Great posts Aedan - I will look forward to reading future insights. I was driving around today, listening to OPB, and heard a short program with the most interesting guy. He's an economist, and has written a book called "The Big Questions" which relates philosophy to logic, physics and math. He has lots of interesting things to say regarding belief systems and people who are honest seekers of truth (as opposed to seekers of like-mindedness, or flat-out braggarts). He essentially postulates that if you analyze any disagreement using logic, empirical evidence, and mathematics - you will find that, if we are truly honest, we will always reach a consensus. I thought of you as I was listening to him talk - very thought provoking stuff!
So 'do the math' really should be interpreted as 'make use of your higher consciousness'! I like that, Lynnette.
However, I am also of the mind that logic needs to come from the heart; the heart needs to think and the mind needs to feel, in concert. "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly..." (said the fox to the Little Prince).
Also, recall that logical Spock needed the impuosity of Kirk to overcome the evil Romulan, and Picard needed Warf (passion) and Troy (empathy), as well as Data, to lead the Next Generation.
The Greeks, as well as many indigenous cultures, gave us an extended family of gods to represent all the aspects of human nature. Perhaps we would be more embracing of diverse viewpoints if we had a variety of gods to identify with. I propose a new topic, that monotheism is contrary to personal spiritual growth, is perhaps both narcissistic and infantile, and quite possibly the root of all evil in the world today.
Aedan, I love your idea of an individual book of truth that we make for ourselves. "Caminante, no hay camino, Se hace camino al andar. (Traveler, there is no path, Paths are made by walking." - Antonio Machado (as quoted by Annie Proulx.)
Kudos to a great new blogsite. I look forward to more discussions in your 'salon'.
Reply
Aedan
1/8/2010 11:29:40 am
Lynnette,
Great book suggestion. Looks very interesting. Just up my alley.mI will put it on my wish list!
I appreciate the comment! Aedan
Reply
Aedan
1/8/2010 11:36:00 am
VenusAquarius,
I very much agree. Mind and Heart together. Not one or the other. Thanks for mentioning the Little Prince as well. I need to reread that gem.
Point well taken on the Greeks and other indigenous cultures (not to mention TNG!). I was reading about the Hindu belief system last week and they too have a plethora of dieties that are used to represent the differnt facets of both humans and God. Moreover, they believed in and espoused that whatever way to get to your "higher power" was A-OK.
An interesting topic suggestion. Let me ponder that one and I will get back to you.
