Re:Improving Ourselves to Death
by bitexploder on Monday November 05, 2018 @09:06PM
(#18387771)
I meant it from a broad cosmic perspective. Through the chaos and entropy of the universe and evolution we are on the Internet using fantastically complex devices to beam our thoughts across some unknown distance to exchange some ideas. That chaos and entropy includes all the suffering of those that came before us. There is no moral value to humans fighting and dying in the mud, just a waste of potential. My personal view is every human life is a new spark, a new shot to further ourselves as a species a little bit more and that, inherently, progress is the only sensible option for our species. And, being a human who thinks humans have a shot at being pretty alright in the grand scheme of things, I think that struggle is worth undertaking. I know philosophy is complex and this is not a very nuanced view point I am presenting from that perspective, but I don't think my point requires very much nuance.
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You actually made pretty bold claims about discontent being the human condition, I'd say they need proper justification if you want them to be taken as universal truths, not just personal opinions.
Re:Improving Ourselves to Death
by bitexploder on Tuesday November 06, 2018 @03:57PM
(#18394835)
Well, if we're quoting Psychology Today bloggers (that author is one), how about this counterpoint:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meditation-modern-li...
I don't think it's a good idea to take Psychology Today or any other pop psychology writing too seriously. Science doesn't have the answers yet in this area.
Re:Improving Ourselves to Death
by bitexploder on Wednesday November 07, 2018 @11:42AM
(#18400292)
I read this. Thinking things over. Thanks for the thoughtful discussion on this topic.