saying but hang on what about the other two wishes, which on reflection must have sounded very ungrateful.
On receiving the one wish the scene changed back to the harassed scribe still writing question after question. I said excuse me but do you know the ultimate answer, the one that ends all questions? The scribe stopped writing and looked thoughtful as he reached for a flask of water and drank from it. What would an answer like that be worth, he inquired. What a stroke of luck, I exclaimed as my fairy godmother has just given me a wish from with which I can give to you the ultimate answer.
What do you intend to do with that answer, asked the scribe. I will share it with everybody, I in my dream mode stated, as surely it will satisfy the quest for knowledge gaining questions and create a mindful peace for all.
It was in that case, the scribe replied that he would accept my wish to him, and told me that the ultimate of all answers is God. Once you know God is the cause and reason for existence then there is no need for any further questions, for God is the answer.
Of course in a wakeful critical state of mind, such an answer of God may only fuel the quest for the ultimate question. There you have it though, that is as some may argue, the transient, enigmatic and perhaps enlightening basis for dreams.
July 20, 2020
A Twist of Fate
One glorious warm sunny afternoon an incident occurred, that but for a twist of fate, could have been life changing or even meant an eventual end of life.
A husband and wife with an accompanying female friend were walking on the pavement of a high street, talking happily when out from nowhere, a tall well built young man stepped forward between the two ladies. Totally ignoring the husband, loudly the stranger remarked to one of the ladies that she was beautiful. The wife who had been walking on the inside of the pavement and was indeed strikingly attractive, was of course thrown by the boldness of the comment. Immediately the lady friend replied with delight that it had been many years since she had the pleasure of receiving such a compliment and turned to carry on a conversation with her supposed new admirer. The lady friend was taller and inadvertently just by trying to continue the conversation had become a physical barrier, all though only for a moment, to the intended target of the attractive beautiful wife. It was at that precise moment that a dark colour car appeared, travelling at walking pace, with the rear passenger door wide open and inside were three more young men. One of the young men was hanging outside the open door and indicating to his walking friend to get a move on and get in the car. At the same time as this incident, the husband and wife who had carried on walking, were by this point several yards away from the lady friend and the supposed admirer. It was with this new alteration to their physical positions that the suspicious admirer decided the situation had become impossible and sprinted off to the slowly moving car whereupon he jumped into the back seat and the car sped off.
The lady friend carried on chatting, completely unaware of what had just happened, and in a bizarre way the husband and wife needed time to talk about the potential consequences of the failed kidnapping that had just taken place. Once in the back seat of the car, it was believed that the intended target of the deliberate distract and grab, the strikingly beautiful wife would have been forced into submission or drugged, incapable of resistance.
There are many seemingly mundane or even everyday scenarios which can all too easily turn into unexpected potentially harmful predicaments. It is for this reason that it could well be wise to rest on the side of caution, and be aware or alert to what could other than with a twit of fate, become a very unappealing prospect.
A husband and wife with an accompanying female friend were walking on the pavement of a high street, talking happily when out from nowhere, a tall well built young man stepped forward between the two ladies. Totally ignoring the husband, loudly the stranger remarked to one of the ladies that she was beautiful. The wife who had been walking on the inside of the pavement and was indeed strikingly attractive, was of course thrown by the boldness of the comment. Immediately the lady friend replied with delight that it had been many years since she had the pleasure of receiving such a compliment and turned to carry on a conversation with her supposed new admirer. The lady friend was taller and inadvertently just by trying to continue the conversation had become a physical barrier, all though only for a moment, to the intended target of the attractive beautiful wife. It was at that precise moment that a dark colour car appeared, travelling at walking pace, with the rear passenger door wide open and inside were three more young men. One of the young men was hanging outside the open door and indicating to his walking friend to get a move on and get in the car. At the same time as this incident, the husband and wife who had carried on walking, were by this point several yards away from the lady friend and the supposed admirer. It was with this new alteration to their physical positions that the suspicious admirer decided the situation had become impossible and sprinted off to the slowly moving car whereupon he jumped into the back seat and the car sped off.
The lady friend carried on chatting, completely unaware of what had just happened, and in a bizarre way the husband and wife needed time to talk about the potential consequences of the failed kidnapping that had just taken place. Once in the back seat of the car, it was believed that the intended target of the deliberate distract and grab, the strikingly beautiful wife would have been forced into submission or drugged, incapable of resistance.
There are many seemingly mundane or even everyday scenarios which can all too easily turn into unexpected potentially harmful predicaments. It is for this reason that it could well be wise to rest on the side of caution, and be aware or alert to what could other than with a twit of fate, become a very unappealing prospect.
July 13, 2020
Right or Wrong.
What is right or wrong? Well a first reaction to this question of thought is that facts do not change, or do they?
Take the age and size of the universe. At one time the earth was thought to be the centre of the universe, flat and unmoving and the Sun moved around the earth. Science has proved to most people that is not the case, however within my own lifetime the size of the universe calculation has increased from a few galaxies to billions. The age too has dramatically increased to account for many natural phenomena.
Philosophers and scientists are arguably obsessed by the notion of nothing when it is not clear that nothing is the beginning point for everything, or that there even is something that fits the definition of nothing. Where is nothing? The universe does not contain a nothing and is rapidly inflating. What exists outside the universe is unknown and therefore can not be claimed to be nothing.
Being right is important from a human point of view. For example whoever owns a football has the opportunity to dictate what happens and who plays with the ball. In the same way, world views are often shaped by asserting initial creation of the universe and everything in it. That then conveys automatic right to dictate the game of life.
Right and wrong I believe is an individual thinking process that depends on many factors and is specific to the well being of all. That means people do not have to have the same world views to join in thinking for themselves about finding the right choice in every situation.
It is heart warming to see in recent times that many people from different ethnic groups are joining together in protesting for equal treatment of all, especially in countries that legally allow gross brutality and murder. Fundamentally for me, being able to improve and progress in almost any situation is based on an ability of knowing what is right from wrong and that is why this highly emotive subject is so important.
Take the age and size of the universe. At one time the earth was thought to be the centre of the universe, flat and unmoving and the Sun moved around the earth. Science has proved to most people that is not the case, however within my own lifetime the size of the universe calculation has increased from a few galaxies to billions. The age too has dramatically increased to account for many natural phenomena.
Philosophers and scientists are arguably obsessed by the notion of nothing when it is not clear that nothing is the beginning point for everything, or that there even is something that fits the definition of nothing. Where is nothing? The universe does not contain a nothing and is rapidly inflating. What exists outside the universe is unknown and therefore can not be claimed to be nothing.
Being right is important from a human point of view. For example whoever owns a football has the opportunity to dictate what happens and who plays with the ball. In the same way, world views are often shaped by asserting initial creation of the universe and everything in it. That then conveys automatic right to dictate the game of life.
Right and wrong I believe is an individual thinking process that depends on many factors and is specific to the well being of all. That means people do not have to have the same world views to join in thinking for themselves about finding the right choice in every situation.
It is heart warming to see in recent times that many people from different ethnic groups are joining together in protesting for equal treatment of all, especially in countries that legally allow gross brutality and murder. Fundamentally for me, being able to improve and progress in almost any situation is based on an ability of knowing what is right from wrong and that is why this highly emotive subject is so important.
July 6, 2020
Life is what you make it.
A turn of phrase often used and thought about, is that revelation of great wisdom, life is what you make it.
On reviewing past memoires, which ones come to mind first? It might depend on the mood at the time or a general outlook on life. However taking a decisive review of past events is a beneficial way of enjoying present day life. The mind tends to select active or stressful situations rather than peaceful quite interludes. Yet happiness can be found in the simple pastime of positive memoires and relaxation.
I know an acquaintance who steadfastly treated life as a continual battle. Holidays and birthdays would lose there enjoyment as the present dispute of the moment would take centre stage, until talking about the grievances and the unfairness of life seemed to be the whole point of living. Using logic and common sense fell on deaf ears as resolute misery was the objective for the present, past and future.
Although it is sad to say, some things can not be changed, especially when people are steadfast in their outlook on life. It is at that point in time, involving them in activities that do not require thinking about may be away of enjoying their company and diverting mental strain, such as walking, running or swimming.
Life indeed with its ups and downs can be depressing but it does not have to stay that way. It just takes a little decisive reviewing of a situation. I do not know why this should make one feel better but always remember things can be a hundred times worse. A person should not complain about the state of their clothes, when their neighbour may not have any.
Nowhere as far as I know, does anything state that life should be fair. It is up to each individual to make the best of their world, while not forgetting other peoples’ welfare along the way.
On reviewing past memoires, which ones come to mind first? It might depend on the mood at the time or a general outlook on life. However taking a decisive review of past events is a beneficial way of enjoying present day life. The mind tends to select active or stressful situations rather than peaceful quite interludes. Yet happiness can be found in the simple pastime of positive memoires and relaxation.
I know an acquaintance who steadfastly treated life as a continual battle. Holidays and birthdays would lose there enjoyment as the present dispute of the moment would take centre stage, until talking about the grievances and the unfairness of life seemed to be the whole point of living. Using logic and common sense fell on deaf ears as resolute misery was the objective for the present, past and future.
Although it is sad to say, some things can not be changed, especially when people are steadfast in their outlook on life. It is at that point in time, involving them in activities that do not require thinking about may be away of enjoying their company and diverting mental strain, such as walking, running or swimming.
Life indeed with its ups and downs can be depressing but it does not have to stay that way. It just takes a little decisive reviewing of a situation. I do not know why this should make one feel better but always remember things can be a hundred times worse. A person should not complain about the state of their clothes, when their neighbour may not have any.
Nowhere as far as I know, does anything state that life should be fair. It is up to each individual to make the best of their world, while not forgetting other peoples’ welfare along the way.
June 29, 2020
Chance.
I believe that chance has a fundamental role in all forms of different being. From the chance formation of a particular Universe to our own individual being, chance is the name of the game. I am using chance in the unintended or caused specific meaning of happening but that does not mean to say there are no other contributing factors that are necessary for a specific result. Take the Universe, its survival was the result of eventually having the physical properties to be able to survive.
Chance is an everyday occurrence, in fact there are an average of at least seventeen meteorites striking over the whole earth, day after day. One of them could be large enough to alter or wipe out a significant amount of life, as proposed could have happened to the dinosaurs, and a large crater near the coast of Mexico is potential evidence of a meteorite impact.
Even a person’s sex is all down to chance and the necessary processes involved in being. When it comes to knowing who we are, it is a process of chance. There were in the past competing sapiens that eventually resulted in only one form of Homo-sapien.
Did you know that the human genome contains viruses and it is an influence of chance as to how they can affect the body in either a good or bad way. Right now it is a matter of chance in how peoples’ immune system will respond to an outside virus infection. Of course there are things that can alter the chance of being infected in the first place.
Chance is often ridiculed by asking for it to perform a specific task. That is the exact opposite of what chance is. Chance is the result of something occurring without intention or cause. Out of a number of possibilities, one becomes specific and by that action, is the process of chance.
Chance is an everyday occurrence, in fact there are an average of at least seventeen meteorites striking over the whole earth, day after day. One of them could be large enough to alter or wipe out a significant amount of life, as proposed could have happened to the dinosaurs, and a large crater near the coast of Mexico is potential evidence of a meteorite impact.
Even a person’s sex is all down to chance and the necessary processes involved in being. When it comes to knowing who we are, it is a process of chance. There were in the past competing sapiens that eventually resulted in only one form of Homo-sapien.
Did you know that the human genome contains viruses and it is an influence of chance as to how they can affect the body in either a good or bad way. Right now it is a matter of chance in how peoples’ immune system will respond to an outside virus infection. Of course there are things that can alter the chance of being infected in the first place.
Chance is often ridiculed by asking for it to perform a specific task. That is the exact opposite of what chance is. Chance is the result of something occurring without intention or cause. Out of a number of possibilities, one becomes specific and by that action, is the process of chance.
