Shouldn't we define 'Existence/Being'?

[nameless]

After all, if we are going to discuss whether anything 'exists', aughtn't we determine whether 'existence' exists in the first place? Then perhaps who or what is 'Being'? Who or what is 'Existing'? To do that, aughtn't it be adequately 'defined'?
I have nothing 'positive' to offer 'here' but the question.

 

[octelcogopod]

My definitions:

1. A being is a conscious observer in an otherwise unconscious universe.
The being itself can interact ankd remember what has happened in the past.

2. Existence is a tough one, because we have nothing to compare the universe to. For example, we can say that there doesn't exist an apple on the table in front of me, because we know what an apple would look like on the table, had it been there.
Similarily, we can't really say "the universe doesn't exist", because we have nothing to compare it to.
What we can say however, is that the probability of a universe existing, is 100%, and even more so do we exist ourselves.

 

[nameless]

Please forvive any vagueness.
I looked up 'existence' in the dictionary and it kept using 'Being' synonymously. As a 'verb' I think. Looking up 'Being' referrenced 'Existence'!

What we can say however, is that the probability of a universe existing, is 100%, and even more so do we exist ourselves.

We can say no such thing. There is no such thing in science as 100% probability. That is the nature of the term 'probability'.

Do you ascribe the same 'probability' to the 'existence' of the world of your nightly dreams?

 

[Rade]

After all, if we are going to discuss whether anything 'exists', aughtn't we determine whether 'existence' exists in the first place?

Read Ayn Rand, she logically defines existence, and what the concept "existence exists" means. A good place to start is her 1966 book, Introduction to objectivist epistemology; also a good summary on the topic by Chris Sciabarra, 1995, Ayn Rand, the Russian radical. Now, with Rand you will find a realist definition of existence, but from other posts of yours I see that you do not hold reality to exist, so I'm not sure Rand will be of any interest to you.

 

[nameless]

Read Ayn Rand, ...

Been there, done that, moved on. Thanx anyway.
Effectively refuted here (and dozens of other places on the net); http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/rand5.htm"

 

[dgoodpasture2005]

This is the same question as "can you prove you exist?" but in a different format. To prove existence is to define what existence is, after you do this there is no quesion whether we exist or not. When one is asked if one can prove if one exists or not... the first thing that is unconsciously done, is looking for a way to define existence. They will both give the same answers.

 

[nameless]

To prove existence is to define what existence is, after you do this there is no quesion whether we exist or not.

So, since it appears that it cannot be proven (has not been 'proven' yet) that we exist, though many seem to insist on their personal existence without being able to fully define that self-same 'existence', perhaps attacking the question from a different angle might prove fruitfull, to one extent or another.

When one is asked if one can prove if one exists or not... the first thing that is unconsciously done, is looking for a way to define existence. They will both give the same answers.

I'm not so sure of this assertion either... Most people, I would posit, feel that they already 'know' what 'existence' means. Ask regarding one's existence in the wrong neighborhood, and the 'Street Zen' answer might be a 'foot in the a$$'! A reasonable answer, but basically flawed.
Perhaps a short illustration;

"Psychadelic Person;
"It must be possible to go beyond the Here and Now!"

Meditative Person;
"It must be possible to stay in the Here and Now!"

Normal Person;
"I'll have the nachos special!"

*__-

 

[dgoodpasture2005]

haha yeah... I know, didn't mean anything negative towards your question... was just stating it because there is one up already. I know what you mean, not all of us can realize that it is the same question either! So a different approach probably was necessary and healthy to get the thing on the right track... Glad we have us buddies here at PF to discuss it with huh? or else we'd just be talking about nachos and pizza.

 

[dgoodpasture2005]

Me personally... I think existence is one of those that we will always waste our time trying to understand... and it's just better to accept we exist, than argue whether or not we do. If we can prove we exist... What does it solve? The average Joe Laymen next door will say.. see told you all along you crack head! now let me enjoy smalleville(i like smallville nothing agaisnt it! but you get my point?! :P ) Who will it benefit? And what are it's benefits? I think if there are none... it must be an illusion to try and solve.

 

[dgoodpasture2005]

So what could possibly prove our existence?! So far we can't prove it... but this doesn't, by default, mean we do not exist.. it means X is still just a variable. This is all going to be totally random... so how can we say we exist... hmmm... we can think about existence... if we didn't... and we believed we didn't strongly enough... couldn't we just pop in and out of existence? There is no answer... i think Einstein says it well... And even after you can prove existence there will be someone else asking "how you can prove that it's not just an illusion created by God?" I think this is just unprovable... It's another one of those faith things. And i think the more i talk about this, the more stupid i begin to feel :) Perhaps in the future we'll be able to prove this... but i just think right now it's impossible.. until we find what surprises the galaxy holds... we're just frogs oblivious.

 

[nameless]

Me personally... I think existence is one of those that we will always waste our time trying to understand... and it's just better to accept we exist, than argue whether or not we do. If we can prove we exist... What does it solve? The average Joe Laymen next door will say.. see told you all along you crack head! now let me enjoy smalleville(i like smallville nothing agaisnt it! but you get my point?! :P ) Who will it benefit? And what are it's benefits? I think if there are none... it must be an illusion to try and solve.

Our 'nature' will always manifest. Some will always question the sacred cows. An advantage of this sort of mentation ('what' is real? what is 'reality'?) is the subsequent manifestation of cars, airplanes, nukes, modern madicine... (all a mixed blessing at best..). This is what a functioning mind does, creates problems and solves them. Without thought, there are no 'problems'...

So what could possibly prove our existence?! So far we can't prove it... but this doesn't, by default, mean we do not exist..

But it does indicate, after millennia of attempted 'proof' and consistent failure, that perhaps we really do not 'inherently exist', and this is why 'proof' has not been forthcoming?

And i think the more i talk about this, the more stupid i begin to feel

The more I discuss here, the more clear and focused my understanding. Like the work involved in the polishing of a diamond. It is that 'ignorant feeling' that is the most fertile soil for the growth and blooming of knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

we're just frogs oblivious.

I beg your pardon? Why disrespect frogs? We know nothing of what a frog is conscious! *__-
How about 'politicians oblivious'? We have strong evidence here...
*__-

 

[octelcogopod]

What do you mean we can't prove that we exist?
I know for damn sure I exist.
See, when we have nothing to compare existence to(pun intended), the fact that we are able to ask the question "do we exist or not?" is proof itself that is undeniable.

The whole question is absurd to me, because if you look around, there is /something/ there.

 

[dgoodpasture2005]

What do you mean we can't prove that we exist?
I know for damn sure I exist.
See, when we have nothing to compare existence to(pun intended), the fact that we are able to ask the question "do we exist or not?" is proof itself that is undeniable.

The whole question is absurd to me, because if you look around, there is /something/ there.

you're right, i think most of us here at PF would agree we exist... it's more along the lines of trying to define existence in a way that it can be accepted, and not argued against... which seems like a complete paradox to me. Cause the fact that we exist will always allow someone to argue our existence :D

 

[dgoodpasture2005]

I beg your pardon? Why disrespect frogs? We know nothing of what a frog is conscious! *__-
How about 'politicians oblivious'? We have strong evidence here...
*__-

well until i hear a frog discussing the meaning of life... i'll stick to my last comment :) [EDIT] And i didn't mean to disrespect the little critters... i apologize to all frogs around the world.

 

[Rade]

Let us hear what a professional philosopher has to say about this thread question, "what is existence" ?
Existence exists, and the act of grasping that statement implies two corollary axioms: that something exists which one perceives and that one exists possessing consciousness...if nothing exists there can be no consciousness: a consciousness with nothing to be conscious of is a contradiction of terms...to exist is to be something, as distinguished from nothing of nonexistence, it is to be an entity of a specific nature made of specific attributes...existence is a self-sufficient primary...there is nothing antecedent to existence, nothing apart from it...the first and primary axiomatic concepts [of philosophy] are "existence", "identity" (which is a corollary of existence), and "consciousness"...an axiomatic concept cannot be analzed or reduced to other facts. It is implicit in all facts and in all knowledge...which requires no proof or explanation, but on which all proofs and explanations rest...one can study what exists and how consciousness functions, but one cannot prove existence as such, or consciousness, these are irreducible primaries, and an attempt to prove them is selfcontradictory...existence and identity are not attributes of existents, they are the existents.
The Ayn Rand Lexicon, edited, Harry Binswanger, Ph.D. in Philosophy, Columbia University.

 

[nameless]

What do you mean we can't prove that we exist?
I know for damn sure I exist.

The whole question is absurd to me, because if you look around, there is /something/ there.

So, you are saying, based on your sensory/emotional/absolutely subjective 'perceptions of appearances' that this is all sufficient 'evidence' for you to 'know something for damn sure'?
You are THAT sure of the 'evidence' of your senses?
If the 'senses' are capable of relating 'Truth' at that level, why the need for science? We believe/perceive what we do and that's that!?

 

[sameandnot]

i can only prove that i exist. science is based on the ignorance that there is a world of separate things "out-there", which is founded in the "original sin", initial ignorance that their is a "me" and a "you". pardon the boblical reference if you are unable to understand and recognize that the ego is an illusion/delusion and is the seed of all dualistic perception... which is, of course, illusion. you can know for your self, by trying to "draw the line" of separation between one thing and another thing... if you are genuinely trying to draw the line, you will find find that it is impossible, hence the difficulty some perceive in accepting quantum mechanics. it's like, "non-locality, no space/time... NOOOOO!"

this is all very basic, of course, but is explanation of the existence of science, through the development of the human mind, in its search for light, by looking in the shadows.

i exist. you must find out what that is. can't be a body, or a mind, so then what? now you think... "spirit!" but u don't Know what that means. where does a spirtit end and another begin?? you must find out.
there is only the subjective... for sure. the whole world is contained within your perception of it, no matter how abstract!

so, the world is contained within the mind and the mind is contained in what?

 

[nameless]

i can only prove that i exist.

Can you really? To me?

i exist. you must find out what that is.

I must find out what you mean by declaring that 'you exist'?

can't be a body, or a mind, so then what? now you think... "spirit!" but u don't Know what that means.

Right, I have no experience with what is called a 'spirit', in that context. If you do, perhaps you could explain it to me?

where does a spirtit end and another begin?? you must find out.

Not knowing what a 'spirit' is, or whether or not there actually 'is' such a thing, I can't really discuss it. But if my understanding of everything else is applicable to 'spirit', and if 'spirit' 'exists', there is no place where one ends and another begins. All is One. Hell, there is no definitive place where 'I' end and 'you' begin! Is that where you were going with this?

so, the world is contained within the mind and the mind is contained in what?

Mind/Consciousness is not contained. I am presently equating the 'Bindu', the 'undifferentiated potential', Chaos, the quantum field of 'probability/information/possibility waves', etc.. as Mind. Uncontained as the Void is uncontained. It 'Is'. The bit of 'Mind' that filters through the ego, what is commonly referred to as 'our' mind, is but a reflection darkly of Mind. 'Our' consciousness but a reflection darkly of Consciousness...
There IS no-thing to 'contain' and no-thing to BE contained.

 

[sameandnot]

very nice nameless... but who are you? i prove that i exist, by existing. whatever u are (or think you are) is contained within my experience, so proving to you that i exist, is not different from trying to prove to a dream character of mine the he is dreaming. you have detected the point though, i think... consciousness is not contained, but mind (mine or yours) is but an illusory out-growth... if you will. not Real, but yet not entirely unreal. something like how the gold jewlery is not real insofar as its existence is dependant upon the existence of the gold. the jewlery is really just gold and perhaps a gem. we are speaking of transcendental nature; That which exist unchanged, and eternally whole and yet completely empty. please respond privately or start a new thread if you would sincerely like to explore further... otherwise, i may note that your sarcasm is detected and it is recognized as superfluous. do you carry that with you all the time?

 

[nameless]

very nice nameless... but who are you?

Thank you. To whom are you addressing the question?

i prove that i exist, by existing.

I can create a hologram that thumps his chest and makes the same assertion. So?
I cannot make the same statement. Perhaps we have different interpertations of the term 'exist'? Thats why were here, to find if 'existence' can be 'defined', not 'claimed'!

whatever u are (or think you are) is contained within my experience,

Care to elaborate on this? That is quite a claim! Or do you mean this in a Jungian way? See following...

whatever u are (or think you are) is contained within my experience, so proving to you that i exist, is not different from trying to prove to a dream character of mine the he is dreaming.

So, I am inferring that you are referring to me as a sort of figment of your imagination? OK, I'm willing to accept that for now, if that is what you are saying. In that case, it makes little to no difference what I might think that I am, if anything. I think that Carl Jung said that the 'other people' that we perceive are but reflections of facets of our own 'personalities'. You aren't really talking to someone that has an inherent 'existence' (out there), but to yourself, externalized as 'nameless'.

I don't understand the 'dream character' referrence. Forget 'prove', evidence... Trying to show me some evidence of your 'existence' is like trying to offer evidence to a dream character (I'm assuming that you mean a night-time, tucked in bed, type of dream) the the dream character is dreaming? The (night) dream character will believe no more that he is dreaming than one of the 'waking dream' characters that we interact with throughout our day would believe that they, too, are dreaming. I tried the experiment once. All the 'dream' characters have egos and are most sure that they are awake and know what is real, and that they 'exist'. Like the folks in The Matrix.

you have detected the point though, i think... consciousness is not contained, but mind (mine or yours) is but an illusory out-growth... if you will. not Real, but yet not entirely unreal.

The only 'illusory outgrowth' is a 'mind' that you could call 'mine' or 'yours'. Mind, like Consciousness, 'Is'. I believe that I offered a hypothesis of what 'Mind' might actually be. Care to comment on that?

i may note that your sarcasm is detected and it is recognized as superfluous. do you carry that with you all the time?

If Jung was correct, and I think he might have been, then any 'sarcasm' that you 'detected' was not in me but within yourself as I am but a 'projection'. I reread my posts to you and saw no sarcasm. Do I sound sarcastic here? Well, I'm telling you that I am not.
Moving on..

I don't know why you offered to continue in PM mode (you could always PM me and explain why?), but a discussion of Mind is integral, in my opinion, to the thread topic, "Shouldn't we define 'Existence/Being'?" as Mind seems to be the 'matrix' of all that is commonly referred to as 'reality'.

 

[BlindBeauty]

The most parsimonious definition of 'existence' can be found in the emergence of two worlds: the quantum realm of fundmental particles and superposition, and the classical world of actions. If 'consciousness' is determined by 'existence', then consciousness and life (both properties of forces) are quantum phenomena and therefore, exist.

 

[octelcogopod]

So, you are saying, based on your sensory/emotional/absolutely subjective 'perceptions of appearances' that this is all sufficient 'evidence' for you to 'know something for damn sure'?
You are THAT sure of the 'evidence' of your senses?
If the 'senses' are capable of relating 'Truth' at that level, why the need for science? We believe/perceive what we do and that's that!?

Im saying the fact that we have grasped the concept of existence, or at least formed the question of existence, proves that we do indeed exist.

 

[nameless]

The most parsimonious definition of 'existence' can be found in the emergence of two worlds: the quantum realm of fundmental particles and superposition, and the classical world of actions.

Are you saying that whatever 'follows' the 'collapsing waves' (quantons) is to be considered 'existence'? Whether purely mental illusionary 'concepts' or 'material'? That we have 'existence' within our dreams? That seems to be the common understanding considering 'usage' of the term. I can accept that definition for the time being. It does seem to be gelded, though. If all of our 'concepts' are considered to 'exist', within Mind, of course, what 'doesn't' exist? Something within mind alone, like a thought, is considered to to have 'existence' (not independently, obviously)?

If 'consciousness' is determined by 'existence', then consciousness and life (both properties of forces) are quantum phenomena and therefore, exist.

Thats a mighty big 'if'.
I have found Consciousness to be independent of the mental concepts of 'reality'. Whatever the concepts, whether of 'life', 'death' or bananas, within mind, has no effect upon Consciousness.

I have already equated Consciousness/Mind with the quanton wave field which 'gives rise' to that which is perceived as material 'reality'. Can a wave function be dependent upon the particular 'reality/information' into which it collapses when touched by Consciousness?

No, my experience is that Consciousness is not determined by 'existence' (the mental illusion) in the least.

But, (any and all) quantum phenomena = existence? Hmmm...
Thats an interesting definition, but, I just don't accept Consciousness as a 'quantum phenomenon'.

Im saying the fact that we have grasped the concept of existence, or at least formed the question of existence, proves that we do indeed exist.

If (any and all) quantum phenomena = existence, then the mere thought/observation/conceptualization of something, yourself, is prima facie evidence (according to this definition) that you indeed 'exist', like dragons, faeries, Loch Ness critters, grandparents and Godzilla.. ANYTHING that can be conceived has 'existence'.
OK, granted.

I don't see much value in this definition though... other than a 'social value'.

 

[sameandnot]

if we were to define existence/being, in particular terms, wouldn't we be talking about some particular form of existence/being, rather than the existence/being that all particular forms have?

can we call it "the formless ground, from whence all form arises, in which all form is contained and of which all form is"?

 

[Orefa]

I use a simple interpretation: to exist is to matter.

To whom or what does it have to matter? Anyone or anything. Simply stated, if it doesn't matter then it doesn't exist. If it has no effect, no influence, no impact whatsoever on anything, anywhere, and from any perspective, how can it be said to exist?

For illustration purposes, consider the celebrated Invisible Pink Unicorn. It does nothing. It does not appear to anyone. Its description is even self-contradictory. Its "concept" may exist as a point of discourse but the item itself? No. It has no effect on reality. It does not cause planets to orbit their star. It is not responsible for the transmission of sound waves. It has no impact on subatomic activity. It does not make you love. It has no effect of any kind. It does not exist.

When the absolute absence of any effect on reality means that the item does not exist, then the implication is that to exist is to have an effect of some kind. To exist is to matter.

 

[sameandnot]

Anyone or anything. Simply stated, if it doesn't matter then it doesn't exist. If it has no effect, no influence, no impact whatsoever on anything, anywhere, and from any perspective, how can it be said to exist? ... It has no effect of any kind. It does not exist.
When the absolute absence of any effect on reality means that the item does not exist, then the implication is that to exist is to have an effect of some kind. To exist is to matter.

i think that you are right, orefa... if a thing exists it must have some effect on existence.
but i think that we are trying to talk about "existence", rather than some "thing" that exists. see the difference?
maybe i am mistaken, but perhaps it can explained as such:
forms are transient and changing, so they must issue forth from a "background" that is unchanging and eternal
--the eternal "background" that makes possible a "big bang" (if such an event occurred)... make sense?
to say it differently:
because there is "existence" a universe could, therefore, come to fruition, as a particular formal structure.

can we say that all finite sets issue forth from an infinite set, of infinite potential for being a particular, finite set?
--that, because there is an infinite set, a finite set can be generated?
if there were no infinite set, unformed and unbounded, how is it that finite, formed and bounded sets can be generated?

ex nihilo?

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

To ask for proof of the self-evident is the purest form of contradiction. To deny the evidence of reality delivered by ones own conscious mind is intellectual suicide, pure and simple. One may of choice close the door that reveals reality to ones own mind but reality has no mind or will and does not respond to ones desires. Reality goes on doing what reality does until its course is physically altered through action. To alter reality, to make reality conform to ones desires, one must first conform to reality.

 

[sameandnot]

To ask for proof of the self-evident is the purest form of contradiction. To deny the evidence of reality delivered by ones own conscious mind is intellectual suicide, pure and simple. One may of choice close the door that reveals reality to ones own mind but reality has no mind or will and does not respond to ones desires. Reality goes on doing what reality does until its course is physically altered through action. To alter reality, to make reality conform to ones desires, one must first conform to reality.

let me get this right.
-reality is outside of one's mind, to be known via the "doors" that "reveal it"?

ok, so:
-what is "outside", is reality (doing what it does),

-yet, you say that reality is "delivered by" one's conscious mind, and not "received by" it, so you are saying that reality comes to us from within one's own mind.

--but the intellectual capacity of one's mind is not reality, because it is inside one's mind, you say.

-what is "inside" is not reality, and therefore does not affect the course of what occurs "outside" (because reality is not affected by our desires, so one's desire to smoke a cigarette has no consequence in reality), nor is it capable of knowing reality.

-if the mind is reality as well, then the mind is not capable of knowing itself, whch is reality.

correct me if i have mistaken you, but it appears, from your post, that one's intellect is not reality (because it's not "physical") and is "inside", but is something apart from the reality that is "outside", altogether?

if this is not what you mean, then we must re-evaluate what we mean by reality, and further, how it can be known.

but the issue here is to discuss "existence/being" so i am having trouble identifying the intention of your post. perhaps you are unwilling to examine the topic, or you are unpleased with the present developments of the discussion. in which case you might want to direct the post in the direction of the discussion. i am not sure and am looking forward to your clarification.

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

let me get this right.
-reality is outside of one's mind, to be known via the "doors" that "reveal it"?
Reality (that which exists) is perceived automatically by all creatures possessing consciousness.
-yet, you say that reality is "delivered by" one's conscious mind, and not "received by" it, so you are saying that reality comes to us from within one's own mind.
What I mean by “delivered by” is that our perceptions must undergo a process of evaluation and conceptualization; they must be integrated, through a process of reason, with previous perceptions and integrations in order to incorporate them into a wider and growing context of knowledge.
--but the intellectual capacity of one's mind is not reality, because it is inside one's mind, you say.
The content of ones mind is hopefully reality, (that is the intent), but this depends on the efficacy of our reasoning. Our ability to reason is fallible, just as our knowledge is limited.
-what is "inside" is not reality, and therefore does not affect the course of what occurs "outside" (because reality is not affected by our desires, so one's desire to smoke a cigarette has no consequence in reality), nor is it capable of knowing reality.
Desires are not actions, (nor are they necessarily rational). Our actions follow from our desires, so again our hope and intent is that the desires we choose to actualize are selected by informed and rational decisions.
-if the mind is reality as well, then the mind is not capable of knowing itself, whch is reality.
We can only know of reality that which we have learned. Omniscience is not an option.
correct me if i have mistaken you, but it appears, from your post, that one's intellect is not reality (because it's not "physical") and is "inside", but is something apart from the reality that is "outside", altogether?
Our understanding of and knowledge about reality begins with perception.
if this is not what you mean, then we must re-evaluate what we mean by reality, and further, how it can be known.
but the issue here is to discuss "existence/being" so i am having trouble identifying the intention of your post. perhaps you are unwilling to examine the topic, or you are unpleased with the present developments of the discussion. in which case you might want to direct the post in the direction of the discussion. i am not sure and am looking forward to your clarification
To clarify: If we cannot rely on the validity of the self-evident, the perceptual evidence of existence, then we are beings without means to comprehend existence; perception is our proof, the one proof and the only proof or we have none. And so I repeat:
To ask for proof of the self-evident is the purest form of contradiction. To deny the evidence of reality delivered by ones own conscious mind is intellectual suicide, pure and simple. One may of choice, close the door that reveals reality to ones own mind but reality has no mind or will and does not respond to ones desires. Reality goes on doing what reality does until its course is physically altered through action. To alter reality, to make reality conform to ones desires, one must first conform to reality.

 

[sameandnot]

"If we cannot rely on the validity of the self-evident, the perceptual evidence of existence, then we are beings without means to comprehend existence; perception is our proof, the one proof and the only proof or we have none."

-why are things sometimes misperceived, then?
that is a kind of funny "proof" of the way It is...

what about someone born blind and deaf? is reality still "self-evident"?
do you mean that, "only someone with all of their sense faculties can come to know the reality, they are in?"

(you seem to have become quite comfortable with the familiarity of your sense perceptions. intellection seems to be a scary task for you.)

but please, talk to the discussion on the thread, or start a new one, proclaiming this "self-evidency" of reality.

(if it's self-evident, why don't you get It? why are people talking about reality at all? why would people, world-wide, be trying to understand it? if it's self-evident, how could there ever be a thought to "close the doors"?)

 

[nazgjunk]

Do you ascribe the same 'probability' to the 'existence' of the world of your nightly dreams?

Well, apparently in your dreams it exists...

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

"If we cannot rely on the validity of the self-evident, the perceptual evidence of existence, then we are beings without means to comprehend existence; perception is our proof, the one proof and the only proof or we have none."
-why are things sometimes misperceived, then?
that is a kind of funny "proof" of the way It is...
what about someone born blind and deaf? is reality still "self-evident"?
do you mean that, "only someone with all of their sense faculties can come to know the reality, they are in?"
(you seem to have become quite comfortable with the familiarity of your sense perceptions. intellection seems to be a scary task for you.)
but please, talk to the discussion on the thread, or start a new one, proclaiming this "self-evidency" of reality.
(if it's self-evident, why don't you get It? why are people talking about reality at all? why would people, world-wide, be trying to understand it? if it's self-evident, how could there ever be a thought to "close the doors"?)

Objectivity is a choice. What we do with our perceptual data, how we intrepret it, depends on how well we use reason. If you will settle for nothing less than the infallible you are ignoring the nature of human existence and must resign to ignorance.

 

[sameandnot]

thank you, dmstifik8ion.
this notion will, in fact, help this discussion, it appears.
BUT, only if we follow it to it's source and thereby avoid falling into ignorance. yes? so before we make more claims, let's examine the cornerstone of this idea, that we may not become subject to ignorant beliefs, ok?

Objectivity is a choice.

therefore:

[subjectivity ----> (objectivity)]
(objectivity issues forth from subjectivity, by choice)

right?
seems so, indeed.

then,

{? ----> [subjectivity ----> (objectivity)]}
(obvious next question: whence does subjectivity issue from?)

from this further question, the relevance of your post, to this thread, should become apparent. this thread is attempting to, in essence, identify "existence/being". so, the only way to do this is to examine what is the source (key word) of that which we call "subjective existence" and that which we call "objective existence". you see the logical train of thought here, correct?
now, this source would have to be, it appears, the essence of "existence/being" itself, so the value inherent in examining this issue is (we might say) invaluable. follow?
after looking deeply and openly at the "subjective state," we should be able to see the source of the two "realities" and thereby Know the Reality from whence they obtain their reality.
what we find will be what we have been trying to identify/define.
no?

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

thank you, dmstifik8ion.
this notion will, in fact, help this discussion, it appears.
BUT, only if we follow it to it's source and thereby avoid falling into ignorance. yes? so before we make more claims, let's examine the cornerstone of this idea, that we may not become subject to ignorant beliefs, ok?
therefore:
[subjectivity ----> (objectivity)]
(objectivity issues forth from subjectivity, by choice)
right?
seems so, indeed.
then,
{? ----> [subjectivity ----> (objectivity)]}
(obvious next question: whence does subjectivity issue from?)
from this further question, the relevance of your post, to this thread, should become apparent. this thread is attempting to, in essence, identify "existence/being". so, the only way to do this is to examine what is the source (key word) of that which we call "subjective existence" and that which we call "objective existence". you see the logical train of thought here, correct?
now, this source would have to be, it appears, the essence of "existence/being" itself, so the value inherent in examining this issue is (we might say) invaluable. follow?
after looking deeply and openly at the "subjective state," we should be able to see the source of the two "realities" and thereby Know the Reality from whence they obtain their reality.
what we find will be what we have been trying to identify/define.
no?

So that we are speaking the same language let me begin by stating the definitions I use for objectivity and subjectivity. Objectivity it the application of reason to determine the facts about reality. Subjectivity is reliance on our feelings to ‘tell’ us what is real; this could be from following our emotional cues or 'intuition'.

Objectivity demands that we prove the validity of each fact we accept in the development of our knowledge base and that we use unerring logic to integrate our knowledge in a coherent fashion. To be objective we must first understand what knowledge is, where it comes from and how we obtain it. Until we understand the source of our emotions and ‘intuition’ we can not rely on them for information or guidance. The need for this becomes appearent when we raise children who have not yet learned to consider why they feel the way they do before making a decision on how to respond to their emotional cues.

Now with this meager background I will attempt to show how this relates to the question raised in this topic. But first let me make it clear that I am not a philosopher. I am just an individual with a conviction, based on my life experience, of the importance of a sound philosophy to guide ones thoughts and actions. My personal philosophy is based largely on the “Philosophy of Objectivism” which is the legacy of the brilliant author Ayn Rand. If you have an interest in this, I recommend the book, “Philosophy: Who Needs It?” by Ayn Rand, as a good starting place.

Information about reality comes to us, by observing reality, by means of our faculties of perception; seeing, hearing, touch, etc. These are the only objectively verifiable means to gain information about the real world. To use this information in a productive and efficient manner we must process this information using reason so that it serves a desirable purpose; the fundamental purpose being survival and then setting and achieving rational goals.

Existence is self-evidentiary; this means it proves itself by its very existence. No proof is needed for existence because it is the proof; it proves itself. Existence is axiomatic in that any attempt to disprove existence requires that existence itself be used in that attempt. Try it and you’ll understand what I mean. Again, objectivity is a choice, one can deny that existence exists but to prove it one must cease to exist.

I imagine one can be deaf and blind and still have an implicit awareness of existence through taste, touch and smell although it would seem difficult to achieve a quality of awareness of the nature of reality without ever having seen or heard it.

I hope this at least begins to explain my position. Please excuse my delay in responding as I have a life to maintain and I wanted to get this right.

 

[octelcogopod]

Dmstifik8ion, I agree with most of your points.

I would define objectivity as such;
Objective is the external physical world, independent of any conscious being observing it.
Subjective is solely how the conscious being observees the universe.

 

[sameandnot]

ok, dmstifik8tion. i see your point.
In, fact, this seems to be your main pont:

Objectivity [is] the application of reason to determine the facts about reality.

please recognize that i am only speaking/examining very logically.
as logic is the foundation of reason, we will note that the examination is purely rational, and thereby, we can say that it is perfect for determining facts about reality.

now, "Objectivity is the application of reason to determine the facts about reality."

as i said in another post:

physical reality is not an equivalent term as objective reality. this is key.

objective reality, is the subjective movement to "make objects" of the perceived/physical world. see the difference?

objective reality is a human invention, whereas physical reality is the world in which humans have defined "objects" as separate entities (themselves being one). The only thing that suggests a world of separate entities is a crude form of perception of the human mind. (which is the common way of human perception)
Though, there have been and are people existing who fail to make such absolute distinctions, not by ignorance or stupidity, but by an earnest exploration/inquiry/enquiry. to those people, objective reality is an illusion, because reality is known to be far too interconnected (perhaps even endlessly interconnected) to make such crude distinctions.
this is the case with quantum mechanics and the crumbling notions of time/space that are in its examination.

the subject is the object, that he/she perceives, as the "object" is an invention of their mind, based on a gross/crude sense of perception.

so in this much i agree with you, but if we are to think rationally about existence/being, and thereby determine facts about reality, then we must use our intellect logically to see where there are "holes," in our present conviction, are. no?

i mean: the world is not flat, although it seemed perfectly 'verifiable' at one time. also, euclid did not create the perfect, true, geometry, though it surely was 'verifiable' at one point, in the development of reason, and the world is not "objects" though we perceive it that way, commonly/crudely.

therefore. we should not be too hasty in our holding of convictions, as it is probably not a responsible move. When we examine the world we find that the distinction between subject and object is naught, because we have invented the idea of "objects" (no mater how useful in basic human life). so, object is really a subjective state, and therefore we must identify the ground of being/existence, which this thread is hoping to unravel.

from what do subjective and objective gain their existence? we could say, "physicality", but then we must concede that subjectivity is really physical. nay, the ground of reality must be that One, from which a unified physical reality appears.

physical reality, it appears, is just a bundle of waves/oscillations (good word drop, les sleeth... oscillations... i totally overlooked it for a little while.) of, perhaps, infinitely varying frequencies, lengths, and amplitudes. these are sometimes bundled together and sometimes not, and sometimes they have little particles and "big" masses riding on them, but always, they are a totality, unseperable in their true nature. "objects" can not sufficiently define or contain such a nature, as the Nature is always "leaking" out of the bounds of the definition.
physical reality, it seems, is "riding the waves of Reality", and objective reality is the human attempt to "make sense of it" all. but our making sense of it can never constitued what it truly is; *this will remain forever uncertain.

so, is oscillation being/existence? or is there some One, in which, the oscillations may occur; which should be rightfully understood as being/existence? since the oscillations are really One "sea", is this "sea" the "sea of being"? can being be defined such, or is it something even more subtle?

maybe i lost some people. well, thoughts are very much appreciated.

 

[octelcogopod]

sameandnot, I've had the same thoughts regarding "One."

I have this idea where the universe and all its consciousness is really just "One."
Where it's all one big sea of oscillations, and that we are in the middle of it, but unable to see it.

But there is one problem, if I understand you correctly.
We have never observed a subjective state in a labratory.
Ever.

Where in the place of strings and oscillations does the subjective state hold its place?
It seems to me that it must be some transcendign layer, your theory still applies though, because One includes Everything, and as such can be solved as Everything.

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

Just a quick thought: If there are other 'layers' of reality not available to our existing sensory perceptions how might they affect us? We have learned ways to perceive many things not directly available to us through perception. We have learned about their existence and can comprehend them as extensions of our faculties of direct perception, by their relationship to our basic perception, i.e., radio waves, ultrasound, micro- and tele-optics. Do you believe their might be something other than energy and mass (which we have discovered are also fundamentally related)? What is it that you are seeking and why, and is it something you have a hope of finding? Should our unquenchable thirst for new knowledge and understanding be resigned to the possibility that it may never be complete or should we appreciate what we have gained so far and therefore continue our quest?

I would be nice to explore the universe but let's not forget our way home so that we might report our findings.

 

[sameandnot]

But there is one problem, if I understand you correctly.
We have never observed a subjective state in a labratory.
Ever.

true.
it appears that we have not observed the subjective state, because the subjective state is the one doing the observing.

If there are other 'layers' of reality not available to our existing sensory perceptions how might they affect us?

it's really nice that you bring this up, because i was just considering it.
and now, since it is fresh in my mind, it is very rich, so i will try to think and express as clearly as possible.

first: consider a video camera pointing down at the ground, in the middle of the jungle. what do we see? we see pebbles that appear to be boulders and ants that appear to be monsters. now, we slowly zoom-out... we are now seeing the monster and the boulder shrink steadily, until finally, the ants are "invisible" and the foliage and other "larger" animals are in focus. we see and elephant and monkeys... but the monkeys are beginning to look like ants, in size, and the elephants are beginning to look like monkey-sized creatures. soon, we are above the trees and the monkey is now invisible. as we continue to pan out, the elephant is now invisible, and the whole jungle appears to be no larger than the "boulder/pebble" from the beginning of the film. we can imagine this "panning out" continuing indefinitely(?), or at least to a very great distance, into space.

now: the ant and monkey and elephant and jungle are all invisible, but they are all within the reality that is perceived, at present.

this is not new to anyone, but, like i said i am unfolding this thought as i know it, so please bear with me.

also, we know how an ant is perceived to be much greater is size than an elephant, we the elephant some distance away and the ant very close. This is Relativity Theory. whence all the dualistic qualities become meaningless. tall and short are seen to be entirely relative, far and near, big and small. this is a basic recognition in the "tao te ching".

Now, my response to dmstifik8tion:
all that has ever existed, is present right now. it's just that it has become enfolded into the "present" and has thereby become "invisible" to the human observer, due "the effect of the distance of time", which is an illusion. nothing ever really stops affecting everything else, but we have objectified the localized relationships, as though they are separate and independent. When we talk about the One, we are talking about the totality of Reality, which is always preent, here and now. is not moving is not changing, until you "zoom in" and lose sight of the Whole, as you begin to be deluded by the perceptions of things that are perceived.

Interestingly, this response, though yet incomplete, is also a response to octelcogopod, whom mentioned that subjectivity transcends the physical world. Subjectivity, after rightly understanding the illusionary effect of locality and distance upon perceptions, one can see how subjectivity, aside from individual perceptions (rather, the subjectivity that has perceptions in it) is completely unbound in space and time. all that exists is contained within the subjective experience, though virtually all of it has become enfolded and and thereby perceived as a non-perception by the perceiver; the perceiver fails to notice that which is not blaringly obvious to it, and accepts that it is contained and finite, though the whole cosmos is enfolded within its subjective state. after all, what is not a subject, though we call it an object? all things affect change, are affected by change, as a subject. the ultimate "Subject"
is the One "object".
i hope that this makes sense, though at the same time i do not really care, as it is really undeveloped in my mind. i only mention it because it was brought up and it is fresh.

so, i would say yes, to both. there are layers of reality that are invisible, aside from radio waves, x-rays, microwaves, etc. which can be known by the intellect but not directly measured or observed by scientific instruments, and these are layers known through the subject. most of the universe is undisclosed to us and our perceptions, but that does not mean that it is not here; in the background, guiding the paradigms of humanity and science and the evolution of life. jesus is not gone, nor is hitler, nor will they ever be. they are always living entities. nothing is ever gone, it just becomes invisible.

ok so, this is just thought, i do not claim to Know, nor do i think that i can explain sufficiently. so what are some thoughts?

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

Dmstifik8ion, I agree with most of your points.

I would define objectivity as such;
Objective is the external physical world, independent of any conscious being observing it.
Subjective is solely how the conscious being observees the universe.

Your definition of "Objective" is similar to how I define reality, that being; reality is that which exists apart from and in spite of any desires or beliefs we may have about it, (or course in the broader sense, we too are a part of reality).

I use the term objectivity to refer to unbiased appraisal of the true nature of reality as opposed to a selective appraisal in hopes of ‘proving’ to ourselves that reality is something we want it to be and ignoring its true nature when it is in conflict with our desires or beliefs; this latter part being subjectivity. Subjectivity could also refer to an attempt to impose our will upon and thus alter (or redefine) reality; of course objectively by definition and in reality this is impossible. Reality only responds to actual physical manipulation.

Perhaps you disagree with or deny the validity of these statements or maybe you agree in essence but know of a better term/s (word/s) to use for them. The point I’m trying to get across here is that by properly focusing our mind and conforming to reality we can observe, comprehend and gain knowledge and understanding of its true nature. As for absolute certainty, that may be beyond the range of this discussion.

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

true.
it appears that we have not observed the subjective state, because the subjective state is the one doing the observing.
it's really nice that you bring this up, because i was just considering it.
and now, since it is fresh in my mind, it is very rich, so i will try to think and express as clearly as possible.
first: consider a video camera pointing down at the ground, in the middle of the jungle. what do we see? we see pebbles that appear to be boulders and ants that appear to be monsters. now, we slowly zoom-out... we are now seeing the monster and the boulder shrink steadily, until finally, the ants are "invisible" and the foliage and other "larger" animals are in focus. we see and elephant and monkeys... but the monkeys are beginning to look like ants, in size, and the elephants are beginning to look like monkey-sized creatures. soon, we are above the trees and the monkey is now invisible. as we continue to pan out, the elephant is now invisible, and the whole jungle appears to be no larger than the "boulder/pebble" from the beginning of the film. we can imagine this "panning out" continuing indefinitely(?), or at least to a very great distance, into space.
now: the ant and monkey and elephant and jungle are all invisible, but they are all within the reality that is perceived, at present.
this is not new to anyone, but, like i said i am unfolding this thought as i know it, so please bear with me.
also, we know how an ant is perceived to be much greater is size than an elephant, we the elephant some distance away and the ant very close. This is Relativity Theory. whence all the dualistic qualities become meaningless. tall and short are seen to be entirely relative, far and near, big and small. this is a basic recognition in the "tao te ching".
Now, my response to dmstifik8tion:
all that has ever existed, is present right now. it's just that it has become enfolded into the "present" and has thereby become "invisible" to the human observer, due "the effect of the distance of time", which is an illusion. nothing ever really stops affecting everything else, but we have objectified the localized relationships, as though they are separate and independent. When we talk about the One, we are talking about the totality of Reality, which is always preent, here and now. is not moving is not changing, until you "zoom in" and lose sight of the Whole, as you begin to be deluded by the perceptions of things that are perceived.
Interestingly, this response, though yet incomplete, is also a response to octelcogopod, whom mentioned that subjectivity transcends the physical world. Subjectivity, after rightly understanding the illusionary effect of locality and distance upon perceptions, one can see how subjectivity, aside from individual perceptions (rather, the subjectivity that has perceptions in it) is completely unbound in space and time. all that exists is contained within the subjective experience, though virtually all of it has become enfolded and and thereby perceived as a non-perception by the perceiver; the perceiver fails to notice that which is not blaringly obvious to it, and accepts that it is contained and finite, though the whole cosmos is enfolded within its subjective state. after all, what is not a subject, though we call it an object? all things affect change, are affected by change, as a subject. the ultimate "Subject"
is the One "object".
i hope that this makes sense, though at the same time i do not really care, as it is really undeveloped in my mind. i only mention it because it was brought up and it is fresh.
so, i would say yes, to both. there are layers of reality that are invisible, aside from radio waves, x-rays, microwaves, etc. which can be known by the intellect but not directly measured or observed by scientific instruments, and these are layers known through the subject. most of the universe is undisclosed to us and our perceptions, but that does not mean that it is not here; in the background, guiding the paradigms of humanity and science and the evolution of life. jesus is not gone, nor is hitler, nor will they ever be. they are always living entities. nothing is ever gone, it just becomes invisible.
ok so, this is just thought, i do not claim to Know, nor do i think that i can explain sufficiently. so what are some thoughts?

I tend to consider the universe throughout time and any other universes that may exist now, that have ever existed or that may exist in the future as a question to be considered by someone/thing who has been their throughout it all. My attempts to imagine the possibility of the existence of such a creature have led me to the conclusion that such a creature does not and can not possibly exist; existence preceeds consciousness.
Because I am a creature with a specific nature, having consciousness of myself and the world in which I live, realizing that I hold power over my own existence and acknowledging my responsiblity for my own life and actions, I have made my primary objective to focus on what I can do and should do. I have learned that the greatest contribution I can make to the universe throughout all time, (as insignificant as it may seem, relatively speaking), is to live my life like it really mattered, even if my contribution is limited to what one person can do in one lifetime through the thoughts and actions of one individual, myself. This, in essence, is what I refer to as conforming to reality and how I define the whole point of existence and being.
There you have it, my thoughts; I hope this helps.

 

[Rade]

I have learned that the greatest contribution I can make to the universe throughout all time, (as insignificant as it may seem, relatively speaking), is to live my life like it really mattered, even if my contribution is limited to what one person can do in one lifetime through the thoughts and actions of one individual, myself. This, in essence, is what I refer to as conforming to reality and how I define the whole point of existence and being

Question, are you living your life "like it really mattered" to self, others, or both ? I ask because I hold "both" to be the characteristic of the good life, yet would like to hear your thoughts.

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

Question, are you living your life "like it really mattered" to self, others, or both ? I ask because I hold "both" to be the characteristic of the good life, yet would like to hear your thoughts.

In all honesty, I do not always do exactly as I know I should; lapse of reason, insecurity or just lazy perhaps but the more I understand what I should do and why, the more willing I am to comply.

I enjoy helping others to help themselves for purely selfish reasons. It’s reassuring to me to see someone else find meaning or achieve a worthwhile goal in their life and obtain some degree of genuine and lasting happiness.

I don’t know how we can be of value to others before we have learned to value ourselves. Only after we have learned to live can we teach those who desire to know for themselves.

I have found no better laboratory for determining what the good is than to experiment on myself first. Only after proving things for myself do I have the confidence to share with those who desire to share with me.

I see no reason to interact with others accept for mutually beneficial relationships; but I seek such relationships because I know that others like me have much to offer in the way of things which none of us alone could possibly achieve on our own or without another’s knowledge and assistance.

As for helping those who are ‘less than ourselves’, I abhor this distinction. Any one who values their life enough to pursue it and has respect for the help that others may offer of their own free will deserves the same help and respect that anyone else does. I think comparative analysis is fine and good but patterning others or ourselves may not be taking into account any latent potentials that we might have and should encourage each other to develop.

I hope you find this answer does justice to your question.

 

[Rade]

I see no reason to interact with others accept for mutually beneficial relationships; ...I hope you find this answer does justice to your question.

Yes, from this statement you thus recognize that the good must be a monism of [self <----> other]--no man/woman is an island unto themself. And consider this--at birth, did you "first" have a perception (then even latter conception) of "self" or "other" (mother, father, etc.) ? I hold that humans derive our concept of "self" after birth from identification with "other". To find self, we look into the eyes of other.

 

[sameandnot]

wee must ask, then, what is really a beneficial relationship? i have a mutual relationship with the store clerk; i provide him what he wants and he what i want. and in this way, it is mutually beneficial. although, i provide him with monetary sustanence and he provides me with a deadly carcinogen.

this is a little extreme, seemingly, but far from abnormal or or even uncommon. there is a reason for our interaction, but is it beneficial?

what does it mean to be really beneficial.

what is the essence of that which we refer to as beneficial?

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

Each of us is a distinct and separate creature in spite of whatever the degree of dependence we have on others for our survival. When we gain our independence and become able to assume full responsibility for our own well-being and the consequences of our own actions, we have established and can fully realize our personal identities. Helping ones children to achieve this degree of self-fulfillment should be the primary objective of anyone who takes on the responsibility of parenthood.

Achieving independence brings with it a sense of self-respect and self-esteem that reinforces the desire and willingness to do what is necessary to maintain it. People such as this contribute the greatest value and are capable of providing a quality of sound judgment that helps to make the world a desirable and worthwhile place to live in for all of us.

In this sense, we are islands unto ourselves and once we gain our independence we are then able to build the kinds of bridges that link us together in ways that help us all to live more meaningful and worthwhile lives.

There are many who have not yet learned how to live who prefer to hold contempt for and aim hostility toward those who have rather than make the effort to achieve this for themselves. This kind of envy and hatred for human success only serves to make things worse for themselves and everyone else. This only brings greater disparity between those who have and those who are trying and in affect only manages to burn the bridges that others have worked hard to build.

This is why we should have only respect and admiration for even the smallest of steps that lead or have led others, as well as ourselves, to higher ground. I know of and can imagine no greater good than this.

On this basis, I would define a mutually beneficial relationship as any kind of human interaction that helps and encourages us to learn the skills we need and facilitates the ability of each of us to achieve individual human responsibility and independence.

 

[sameandnot]

In this sense, we are islands unto ourselves and once we gain our independence we are then able to build the kinds of bridges that link us together in ways that help us all to live more meaningful and worthwhile lives.
There are many who have not yet learned how to live who prefer to hold contempt for and aim hostility toward those who have rather than make the effort to achieve this for themselves. This kind of envy and hatred for human success only serves to make things worse for themselves and everyone else. This only brings greater disparity between those who have and those who are trying and in affect only manages to burn the bridges that others have worked hard to build.
This is why we should have only respect and admiration for even the smallest of steps that lead or have led others, as well as ourselves, to higher ground. I know of and can imagine no greater good than this.
On this basis, I would define a mutually beneficial relationship as any kind of human interaction that helps and encourages us to learn the skills we need and facilitates the ability of each of us to achieve individual human responsibility and independence.

the islands are always connected by the water, already.
what is done on one island, affects all of the islands and the environment, in whole (above and below).

doing something, that is commonly considered "good," is to also do, indirectly, something that is commonly considered "evil". no "doing" is ever purely beneficial. action is dualistic. to act, is to act, both, positively and negatively; beneficiantly and harmfully. although the counter-part might not be apparent to the doer, at the time of doing, but:

how often has one done something with the intention of doing only "good," and as a result something "bad" happened?

to really benefit someone is to, it appears, not do them any harm. benefit comes out of the not-implementing harm. benefiting one, is allowing them to exist free from any harm that you might impose; that is a mutually benefitting relationship. any action can be seen as beneficial or harmful, and will, in fact, be, both, harmful and beneficial. so what is truly beneficial?

the wise men say, "not-doing is a virtue".

 

[sameandnot]

duality is a characteristic of existence/being, when the One is particularized in any fashion. when One becomes two, with it, comes duality and the cycle and re-cycle of counter-forces; they must continually counter-balance to maintain the equalibrium of the One, which the Two, essentially, is.

so what are the characteristics of the One?
-non-changing
-non-affected by the play of the Two; transcendent
-beyond good and evil; beyond positive and negative
-beyond action; actionless
-intentless

...are some qualities.

perhaps we may come to know existence/being, by becoming aware of what existence/being is not.

 

[Dmstifik8ion]

duality is a characteristic of existence/being, when the One is particularized in any fashion. when One becomes two, with it, comes duality and the cycle and re-cycle of counter-forces; they must continually counter-balance to maintain the equalibrium of the One, which the Two, essentially, is.
so what are the characteristics of the One?
-non-changing
-non-affected by the play of the Two; transcendent
-beyond good and evil; beyond positive and negative
-beyond action; actionless
-intentless
...are some qualities.
perhaps we may come to know existence/being, by becoming aware of what existence/being is not.

What you are describing is non-existence; if that is your one and only goal in life than you have achieved your life’s purpose without the necessity of a wink or a nod. We will all achieve this goal eventually but for myself I choose to see if it may be possible to do more good than harm. If both qualities exist in equal proportion from any action we may choose, than what is the harm if I choose to act in the way I see fit.

I already know what existence/being is not and I am in no hurry to neither be nor exist. Existing as a human being requires doing not only what is necessary to maintain ones existence over the short term; eating, sleeping, breathing, etc. We also need to prepare for eventualities; famine, attack by predators, storms, floods, the freezing cold of winter, etc. So we do things; grow crops so that we don’t end up eating each other, preparing a defense from predators so that we don’t become something/someone else’s dinner, building shelters so that we don’t end up crawling around in dark dirty smelly caves, etc.

The purpose of the mind is not to eliminate thinking but to learn to think rationally. The purpose of life is not to ignore it requirements or pretend it has no value or price. One person’s life need not be at the expense of another’s. By thinking, planning and acting rationally we become able not only to provide for ourselves but eventually to have some left over to share with others.

To be is to be something whether you define it or not. If you live in fear of discovering what you are you will never become anything more than something, hiding in the darkness and obscurity of self-doubt, that is not worthy of discovery; the meaningless waste of a potential that has refused to become realized.

The root of all evil is the belief that one can be nothing else but evil. There is no reasoning with one who believes that there is no reason.

 

[sameandnot]

The purpose of the mind is not to eliminate thinking but to learn to think rationally.

you limit yourself to a mind. you are identified with a body and mind and thus cannot see the Reality. unfortunately you are not unique. i hope that it doesn't upset you to think that you are not unique, in this respect.

The root of all evil is the belief that one can be nothing else but evil.

does this help you feel nice?

There is no reasoning with one who believes that there is no reason.

you don't even know what is rational. let alone living rationally.one need not learn to think rationally... that is one's natural condition!
-i'm hungry, so i'll eat.
-i'm tired, so i'll sleep,
-this will burn me, so i will not touch it.

the trick is to not let one's mind run wild.
-this is pleasurable, so i will do it again... and again... and again.
-i like this familar setting, so i will kill for it.

see the difference?

eventually, reason brings one beyond thinking about reason and reasoning about existence, because what is true reason can not be reasoned, as it is the natural condition of being.

so, reason does not exist as something to be acheived... such is un-reason.

evil is the mind, having taken control of one's being.
good is the simplicity of not being over-taken by the mind/ego.

evil is contrived/forced and good is Natural/Necessary.