Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 40
February 19, 2018
Thales.
It is quite possible that the name of Thales of Melitus might not ring a bell but he is credited with being the first ancient western philosopher to link natural events and substances to reasoned cause in a scientific way. He lived 624-546 BC and studied astronomy and mathematics. He was able to predict an eclipse of the Sun and had reasoned the Earth was a sphere. Like many scientists, they are often on the right track but for a time do not get everything right. He thought water was a basic element and although water is essential for life, it combines hydrogen and oxygen atoms. When split into gases it contains incredible energy.
The main point about Thales was his rational search method to find the truth, although living at a time when natural phenomena were readily attributed to Gods and Demons.
A really interesting anecdote concerns Thales being ridiculed for having so much knowledge, but in the eyes of society who valued a person’s worth by their financial position he was extremely poor, but that was soon to change. It was by observing the regularity of the seasons that he cornered the market of wine presses in the winter so when the time came for making wine he hired them out for a substantial return.
Amongst Thales’ studies he constructed a crude telescope and even studied electricity but his great love was philosophy, which centred on a clear understanding of reason in all aspects of mental awareness.
I find Thales’ example to be invigorating in the way it clearly shows it is not just knowledge that is important but how it is put to use.
In life I think you need an objective and there is a perfect example in that of another true story of a man who failed to get a particular job and the reason given was for a lack of qualification. He then proceeded to gain so many qualifications until he was more accomplished in specific merits than the man interviewing him. Subsequently for his next attempt for a promotion, again he was turned down. Over time various reasons would surface as to why he did not attain promotion but outside lesser qualified applicants would be given the same job that he had been attempting to gain. In this case loyalty counted for nothing and in fact he might have done better to look elsewhere for promotion. It would seem he had lost the direction of what he was trying to achieve. Sometimes it does seem an advantage not to lose sight of the bigger picture.
At times it is necessary to apply common sense to important life decisions. The fact that I am not an expert in everything is not relevant to making decisions as to the best possible path that I can take at any given time. I just have to, like Thales did, use my knowledge to my advantage. Life involves more people than just myself, so if I have a goal it should not be pursed in such a way to damage my relationship with other people.
The main point about Thales was his rational search method to find the truth, although living at a time when natural phenomena were readily attributed to Gods and Demons.
A really interesting anecdote concerns Thales being ridiculed for having so much knowledge, but in the eyes of society who valued a person’s worth by their financial position he was extremely poor, but that was soon to change. It was by observing the regularity of the seasons that he cornered the market of wine presses in the winter so when the time came for making wine he hired them out for a substantial return.
Amongst Thales’ studies he constructed a crude telescope and even studied electricity but his great love was philosophy, which centred on a clear understanding of reason in all aspects of mental awareness.
I find Thales’ example to be invigorating in the way it clearly shows it is not just knowledge that is important but how it is put to use.
In life I think you need an objective and there is a perfect example in that of another true story of a man who failed to get a particular job and the reason given was for a lack of qualification. He then proceeded to gain so many qualifications until he was more accomplished in specific merits than the man interviewing him. Subsequently for his next attempt for a promotion, again he was turned down. Over time various reasons would surface as to why he did not attain promotion but outside lesser qualified applicants would be given the same job that he had been attempting to gain. In this case loyalty counted for nothing and in fact he might have done better to look elsewhere for promotion. It would seem he had lost the direction of what he was trying to achieve. Sometimes it does seem an advantage not to lose sight of the bigger picture.
At times it is necessary to apply common sense to important life decisions. The fact that I am not an expert in everything is not relevant to making decisions as to the best possible path that I can take at any given time. I just have to, like Thales did, use my knowledge to my advantage. Life involves more people than just myself, so if I have a goal it should not be pursed in such a way to damage my relationship with other people.
February 12, 2018
Morals.
In life, it could be argued that one of the first things to decide is your moral compass. There are so many organisations and individuals who are extremely keen to state, without question, their own choice. This can be done with such conviction and as if any other view would not have validity. This, I find interesting, as I believe thinking about acceptable moral values involves at least two stages. They are the personal feelings on a particular action and the comparison with a given social set of moral ideals.
Social morality can change and of course individuals are free to decide if those changes still fit their own feelings of good morality.
I should say the acceptance of moral values is down to the individual, as morals are formed by the collective believe in stated ideals.
Laws of society may incorporate some moral principals but good moral principals can define the social health of a society.
Some people believe moral laws should be laid down and unchanging. Which is fine unless I can see these laws are unjust and conflict with my own personal convictions of morality, that is the whole point of striving for a healthy moral society.
The individual has the responsibility of choice and by so doing creates a worthwhile structure of moral behaviour. Not by words is this achieved, but the right action in any given situation.
There are many ways of forming a good moral compass and over the years different historical figures have by storytelling tried to highlight good and bad actions. Some examples are highlighted in Aesop’s Fables, Confucius, Buddha, Jesus. Etc...
There are times when a society accepts jealousy, incest, slavery, perpetual torture and hereditary guilt as within their moral standards. This might simply be because they are not specifically prohibited. Some of the points may have changed in appearance but still are, for some people, a part of every day life.
Apart from morality, it is the person’s initial world view that dictates the willingness to consider all moral implications of some vary difficult issues such as abortion, contraception, homosexuality or euthanasia. It is only when confronted with a personal instance that the reality of the situation is fully realised. I would suggest humanity rather than dogma should be at the forefront of making any moral decision.
Social morality can change and of course individuals are free to decide if those changes still fit their own feelings of good morality.
I should say the acceptance of moral values is down to the individual, as morals are formed by the collective believe in stated ideals.
Laws of society may incorporate some moral principals but good moral principals can define the social health of a society.
Some people believe moral laws should be laid down and unchanging. Which is fine unless I can see these laws are unjust and conflict with my own personal convictions of morality, that is the whole point of striving for a healthy moral society.
The individual has the responsibility of choice and by so doing creates a worthwhile structure of moral behaviour. Not by words is this achieved, but the right action in any given situation.
There are many ways of forming a good moral compass and over the years different historical figures have by storytelling tried to highlight good and bad actions. Some examples are highlighted in Aesop’s Fables, Confucius, Buddha, Jesus. Etc...
There are times when a society accepts jealousy, incest, slavery, perpetual torture and hereditary guilt as within their moral standards. This might simply be because they are not specifically prohibited. Some of the points may have changed in appearance but still are, for some people, a part of every day life.
Apart from morality, it is the person’s initial world view that dictates the willingness to consider all moral implications of some vary difficult issues such as abortion, contraception, homosexuality or euthanasia. It is only when confronted with a personal instance that the reality of the situation is fully realised. I would suggest humanity rather than dogma should be at the forefront of making any moral decision.
February 5, 2018
Heaven on Earth.
It has occurred to me that life is so short on the Universe scale, yet for many who do not live in war torn zones the expectancy of life span has increased. It is dependant on environment and individual factors but ultimately the idea of life imposes the thought that there will be a final limit.
Some people may have ideas about an afterlife, whereas others may believe in a here and now philosophy. There are people who think that whatever we want to do, it should be done in the current time and without the lottery of maybe choosing the wrong belief or not passing the necessary tests to enter into heaven.
Talking about heaven, I wonder how it could function? Collectively history on earth has shown anything that is perfect soon is destroyed by conflict and greed. Is free will, if there is such a thing in heaven, limited to such a degree that it would still be free will? The point maybe being each person’s heaven could be vastly different and that by itself could cause disagreement amongst a community unless The Truman Show is the way of the future in heaven.
There is of course another option and that is to create heaven on earth now, by personal visualization. When I say heaven, it is the enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty of life in all the vivid movement and colour and sound, that I mean. This is not to put any assumption on the existence or debate thereof in a religious heaven.
Pressures of life crowd the mind and although I strive to make the right choices there are always regrets where better decisions could have been made, so I treat them as learning steps rather than a hindrance to future actions.
I sit and relax in a comfortable chair. I close my eyes and explore beautiful caves with exotic sea creatures or in another visualisation I am floating in clear blue warm water, under a glorious sunlight. Creating enjoyable scenarios works for me but other activities could be just as satisfying.
I remember my grandfather’s love of the outdoor life and the numerous plants he grew on his smallholding. It is true that to him, it was his small Utopia which gave him an opportunity to experience a form of heaven on earth.
My father had an amazing affinity with wildlife and birds would enter by his open bedroom window and land on the table where there was seed and water put out for them. One bird even trusted him enough to sit closely next to him and this they would do, in companionable contentment. This kind of encounter with wildlife gave him a rapturous feeling of satisfaction.
Heaven can be thought of as a place or belief, but I like to think of it as a frame of mind that is obtainable in the now and the joy of experiencing a personal heaven can benefit society in their own well being. Being able to feel happy with what you feel and do is important and finding contentment is of great benefit, because in experiencing that feeling, it is a quality that can be then spread to all those who surround it.
Some people may have ideas about an afterlife, whereas others may believe in a here and now philosophy. There are people who think that whatever we want to do, it should be done in the current time and without the lottery of maybe choosing the wrong belief or not passing the necessary tests to enter into heaven.
Talking about heaven, I wonder how it could function? Collectively history on earth has shown anything that is perfect soon is destroyed by conflict and greed. Is free will, if there is such a thing in heaven, limited to such a degree that it would still be free will? The point maybe being each person’s heaven could be vastly different and that by itself could cause disagreement amongst a community unless The Truman Show is the way of the future in heaven.
There is of course another option and that is to create heaven on earth now, by personal visualization. When I say heaven, it is the enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty of life in all the vivid movement and colour and sound, that I mean. This is not to put any assumption on the existence or debate thereof in a religious heaven.
Pressures of life crowd the mind and although I strive to make the right choices there are always regrets where better decisions could have been made, so I treat them as learning steps rather than a hindrance to future actions.
I sit and relax in a comfortable chair. I close my eyes and explore beautiful caves with exotic sea creatures or in another visualisation I am floating in clear blue warm water, under a glorious sunlight. Creating enjoyable scenarios works for me but other activities could be just as satisfying.
I remember my grandfather’s love of the outdoor life and the numerous plants he grew on his smallholding. It is true that to him, it was his small Utopia which gave him an opportunity to experience a form of heaven on earth.
My father had an amazing affinity with wildlife and birds would enter by his open bedroom window and land on the table where there was seed and water put out for them. One bird even trusted him enough to sit closely next to him and this they would do, in companionable contentment. This kind of encounter with wildlife gave him a rapturous feeling of satisfaction.
Heaven can be thought of as a place or belief, but I like to think of it as a frame of mind that is obtainable in the now and the joy of experiencing a personal heaven can benefit society in their own well being. Being able to feel happy with what you feel and do is important and finding contentment is of great benefit, because in experiencing that feeling, it is a quality that can be then spread to all those who surround it.
January 29, 2018
Nugget of Advice.
As time goes by, increasingly my thoughts turn to what advice encapsulates my experience of life. This little nugget, although small has a dynamic power to change and enhance many lives.
Often through life various tests will indicate potential and self-belief. A notion in someone’s worth is important but this information I am going to explain is sadly not widely understood. A fundamental base of mental capability is memory and this can relatively easily be increased by a phenomenal degree. Memory works best through visualisation, unusual connections and frequent recall. One particular technique is while watching a soap on TV I try to name each character as they appear and later associate each family member, then locate them to different areas depicted in the soap. Quite simply the more I use my memory the stronger it becomes and there is no fear of ever overloading the capacity, as it is enormous. Of course that is a rule which can be applicable to everybody.
Improving my memory is only part of the nugget. How I apply my mind to any given situation is greatly enhanced with wisdom and that for me, is using experience, in the best way possible. Thinking is important, by grouping and breaking complex problems down, it can make a concept easier to understand. Some things need to be started on before it might become clear that an original thought could need to be changed and something new attempted. This is where thinking outside the box can be useful.
In my own life my attitude to learning had a vital part to play in how I progressed. One class experience can greatly influence a child’s attitude to school. During school years I usually found myself in catch up mode but as I became older and adjusted to new life experiences, something moved within me and this meant that from a straggler I jumped to having attained top marks in several subjects. I approached learning with a fresh determination and become interested in the class-based learning. I reversed the position of being a student to that of being a teacher and actively explained the important points as if I was really teaching other people. This of course was increasing my ability of recall and that is so necessary to being able to successfully answer questions.
I realised sleep and proper rest are important. Studies have shown taking frequent breaks during study are very beneficial as people tend to remember the first and last things that they have observed more easily. This probably is the most powerful attribute to learning as Confucius said I hear and I forget. I see and remember. I do and understand.
A positive way of putting into practice a thought to action is by being able to construct on a piece of paper important points like the underground tube map, using different colours and lines connecting relevant ideas and facts. Using mnemonics to learn and memorise facts can be extremely useful, for example in order the planets of the solar system can be remembered by a single letter each. Taking the first letter of each planet... M. V. E. M. J. S. U. N. There are several possibilities of doing this, but I particularly like this one for the humour. My Very Energetic Mum Just Sat on Uncle Ned. Of course to reinforce this I can draw a map of the planets in order, starting nearest to the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
I have experienced good and bad teachers at school and also later in life I have seen how lessons can be influenced by the people behind them. The important change for me came with an attitude to learning and increasing my memory to become my own teacher. Another important part of the nugget that I hold as dear is that, I like others, have a particular mental capability and what makes the difference is how that capability is used. Quite simply thinking is a skill that can be expanded with a little applied effort and this in itself can open opportunities in life that one may not ever have thought possible.
Often through life various tests will indicate potential and self-belief. A notion in someone’s worth is important but this information I am going to explain is sadly not widely understood. A fundamental base of mental capability is memory and this can relatively easily be increased by a phenomenal degree. Memory works best through visualisation, unusual connections and frequent recall. One particular technique is while watching a soap on TV I try to name each character as they appear and later associate each family member, then locate them to different areas depicted in the soap. Quite simply the more I use my memory the stronger it becomes and there is no fear of ever overloading the capacity, as it is enormous. Of course that is a rule which can be applicable to everybody.
Improving my memory is only part of the nugget. How I apply my mind to any given situation is greatly enhanced with wisdom and that for me, is using experience, in the best way possible. Thinking is important, by grouping and breaking complex problems down, it can make a concept easier to understand. Some things need to be started on before it might become clear that an original thought could need to be changed and something new attempted. This is where thinking outside the box can be useful.
In my own life my attitude to learning had a vital part to play in how I progressed. One class experience can greatly influence a child’s attitude to school. During school years I usually found myself in catch up mode but as I became older and adjusted to new life experiences, something moved within me and this meant that from a straggler I jumped to having attained top marks in several subjects. I approached learning with a fresh determination and become interested in the class-based learning. I reversed the position of being a student to that of being a teacher and actively explained the important points as if I was really teaching other people. This of course was increasing my ability of recall and that is so necessary to being able to successfully answer questions.
I realised sleep and proper rest are important. Studies have shown taking frequent breaks during study are very beneficial as people tend to remember the first and last things that they have observed more easily. This probably is the most powerful attribute to learning as Confucius said I hear and I forget. I see and remember. I do and understand.
A positive way of putting into practice a thought to action is by being able to construct on a piece of paper important points like the underground tube map, using different colours and lines connecting relevant ideas and facts. Using mnemonics to learn and memorise facts can be extremely useful, for example in order the planets of the solar system can be remembered by a single letter each. Taking the first letter of each planet... M. V. E. M. J. S. U. N. There are several possibilities of doing this, but I particularly like this one for the humour. My Very Energetic Mum Just Sat on Uncle Ned. Of course to reinforce this I can draw a map of the planets in order, starting nearest to the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
I have experienced good and bad teachers at school and also later in life I have seen how lessons can be influenced by the people behind them. The important change for me came with an attitude to learning and increasing my memory to become my own teacher. Another important part of the nugget that I hold as dear is that, I like others, have a particular mental capability and what makes the difference is how that capability is used. Quite simply thinking is a skill that can be expanded with a little applied effort and this in itself can open opportunities in life that one may not ever have thought possible.
January 22, 2018
Leadership.
Every generation will have outstanding characters that posses qualities of leadership, charisma, charm and capability. It is so sad that the vehicles of public office for many countries actively reduce the chance of this by first past the post systems and this could diminish the possibility for the world to benefit from the qualities of those who may from the beginning be ruled out of the race. In many cases more of the population did not vote for the declared winner who often crows their victory and one has to ask is this an accurate example of democracy? If none of the candidates represent your views, what can you do?
The opportunity to actually have a vote has been a hard-fought battle in many countries. So it is important to use your vote, even if the choice is the least objectionable candidate. Many times the true character will not surface but once in a position of power it will be too late to change your vote until may be a far-off in the future next time. What complicates the issue are power groups that have a vested interest in retaining a figurehead, unless it is clear it would be in the group’s interest to permanently remove them.
On this pivotal political point many Shakespeare plots come to mind. Uneasy lays the head that wears the crown. Control of Power can easily lose contact with achieving good for all. It simply becomes an opportunity for personal gain at the expense of the masses. What does society gain to maybe change one self-obsessed ruler for another, unless the constitution is improved and if lacking the rigour to control self-advancement at the cost of the general public then what kind of achievement is this?
Even the best constitution will only work as it should do if people of good character shoulder the responsibility to act when necessary and uphold important human values. They might have to speak out even when such action may put them at an opposition to a given party. The importance of protecting and acting within all different countries and their rule of constitution must come above any other consideration.
It maybe of some value to highlight the general qualities of an ideal leader, bearing in mind as humans we all have the same potential for good and bad acts. All decisions will have consequences but a wise leader will take into account more than a narrow view of self-interest, in fact an understanding of the world economics obviously would be a good start. Diplomacy and respect for all nationalities as well as an understanding of cultural differences would be another advantage. Clear explanation and logical actions are necessary for future policies to succeed for the benefit of all.
I would think if you are so lucky to have the opportunity to vote, everyone’s responsibility should be to evaluate the candidate’s success or failure to achieving the aforesaid ideals before casting their precious vote.
Sometimes the true worth of a character will be displayed for all to see and rather than putting blind faith in a particular power party and ignoring self-evident character weaknesses in the only candidate offered, one has to think about what history will make of any motivational move. Politics might be swayed by individual actions and choices but ultimately history will dictate how decisions have impacted on society. History will be the example by which lessons should be learnt.
The opportunity to actually have a vote has been a hard-fought battle in many countries. So it is important to use your vote, even if the choice is the least objectionable candidate. Many times the true character will not surface but once in a position of power it will be too late to change your vote until may be a far-off in the future next time. What complicates the issue are power groups that have a vested interest in retaining a figurehead, unless it is clear it would be in the group’s interest to permanently remove them.
On this pivotal political point many Shakespeare plots come to mind. Uneasy lays the head that wears the crown. Control of Power can easily lose contact with achieving good for all. It simply becomes an opportunity for personal gain at the expense of the masses. What does society gain to maybe change one self-obsessed ruler for another, unless the constitution is improved and if lacking the rigour to control self-advancement at the cost of the general public then what kind of achievement is this?
Even the best constitution will only work as it should do if people of good character shoulder the responsibility to act when necessary and uphold important human values. They might have to speak out even when such action may put them at an opposition to a given party. The importance of protecting and acting within all different countries and their rule of constitution must come above any other consideration.
It maybe of some value to highlight the general qualities of an ideal leader, bearing in mind as humans we all have the same potential for good and bad acts. All decisions will have consequences but a wise leader will take into account more than a narrow view of self-interest, in fact an understanding of the world economics obviously would be a good start. Diplomacy and respect for all nationalities as well as an understanding of cultural differences would be another advantage. Clear explanation and logical actions are necessary for future policies to succeed for the benefit of all.
I would think if you are so lucky to have the opportunity to vote, everyone’s responsibility should be to evaluate the candidate’s success or failure to achieving the aforesaid ideals before casting their precious vote.
Sometimes the true worth of a character will be displayed for all to see and rather than putting blind faith in a particular power party and ignoring self-evident character weaknesses in the only candidate offered, one has to think about what history will make of any motivational move. Politics might be swayed by individual actions and choices but ultimately history will dictate how decisions have impacted on society. History will be the example by which lessons should be learnt.
January 15, 2018
Free Choice.
Is there such a thing as free choice? My first reaction to this question was of course there is, but on reflection there is a lot more to this than might at first appear. I heard this rather bizarre true case of judgement in a law court where the decisions where far more lenient after the judge had partaken of his mid-day meal. Another extreme case involved a patient who had received a massive blow to the head destroying part of the frontal area in the brain which resulted in a major character change. A convicted molester of women complained of a massive headache and after investigation it was discovered there was a growth in his brain that was removed. After this development his behaviour conformed to that of a very sociable and vastly different man to that of which he had been before. The individual’s personality traits displayed as extremely altered and that was until the growth in his brain returned and consequently his behaviour reverted to criminality and his molesting of women.
How about the general public studies that have shown free choices can be deliberately influenced to a high degree of uniformity by subtle suggestions that members of the public are not aware of in that of the everyday? Interesting and psychologically proven evidence has shown that people can be highly susceptible to outside influences which then go on to determine the choices that they can make. In one example the showing of an advert including a fizzy drink during a film and increasing the heat of the theatre resulted in an increase in the consumption of fizzy drinks by that particular audience.
How questions are phrased can influence the final choice of any given answer. An interesting study showed the subject brain registered a decision on pressing a particular button several seconds before the conscience thought to do so, the conclusion for me is that this shows only a delay in the free choice of action. It was still the same person’s body involved in deciding what to do.
You may decide to do something because of your free will but what of the moral question on responsibility? Free will is definitely influenced by outside forces. This does not stop an ultimate choice that will be shaped by personal moral values but differentiating between the boundaries of such thought processes and influences can be extremely revealing.
So is free will really free when so many different factors such as bodily comfort and psychological pressures can influence an ultimate choice? How can I be sure of any choice as a real moment of free will?
Although general opinion is not always the best way of concluding a fact to be correct, it does seem more published opinion suggests there is no such thing as free will. However in the physical word there is unpredictability such as that of particles which appear from nowhere and disappear and can be in two different places at the same time. Surely the mind is separate from the biological functions of the brain and capable of unpredictability thought. Of course there are outside influences but the final choice is mine. There is something macabre in the thought that we are all pre-programmed robots bereft of independent will. A slave to our future with no will to act independently...
Where does creativity come from, and how does it form if there is no free will?
Free will is an illusion because all things in existence have been caused by a previous thing.
So your choice is not independent from those things.
It does not need to be independent but have an unpredictability of choice.
An example proposed of a man in a locked room who is unaware that the door is locked and believes he has a choice to leave the room or stay enclosed. Thus his choice is an illusion of free will.
The above does not explore the fact of choice. The door being locked does not interfere with the decision to stay or leave. A choice can still be made even though it would be thwarted by the locked door.
Free will is a corner stone of democracy, although it should be defined as within the limits of social acceptability. Free choice that may come from an independent free will is a thought that is relevant to many areas of what people do and why they in fact do it and it has to be said that a belief in free will gives hope in many spheres of human endeavour.
How about the general public studies that have shown free choices can be deliberately influenced to a high degree of uniformity by subtle suggestions that members of the public are not aware of in that of the everyday? Interesting and psychologically proven evidence has shown that people can be highly susceptible to outside influences which then go on to determine the choices that they can make. In one example the showing of an advert including a fizzy drink during a film and increasing the heat of the theatre resulted in an increase in the consumption of fizzy drinks by that particular audience.
How questions are phrased can influence the final choice of any given answer. An interesting study showed the subject brain registered a decision on pressing a particular button several seconds before the conscience thought to do so, the conclusion for me is that this shows only a delay in the free choice of action. It was still the same person’s body involved in deciding what to do.
You may decide to do something because of your free will but what of the moral question on responsibility? Free will is definitely influenced by outside forces. This does not stop an ultimate choice that will be shaped by personal moral values but differentiating between the boundaries of such thought processes and influences can be extremely revealing.
So is free will really free when so many different factors such as bodily comfort and psychological pressures can influence an ultimate choice? How can I be sure of any choice as a real moment of free will?
Although general opinion is not always the best way of concluding a fact to be correct, it does seem more published opinion suggests there is no such thing as free will. However in the physical word there is unpredictability such as that of particles which appear from nowhere and disappear and can be in two different places at the same time. Surely the mind is separate from the biological functions of the brain and capable of unpredictability thought. Of course there are outside influences but the final choice is mine. There is something macabre in the thought that we are all pre-programmed robots bereft of independent will. A slave to our future with no will to act independently...
Where does creativity come from, and how does it form if there is no free will?
Free will is an illusion because all things in existence have been caused by a previous thing.
So your choice is not independent from those things.
It does not need to be independent but have an unpredictability of choice.
An example proposed of a man in a locked room who is unaware that the door is locked and believes he has a choice to leave the room or stay enclosed. Thus his choice is an illusion of free will.
The above does not explore the fact of choice. The door being locked does not interfere with the decision to stay or leave. A choice can still be made even though it would be thwarted by the locked door.
Free will is a corner stone of democracy, although it should be defined as within the limits of social acceptability. Free choice that may come from an independent free will is a thought that is relevant to many areas of what people do and why they in fact do it and it has to be said that a belief in free will gives hope in many spheres of human endeavour.
January 8, 2018
Usury.
The notion of a usury for me is not just a moral issue but a historical turning point in religious history. What is more relevant and fascinating to modern-day happiness and welfare than finding a fair and just borrowing institution? Money is an important tool that is vital for a caring, thriving society. It is with great joy that I learned of the heroic creation of the Church of England lending friendly society. On investigation I was a little puzzled after the noble statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury condemning the practice of usury and the proclamation of his intent to help provide for all the population an alternative avenue of finance. It is with dismay I see help will not be available until after five years but if you are a member of the clergy help is available now as long as you meet the necessary criteria for borrowing.
I have found it extremely difficult to find up-to-date current information on certain religious based lending agencies but specific well advertised lending institutions that are not religiously linked brazenly state that their interest for a short-term borrowing loan are at well over one thousand percent APR! Unfortunately now on the internet the Church of England payday loan appears to be slightly difficult to research as it is very problematic to locate a definitive site for verifiable information. There is a website offered by an American company and expressed in dollars but does not display its interest rate until after an application is completed, one that of course can be rejected by the applicant. I wonder if this is because of banking control in this country.
Considering the importance the effect of debt has on the welfare of the population and the financial power in the Church of England it would seem the plight of current debtors due to usury would demand instant attention. In money terms, property and shares to the value of five billion pounds.
It is ironic religious actions spurred by money changing after two thousand and eighteen years have come to no avail and usury for the general public is still a scourge to decent living.
I realise when it comes to lending money seemingly unnecessary criteria dominates its possibilities as in the past for a worthy cause it was practically impossible to obtain finance from registered charities.
In fact the Bank of England has actively forced institutions with lower competitive rates to ether increase their rates or be terminated. The same Bank of England was oblivious of unstable banking practices that has cost the country dear.
I do appreciate the words and intention of important religious representatives but I have to say that following the ideas the intervention has seemed to be lacking. This is an issue that can become integral to people’s lives and indeed how they can afford to live them. Institutions such as those that we associate with integrity and moral upstanding should have an interest in practices that can undermine codes of conduct and decency. It is imperative. Without action to good ideals, what more can they ever be but whispers lost to the winds of time.
I have found it extremely difficult to find up-to-date current information on certain religious based lending agencies but specific well advertised lending institutions that are not religiously linked brazenly state that their interest for a short-term borrowing loan are at well over one thousand percent APR! Unfortunately now on the internet the Church of England payday loan appears to be slightly difficult to research as it is very problematic to locate a definitive site for verifiable information. There is a website offered by an American company and expressed in dollars but does not display its interest rate until after an application is completed, one that of course can be rejected by the applicant. I wonder if this is because of banking control in this country.
Considering the importance the effect of debt has on the welfare of the population and the financial power in the Church of England it would seem the plight of current debtors due to usury would demand instant attention. In money terms, property and shares to the value of five billion pounds.
It is ironic religious actions spurred by money changing after two thousand and eighteen years have come to no avail and usury for the general public is still a scourge to decent living.
I realise when it comes to lending money seemingly unnecessary criteria dominates its possibilities as in the past for a worthy cause it was practically impossible to obtain finance from registered charities.
In fact the Bank of England has actively forced institutions with lower competitive rates to ether increase their rates or be terminated. The same Bank of England was oblivious of unstable banking practices that has cost the country dear.
I do appreciate the words and intention of important religious representatives but I have to say that following the ideas the intervention has seemed to be lacking. This is an issue that can become integral to people’s lives and indeed how they can afford to live them. Institutions such as those that we associate with integrity and moral upstanding should have an interest in practices that can undermine codes of conduct and decency. It is imperative. Without action to good ideals, what more can they ever be but whispers lost to the winds of time.
December 18, 2017
Christmas.
Christmas, it is one word but it can have such diverse meaning both personally and publicly? When one says Christmas most people will have a notion of what it suggests and why but what does it universally mean to many a population? The time of the year for good will, happiness and giving to others might be on the tip of the conscious of the majority. While many may think of overeating and preparing for the seasonal shopping bargain sales, to some people it is a strictly religious celebration and for Charles Dickens in his A Christmas Carol it is a time to depict through the ghosts of time the chance to improve humanity for the benefit of all. Christmas can be an example of the unique, individual and it can be just like Lewis Carroll who noted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and that there could be three hundred and sixty four un-Christmas days to spread the spirit of the good will at Christmas to all people.
I think there is a human reason why in so many different cultures there is a need for the spirit of Christmas. The brief time when barriers can be crossed regardless of geographical lines imposed by intolerance and hate. A time for creating memories of shared happiness and hope for the future. It is a time where children take centre stage and all through the spirit of Christmas.
Historically in the third century depicted as AD it was a rich generous man was moved to give to others and in recognition of his actions he became known as St Nicholas. In Germany a similar action took place when a rich man who loved children made it a habit to reward good children with gifts and this popular practice gathered momentum especially in America and the name Kris Kringle along with the popular term of Father Christmas annually takes place as notable throughout the world.
I have a particular personal reason why at the age of twelve, early Christmas Day has a significance for me. I find myself striving to use every second of life in a worthwhile way as it was on the occasion of Christmas and on that day that my father passed away. I am sure he would not want me to waste time in regrets but celebrate moments whether it is the end or beginning of life. Part of that celebration should be for others to improve their lives and to where possible think of others instead of an I and this can be achieved in the spirit of Christmas. It is a time for universal sentiment but also a momentous occasion for the individual examples of what being more aware of love can mean.
On this note, I wish each of you a very happy Christmas and a healthy, successful New Year. See you all in 2018.
I think there is a human reason why in so many different cultures there is a need for the spirit of Christmas. The brief time when barriers can be crossed regardless of geographical lines imposed by intolerance and hate. A time for creating memories of shared happiness and hope for the future. It is a time where children take centre stage and all through the spirit of Christmas.
Historically in the third century depicted as AD it was a rich generous man was moved to give to others and in recognition of his actions he became known as St Nicholas. In Germany a similar action took place when a rich man who loved children made it a habit to reward good children with gifts and this popular practice gathered momentum especially in America and the name Kris Kringle along with the popular term of Father Christmas annually takes place as notable throughout the world.
I have a particular personal reason why at the age of twelve, early Christmas Day has a significance for me. I find myself striving to use every second of life in a worthwhile way as it was on the occasion of Christmas and on that day that my father passed away. I am sure he would not want me to waste time in regrets but celebrate moments whether it is the end or beginning of life. Part of that celebration should be for others to improve their lives and to where possible think of others instead of an I and this can be achieved in the spirit of Christmas. It is a time for universal sentiment but also a momentous occasion for the individual examples of what being more aware of love can mean.
On this note, I wish each of you a very happy Christmas and a healthy, successful New Year. See you all in 2018.
December 11, 2017
Neanderthal Man.
Is evolution just a theory without foundation? It is a topic that many will have discussed and thought about at school and in our earliest days of education the concept of a historical man may have sparked the imagination. Who were our early day ancestors? Later we may have grappled with the scientific debates about what is the meaning of evolution and could it be an interesting variation of life forms without any specific direction but survival? Basically, how should we think about this precious, intriguing and encompassing idea of life and how it goes on.
Physically we have an understanding of our biology, but some of the facts of life might well be less known. Facts such as the human embryo in the womb has a rudimentary tail and for a time is totally covered in hair, which as with the tail, will disappear before birth.
How could what might be termed a noble mankind possibly have evolved from hairy brutish apes that, it has been speculated, had no language or capacity to learn? When contrasting an evolutionary link with Neanderthal cousins, just a few years in the past, it would have been easy to dismiss the suggestion of hereditary as a mere anomaly of the variation possible in an every day present person’s biology. Science can make and break ideas and until DNA proved an established scientific fact that it is more than possible all humans outside the continent of Africa have varying amount of traceable Neanderthal DNA in their bodies, and that this could vary from two per cent and above, one may have been forgiven for having a very different idea about what people from such different periods in history actually have in common.
Neanderthal as a word may conjure up an image of animal brutality and carnal savagery. Neanderthal skeletal remains show thicker and stronger bones that suggest great muscle strength and a larger skull with a capacity for a larger brain compared with the average modern man. Although the skeletal remains of examples indicate that the Neanderthal were shorter in stature, the anatomical make-up, l would favour had a direction that increased the ability to survive. Scientific thought has altered somewhat from what had been deduced and the idea of early man has now itself evolved. Did you know that the Neanderthals knew how to make fire and cook vegetables as well as being meat eaters? They lived in family groups and cared for their elderly. They buried the dead and more than likely had a language. They lived in caves for shelter and had a knowledge that saw them as having used tools.
I find the larger Neanderthal brain particularly interesting as a larger brain could denote a greater capacity for survival skills. A further fact is that Neanderthals thirty thousand years ago disappeared from Europe and the world at about the same time early humans arrived into Europe from Africa. There are several possibilities that come to mind for the demise of the Neanderthals. One is the capacity for producing young. If a spontaneous genetic disorder arose so the Neanderthal females could not successfully carry their young to maturity that would explain their demise and this would also be a good reason for the many times early humans have interbred with Neanderthals. Another suggestion I have seen from studies is the earth has periodic warm and cold eras and thirty thousand years ago would have been fixed in a cooler environment in which life survived. One might ask why would a cold era affect Neanderthals more than early man? As records show Neanderthals were able to survive for a previously noted considerable time. It is one of those questions that may have to be probable rather than definitive, as science can give the basis from which the answers can be concluded or rationally thought about.
In the interest of being able to give a fuller picture of early mankind it is apt to say that Neanderthals were not the only distinct human cousins around at that time. The Denisovan were first thought to have inhabited East Asia and have been tracked to Australia. They have also thought to have interbred with early humans.
Early man can include concepts that involve more than hereditary DNA, it is in our history that we can learn so very much. Lines of early ancestors who actually did more, had more knowledge and may have laid the foundations for the future. Have you thought about it? It maybe that the term Neanderthal could mean more than you had at first thought.
Physically we have an understanding of our biology, but some of the facts of life might well be less known. Facts such as the human embryo in the womb has a rudimentary tail and for a time is totally covered in hair, which as with the tail, will disappear before birth.
How could what might be termed a noble mankind possibly have evolved from hairy brutish apes that, it has been speculated, had no language or capacity to learn? When contrasting an evolutionary link with Neanderthal cousins, just a few years in the past, it would have been easy to dismiss the suggestion of hereditary as a mere anomaly of the variation possible in an every day present person’s biology. Science can make and break ideas and until DNA proved an established scientific fact that it is more than possible all humans outside the continent of Africa have varying amount of traceable Neanderthal DNA in their bodies, and that this could vary from two per cent and above, one may have been forgiven for having a very different idea about what people from such different periods in history actually have in common.
Neanderthal as a word may conjure up an image of animal brutality and carnal savagery. Neanderthal skeletal remains show thicker and stronger bones that suggest great muscle strength and a larger skull with a capacity for a larger brain compared with the average modern man. Although the skeletal remains of examples indicate that the Neanderthal were shorter in stature, the anatomical make-up, l would favour had a direction that increased the ability to survive. Scientific thought has altered somewhat from what had been deduced and the idea of early man has now itself evolved. Did you know that the Neanderthals knew how to make fire and cook vegetables as well as being meat eaters? They lived in family groups and cared for their elderly. They buried the dead and more than likely had a language. They lived in caves for shelter and had a knowledge that saw them as having used tools.
I find the larger Neanderthal brain particularly interesting as a larger brain could denote a greater capacity for survival skills. A further fact is that Neanderthals thirty thousand years ago disappeared from Europe and the world at about the same time early humans arrived into Europe from Africa. There are several possibilities that come to mind for the demise of the Neanderthals. One is the capacity for producing young. If a spontaneous genetic disorder arose so the Neanderthal females could not successfully carry their young to maturity that would explain their demise and this would also be a good reason for the many times early humans have interbred with Neanderthals. Another suggestion I have seen from studies is the earth has periodic warm and cold eras and thirty thousand years ago would have been fixed in a cooler environment in which life survived. One might ask why would a cold era affect Neanderthals more than early man? As records show Neanderthals were able to survive for a previously noted considerable time. It is one of those questions that may have to be probable rather than definitive, as science can give the basis from which the answers can be concluded or rationally thought about.
In the interest of being able to give a fuller picture of early mankind it is apt to say that Neanderthals were not the only distinct human cousins around at that time. The Denisovan were first thought to have inhabited East Asia and have been tracked to Australia. They have also thought to have interbred with early humans.
Early man can include concepts that involve more than hereditary DNA, it is in our history that we can learn so very much. Lines of early ancestors who actually did more, had more knowledge and may have laid the foundations for the future. Have you thought about it? It maybe that the term Neanderthal could mean more than you had at first thought.
December 4, 2017
All About Nothing.
How can a word such as nothing be so troublesome? This is especially true when put in context of the Universe.
From the time man first pondered his position in existence and looked up to the clear dark sky he gazed at twinkling lights scattered across the void of nothing. Little did he know that void later would be called Aether and in recent times counts for ninety five percent of a dark invisible part of the Universe. It is thought to have some connection to the accelerating motion of the inflationary Universe. If there is no change to the rate of the Universe’s inflation all visible galaxies will exceed the speed of light and even lose observational capability with each other.
So clearly nothing is something within the boundaries of this Universe but what is outside the time and matter of the Universe. Is that really nothing? If it was a something would it not have an affect on the inflation of the Universe?
What of the multi Universes? Are they separated by an endless void of nothing? What would stop them colliding with each other? If they were different dimensions and physical laws could they co-exist. Something like galaxies that merge as the Milky Way and Andromeda are destined to do so in the future.
What came first, nothing or something? Apparently they are two sides of the same coin.
It is important to refer to Professor Laurence Maxwell Krauss’ video called A Universe from Nothing. He is a charming and energetic chap although his self modesty is a little disconcerting as he frequently proclaims he can be wrong. Yet he states this is a good thing, as this is the way science can progress in finding the truth of reality.
In a concise form the physical properties of the Universe are such that spontaneously from absolute nothing our Universe could pop into existence.
The adage you can not get something from nothing when applied to the Universe means the total Mass and Energy must have a value of nothing, which it has, therefore the Universe is in a different form of nothing.
So could it be that nothing has different forms, so does that make nothing into something?
A good definition of nothing is, nothing is the absence of something.
So a simple question, would unstable positive or negative variation fields in Quantum Physics, alter a nothing into a something?
It is undeniable that nothing is in itself something when put into a scientific context. Terms can be extremely influential and meaningful depending on what basis they are used. Science and the progression that it has in our consciousness is astounding because from nothing something superb can grow and even in a most time relevant recognition, intriguing developments can mean that life may not ever be the same again.
From the time man first pondered his position in existence and looked up to the clear dark sky he gazed at twinkling lights scattered across the void of nothing. Little did he know that void later would be called Aether and in recent times counts for ninety five percent of a dark invisible part of the Universe. It is thought to have some connection to the accelerating motion of the inflationary Universe. If there is no change to the rate of the Universe’s inflation all visible galaxies will exceed the speed of light and even lose observational capability with each other.
So clearly nothing is something within the boundaries of this Universe but what is outside the time and matter of the Universe. Is that really nothing? If it was a something would it not have an affect on the inflation of the Universe?
What of the multi Universes? Are they separated by an endless void of nothing? What would stop them colliding with each other? If they were different dimensions and physical laws could they co-exist. Something like galaxies that merge as the Milky Way and Andromeda are destined to do so in the future.
What came first, nothing or something? Apparently they are two sides of the same coin.
It is important to refer to Professor Laurence Maxwell Krauss’ video called A Universe from Nothing. He is a charming and energetic chap although his self modesty is a little disconcerting as he frequently proclaims he can be wrong. Yet he states this is a good thing, as this is the way science can progress in finding the truth of reality.
In a concise form the physical properties of the Universe are such that spontaneously from absolute nothing our Universe could pop into existence.
The adage you can not get something from nothing when applied to the Universe means the total Mass and Energy must have a value of nothing, which it has, therefore the Universe is in a different form of nothing.
So could it be that nothing has different forms, so does that make nothing into something?
A good definition of nothing is, nothing is the absence of something.
So a simple question, would unstable positive or negative variation fields in Quantum Physics, alter a nothing into a something?
It is undeniable that nothing is in itself something when put into a scientific context. Terms can be extremely influential and meaningful depending on what basis they are used. Science and the progression that it has in our consciousness is astounding because from nothing something superb can grow and even in a most time relevant recognition, intriguing developments can mean that life may not ever be the same again.
