In the spirit of "Let it Begin Again", . . .

Whether or not each individual in CoV values it as much, I think we have a general CoV bias in favor of Reason.  That's good as far as I am concerned as too many religions do not value it enough.  However while not forgetting this particular virtue, I think we will fail to grow and develop as religious/philosophical memeplex if we do not pay some attention to our other virtues of vision and empathy.  We do seem to have a certain amount vision related to the fact that we consider ourselves "transhumanists" and there is a significant community of people who likewise may view themselves as "fellow travelers" in the transhumanist voyage.  However I think we could use more emphasis on empathy.  Traditional churches and religions, in addition to having a vision, are also fairly creative and cohesive in regard to community . . . in other words they have succeeded in making empathy work for them in various regards even as they may turn a myopic or even blind eye to reason.  I think if CoV is to survive and flourish as a religion to any degree or in any reasonable sense, we need to consider empathy more seriously.

Love,

-Jake