Why turn your back on the wisdom of the ages?

[SlowwHand]

Why turn your back on the wisdom of the ages?

I wonder this frequently, when I get ignored here primarily.
Here I am, wisdom personified, and so unappreciated.
It took years of trial and error to get this smart.
Y'all should pay better attention.

[ranskaldan]

Why do I turn my back on the wisdom of the ages?

Because Creationism, Theism, Slavery, Racism, Sexism, and Genocide were all once part of (or still part of) the Wisdom of the Ages.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Skanky Burns
No, its true. If you give money to the poor, you get the feeling that you are helping others less fortunate than yourself, for example.

How is that selfish?

[CygnusZ]

He's making a valid point. Even the things that seem to be done in kindness are done in the selfish desire to feel good.

There's such thing as an intentionally selfless deed.

Furthermore, when applied to Alexander Horses's doctrine that self-centered philosophy is wrong it offers a rebutal. Indeed, there can be no such thing _EXCEPT_ for being self-centered

[Jon Miller]

.. and then you realise that you are talking crap

Jon Miller

[Lars-E]

Wisdom from the horse again... Got it from the pulpit??

I agree with you. It was not until "the age of enlightenment" that man started discarding old wisdom publicly, especially the wisdom found in the bible.

This also meant surpressing man's natural religious bend, which had always been there (and still can be seen in newly discovered "primitive" tribes), but now it was deemed unnatural by some leading philosophers. Look to France!

I guess it's a good tactic calling something bad; something which is supposed to benefit you and be to your own good.

But some ppl just seem hellbent on their own destruction - conscious or not. [irony]Let's not impose our outdated "wisdom" on them. That is a veryyy baddd thing to do!!![/irony]

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by CygnusZ
He's making a valid point. Even the things that seem to be done in kindness are done in the selfish desire to feel good.

I am not a psychologist, but it seems to me that, people do not help those less fortunate than tem because they want to feel good. At least that does not seem to be the overall motive.

I don't exclude that possibility, however.

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by ranskaldan
Why do I turn my back on the wisdom of the ages?

Because Creationism, Theism, Slavery, Racism, Sexism, and Genocide were all once part of (or still part of) the Wisdom of the Ages.

And what about ignorance?

He's making a valid point. Even the things that seem to be done in kindness are done in the selfish desire to feel good.

There's such thing as an intentionally selfless deed.

You say that - but can you prove it?

[FrostyBoy]

This is all you need

====

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantement, it is as perrenial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

====

[Andemagne]

good thread AH

[Aeson]

Originally posted by Alexander's Horse


Yes - and you just made an unqualified generalisation

Aye, which is why the was there.

[Anodyne]

RYUOKAI!!!

[Aeson]

Originally posted by BeBro


Well, I just have the question:
Is clearly everything somehow "selfish" - without doubt?

Nothing is without doubt. But I think the logic is pretty sound. There are reasons for our actions. Those reasons are that which we desire or deem to be of worth. By acting to achieve our desires or increase the value of our existance we are acting in a selfish manner, even when the results are beneficial to others as well.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by Aeson


Aye, which is why the was there.

Hmmmm You might have just squeeeked out of it

[Aeson]

I know it's a paradoxical (or hypocritical) statement, much like the one in my last post "Nothing is without doubt". I'm not trying to weasle out of the statement with a , I do believe in both the ideas expressed. It's just to let you know I realize the problems with such statements.

If nothing else, the statement is corroborated by the reaction it entails.