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Topic: virus: Appeal for consistency (Read 1215 times) |
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JD
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virus: Appeal for consistency
« on: 2003-09-30 06:16:04 » |
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Dear Fellows,
I have noticed that we seem to be somewhat selectively applying our
Virian virtues. I am as guilty of this as anyone. So what follows is
from the perspective of notorious sinner, not an auto-hagified(?) saint:
We espouse reason, yet I notice we are prone both appeal and succumb to
the lure of authority, prejudice and personal attack. We need to learn
to communicate better*. Some topics might be suited to a debating format
(limited size responses) or perhaps adjudication. Personal attacks can
be funny hence fun, and can deliver some truths, but we need to make
sure that they are reserved for arenas where your opponent agrees to
allow them (i.e. Only punch people in the ring). Forceful opinions and
powerful hatreds ("loathing") ought to be tempered, or if one must vent,
remember to be empathetic, rational and macroscopic. Hatreds and other
strong emotions tend to abate in the company of empathy, reason and
vision. Don't just quote them, use them.
We espouse Vision, yet sometimes we are overly focused on ourselves
(navel gazing) and the trivia of the day. Many of us will regret the
wasted hours devoted to splitting hairs and arguing the toss. Lets raise
our game a bit folks.
We tout empathy, yet I frequently see it kept for allies or pitied
enemies (like Islamists). When it comes to real hated groups like
Christians or conservatives, or even fellows who find themselves in
agreement (part or whole) with members of such groups, it is absent.
This is the real UTist threat: The Us of an "enlightened" CoV led by a
self appointed "Agent of Change" versus the them of "benighted"
conservatives, Bush apologists, Christians, Jews and whomever else
disagrees with US**
Finally, let me say that measured against an ideal, anything will be
found wanting. Benchmarked against other communities, the CoV is a truly
magnificent collection of fine fellows. It is a delight to be a part of
this and I am grateful to all of you for your help, instruction and
effort.
Kind regards
Jonathan
* For some good booms on improving communication see:
http://virus.lucifer.com/bbs/index.php?board=57;action=display;threadid=29376
** By default that is, when dealing with prejudice one's pre-designation
(black, conservative, Jew) damns you before you even open your mouth or
state your case.
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Casey
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Revere the skeptic.
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Re:virus: Appeal for consistency
« Reply #1 on: 2003-09-30 07:43:02 » |
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Greetings Jonathan,
A note regarding your recent posts:
The links you've incorporated into your posts are not complete; they cut off at some point and require the reader to type in the remaining portion for them to link to another page.
Anyway, I enjoyed the recent debate and will read Scruton's "The West and the Rest" as soon as I walk across the quad and collect it from our law school's library.
As a side note:
If any other congregant has a book recommendation(s) they feel is worthy of posting please forward them to the list and/or BBS. I've plenty of resources available to me which afford me the opportunity to peruse, browse, and read them at my leisure.
Kind regards,
Casey
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Mermaid
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Bite me!
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Re:virus: Appeal for consistency
« Reply #2 on: 2003-09-30 23:42:40 » |
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[Jonathan Davis] I have noticed that we seem to be somewhat selectively applying our Virian virtues. I am as guilty of this as anyone.
[Jonathan Davis]We tout empathy, yet I frequently see it kept for allies or pitied enemies (like Islamists). When it comes to real hated groups like Christians or conservatives, or even fellows who find themselves in agreement (part or whole) with members of such groups, it is absent.
[Mermaid]I dont think Christians are a hated group. I, for one, do not hate Christians. I dont consider Islamists as 'pitied enemies' either. On the other hand, I dont feel any empathy for murdering bastards or loony fundamentalists. I am not expecting to feel any in the near future.
[Mermaid]Does this mean that you are going to try and "understand" the motives of the terrorists as well as you understand bush/rumsfield et al?...
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JD
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RE: virus: Appeal for consistency
« Reply #3 on: 2003-10-01 04:25:21 » |
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Hi Mermaid,
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-virus@lucifer.com [mailto:owner-virus@lucifer.com] On Behalf Of
Mermaid
Sent: 01 October 2003 04:43
To: virus@lucifer.com
Subject: Re:virus: Appeal for consistency
[Jonathan Davis] I have noticed that we seem to be somewhat selectively
applying our Virian virtues. I am as guilty of this as anyone.
[Jonathan Davis]We tout empathy, yet I frequently see it kept for allies or
pitied enemies (like Islamists). When it comes to real hated groups like
Christians or conservatives, or even fellows who find themselves in
agreement (part or whole) with members of such groups, it is absent.
[Mermaid]I dont think Christians are a hated group. I, for one, do not hate
Christians. I dont consider Islamists as 'pitied enemies' either. On the
other hand, I dont feel any empathy for murdering bastards or loony
fundamentalists. I am not expecting to feel any in the near future.
[Jonathan 1] I think we we ought to try and have empathy with everyone, even
the loony fundamentalists.
[Mermaid]Does this mean that you are going to try and "understand" the
motives of the terrorists as well as you understand bush/rumsfield et
al?...
[Jonathan 1] I will try and understand them, yes. I do already :-)
Regards
Jonathan
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Kharin
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In heaven all the interesting people are missing.
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Re:virus: Appeal for consistency
« Reply #4 on: 2003-10-01 04:43:08 » |
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Quote:| "[Jonathan 1] I think we we ought to try and have empathy with everyone, even the loony fundamentalists. " |
Yes, your current reading certainly bears that out.
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JD
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Re:virus: Appeal for consistency
« Reply #5 on: 2003-10-01 07:26:24 » |
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Quote from: Kharin on 2003-10-01 04:43:08
Quote:| "[Jonathan 1] I think we we ought to try and have empathy with everyone, even the loony fundamentalists. " |
Yes, your current reading certainly bears that out.
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I am currently reading:
Millenium People by J.G. Ballard (Fiction)
Mapping the Mind by Rita Carter (Non-fiction)
The Eternal Child by Clive Bromhall (Non-fiction)
Regards
Jonathan
Attached is a little snap of two of them on my desk right now, Ballard is at home (bedtime reading).
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