HUMAN CHARACTER QUESTIONED

1. 59

   qwarkposted 14 years ago

   The environment within which an organism grows and maturates, determines its basic character.
   Only one "unique" organism inhabiting this planet, can intellectualize. That organism is, of course, man.
   Man can when motivated, willfully modify his basic "character." No other life form on this planet can duplicate this amazing feat of sheer willpower. This "feat" seperates man from all other life forms controlled by genetics....by light years!
   It is the reason man has risen to the zenith of contemporary predation.
   If man does not utilize this unique ability meaningfully and intelligently, the result may mean the eventual demise of most extant life on the planet.
   Man can modify his "character" expeditiously when necessity becomes the prime motivator.
   If the "necessity" for survival becomes the "prime motivator," will "he" metamorphose into a refined, humane, entity and relinquish "his" past role of dominance and predation? Will "he", eventually, become a truly viable, synergistic life form and ensure future generations of a "life" rife with an appreciation of the blessing the experience: LIFE?"
   Any responsible replies?
   As a loving and caring "grampa," I'm concerned.

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   1. 60

      Disturbiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Well some men might "eventually, become truly viable, synergistic life forms and ensure future generations of a "life" but they will most likely be snuffed out by the dumbed down masses.  Honestly, I think we will not rise but fall.  Just look at the reality shows and the tabloids or talk to any random group of high school kids... I fear we are doomed.

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      1. 59

         qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Disturbia:
         Thanks.
         The "few" you speak of are, unfortunately, "too" few.
         Great comment!

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   2. 91

      thooghunposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Qwark, your post is a refreshing change.
      
      I have often wondered whether survival is in fact the prime motivator. I recall reading "the selfish gene" and discerning that in many cases survival takes a back seat to other prime instincts such as reproduction.
      
      Many forms of life in the natural world favor reproduction over survival, the peacock is a conspicuous example -- trading flight and stealth for flamboyant aesthetic features.
      
      Unfortunately, the reproductive urge is a short-sighted one, which makes me fear for us as a species.
      
      I would guess that our path to a synergistic lifestyle must involve two important steps. The first being a conscious structural shift towards GROUP survival(ultimately encompassing the realization that humanity is simply an organ, and the earth a body).
      
      The second being is a more mundane shift in functional purpose. Where we revitalize and debate concepts such as life itself. In short, a better educational system, empowering freedom of speech and oppression -- so that anyone is free to question and debate anything without pressure.

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      1. 59

         qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Thoog:
         You are right on the money!
         Unfortunately, I am the forever pessimist. There Just isn't enuf time left for all you refer to to become a reality.
         Thanks for the very thoughtful reply.  :-)

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2. 72

   earnestshubposted 14 years ago

   Quark, I think we will make it through. The human condition is beginning to be understood, but it is now a race against the incredibly gullible and psychotic towards sanity.

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   1. 59

      qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Earn!
      The human species is not "done." it will be diminished greatly.
      It has to be!
      We will survive but in what condition and with what results?
      The "sane" are too few!
      Good to see ya in type.  :-)

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3. 52

   TruthDebaterposted 14 years ago

   Guess who helped market the deterministic, materialistic, unconscious, ignorant without choice or free will?

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   1. 59

      qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Truth   pls enlighten us...ty

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      1. 52

         TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks. I would rather give you hints to see you enlighten yourself. This person says we are determined by nature with no power accredited to choice in how we change or adapt. This person is also followed religiously by many.

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         1. 59

            qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            truth: lol you have just made your point eloquently. You have none...ty tho for enlightening me in ref to your inability to offer credible responses....lmao

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            1. 52

               TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks. If you can't comprehend my point from the information I provided, you probably wasn't open to comprehending it in the first place. What is credible to you?

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                  qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  nothing you offer ..   but thanks for an "incredible" response...lol

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                  1. 52

                     TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Thanks. Sorry it wasn't enlightening as your OP. Please enlightenment me where our free will and choice comes from along with how we are separated by "light years" from other life.

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                     1. 59

                        qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Truth: I would try but i fear my explanation would be "light years" beyond" your, seeming, dirth of sensibility.

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                        1. 52

                           TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                           Thanks. Nice avoidance. I would run too if I made claims I couldn't explain.

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                           1. 59

                              qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                              Truth: ...an expected response....:-)

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4. 79

   aka-djposted 14 years ago

   Why on earth would you be concerned?
   If there is no higher purpose for us as a species than mere survival, and we don't survive, SO WHAT.
   We (supposedly) came from nothing, a cosmic accident, millions (or billions) of years ago.
   
   It stands to reason we are therefore not eternal, and due extinction at some point in the future.
   
   Who/what would miss us?
   
   Not my personal position, but based on (opposing) thoughts from you, and your ilk.

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   1. 59

      qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      simple Aka:
      Obviousy, you didn't read my question to its end: "As a loving and caring "grampa," I'm concerned."

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      1. 79

         aka-djposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         My response stands.
         Who cares (no offence, personal as it might be)???
         My kids/grandkids would suffer the same fate!!!
         I'm playing the "devil's advocate" when I say the above.
         What difference will it make if humanity disappears???

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         1. 59

            qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Aka: in that respect, not a damned thing.
            Your response is logical and pragmatic.

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            1. 79

               aka-djposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               I'll take that as a complement! TY.
               
               Most of my critics on HP have labelled me as illogical. :col:

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                  qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Not I!

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                  1. 79

                     aka-djposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Can't comment, 'cause I don't remember.
                     I'll take your word for it.
                     
                     BTW. I am right on the verge of "grand-parent-hood" myself!
                     She was due yesterday??????
                     One day over, & still no signs of delivery......

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                        qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        I'm sure she'll be wonderful....fingers crossed (almost grampa...:-))

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5. 81

   Tom Cornettposted 14 years ago

   More than likely.....the last idiot will eat the last chicken.....but.... If we could ever adapt our needs to nature instead of forcing nature to adapt to our wants....we might just make it.

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   1. 59

      qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Tom:   what do ya think the chances of that are?...lol
      Thanks for the comment.

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