Yes.

Good for you. To bad it isn't true.

-rolls on the floor, laughing-
Now, that is the funniest thing I have heard in some time, but I bet Siggy knew that would be my reponse, right?

Me.

Utopia anyone?
An idea, a good idea in principle, but is it worth it?

Every light casts a shadow, m'dear, but that's beside the point. What would be wrong in publishing a paper on the links between the Roman Emperors' sexual excesses and their belief in self-divinity? It isn't threatening anyone or espousing ideas of hatred, it's just telling the plain truth and exploring new possibilities.

Sure, I can accept that some information is too sensitive for folks. It doesn't mean I like being told what I can and can't write.

Let me be blunter. I am treated like a glorified filing system or a crazy old crippled woman by most of the colleagues I have. It's unfortunate, but Utopia is *far* from immunity to prejudice, and you had best remember it.

I apologise for my bluntness, but I am over being treated like a stack of books anyone can consult without regard to my feelings or wishes. Believe it or not, autistic people have feelings as well.

I am not saying that I'm treated like that here... Hell, I get better treatment here than I do at Talaud Island. Maybe I should change careers and become an evil genius or something. It sounds more interesting than trawling through the depths of Utopia's paperwork like a pregnant whale, and certainly less tedious.

Codex

I tend to get irritated when people start saying that philosophy is dangerous.

While I'll grant that some knowledge is dangerous, this is absolutely limited to that which involves killing others (ie. weapons research). Philosophy and social theory is only a threat to power structures - not people.

The only wars ever waged due to the words of philosophers have been social revolutions. Established powers like governments (or, say, Utopia) play with simpler propaganda when they want to kill people - people process it more easily.

Utopia does do good work, but the real motives are often driven public relations, the removal of threats, and similar. And, after working there for half of my adult life, I suspect that the Project has more than a few skeletons in its copious closet.

I think someone has mixed Philosophy with Religon again.

There are HUGE differences.

Religon is the belief in a higher power (Christianity, Judism, Bhuddism).
Philosophy is the understanding of reality from a certain perspective. (Zen, Confucism)

Philosophy I feel is more... Tangible.

Endeavor, you know so much, but still understand so little.I wish I could teach you more.

"...mixed Philosophy with Religon again."

Religion? I don't see where you're coming from...please - elaborate.

It's Religon that starts wars. It's philosophy that ends or even prevents it.

This is where you seem mixed up, or am I mistaken by misunderstanding your post?

...

Patriotism and Religon seem one and the same. Especially when even in America's Pledge of Allegiance states; "One nation under God".

Philosophy states that borders aren't there. We all are one people. Religon seperates people, when all God wants is for us to live in peace.

It's Religon that starts wars. It's philosophy that ends or even prevents it.
We have some small knowledge in these matter and agree not with this statement. Attend us as we offer another view.

Religions and philosophies are similar. Enough so as to make distinguishing between the two difficult for many but most especially when speaking not of this religion or that philosophy. Both religion and philosophy examine questions, both seek to offer answers. Religion may be philosphical and philosophy religious though neither need be. How may one tell the difference?

Religion makes use of ritual. Philosophy tends to stress the importance of reasoning and is based on rational arguments while religion requires either small or great faith regardless of views on reasoning. Philosophy does not distinguish between the sacred and the profane. Though philosophies may and often do discuss such as 'objective' phenomena, they do not engender the feeling of such. Neither requires miracles but miracles are absent from philosophy, optional in religion.

Yes, religion and philosophy are similar but distinct. Enough so as to allow both to be engaged in at the same time as you have done.

Wars are often started at least partially because of religion. However, I was thinking of philosophy. Leninist Socialism comes to mind. Something like the October Revolution would have happened eventually, but it turned out the way it did because of the philosophical background of the Bolshevik branch of the Russian Communist Party.

(hm. come to think of it, today is the aniversary of the Revolution.)

Religions don't necessarily have connections with states. America is a 'Christian' nation because it was founded largely by fundamentalist Christians. Most European nations have similar issues because they were once governed by a monarch who justified his/her rule with 'divine right.' But this isn't universal. What's the state religion of Japan?

Some religions preach unity (and a few of those, like Bahai'i, actually practice it). Also, disturbingly enough, philosopher often come to the conclusion that unity is not the natural state of man. Just a few examples: Aristotle, Plato, Hobbes, Nietzsche...hell, there's too many of them.

It's kind of creepy how often people logically come to the conclusion that we will never be at peace. Even worse is that their arguments usually make sense.

Codex, maybe we should get together again.

There is nothing wrong with belief. It is the execution of that belief which bears the seeds of joy, or tragedy.
People are people and they have the nasty tendancy of hearing what they want to hear, not necessarily what is being said.

I like the basics:
Treat others as you would be treated.
Honor your elders, teach the young.
Give without expecting anything in return.

Neil, information should be free. If, time permitting, you ever need advice, I would be more than welcome to invite some of the illuminaries of the boards as well and we could have a "bonding" moment. Talk about what's on your mind, share a couple capuccinos, shoot the breeze, and have an excuse to get together. Codex-san is welcome to join as well.

(Don't take offense, Codex, the -san honorary is an asexual term meaning Mr or Mrs/Miss.)

The only wars started by the words of philosophers were social revolutions.

Not my field this, but didn't thousands of innocents die as a result of the October Uprising? What about the, literally, countless dead of Stalin's regime?

Nietchien philosophy sparked off National Socialism. Alright, they mis-interpreted it, but still.

Just saying. Religion is philosphy. Any belief system can be perverted by human failings.

Miss Hino, should I tell the IRS about some acounting you have been doing?


Maybe I should tell teh world about some of your projects?I am sure Utopia would love to know about those kinds of things.

Maybe I should tell teh world about some of your projects?I am sure Utopia would love to know about those kinds of things.

Yes, we would. Perhaps with the threat of your exposure over her head, Ms. Hino should have stepped forward and volunteered the information.

It doesn't matter too much, now. TKI is under a Search and Seizure Warrant thanks to your tip off, Ms. Malory. After all, it is difficult to disregard a tip by one such as yourself when you have done such wonderful work for dozens of municipal, county, and state authorities.

Well, I say this.The greatest cruse you can ever have is getting what you want. Miss Hino, wants information to be free, I just think only those with nothing to hide should wish that.

By the way Paragon, you will be getting a gift soon.I will not say what, but it will come the same day as a file you wanted on Red Horizon.Sorry for the delay.

I am, shall we say, 90.953% open book.

the rest you get to know if you become a friend of mine.

Walker and Ronin know the other 8%. Any remainder even I don't know.

My favorite philosophy is Aryanism. Really.

Most people need excuses to fight. They are not stone-cold sociopaths. So, they invent philosphies, pervert faiths, hijack intentions, and out-right lie to get what they think they want.

Don't blame God, Gods, religions, or philosophies. The blame lies much closer to home.