Atheists believe in themselves?

[Mystic]

What are you smoking and where can I get some?

I'm actually in a state of psychosis for about two weeks. I stopped taking medications for various reasons.

I want to ask you, what is your intention of saying this to me? It is to belittle what I said? Have you considered you haven't really thought about it and perhaps your mind is blocking out the sense of it.

Is it that you believe cultures are deluded with no true value in their culture? What makes you sure the same is not true of your culture then? Or if you believe your perception has truth to it, and maybe not understood by everyone else, then what makes you think that isn't true?

What is value? Define it for me. What is worth. Tell me.

Then tell me what is most valuable and most worthy. Everyone is emphasizing on different things. I want to learn why. I don't think it's chaotic. I think there is a reason.

Why pick a favourite colour? Why not love all of them equally but differently?

[Minimalist]

When I was a kid, I wrote a story about the "the quest for the golden sword", I think it was three friends went in a dungeon, and had to kill a monster, but I don't recall the conversation I put.

It was odd, they had to go fight the monster and subdue it, but could only kill it, when they found the golden sword.

The key word there being that YOU WROTE a story. The fact that you wrote it does not change the fact that you made it up.

Now. Apply that to all of the so called "holy" books.

Just stories, man.

[Mystic]

When I was a kid, I wrote a story about the "the quest for the golden sword", I think it was three friends went in a dungeon, and had to kill a monster, but I don't recall the conversation I put.

It was odd, they had to go fight the monster and subdue it, but could only kill it, when they found the golden sword.

The key word there being that YOU WROTE a story. The fact that you wrote it does not change the fact that you made it up.

Now. Apply that to all of the so called "holy" books.

Just stories, man.

Yet when you a watch movie, and see courage/risk, it has meaning to you.

I think every story is both false and true. Every story shows a perception of praise.

What is the essence of praise in your opinion? I think Atheists have to say perception probably defines a key dimension to it, because for them, it can't even a have metaphysical existence. It's all in the head.

So what's your opinion about praise. What is it in your view.

[Minimalist]

I deal in facts.


When I read fiction it is because I am looking for the author's use of language to tell the story he has invented. One of my favorite little books is "A Canticle for Liebowitz."* Many insights into humanity and the cyclic nature of history but I never lose sight of the fact that it is nothing more than a story.

Just like the bible, the koran and the popol vuh to mention a few.




* "Pound pastrami, can kraut, six bagels--bring home for Emma."

[Mystic]

You haven't proven a story is nothing more. If every movie was nothing more then a movie, why are they praised differently?

Also doesn't it reveal something about the author? What he emphasizes on most. What is emphasized in the story. What are seen as pivotal points?

A story can be anything. It has more meaning to the author but it also has to be able to relate thoughts to others.

There is a lot to know. Languages change your perception of reality. It changes your perception of humanity.

New words...new dimension to words...metaphors...stories...etc...all have an impact on humanity. The way they are told also plays a key role.

Stories often are not just to entertain, but the author is trying to emphasize on key elements of the culture and bring about other elements and viewpoints to consider.

Our perception is being challenged and we have to recreate our perception often, with every perception/story.

[Raeven]

I deal in facts.


When I read fiction it is because I am looking for the author's use of language to tell the story he has invented. One of my favorite little books is "A Canticle for Liebowitz."* Many insights into humanity and the cyclic nature of history but I never lose sight of the fact that it is nothing more than a story.

Just like the bible, the koran and the popol vuh to mention a few.




* "Pound pastrami, can kraut, six bagels--bring home for Emma."

Hey, I loved that one, too! Read it when I was very young... thought it explained very well how religions get started.

[Mystic]

Do you suggest I read it?

[Bad Wolf]

Do you suggest I read it?

I suggest you get back on your meds

[Mystic]

Do you suggest I read it?

I suggest you get back on your meds

Everyone does. And I would suggest the same to a stranger, brother, daughter, etc..

I understand the perception of the psychiatry. I know their data.

But I believe I can do this. Why I believe I can do this, I can't explain. But I feel I have to go this path, even if it risks my total loss with reality and reason.

[Minimalist]

why are they praised differently?

Because some of them suck.