Mar 8 2013: I know a guy who has done LSD several times. This man had serious qualms with religion and God; a very militant atheist. LSD showed him understanding, and he feels less angry about the way he was raised and can now defend his atheism without getting argumentative or upset. It was very therapeutic for him.
Mar 8 2013: I've learned how to determine whether or not something (or someone) truly makes me happy. This is trickier than you would expect! Myself included, we love to divulge in self reprimanding, boring existences; break free my friends!
Mar 7 2013: I think you and I are what some would call prime examples of a 'realist' versus an 'idealist'. I world where art is valued hire than economic status is a pipe dream?
You've taken my comment to it's most extreme interpretation. My main point is that 'artists' are viewed as non-conributers. Amanda Palmer talks openly about being degraded as a street performer, being yelled at regularly to 'get a real job'.
I think Sugata Mitra's discussion gives good examples of how encouragement is key; not just for children's education but growth as individuals.
Even adults.
Futurism is another matter entirely. My point is people have a 'whats in it for me' mentality when they make life choices. Such as the importance of getting their children involved in an after school art program versus paying for monthly cable. We need to invest in ourselves versus creature comforts.
I see how I may have been mis-interpreted; I should be more clear.
Mar 6 2013: Your argument is that without God one cannot have any clear ability to discern right from wrong?
Lets assume (as I do) that religious texts are primarily false but well meaning anecdotes. That would mean that we created them. In this reality, we would also have created the "right and wrong" that some believe to have been divine. As one with no religious affiliation, it is some what insulting to assume that if I see someone being killed, that I only know it to be wrong because you say it is. Or would it make more sense that my internal conscience tells me not to remake or condone atrocities in general?
Right and wrong is an ideal that is developed (developing) with human evolution of intelligence. This theory is supported by how we now see that some things we thought were wrong (biblical or religiously; such as homosexuality) are actually inherently wrong to defy.
Mar 6 2013: I think the general public categorizes genius, creative or otherwise, as impotent. Money is worshiped and great ideas are only great if they are valuable. People need a realization that art and the future we make for humanity are more important than what we do for ourselves in the here and now. Beautiful minds face short sight; the inability to look at what one is doing as good on a larger scale (a more real scale) than an economic one.
Mar 5 2013: Youth enjoy what we allow them to. It is the path of least resistance. Reality television is easy; it costs your brain nothing to watch. You need not think or make any symbolic or deep connections what-so-ever when you partake.
Now what if parents decided that youth should only be allowed to watch something wholesome or intelligent? Of all the ideologies and religions parents hold over there children, the media they allow them (or force them) to intake should be the most prevalent.
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A comment on Conversation: I would like to see talks on the many new studies of psychedelic medicine taking place right now.
A comment on Conversation: What is the most important thing you've learned on your own?
A reply on Conversation: What are the challenges that gifted and creative individuals face at present?
You've taken my comment to it's most extreme interpretation. My main point is that 'artists' are viewed as non-conributers. Amanda Palmer talks openly about being degraded as a street performer, being yelled at regularly to 'get a real job'.
I think Sugata Mitra's discussion gives good examples of how encouragement is key; not just for children's education but growth as individuals.
Even adults.
Futurism is another matter entirely. My point is people have a 'whats in it for me' mentality when they make life choices. Such as the importance of getting their children involved in an after school art program versus paying for monthly cable. We need to invest in ourselves versus creature comforts.
I see how I may have been mis-interpreted; I should be more clear.
A comment on Conversation: Do right and wrong exist?
Lets assume (as I do) that religious texts are primarily false but well meaning anecdotes. That would mean that we created them. In this reality, we would also have created the "right and wrong" that some believe to have been divine. As one with no religious affiliation, it is some what insulting to assume that if I see someone being killed, that I only know it to be wrong because you say it is. Or would it make more sense that my internal conscience tells me not to remake or condone atrocities in general?
Right and wrong is an ideal that is developed (developing) with human evolution of intelligence. This theory is supported by how we now see that some things we thought were wrong (biblical or religiously; such as homosexuality) are actually inherently wrong to defy.
A comment on Conversation: What are the challenges that gifted and creative individuals face at present?
A comment on Conversation: Are reality shows good for society?
Now what if parents decided that youth should only be allowed to watch something wholesome or intelligent? Of all the ideologies and religions parents hold over there children, the media they allow them (or force them) to intake should be the most prevalent.