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FineYoungSinger - I've made that same statement a few times in this blog
"Love they neighbour as thyself" is a virtually unattainable ideal. Where ideals need not be realisticly achievable goals to be worthy of consideration, there is a point where if the ideal is achived by no one, it becomes merely hollow words. The golden rule is a little different in this regard as it acts as a reminder of our actions towards others. I'm all for teaching children the golden rule but instead of insisting they mouth the words "Love thy neighbour as thyself" that it is replaced with "Give everyone you deal with in life a fair shake and always attempt to take the high road" . . . . the latter too becoming a reminder of our actions and though not near as lofty as the former, it has a lot better chance of being adhered to. Reminders are something it seems that every human being ever born needs every once in awhile.
posted by
gomedome
on November 27, 2007 at 12:56 PM
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This post is a tangent to something I read the other day about friendship
and love (not romantic love, but love of friend, neighbor). The piece went on to say that it's possible to "love" everyone, we can really only deepen our relationships with individuals with who we have things in common--that these common bonds are what allows us to become more intimate. A very happy coincidence, to be sure!
Great read, gomedome.
posted by
FineYoungSinger
on November 26, 2007 at 2:07 PM
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Talion - The last line cracked me up and makes me wonder what it is about
the irrational antics of a crazy person that garners so much curiosity?
Where I like to consider myself as an individual who does not treat others badly, there is something about the fearless captain that compells me to go back and give him one more swat in the head. I don't know if it is the condescencion with which he imparts his convoluted message, or the deception he routinely uses to bolster his contentions (and denies), or the general obtuseness he brings to the party but to me, he's standing there with his chin out begging the wrong guy to take a swing at it. I'm happy to oblige.
This is right on point: "When a single facet becomes the foundation and/or sole basis of a person's self-perception it's the first step on the road to ruin." We see the effects of social conditioning as it pertains to religious indoctrination introduce this "single facet" or at least elevate it above all other considerations. They are "whatevers" . . whatever their particular faith is first and foremost, and define themselves entirely from a set of guidelines derived from that belief system. Where this becomes an issue is when all other aspects of life are diminished in relative importance. We end up with people like the fearless captain.
posted by
gomedome
on November 25, 2007 at 11:54 AM
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gomedome
One of the most significant things that seperates humanity from every other species on the planet is our ability to self examine and subsequently define ourselves. We can chose who we are, what we stand for, and what is truly important to us, thus becoming more than the sum total of survival instincts. That is wondrous. Unfortunately, it's the one thing that screws us up the most and may eventually lead to our destruction.
When I look in the mirror, I see a multi-faceted individual. In no particular order, I'm a man, I'm black, an American, a husband, son, brother, nephew, in-law, liberal, Democrat, Tennessean, Southerner, employee, agnostic, middle-class, friend, the list goes on. At any given time, depending on the situation, one or more of these facets may take precedence over the others, but none are inherently more important than the rest or define me exclusively. All of humanity's problems, from the time we created societies until now, result from the opposite mind-set. When a single facet becomes the foundation and/or sole basis of a person's self-perception it's the first step on the road to ruin.
Your world view is remarkably similar to mine. The similarities are disappointing because it proves I'm not as unique as I like to think I am. Of all the people I've met during my time on this site, you are one of the handful I'd actually like to meet in person. Despite the limitations of internet interactions, I consider you a friend. Truth be told, you and your ongoing saga with Captain Righteous is the only reason I haven't quit.
posted by
Talion
on November 24, 2007 at 9:01 PM
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greenbeanie - first off, welcome to Blogit and thank you
I'll make a point of stopping into your blog.
posted by
gomedome
on November 24, 2007 at 1:11 PM
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I'm glad...
... that I clicked on this link from the home page. I tend to think the same ways you do and will be adding you to my favorites list so that I may continue enjoying your writing. Cheers!
posted by
greenbeanie
on November 24, 2007 at 11:56 AM
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