Re: virus: Strange attractors and meta-religions (was God and Level-3)

Mark Hornberger (markhornberger@nietzsche.net)
Thu, 03 Apr 1997 16:19:12 -0600

At 10:41 AM 4/3/97 -0800, you wrote:
>
>On Wed, 2 Apr 1997, Tony Hindle wrote:
>
>> >I don't think David is arguing against "positive thinking". He's
>> >arguing against intentional "self-deceit".
>> I would like to be certain of this. David in fact ANYONE. if you
>> could swallow a tablet right now that would have the effect of making
>> you believe the world got better and better (imagine anything you like)
>> would you? (you forget you've taken it instantly etc)
>
>Oddly, there's an entry in my journal to the effect that I was about to
>swallow such a tablet. Although I don't recall ever doing it. Funny,
>that. Oh, well... Sure is a great day today isn't it? And I hear
>tomorrow will be even better! Things sure are looking up around here!!!
>
>
>-Prof. Tim

I wouldn't see the point of taking such a pill - is deliberate
self-deception really a good thing? If so, then why do we pity
schizophrenics or autistics, who are in their own little world, and
apparently don't want any part of ours?

I don't think the world is really all that bad, for me. Those who are
constantly obsessing about the plight of third-world countries and such are
usually suffering (IMHO) from the delusion that the world is by nature a
benign and pleasant place, only sullied by the presence of us awful humans.
To me, the world is pretty much indifferent to our existence - we're
significant only to ourselves, and can only find our own way. If you give
up the idea that the world has to supply you with a convenient modicum of
justice and fairness, you stop being so stressed about everything. Makes
sense to me, anyway.