(September 17, 2014 at 8:45 am)TaraJo Wrote: This is generally called tribalism; and, yes, it's worse in many ways to the society we have now.There's nothing wrong with peaceful, co-operative, secular tribalism. The silk road is a good example. They brought silk all the way from China to Europe. This wouldn't have worked if they maintained the convert or die attitude. Of course there were road bandits to bust up the peace. Eventually they just settled on collecting taxes. Much more lucrative in the long run. You can only raid and murder somebody once. It's all about repeat business. Eventually the road bandits are justified to keep the road bandits out.
(September 17, 2014 at 9:10 am)Brian37 Wrote: Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" speech is the focus humans should have if we want to extend our species ride.Yes we should. We should also read Guns, Germs and Steel. I'd argue that theory is more important than the theory of evolution. Co-existence is the destination of our social evolution. We need to achieve this end peacefully. Starting by respecting individuals.
I do not identify myself as an atheist. I am a humanist. People used to think god was necessary to result in good behavior. Now people only believe the state is necessary to promote good behavior. Good behavior is necessary to promote good behavior. Not some fabricated authority.
god is supposed to be imaginary