Mindless Barbarian : Brains Beats Brawn, Learn To Think, Violence Is The Answer?

Being raised in the Art of War, knowledge is power, and violence never solves anything, thinking is one of those things I always do at all times of the day.

I was taught to think by loving parents, to question authority at all times, and if I wanted to know about something to do thorough research, cross-reference, and investigate so as to know exactly what it is that I want to know, no matter the topic.

One thing people seem to believe about the Art of War is that it is just a book written by Sun Tzu as a means to make war upon other people, but this is not true, it is truly about thinking, and out-thinking an enemy on the battlefield.

Wherever that may be, whether it is a physical battle with armies, or the mind itself.

You will see I wrote in the title a term, "mindless barbarians", and it is a reference to violent people, to non-thinkers, those people who think violence is the answer.

Some people may believe this refers to those people sometimes call sheeple, but this is not how I see it, this is instead those who act through ignorance through violence.

Racism : Self-Empowerment or Being an Ignorant Bully, and Suppressing Freedom

Before I go much further let us look at the definition of exactly what a barbarian explains.

Quote from : Wikipedia : Barbarian

Barbarian is a term for an uncivilized person, often used pejoratively, either in a general reference to a member of a nation or ethnos, typically a tribal society as seen by an urban civilization either viewed as inferior, or admired as a noble savage.

In idiomatic or figurative usage, a "barbarian" may also be an individual reference to a brutal, cruel, warlike, insensitive person.

The term originates in the ancient Greek civilization, meaning "anyone who is not Greek".

Comparable notions are found in non-European civilizations.

Conan the Barbarian probably comes to mind for some, and while it was a good movie, and comic book series, I am of course referencing the mentality of those who go to violence, instead of using their mind, first.

Conan The Barbarian Trailer


The Eastern mind, or the Asian mind, is one complex and virtually different as the vast differences between languages that are unfamiliar, to that of the Western mind.

Divide and Conquer : Political Ideology of the Power Elite, Selling The Peace, War Is The Motive

Saying this I am of course referring to the differences of culture between a vast chasm between Christianity and Buddhism, between America and Russia, the war-like mind and the weak-minded, those who explore the world and those who conquer it.

To me thinking and out-thinking people is about as simple as some people spreading peanut butter and jelly on two pieces of bread, it is just something I have always done, and done quite easily, but I notice not everyone know how to think.

When I mentioned the Art of War earlier it is because it is a common ground for many, but not all, and having lived as long as I have I have had to out-think many people, and because of the various events of my life, I finally turned a corner in where I switched this into the Art of Peace, meaning I can spot violent events unfolding through many venues or means by watching how people act in a group setting, from two people having a civil discussion which begins going off kilter when one vehemently disagree, to large groups where many different religions, cultures, and or ethinicties come together.

New World Order : There Is No Such Thing, Architect's of Lies, They Created A Phantom Menace

Quote from : Wikipedia : Art of War

The Art of War (Chinese: 孫子兵法; pinyin: Sūn Zǐ Bīng Fǎ) is a Chinese military treatise that was written by Sun Tzu in the 6th century BC, during the Spring and Autumn period.

Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare, it is said to be the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time, and still one of the basic texts.

The Art of War is one of the oldest and most successful books on military strategy. It has had an influence on Eastern military thinking, business tactics, and beyond.

Sun Tzu suggested the importance of positioning in strategy and that position is affected both by objective conditions in the physical environment and the subjective opinions of competitive actors in that environment.

He thought that strategy was not planning in the sense of working through an established list, but rather that it requires quick and appropriate responses to changing conditions.

Planning works in a controlled environment, but in a changing environment, competing plans collide, creating unexpected situations.

The book was translated into the French language in 1772 by French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot, and into English by British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop in 1905.

It likely influenced Napoleon, and leaders as diverse as Mao Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap, Baron Antoine-Henri Jomini, and General Douglas MacArthur have claimed to have drawn inspiration from the work.

The Art of War has also been applied to business and managerial strategies.

Original "Bamboo Book : Sun Tzu : Art of War : Beginning Pages"
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/7d0924a752cc.jpg[/atsimg]

Being I am American, part English, part German, and last night I found out I have Irish ancestry as well, most would believe I am of the Western mindset, which is partially true, I do know how to think through Christianity, dominance of violence in tought situations, and Puritanical beliefs. But being raised under the tutelage of a Vietnam era Marine, the Art of War heavily indoctrined into my belief system, I am equally an Eastern mindset in that I would rather think, plan, and strategize.

Tactician's are people who think in strategy, planning, manuevering and doing things differently when violence is shown, they tend to think at least three steps ahead of most people. In how people are raised today, I have to wonder at how people cannot think in several ways to see the different contexts of life's mysteries.

So, with all of that being said I of course curious why it is that ATS thinks that people do not think, but act through violence first, when it comes to many things in life, whether it be the actions of many where the group setting and mentality is lowered by the common denominator of racial make-up and the IQ of the room reduces to mob-mentality, to those few who act out of fear through violence and or threat of violence like the recent incident when the Healthcare Reform Act was passed and a Congressman was not only threatened, but threatened with violence to his family, because of the man's beliefs.

My thoughts on that man's actions are that he was a proto-typical "mindless barbarian".

How Dare You Mr. President and Congress...

Thought or the ability to think is one of our greatest gifts in life and while I comprehend people acting through violence, I do not fully understand it because of my indoctrination in overcoming improbabilties through thinking things through. As well I was raised to think inside the box, outside the box, and smash the box and begin again.

Quote from : Wikipedia : Thought

Thought and thinking are mental forms and processes, respectively ("thought" is both).

Thinking allows beings to model the world and to represent it according to their objectives, plans, ends and desires.

Words referring to similar concepts and processes include cognition, sentience, consciousness, ideas, and imagination.

When it comes to ATS and the defined mission of Deny Ignorance we as members of a conspiracy theorist website, have come together to share ideas, think, plan, and understand the vast nature of cover-ups, conspiracies, and chaos.

Is it the dumbing down of society, the lack of pre-planning, beliefs in those in power, or a lack of beliefs in any of those which has seemingly made it more difficult for people to think before acting, doing stupid things, and or commiting to negative actions?

One last thing comes to mind in regards to the "mindless barbarian" is the Darwin Awards.

Quote from : Darwin Awards

Within These Portals Lurk 836 Enterprising Demises.

In honor of Charles Darwin, the Darwin Awards commemorate those who improve our gene pool...by accidentally removing themselves from it.

By necessity, the award is generally bestowed posthumously.

The Darwin Awards Trailer


When it comes to the nature of society, the nature of the world, and the nature of humanity itself, thinking is one of the only things we can do without violation through being told it is not allowed, currently, although society sure seems to be shifting towards a world where the Thought-Police are encroaching upon our most sacred of grounds and a last vestige of sanity, our minds.

Which Is It, "Conspiracy Theory", or "Conspiracy Fact"?

Deny Ignorance.


[edit on 27-3-2010 by SpartanKingLeonidas]

S & F

Very good work.
I've never really looked at in that manner.

I certanly agree with your premise. But would like to say, for some the only talking you can do with them is throught the end of a baseball bat. Stripes for a fools back. The M16 has its place amoung the forms of communication by default.

Fantastic as always SKL.

I too had never thought about it in this way, however your thesis makes much sense.

The world is changing however little it is from day to day, but we will grow as humans and we will come to realize our barbarous ways will eventually destory us.

I fear that our civilization must fall as a prelude to another that will actually remember the lessons of history.

~Keeper

Today the Art of War has more to do with Business than the battlefield. (let's just get that clear right now) It is actually required reading in any credible business school.

In history, Barbarians were anyone that weren't a part of the Roman Empire. Genghis Kahn was considered a barbarian, yet, he was one of the most successful military commanders of all time, and built the Mongol empire. Hannibal was a Barbarian, yet he also was quite the successful military strategist.

If you truly studied the art of war, an important lesson would have been to never underestimate the desperate. Both Hannibal and Genghis Kahn used their minds quite effectively in battle yet were in history considered barbarians.

Strategy has it's place and must always be thought of. In warfare of any kind one must remember that battle is a constantly fluid situation and one must always update their tactics to the situation, but also remember that sometimes over thinking the enemy is equally as dangerous.

Nice work SKL. Only to add: "The pen is Mightier than the Sword." -Edward Bulwer-Lytton

But because a 2nd line is always prudent:
“When liberty comes with hands dabbled in blood it is hard to shake hands with her.”
- Oscar Wilde


[edit on 27-3-2010 by kinda kurious]

reply to post by SpartanKingLeonidas

Is it the dumbing down of society, the lack of pre-planning, beliefs in those in power, or a lack of beliefs in any of those which has seemingly made it more difficult for people to think before acting, doing stupid things, and or commiting to negative actions?

My friend I know you can see what's going on. Haven't we been conditioned to accept that violence is the answer? Haven't we all been taught that through the brave actions of our founding fathers, who were revolutionaries, that our country was founded? At the end of a musket or sword or cannon.

Don't we actually desire to see the violence and mayhem? Look at what the ratings are for violent action films and the debauchery we applaud by accepting what is fed to us continually. Over time we have been taught to embrace this carnage. Watch how the MSM shows us the newest and best killing systems that our governments are building. Supposedly for our protection.

Look at how we fall into the mindset that has been pounded into our brains over time. We don't stop to consider how much money those fancy killing systems cost to develop and deploy and maintain. Those resources could go toward fomenting a much better foreign relations policy. Instead we praise our technology and desire to see those killing systems deployed against those that supposedly oppose us.

Hasn't our religions even pitted us against eachother in the same manner? Isn't that what is going on right now as we speak? Haven't we been taught that it is kill or be killed? Freedom is not free we are told. What freedom is it that we are actually fighting for? The freedom for our governments to oppress us even more and demand that the machine of control is maintained?

The supposed authority on the subject remains strangely silent as the war machine marches ever onward. I am talking about the Vatican. Well, they conveniently are embroiled in another affair right now and they do not have the time to address the world and offer reason. I submit that they are complicit in the conditioning and control that we find ourselves subject to.

You see, they want us to resort to the violence. Far be it from anyone in power to offer peace. The violence is what strengthens them by initiating the fear of it all. When we feel we have been wronged by those in power, we lash out in violence. They then have a reason to further their surveillance of us and imprison us. It is for our own good. What else can you do with such an unruly populace?

We need rfid chips, we need airport scanners, we need cameras all over the place, we need to give up our privacy. We need to understand that those in power cannot do the job of protecting us if we do not allow all and more of these measures. Meanwhile they provoke the violence and play on religions that they have successfully instilled in the masses.

Continue on as usual and go to work. In fact after the nine eleven attacks they told us that if we wanted to get back at those demonic terrorists, go to work. They'll take care of everything. Just go to work and that's how you get back at them in your own little way. We'll do the rest.

Through years of nefarious foreign relations and covert operations they have all but destroyed what the will of the American people really is. They have destroyed what man really is. They have created a monster that they control and control it they will. They will drive that monster to its demise and stand over it and tell it that it got what it wanted all along.

They in fact will be the only ones who can keep what is left of mankind alive and it was by design.

Originally posted by jackflap
reply to post by SpartanKingLeonidas

 

Is it the dumbing down of society, the lack of pre-planning, beliefs in those in power, or a lack of beliefs in any of those which has seemingly made it more difficult for people to think before acting, doing stupid things, and or commiting to negative actions?

My friend I know you can see what's going on. Haven't we been conditioned to accept that violence is the answer? Haven't we all been taught that through the brave actions of our founding fathers, who were revolutionaries, that our country was founded? At the end of a musket or sword or cannon.

Don't we actually desire to see the violence and mayhem? Look at what the ratings are for violent action films and the debauchery we applaud by accepting what is fed to us continually. Over time we have been taught to embrace this carnage. Watch how the MSM shows us the newest and best killing systems that our governments are building. Supposedly for our protection.

Look at how we fall into the mindset that has been pounded into our brains over time. We don't stop to consider how much money those fancy killing systems cost to develop and deploy and maintain. Those resources could go toward fomenting a much better foreign relations policy. Instead we praise our technology and desire to see those killing systems deployed against those that supposedly oppose us.

The suggestion is that the two are mutualy exclusive. But they are not in the package of measures as a whole. That is the fulty part of this flow. Like asking the cops to sell thier sidearms to feed the poor. Its simply ludicrous.

Originally posted by kinda kurious
Nice work SKL. Only to add: "The pen is Mightier than the Sword." -Edward Bulwer-Lytton

But because a 2nd line is always prudent:
“When liberty comes with hands dabbled in blood it is hard to shake hands with her.”
- Oscar Wilde

The pen is a sword. Karl Marx never actually killed anyone.

reply to post by Logarock

Like asking the cops to sell thier sidearms to feed the poor.

My reply went even further then this analogy my friend. Ask why the cops need firearms to begin with. Ask why the violence they protect the people from has been exasperated by the false sense of scarcity of resources and the people who feel helpless as to obtain them.

Originally posted by jackflap
reply to post by Logarock

 

Like asking the cops to sell thier sidearms to feed the poor.

My reply went even further then this analogy my friend. Ask why the cops need firearms to begin with. Ask why the violence they protect the people from has been exasperated by the false sense of scarcity of resources and the people who feel helpless as to obtain them.

I actually grasped that.

We have had a spate of killings around here of late. Bad guys getting killed by homeowners and police. I think the score is about 10 to zip good guys.

I prefer to keep this simple by saying dont pull guns on cops. They are better shots so use your head. That says a lot about the guy pulling the gun. Thats where the ansewer to your question is. And dont break into homes in the middle of the nite please mr Darwin award winner.

Now having said that we could discuss the question you bring up and it is valid but probably off topic. Maybe they should teach "the art of war" in prison or jail.

reply to post by SpartanKingLeonidas


Your link to the Art of War by Sun Tzu is not working, here is one that I have used for the basic outline, without a bunch of interpretations by the translator.

SUN TZU ON THE ART OF WAR
THE OLDEST MILITARY TREATISE IN THE WORLD
Translated from the Chinese
By LIONEL GILES, M.A. (1910)

Also a link to a pdf that you can download if you wanted-

SUN TZU ON THE ART OF WAR
Lionel Giles Translation

(1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.

The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.

Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.

Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes;
the chances of life and death.

The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerely, benevolence, courage and strictness.

By method and discipline are to be understood the marshaling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the graduations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure.

My study of the Art of War, began about 34 years ago cussing and discussing things with my father. I never read it until I was in college but observations to action-reaction and the relationships to this very basic scientific fact is garnered in numerous observations.

I particularly used this study in my business first and in managing sub-contractors.

One must see the outcomes before an action can be taken. Cause and effect. I find it ironic that some people cannot even TRY to understand asking questions if a certain route should be taken. They cannot understand why one would even postulate taking an action, be it far fetched or just something simple.

The government has set up think tanks that have done things exactly as I have here at ATS. Ask WHAT IF.

By the responses I have received on these journeys into the possible, you come across individuals that have been placed in boxes that there is no way they can be removed. They CANNOT think outside the box by the programming that has been instilled in them. They do not even ask themselves if it is moral or even logically possible. They give these conditioned response almost like Pavlovian trained rats in a maze. I believe that is why I become so frustrated with people that cannot think outside their Pavlovian maze that society has created for them.

Life is what YOU make of it, unless YOU are that rat in the maze.

One who studies human psychology, which is everyone if they just observe day to day interactions of humans, can only see what is within their very society's preconditioned box. Try it once, scream out something in a large department store and see the people's reaction. A girlfriend, her daughter and I were in a Kmart store once, the daughter yelled out something and the girlfriend tried quieting her down. Instead I yelled out also and it defused the situation. I really missed them two. I hope the daughter still tries to think outside the box like I tried to impart.

Back to the discussion at hand. There are thousands upon thousands of ways to cause a reaction. The hard part is, is to get the correct action to cause the correct reaction you are trying to impart.

Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.

By this tenet, if a protracted battle, conflict or endeavor is attempted against a superior funded or supplied opponent, there is NO chance of victory.

Fighting on another opponent’s chosen field of battle you will always lose.

This is also another component in the Art of War.

One cannot win on the opponent's chosen field of battle. One must choose the location, field, or whatever. In other words, the deck is stacked against you if you allow yourself to be placed in your opponents choice of field.

Now in order to kill the enemy, our men must be roused to anger; that there may be advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards.

The government rather enjoys using this component. If you run a company or anything and you lead people. They must be angered (emotional) into believing their is a reward. It does not mean there is a reward, just that they believe there is a reward. Anyone think the HC bill is a good analogy for this. Or any of the other FREE or SOCIALIST things they PROMISE?

I think everyone that does not see where I come from, in my absolute disdain for government in general, needs to read the Art of War. You ACTUALLY may see that the government uses it day in and day out AGAINST YOU.

Maybe we should write a breakdown of the Art of War here at ATS in the collaborative writing section. Or the closed off section.

Apply it to how our government uses each of these rules of war against (or to control) it's very own citizens.

As always SKL, It has been a pleasure.

[edit on 3/27/2010 by endisnighe]

reply to post by Logarock


Well, let's not go off topic and keep the thread on the course it was meant to be on. My reply was what came to mind when I read the opening post. We don't need to discuss it further really. Thanks Logarock.

I tend to agree that The Art Of War is meant to be a "manual" to proper strategic thinking, as well as out-thinking your perceived enemy. One of the most valuable texts in history. One thing that I would like to add is that while the "barbarians" typically act through violence, which is a by-product of ignorance, there is no reason to conclude that if you are a thinking individual you must shun the idea of arming yourself.

I own firearms (2 in fact) and I have never needed to use them...but as long as at least one other person on this planet is armed, I will be as well. I would put forth the argument that it IS civilized to own a firearm to protect yourself and your family...and not doing so would be uncivilized...at least in this day and age.

Besides, when you're in a life or death situation, and seconds count...the cops are only minutes away.

--J

My friend Happy go lucky uses this one sometimes.

I think it's pretty cool.

The problem with this topic is that the people who should read it won't read it, or can't.

So it is like teaching a wild dog to not bite.

[edit on 27-3-2010 by ALLis0NE]

reply to post by SpartanKingLeonidas

I was taught to think by loving parents, to question authority at all times, and if I wanted to know about something to do thorough research, cross-reference, and investigate so as to know exactly what it is that I want to know, no matter the topic.

I was taught, as I am sure all good little Catholic school children are taught, to respect authority. Even, I would say, to bow to authority, never question, never move against the flow, never disturb those in power.

Those that do in fact reside in powerful positions, love this type of thought, it's essentially complete control handed to them on a silver platter.

So, with all of that being said I of course curious why it is that ATS thinks that people do not think, but act through violence first

I don't think any rational or sane person automatically reacts with violence. Anyone who contemplates violence must first follow through with contemplation. In the case of the guy threatening Dems I pose to you this scenario: Have you EVER written Congress.. poured your heart and soul into a letter? Have you EVER gotten a response back regarding your concerns? The only time that I have ever gotten a letter back was regarding the bailouts (which I posted the response on ATS) and it essentially told me I was an ignorant child who knew nothing about economics. More so. The letter was not addressed to me, but to "constituents" .. because it was a mass letter sent to everyone who sent a letter be it pro or against the bill.

SO .. the guy threatens, uses forceful language in his letter.. it's not that anyone even read his damn letter.. the FBI/Secret Service have computers that highlight key words.. because he lit up the radar, his letter was pulled.

Violence GETS ATTENTION. You can ignore thousands screaming at you on the side of the road, holding signs, chanting, yelling, crying what ever. You can ignore thousands upon thousands of letters, be physical or digital. You can actually go your entire term and never hear about a protest against your way of running things.

You CANNOT ignore when someone try's to attack you. Suddenly the World comes crashing down around you.. this little cocoon you build around your self means nothing if people are SO mad that they try to harm you and your family.

Violence does not "Solve" problems (most of the times anyways) but it DOES thrust into the spotlight areas of concern. No one takes people against healthcare seriously, then someone trys to hurt a Congresscritter. A kid being bullied in school pleads to be left alone, no one gives a damn until he shoots up the school.

We are a Reactionary society.. we do not solve problems by thinking, we solve problems by seeing. That is to say, until something drastic and unexpected happens, no one will attempt social reform on that topic.

I would say that to truly deny ignorance, we have to agree that violence in and of it's self is indeed ignorant.. however, the usage of violence can in fact bring recognition to certain points throughout society. Violence can also be used by those using it or receiving .. if we attack a Congresscritter, we are Barbarians. When the Government attacks it's citizens they are Tyrants. If we attack each other.. it's War. And Humans, for all the thought power we poses, are not above the Animal World. We are animals, we will always retain that trait.. we love war, we love violence, and it will never cease. We are a nation born by Wars and insurrection, we shall parish in War and insurrection.

And don't forget .. in almost every case of mass violence against a government, people always clamor for reform, try elections, plead peacefully in the streets. How many times will a population converge in the streets peacefully with signs, only to be ignored, and the only times recognized beaten into submission by riot police... before they turn to more.. eye catching endeavors...

These are nice ideas, but, what should one do when confronted with violence? Just die? Or try to defend oneself?

The problem is, the THING that is controlling the world, and causing ALL the turmoil in the world today, is doing it through violence. The few people who are causing the suffering of the many, are doing it through violence or the threat of violence.

What happens if you decide you do not want to finance the unjust and illegal wars for resources, the Wall Street crooks' bailouts, mandatory "insurance" and all the rest of it? How can you refuse to support all this? Why, your taxes are paying for it all! So just don't pay. What will happen? Try it and see. You will be thrown in jail. If you resist being thrown in jail, you will be beaten senseless, and then thrown in jail. If you resist even more than that, you will be shot dead. I would call that violence, wouldn't you?

It's sad to say, but the few families that are running the entire show, and causing all the suffering of everyone else to enrich themselves, are doing it through violence, and will not respond to anything else. The truth is, they all must be killed, or they will not stop. And unfortunately, all their children and relatives must be as well. The entire bloodlines must be stamped out.

If we could get everyone in the world to realize what's going on, and see the entire corrupt system clearly, theywould be utterly powerless immediately. Unfortunately, ninety percent of the people have no idea what is going on. A lot of them are too stupid to even understand it if it is taught to them. Even more of them just don't want to believe it could be so bad, and therefore believe so much they will fight to protect their illusions.

It is highly unlikely that a majority of the people will EVER "wake up" and realize the extent of the corruption. If they did, there would be a bloodless revolution. But, not gonna happen. The only way it can end is if the few who understand, and are for freedom, must kill the few who are trying to enslave everyone. If they are not killed, they will not stop trying to rule the world. Ever. They never have stopped, so far. Unless they are completely eradicated, and their entire bloodlines, they will not stop. Without that, they can only be slowed down at best. They will never give up. They have proven it time and time again.

SO, what's it gonna be? Liberty or Death?

Originally posted by CaptChaos
These are nice ideas, but, what should one do when confronted with violence? Just die? Or try to defend oneself?

I thought it was quite clear that when you are confronted with violence you should use your brain.

If you didn't understand that then I don't think you should reread the first post.

[edit on 27-3-2010 by ALLis0NE]

reply to post by SpartanKingLeonidas

Look congressmen and senators get threats all year round. The sergeant of arms at the senate said there has been NO SPIKE in the number of threats they receive. The left said even before this bill passed they would need to get Americas mind on something else if this thing passes so they would forget about healthcare by november. So they dragged these threats out and now they have a boogeyman. But it's all BS. But hey it works.It worked great for 8 years when they made bush the boogeyman. 2006 they got their congress. 2008 they got their pres. And in 2010 they will make America forget about the issue of healthcare by november. How much are of our tax dollars are they paying David Copperfield.
It's not brain surgery it's politics.