Are still talking about War as in combat? "Aiden" would have us believe that football is war.
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In terms of humans needing or wanting mystery, now that I understand in what sense you meant, this makes more sense to me, and I agree that this is characteristic of humans- I thought you were talking about mysticism. I guess it's important to remember though, when I question whether humans are still interested in and able to believe in phenomena that can't be explained, I should distinguish between humans living in developed and technologically advanced societies and human beings who don't. I think that distinction makes a huge difference in terms of what people believe, and how much they do or don't seek out mystery (of the mystical sort) in their lives and in turn how much they are willing to invest it with value.
Quote:Humans have an overwhelming desire to invest life with great significance.
I was reading about the "lost generation" in Japan. These are the children of the generation of Japanese workers who pretty much embodied the term "work ethic" and apparently there is a trend for young adults in Japan now, to have just thrown in the towel in terms of work, or playing at their particular society. Although some of them come from privileged backgrounds, have gone to University and could participate in society and work in any way they chose-they have opted out- they sit at home and play computer games.
Do you think that in developed countries, the lack of "mystery" has contributed to a lack of meaning and purpose for some people?
I was thinking about that-that as people have denied that there is anything to believe in, they've focused that energy on themselves- and if they can't find meaning or value within themselves-they try to fill that hole with "stuff" or fame - and when that doesn't work- they just give up and find ways to make the time (their life) pass.
Quote:Wo/man is not a player in society but is a player at society.
Civilization has become an uncritical style of life that sacrifices the free energies of the citizen to a self-absorbed and largely fictional pattern of social meaning.
Yes, like a big game. Why do you think some people have mastered it, while others just flat out refuse to play?
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As I said, I think some people just refuse to play- or if they do, they play it their way, without worrying about how anyone else plays it- without enforcing their rules on anyone else. Those are the people I truly respect.
Quote:"And this experience, or at least an approach to it, is the ultimate aim of religion, the ultimate reference of all myth and rite The paramount theme of mythology is not the agony of quest but the rapture of revelation."
Yes. And maybe all these wars are in search of that phenomena of apogee or revelation and that feeling of rapture.
To me, it feels like a connection. And when that connection is right- with whatever it may be- another person, a piece of music, a certain place at a certain time, an accomplishment or achievement that I didn't think I'd make or have, or even just an idea- there's no other feeling like it.
Snookered wrote:
Quote:It was probably "this" man that initiated this act of a BULLY. He was probably a bully as a kid, as a teenager and finally supposedly as a soldier. For all you know it was that one group of bullies.
Yes. Don't you think that war is bullying- taken to the extreme? That's why I was saying that the definition of war should not just be confined to armed conflict within or between nations.
Quote:All this incredibly, accurately, descriptive term, is merely the same act portrayed on school yards around the word. A victim of a few bullies, scapegoat or not.
Yes, but I don't think you should minimize what the cost is to those who are bullied.
Quote:(phew your wordy)
I know- bad habit
It was probably "this" man that initiated this act of a BULLY. He was probably a bully as a kid, as a teenager and finally supposedly as a soldier. For all you know it was that one group of bullies.
Yes. Don't you think that war is bullying- taken to the extreme? That's why I was saying that the definition of war should not just be confined to armed conflict within or between nations.Quote:
No, I do not believe war is an act of bullying in any extreme, except possibly Bush and his "short Mans Bravado," to take a war to the wrong country.
Bullies always pick someone they believe can be dominated. Guys growing up always run into bullies. It's funny how fast a bully will become meek at the least bit of resistance.
Quote:All this incredibly, accurately, descriptive term, is merely the same act portrayed on school yards around the word. A victim of a few bullies, scapegoat or not.
[quoteYes, but I don't think you should minimize what the cost is to those who are bullied.Quote:
I wasn't aware that I was minimizing the cost of being bullied. It can caustic to a person constantly being bullied.
I was under the impression that the person who described the "hate-sink" term to you, thought it to be very prevelant in the Iraqi war.
Quote:(phew your wordy)
I know- bad habit
I believe that this is where I entered the discussion.
