(no subject)
So anyways, Matt and I had another interesting discussion. He and I have been friends since grade 6 and every so often we find ourselves talking about something philosophical (It happened a lot at good earth, much to the confusion of many a customer).
Today's philosophical adventure was an interesting one. Matt had a very interesting question for me. Basically he asked if I believed there was an ultimate truth. At first I thought he was getting at scripture. I told him that there is too much gray in the world to really say. Who is to say what is too much to drink when everyone has different tolerance level? I am okay to drive after 2 beers. Amanda shouldn't after one. Who is to say violence is wrong when it can be used as a way to defend oneself from murderers and rapists?
This was not what he was getting at. His question was more like this; at the end of the day is there a universal right and wrong. Not necessarily a biblical one, or a cultural right and wrong. Think of it as a list of do's and don'ts. After thinking about it for a second... I decided that there was no list hanging in the heavens dictating our actions. I look at humanity and I realize we are a product of our own choices. Biologically and culturally, why is it rare to hear about Mothers and fathers being murdered?
This is not due to divine will or intervention. This has to do with the programming in our brains. We are social creatures. Even the self-proclaimed anti-social wither and die without people around them. We build around these people and as our ignorance fades we allow others into our families. This comes in the form of communities or tribes. Soon we begin to see another expansion of blessed knowledge and our families expand. Nationalism takes root and now we have entire countries organizing and fighting one another. After this we see a final step of civilizational organization. Muslims call up Jihad's as Christians crusade. Soon we have huge human collectives. Family is at the core of so much in our lives. In fact I would argue it is the only culturally universal concept.
I do not think there is a universal truth. There is too much conflict. Too much hate, too many religions for such a thing to exist. However I do think there is a universal concept, and that is family. If somehow humanity manages to struggle on for another millennium, it will be due to this idea that is so hardwired into us.
Good night folks.
Sammo.
Today's philosophical adventure was an interesting one. Matt had a very interesting question for me. Basically he asked if I believed there was an ultimate truth. At first I thought he was getting at scripture. I told him that there is too much gray in the world to really say. Who is to say what is too much to drink when everyone has different tolerance level? I am okay to drive after 2 beers. Amanda shouldn't after one. Who is to say violence is wrong when it can be used as a way to defend oneself from murderers and rapists?
This was not what he was getting at. His question was more like this; at the end of the day is there a universal right and wrong. Not necessarily a biblical one, or a cultural right and wrong. Think of it as a list of do's and don'ts. After thinking about it for a second... I decided that there was no list hanging in the heavens dictating our actions. I look at humanity and I realize we are a product of our own choices. Biologically and culturally, why is it rare to hear about Mothers and fathers being murdered?
This is not due to divine will or intervention. This has to do with the programming in our brains. We are social creatures. Even the self-proclaimed anti-social wither and die without people around them. We build around these people and as our ignorance fades we allow others into our families. This comes in the form of communities or tribes. Soon we begin to see another expansion of blessed knowledge and our families expand. Nationalism takes root and now we have entire countries organizing and fighting one another. After this we see a final step of civilizational organization. Muslims call up Jihad's as Christians crusade. Soon we have huge human collectives. Family is at the core of so much in our lives. In fact I would argue it is the only culturally universal concept.
I do not think there is a universal truth. There is too much conflict. Too much hate, too many religions for such a thing to exist. However I do think there is a universal concept, and that is family. If somehow humanity manages to struggle on for another millennium, it will be due to this idea that is so hardwired into us.
Good night folks.
Sammo.