Simplistic Settlements 10/02/09

A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.

Socrates
****************
Come in, join the party.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Why is reason better than emotion?

There are charismatic preachers of all religions who can inspire their congregations into extreme states of emotion, bringing them to a point of shouting and weeping and generally believing that the holy spirit is upon them. Those are the false prophets we've been warned against. It may be good drama, but it's bad spirituality.

Similarly, there are those who can generate among, perhaps the same, congregations of people a sense of self-righteous moral outrage to the point of violence over some issue by simply sticking to the emotional side of it, with pounding of fists and shouting out invectives against it, while totally ignoring any other side of the question.

I don't need to cite example. You can turn on the TV almost any day and see one of these ethical criminals at work. They can evolve an otherwise intelligent group of people into a fanatical religious or social mob.

And so we have women being whipped for wearing trousers, innocent children being allowed to die, political prisoners being tortured ("renovated"), doctors being shot to death, homes and nations being invaded, families destroyed, the innocent in jail and the guilty roaming free, the shouting down of honest discussion, the plundering of the poor by the rich, buildings being blown up, rage, cruelty, violence, rape, murder, war, mayhem, all under the umbrella of entitlement, defending our freedoms, claiming our rights, gaining closure, maintaining the status quo, protecting ourselves, doing the right thing, keeping up a good appearance, social order, sanctification, gut reaction, the Word of God.

We live in a vulgar, world wide. sordid, ethical snake pit. It's a grand day for the false prophets. It makes them feel important and powerful. "Mischief thou art afoot, take whatever course thou wilt." Shakespeare

So why is there still civilization? Because there are still some civilized people in it, people who are willing to think things through and who are sensitive, concerned and patient enough to see the results of any action or thought. There are still people who reason instead of react. There are people who will not give in to the crowding and stuffing of their minds and will walk out on the false prophet when the emotions start heating up and go listen to the wise instead.

I claim my rights. I claim the right to think for myself, to reason things through to the best of my ability, to listen to intelligent points of view, to agree or disagree in a civilized manner, to support the ideas I believe in and have patience with the others. And, whenever I am given the opportunity in my vagabond journey, to stop the criminal, lift up the broken, soothe the hurt, praise the compassionate and applaud the ethical.

DB - Vagabond Journeys
____________________
May angels splash around in your apple cider.
**********************

AUTUMN QUESTION



This is not a contest.



If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be and why?





You have all Fall to answer if you wish,

Reply here or at dbdacoba@aol.com



1 response so far



Thank you



DB