20 Questions for the Spiritual Seeker
Taken from here.
1. Why is there poverty and suffering in the world?
Poverty exists because we've yet to master (or even achieve) efficient distribution of opportunity, and because those who benefit from the current system are either ignorant of the problem; callous, desensitized or indifferent; or actively trying to maintain it. Suffering is a consequence of existence in a universe that is inherently indifferent to the well-being of its inhabitants, and in the absence of an overarching system of universal justice the onus falls on the inhabitants capable of compassion and empathy to reduce suffering wherever possible.
2. What is the relationship between science and religion?
Science and religion exist independently of each other. They are separate modes of thought that are inherently at odds with each other. Religion, as traditionally and most widely-practiced, is dogmatic, revelationary, and superstitious. Every claim religion has made about the natural world that has later become testable has been falsified by scientific methodology, forcing anyone of intellectual honesty to reinterpret their religion. The best thing that can be said about a religious worldview is that it is unnecessary.
3. Why are so many people depressed?
Awful circumstances aside (because presumably some people have good reason to be depressed), it would be easy to attribute widespread depression to genetic variability. Statistically, some people are just going to be less happy than others. I find that lacking however, and I'm more inclined to attribute it to the rapid change in human lifestyle that has taken place. Erwan LeCorre likes to call this "Zoo Human Syndrome." Humans have been naturally selected to lead intensely physical lives, and when our genes haven't been given enough time to adjust to the absurdly sedentary lives of modernity the things that give us true happiness become harder to attain without conscious effort.
4. What are we all so afraid of?
I dunno. Screwing up?
5. When is war justifiable?
When injustice is being perpetrated on a mass scale and all other means are exhausted.
6. How would God want us to respond to aggression and terrorism?
I don't believe in the supernatural. However, I think the obvious response is to find the cause and address it.
7. How does one obtain true peace?
For me it's a matter of identifying what brings me peace and working to achieve them. Good friends, lots of playful exercise, expressing myself creatively, making every decision an ethical one based on rationalism and compassion, helping people whenever I see a need that I can meet, etc.
8. What does it mean to live in the present moment?
Not letting regrets or future uncontrollable circumstances distract you from experiencing and appreciating what you have now.
9. What is our greatest distraction?
Money lust, superstition, fear.
10. Is current religion serving its purpose?
What purpose does it have? What purpose does religion have that isn't also/better fulfilled by something else? Science is an infinitely better way of discovering practical facts about the universe. Secular ethics are a better moral philosophy than anything religion has ever offered because they're based on compassion, human need and consequences rather than dogmatic adherence to "revealed" texts. Religion does provide some with a powerful sense of community, but that's just a result of religion's prevalence, not anything intrinsically valuable.
11. What happens to you after you die?
I don't know, but neurobiology shows that "the mind is what the brain does" so when it goes I imagine I'll be done too. Exactly how "I was" before being born.
12. Describe heaven and how to get there.
I don't believe in a supernatural heaven, so if we're interested in getting there we have to create it here. That can only happen through intelligent, compassionate ethics, cooperation, increased education, reduced consumption, equal opportunity, and unyielding determination.
13. What is the meaning of life?
I don't believe humans, or any living thing, have a purpose in the same way a mousetrap has a purpose. In fact I think that would be rather demeaning. I revel in the fact that I create the meaning that I find in life. It's freeing and empowering.
14. Describe God.
Fictional.
15. What is the greatest quality humans possess?
Ingenuity.
16. What is it that prevents people from living to their full potential?
Again, circumstances aside (and that's a pretty enormous reason to ignore), I'd have to say fear and laziness.
17. Nonverbally, by motion or gesture only, act out what you believe to be the current condition of the world.
Ummm.... maybe next time.
18. What is your one wish for the world?
For everyone to base their lives, beliefs, and actions on empirically driven, intellectually honest introspection and considered secular ethics. I almost chose "end suffering," but without the former the latter would probably just come back.
19. What is wisdom and how do we gain it?
Wisdom comes through experience, self-reflection, and humility.
20. Are we all one?
Sure, I can get behind that. One gigantic, albeit speciated, family.
1. Why is there poverty and suffering in the world?
Poverty exists because we've yet to master (or even achieve) efficient distribution of opportunity, and because those who benefit from the current system are either ignorant of the problem; callous, desensitized or indifferent; or actively trying to maintain it. Suffering is a consequence of existence in a universe that is inherently indifferent to the well-being of its inhabitants, and in the absence of an overarching system of universal justice the onus falls on the inhabitants capable of compassion and empathy to reduce suffering wherever possible.
2. What is the relationship between science and religion?
Science and religion exist independently of each other. They are separate modes of thought that are inherently at odds with each other. Religion, as traditionally and most widely-practiced, is dogmatic, revelationary, and superstitious. Every claim religion has made about the natural world that has later become testable has been falsified by scientific methodology, forcing anyone of intellectual honesty to reinterpret their religion. The best thing that can be said about a religious worldview is that it is unnecessary.
3. Why are so many people depressed?
Awful circumstances aside (because presumably some people have good reason to be depressed), it would be easy to attribute widespread depression to genetic variability. Statistically, some people are just going to be less happy than others. I find that lacking however, and I'm more inclined to attribute it to the rapid change in human lifestyle that has taken place. Erwan LeCorre likes to call this "Zoo Human Syndrome." Humans have been naturally selected to lead intensely physical lives, and when our genes haven't been given enough time to adjust to the absurdly sedentary lives of modernity the things that give us true happiness become harder to attain without conscious effort.
4. What are we all so afraid of?
I dunno. Screwing up?
5. When is war justifiable?
When injustice is being perpetrated on a mass scale and all other means are exhausted.
6. How would God want us to respond to aggression and terrorism?
I don't believe in the supernatural. However, I think the obvious response is to find the cause and address it.
7. How does one obtain true peace?
For me it's a matter of identifying what brings me peace and working to achieve them. Good friends, lots of playful exercise, expressing myself creatively, making every decision an ethical one based on rationalism and compassion, helping people whenever I see a need that I can meet, etc.
8. What does it mean to live in the present moment?
Not letting regrets or future uncontrollable circumstances distract you from experiencing and appreciating what you have now.
9. What is our greatest distraction?
Money lust, superstition, fear.
10. Is current religion serving its purpose?
What purpose does it have? What purpose does religion have that isn't also/better fulfilled by something else? Science is an infinitely better way of discovering practical facts about the universe. Secular ethics are a better moral philosophy than anything religion has ever offered because they're based on compassion, human need and consequences rather than dogmatic adherence to "revealed" texts. Religion does provide some with a powerful sense of community, but that's just a result of religion's prevalence, not anything intrinsically valuable.
11. What happens to you after you die?
I don't know, but neurobiology shows that "the mind is what the brain does" so when it goes I imagine I'll be done too. Exactly how "I was" before being born.
12. Describe heaven and how to get there.
I don't believe in a supernatural heaven, so if we're interested in getting there we have to create it here. That can only happen through intelligent, compassionate ethics, cooperation, increased education, reduced consumption, equal opportunity, and unyielding determination.
13. What is the meaning of life?
I don't believe humans, or any living thing, have a purpose in the same way a mousetrap has a purpose. In fact I think that would be rather demeaning. I revel in the fact that I create the meaning that I find in life. It's freeing and empowering.
14. Describe God.
Fictional.
15. What is the greatest quality humans possess?
Ingenuity.
16. What is it that prevents people from living to their full potential?
Again, circumstances aside (and that's a pretty enormous reason to ignore), I'd have to say fear and laziness.
17. Nonverbally, by motion or gesture only, act out what you believe to be the current condition of the world.
Ummm.... maybe next time.
18. What is your one wish for the world?
For everyone to base their lives, beliefs, and actions on empirically driven, intellectually honest introspection and considered secular ethics. I almost chose "end suffering," but without the former the latter would probably just come back.
19. What is wisdom and how do we gain it?
Wisdom comes through experience, self-reflection, and humility.
20. Are we all one?
Sure, I can get behind that. One gigantic, albeit speciated, family.