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Originally posted by Starchild23
reply to post by smithjustinb
Actually, compassion needs to reign supreme. Or I should say, WISE compassion. No one benefits from sympathizing or empathizing with a fool.
Originally posted by Starchild23
reply to post by smithjustinb
Understanding is not the same as encouragement. The one may lead to the other, but they are not synonymous.
Originally posted by samureyed
OP, the more I think about the subject of compassion I realize that although I fully agree the idea of compassion, I dissagree with the idea that it is our next major human advancement.
Simply because it is not new. Compassion is as old as we are. We didn't advance to it, we have always had it, but are only more aware what it is, how we use it, how others are affected from it and so on. We are more aware through knowledge.
So in that regard, we can become more compassionate, but it can never really be our next big advancement. Regardless, good thread, totally got sucked in haha.
Originally posted by LesMisanthrope
Originally posted by ErroneousDylan
What do you base morality off of if you aren't a religious type person?
It's easy. You use reason. If you are aware that others are just as aware as you, you then decide what you don't want to happen to you and apply that same "moral code" to everyone else. I don't want to punch a stranger in the face because I wouldn't like it if it happened to me. No need for religion.
Every time people create morals, they're basically saying This is what I don't want to happen to me.
And what if you are a masochist? What if you thoroughly enjoy getting punched in the face and think to yourself "I really enjoy this. Others should experience this enjoyment." ?
Originally posted by smithjustinb
Originally posted by jiggerj
reply to post by smithjustinb
Humans have a LONG LONG LONG road to travel before compassion rules the day.
But we don't all have to have compassion. Compassion is approached according to individual understanding and readiness. Some people are either not ready, or are just to pre-occupied in their own self-centered endeavors, which is fine and completely understandable. It makes compassion harder for those attempting it when the group isn't also doing it, but it is still possible and practical on an individual basis. The main thing is each individual's own personal choice to let compassion rule their own day.
Originally posted by samureyed
reply to post by smithjustinb
I understand what you mean, and it would be a great step forward, but compassion is an emotion. Emotions cannot be advanced as you're describing. Einstein unlocked some mysteries of the laws of physics and the universe, but by no means did he do anything to our emotions.
Knowledge is key to advancing, and also the reason we understand so much about compassion, which has always been there just as much as it is today. Perhaps we will all become knowledgeable enough to realize that compassion may not be needed for individual & egotistical survival, but survival of an entire species.
But for everyone to even realize that, they need to be compassionate, and that's what we call a catch 22.
Originally posted by Starchild23
reply to post by crankyoldman
Hahaha, that's a load of bunk considering the FBI took the trouble to completely strip Tesla's room after he died. The FBI doesn't get involved unless there's some SERIOUS stuff to be dealt with...and according to reports, they were very thorough. Not a single note left behind, all of his work locked away by the government.
That's not the sign of a thief or a loony, methinks. That's some serious business...edit on CThursdaypm313134f34America/Chicago03 by Starchild23 because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by ErroneousDylan
Originally posted by LesMisanthrope
Originally posted by ErroneousDylan
What do you base morality off of if you aren't a religious type person?
It's easy. You use reason. If you are aware that others are just as aware as you, you then decide what you don't want to happen to you and apply that same "moral code" to everyone else. I don't want to punch a stranger in the face because I wouldn't like it if it happened to me. No need for religion.
Every time people create morals, they're basically saying This is what I don't want to happen to me.
And what if you are a masochist? What if you thoroughly enjoy getting punched in the face and think to yourself "I really enjoy this. Others should experience this enjoyment." ?