People like it best when you describe yourself honestly and them dishonestly.

My general philosophy is that your actions ARE NOT your fault (consequences of your genes and circumstances which are the consequence of other’s genes and circumstances which all existed long before you were born), but that they ARE your responsibility (it’s not fair, but it seems like the best way to function well together and to reduce suffering).

Consider watching the Will Smith video on fault vs responsibility if you need a little more convincing.

Anyway, I’m realizing that maybe the reason people seem to struggle so much with this perspective in this heavily Christian influenced society is because Christianity teaches the opposite: Your actions ARE your fault (sin, shame, you should feel awful, repent, etc), but they ARE NOT your responsibility (only Jesus can save you from them).

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If you push someone you love away, eventually they’ll go away. So decide if you want that. Just because you can successfully push someone away it doesn’t mean they don’t love you. It’s not a valid test for their love, because they’re also wanting to know you love them, and if they’re being pushed away it’s hard for them to know they’re loved.

I read the phrase “if science is right,” but the real uncertainty is “if the current scientific data is right.” Science is always right, because science itself always maintains that uncertainty.

Excellent reader addendum: “Current interpretations of the scientific data, because those change too.”

We sometimes describe people as being “too emotional,” but isn’t the bigger concern whether or not they’re being rational?

In response to this:

I don’t consider myself an original thinker (whatever that actually means). I am, however, someone who loves to learn about thoughts that are new to me. Having said all of that, this is the first article that I’ve seen that’s made a point that has long been percolating in my mind. (Of course I’m POSITIVE these points have been made before, I just haven’t personally come across a source before this).

This is the main idea that pushed me from conservatism to liberalism. The idea that a “fair and just” society is just one that provides “equality of opportunity” instead of “equality of outcome” is basically wrong, and it’s even an incoherent notion. As this article deftly points out, one person’s opportunity just stems from someone else’s outcome.

Also, this doesn’t even take into account the impact of our genetics on our ability to “lift ourselves by our bootstraps.” I’m not one to advocate defeatism, but I think people underestimate how much most of us are hamstrung by our genes.

https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/02/the-radicalism-of-equal-opportunity?fbclid=IwAR3T1za5r3yO00iRcKFkLw7CC18ZOqAfoAQqj6s_p3wVOoef_PqA2R8kW0A

I think of “equality of outcome” as the most ethical aspiration for a society, and “equality of opportunity” as the most functional, given our selfish natures. Both are impossible fantasies–simultaneously contradictory and interdependent (as excellently explained in the article). In the end, the best we can hope for is endless negotiation and compromise between the two. The day those in power imagine that they can impose only one or the other, or silence the conflict between the two, is what I most fear.

Great share, Eric!

Original Facebook post

Also, anger captured in a song fuels compassion.

Interestingly, however, hatred captured in a song only fuels hatred. There’s no good place for hatred.

Sadness captured in a song fuels joy.

http://adiostogod.com/joy-fuel/

If someone doesn’t, you’ll never know whether they couldn’t or just wouldn’t.

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I am anti vax but I don’t stand on a corner with a sign nor shame those who vax. In my husband’s profession I have seen far too many who are suffering from side affects of vaccinations. Plus those who don’t vax are the ones in “trouble” not people who are current on their vaccinations.
We all are not a blanket society- we are all not one. If a doctor looked at an individual and actually assessed whether healthy for that child to get a certain vaccination then I’d be more willing to accept. There are many children who have autoimmune issues that are either unknown or haven’t been identified in which a vax could debilitate them.
Anyhow I just wish doctors in general in the way they practiced they didn’t just treat with meds or vaccinations and instead looked at us all as individuals.
We are all told a certain way is right from birth – so we are programmed. It is very hard to have an open mind that possibly the other side has valid points. I understand that! Anyhow my ramble for today.

Live and let live, or live and let die as it be, is a great philosophy in a world where each individual is completely isolated from the other members of the group. Such a world does not exist.

Original Facebook post

In response to this:

These people are not bad. Their beliefs are bad. They are victims of their bad beliefs. Talk with them like victims.