Why IS the Human species so screwed up?

Originally posted by SpacePunk
reply to post by ldyserenity

 

It's not a matter of people thinking, or trying to be God. There are those that are driven to be at the top of the heap, they'll do and say anything to get there, and once there they fight to stay there. I realized long ago that it's a bunch of malarkey that we 'must' be over others, that is how we are valued, and adored by others. All the people that are at the top politically, societaly, artistically, and intellectually must keep fighting to stay there. Underneath them are hoards of monkeys trying to reach the same goal. It's not a matter of being God, it's a matter of dominance over others. Even here on ATS, it's a subtle battle of dominance between who is right, wrong, hoaxers, believers, debunkers, etc... Even in the smallest groups there's always a jockeying of dominant positions.

When you look at it intellectually, it all looks like a crazy mess. When you look at it with your inner animal, it all makes sense. The thing that makes people murder, rape, steal, etc... is that inner animal They haven't learned to control it, and put it to use. They do not understand themselves, and what makes them tick. That is where religion, and god comes in. There are a great many that need that concept that they are divine creatures that are above the animals that keeps them from letting their animal nature take control.

That's true, I see what you are saying. I do feel that people though, have taken on a sense of entitlement that our ancestors didn't have. In that they feel they are entiltled to being the top of the heap as you put it.

Originally posted by ldyserenity
Let me explain this further. We have all this technology, can fly to the moon, have all kinds of entertainment via tv, gaming systems, computers, ipods, cell phones with all kinds of Apps to do a multitude of things...We are advanced to where we feel superior...I think that many beleive they are God or enough like Him they feel entitled to do whatever the heck they want to without consequence, because simply they beleive themselves to Be God.

I don't think the average person likens themself to god, honestly I think a lot of people don't think about it much at all (even those into many organized religions). Many have lost touch with God becuase they have lost touch with their own morality, and the two go hand in hand.

Back in the day death was frequent, now it is sanitized and distant. If you went to church every sunday and walked past the church cemetery you saw the graves of people you knew. You saw family members and other people in your small community die of disease or childbirth or the like, then death would be VERY real. It would not be a foreign concept and there would not be a wideheld belief that it can be controlled, or it only happens to the old. When it happens darn quick to just about anyone that makes it real. That would make GOD very real, not a philosophy or a political ideology, but the reality of "you are going to die, this really is very temporary, so what is reality beyond this existence?"

In addition we are getting an "extreme" view of the world via technology. It is a freak show where we are constantly bombarded by the most extreme behaviors and stories. Imagine if that were NOT the case, imagine if you only heard about the things that were happening in the lives of your family, coworkers, and friends. It would be far less freaky, far less extreme because you would not be tapping into a constant feed of the most extreme actions and situations.

[edit on 21-5-2009 by Sonya610]

Originally posted by Sonya610

Originally posted by ldyserenity
Let me explain this further. We have all this technology, can fly to the moon, have all kinds of entertainment via tv, gaming systems, computers, ipods, cell phones with all kinds of Apps to do a multitude of things...We are advanced to where we feel superior...I think that many beleive they are God or enough like Him they feel entitled to do whatever the heck they want to without consequence, because simply they beleive themselves to Be God.

I don't think the average person likens themself to god, honestly I think a lot of people don't think about it much at all (even those into many organized religions). Many have lost touch with God becuase they have lost touch with their own morality, and the two go hand in hand.

Back in the day death was frequent, now it is sanitized and distant. If you went to church every sunday and walked past the church cemetery you saw the graves of people you knew. You saw family members and other people in your small community die of disease or childbirth or the like, then death would be VERY real. It would not be a foreign concept and there would not be a wideheld belief that it can be controlled, or it only happens to the old. When it happens darn quick to just about anyone that makes it real. That would make GOD very real, not a philosophy or a political ideology, but the reality of "you are going to die for real so what are you going to do about it?"

In addition we are getting an "extreme" view of the world via technology. It is a freak show where we are constantly bombarded by the most extreme behaviors and stories. Imagine if that were NOT the case, imagine if you only heard about the things that were happening in the lives of your family, coworkers, and friends. It would be far less freaky, far less extreme because you would not be tapping into a constant feed of the most extreme actions and situations.

[edit on 21-5-2009 by Sonya610]

Yes, that's what I am trying to say we lost the real connection to God and our moralities.Even if it comes off in a little bit of a roundabout way. I thank you for your input.

reply to post by ldyserenity


Its more overly about substance and purpose for many many many people.

Just observe the younger generations, iconic items in their possession that they have been taught to give them purpose and substance. cars, cell phones, anytime something challenges their confidence they reach for these certain items to gain attention or acceptance. Strange inertia it is. Also something to keep in mind.. We are animals.. We are not above this, as so we wish perhaps to deny any resemblance to the ape or lion, we are a animal. We still no mater how much violence we witness, have the primal urges to be animals. This is by design, which again brings the questions of what it is we have lost or do not have. In closing what makes things people do so wrong? Yes technology is what we are being taught to excel at. Being part of it is neither right or wrong from my point of view. Their is nothing we know that was before us, or part of our making of what we are, so theirfore we are in no position to judge ourselves when it is ourselves we do not know the origin of. In other wards what is the right thing to do or the thing to do when we have nothing of our origin. Calamity indeed. Welcome to the show..

[edit on 21-5-2009 by Adrifter]

[edit on 21-5-2009 by Adrifter]

Originally posted by ldyserenity

That's true, I see what you are saying. I do feel that people though, have taken on a sense of entitlement that our ancestors didn't have. In that they feel they are entiltled to being the top of the heap as you put it.

Our ancestors didn't grow up in a world where people are given things. It's like the signs in parks where there are wild animals telling people to not feed the animals. Those animals become dependent on handouts from humans, and when they don't get those handouts it causes them to become more aggressive in their quest to get that easy food. For years we've been 'feeding' the humans, so of course they've developed a sense of entitlement, and show aggressiveness when they don't get what they feel they are entitled to.

Originally posted by SpacePunk

Originally posted by ldyserenity

That's true, I see what you are saying. I do feel that people though, have taken on a sense of entitlement that our ancestors didn't have. In that they feel they are entiltled to being the top of the heap as you put it.

Our ancestors didn't grow up in a world where people are given things. It's like the signs in parks where there are wild animals telling people to not feed the animals. Those animals become dependent on handouts from humans, and when they don't get those handouts it causes them to become more aggressive in their quest to get that easy food. For years we've been 'feeding' the humans, so of course they've developed a sense of entitlement, and show aggressiveness when they don't get what they feel they are entitled to.

EXACLY!!!!!

furthermore, being civilized and living lawfully is right as far progression towards better ways of life, etc. etc. yet we do not know if this is what is meant for us. We are in no position to judge whether it is right or wrong. We are in a better position then ancestors and fear put us into this position long ago, not to mention ego as well, survival traits. All in all, looking back in history their is a common factor, the art of survival most all principal actions were based off of survival. Common wealth.

[edit on 21-5-2009 by Adrifter]

reply to post by Adrifter



So if we are animals what makes us feel we should be any better than one of another species?We are able to think, yet we give less respect than a bird or a snake gives to our world!

reply to post by ldyserenity


It is not we who do this. It is the ones who find purpose in doing such a thing. Or gain something by doing so. For what reason this occurs was in the design of life, I dunno. Yet it is there perplexing indeed, goes into one theories of good and evil, addition subtraction yin and yang, opposites forces. This is just the tip of the ice burg. Million of electrons surround us right now, attracting reacting to everything. I don't know but I do know we are animals and we on top of the food chain, it takes other people to do the right things or what we think is the right thing to create a side to stop such actions. yet then again the demise.

I understand your philosophy and your question. Not trying to be controversial or not agree with the answers at face value. I totally believe in doing good making a difference in the world, the only thing that troubles me is we don't know our origin, or why we are here or even what here is. Not understanding our purpose for existence and not understanding what and what it is we live in is difficult. That why its hard to agree with the judgment of why we are so screwed up. In my opinion its almost like we are suppose to be, or turned out that way with the lack of understanding.



[edit on 21-5-2009 by Adrifter]

The ego is what causes all problems. I used to think as a kid how someone elses Dad can die, but no one really cares. But their parent dies, and then they care. But we can never care to the extent that the other person does when they are suffering. Business people are exemplary, they'll sell out another person's health if it can make money. We don't care about others, and we really can't because we were designed to be egotistical. But simply being "nice" doesn't solve the problem, it just paints a pretty picture on a rampaging destructive ego. Reminds me of what Jesus says, something like there will be nothing that is hidden that won't be revealed. You can be nice all you want, but at the very core of a person is an ego that isn't compatible with spirituality at the outset.

So going back to that other example.....someone close to me could die, and I could be upset at others disregard that they hardly care. That's one aspect of egoism. The other is when someone else's close one dies, and I realize that I don't care as much as they do. But ultimately its our own egoism that causes us pain.

[edit on 21-5-2009 by ghaleon12]

[edit on 21-5-2009 by ghaleon12]

Television would be a good place to start as to why we're so screwed up. The constant shows of violence has desensitized people to it over the years, the news constantly bringing you murder reports from across the nation or the world. Before T.V. you normally didn't hear about homicides four states over unless it was something big like the Lindburg baby. Now if there's not enough murders to talk about in Detroit, send the cameras down to flordia and bring the viewers homicide news from Tampa. A lot of negative imagery on that thing. The newspapers aren't much better.

I don't think you can nail it down to one concise reason.

ADrifter put forth a lot of good points, for instance, our need to know where we come from, why we are here, etc. We cannot cope with the idea of not knowing, and without knowing a true purpose, our ego rationalizes that there is no greater purpose than thyself. This allows us to blur the line between what is traditionally held as right and wrong.

Also, I think, there exists a natural order to the world, for instance, the gazelle is not king of the savannah. The lion is. In the Old World there was an order, a hierarchy to civilization. The son of a farmer would always become a farmer, and only a prince could become a king. The Renaissance and Enlightenment shook up that Old World. Now we are emerging in a New World, the world of the free man and free will, where the son of a farmer can be the President of a country.

Can a natural, predefined order and free will exist at the same time? It is a question that has plagued philosphers for milennia. Our minds are constantly fighting with themselves over this dilemma.

Furthermore, people are taught from a young young age that they can be, do, and have whatever they want. This sense of entitlement and importance is ingrained in the mind, and the ego believes this, to its dying breath, and it will do whatever is necessary to be satisfied, to be accepted by others, to have the feeling of high self worth. And it will do it unbeknowst to the person (sneaky SOB!).

Good thread, btw. Could really feel the horizons of my conciousness expanding while I was reading! That doesn't happen often on this site.

Why IS the Human species so screwed up?

Cause we don't eat our young?

I dont think we are screwed up. We just make some bad choices at times, but for the most part we change as a species when we realize we are wrong.

Why? Because of The System we belabor under. We are less than slaves (wage slaves)... We are livestock.

We are encouraged to divide that we may be conquered.

I recommend reading The Terra Papers.

A history of the Papers is here:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

A glossary of terms (I compiled) is here:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

And the Papers themselves are here:

www.freedomdomain.com...

A solution is in my FREE book available here:

files.abovetopsecret.com...

EDIT to fix link.

[edit on 5/22/2009 by Amaterasu]

reply to post by ldyserenity


Because we're still children in a sense.

I thank everyone for their ideas on this. I can only assume that there are many reasons for individuals' actions and there will never be a simple solution because it isn't a simple question. Now I just want to know if you all think that the good outweighs the bad or the other way around? Which way is the scale tipping? Towards worse people or towards betterment?

Originally posted by ldyserenity
Now I just want to know if you all think that the good outweighs the bad or the other way around? Which way is the scale tipping? Towards worse people or towards betterment?

If one reads my book, one discovers that my view is that the Human Hearted of us, if given a chance to flourish outside The System (which twists and corrupts us through greed and desperation), would be loving and caring.

The Lizard Hearted currently have control, maintaining The System, and fighting and/or undermining efforts to cast off The System.

Seriously, read the history of The Terra Papers, read the Papers themselves, and then read my book for the way out of The System and into abundance for every one of the nearly 7 billion of us.

Humanity's brain has given it awesome powers, so as a species we have been able to accelerate the evolutionary process far beyond what our physical bodies are actually able to handle. It would be funny if it weren't so tragic...its kind of like dropping a Rolls Royce formula-one race-car engine into a Ford Pinto. One hell of a ride -- while it lasts. Then...Ka-BOOM!

Our massive frontal lobes have made us able to be very "comfortable," compared to other animals, but the way our hyper-accelerated monkeybrain makes choices and defines "comfort" is not always what is best for our organism as a whole. To use another metaphor, we are a bit like a two-year-old who toddles into the kitchen and discovers a sack of pure sugar. The kid will sit there and keep stuffing fistfulls of it into his mouth, with his toungue in pure nirvana, meanwhile never able to gasp why his stomach starts feeling worse and worse and worse...





[edit on 5/24/09 by silent thunder]

I disagree with the assumption made in the question. . .the assumption being that the human race is 'screwed up'.

We Americans are in a culture where the illusion of being screwed up is fed to us quite often. Whether it is news media trying to sell advertising or advirtising itself using many psychological triggers to make us feel a negative need (to be filled by their product), we are continually hammered that we suck. ATS plays into this same psychology.

It actually isn't unique to Americans. It seems to me that the way human brains age lends itself greatly to this false sense that things are getting worse that they were when we were younger.

Perspective also plays a role in the false assumption that the human race is 'screwed up'. If I am a fundmentalist Christian, the election of Obama is a definite sign of the human race being 'screwed up'. If I am a gay rights activist, then the human race is a bit less 'screwed up'.

Also, the OP equated the Garden of Eden to our transistion from hunting/gathering to farming species as a negative thing and perhaps the reason that we are 'screwed up.'

As hunter/gatherers, our life spans we're less than 50% as long, violence and disease and starvation and no equal rights for the weak and a whole bunch of other stuff that I assume the OP would define as reasons we are currently 'scrwed up', we're much more part of the daily life of those poor folks.

The human race is the human race. We are what we have been for thousands of years. Sometimes we do a little better, sometimes we do a little worse.

We destroy, commit genocide, prey on the weak and abuse power when we attain it.
BUT. . .
We also create, protect, nurture the weak and use power with compassion when we attain it.
AND. . .
For most of us, we do all of the above, mixed up, positive and negative, good and evil, black and white. . .screwed up and sound.