I know that what you're saying is correct...it's just something that I struggle with internally. I used to act in a manner that I would consider "immoral" but have changed my life almost completely and now act in a way that I would consider (for the most part) "moral" Let me ask your opinion on...

why would anyone take pride in being apathetic?

I agree completely with what you're saying.... It is the individual standards of morality that I think lead to so many "problems" in the world. I am completely aware that we can't and won't all share the some moral standards. So how do we all coexist and have respect for each other? Some...

No TV in our house so no. I never watched them when we did have TV though either. I don't do it personally for any sort of "entertainment value" and I don't want to do it forever. I'm trying to use it as a vehicle for self improvement but I don't want to be driving forever. Feel free to...

the first option. no interest in being harmful.

Smoking is in a way masochistic for me. It helps me often to see more vividly the errors in my ways as it causes me to be more introspective. So in a way it makes me feel "bad" about myself but in a better light it shows me the ways I can improve.

I am not sure as to which recent events you refer. I applaud you for your attempts at personal growth as we should all strive to do the same. In theory all are capable, but all and I don't even think most are willing. I shutter to think at the type of person I would be without my child. I was...

Has anyone else tried Bikram Yoga? I have tried other forms of yoga and meditation and this is the best in my opinion.

Let's just look at America...it seems that you are hugely underestimating the moral degradation of this society. what prevails? materialism, sex, self. If you yourself are not devoid of these wanton desires and you are this idealistic optimistic being, how do you expect change in those who...

Being such a dreamer must leave you disappointed a lot. While I whole heartedly believe in parenting your children (if you recall, we have no tv and I changed for an honest spirit in my daughter), parenting isn't going to create the utopia you so desire. The human condition is inherently...

Thanks much! I've been a reader for awhile but just decided to join. I love debate. I love different perspectives. I love challenging face value. My life experiences have seem somewhat atypical so I hope that I can provide a unique perspective!

I understand better now. Thanks for that clarification. We should indeed think of ourselves as part of a whole instead of an independent being out for self serving motives.

As I said in my previous post, naive and idealistic. You're not alone in that certainly, but the "everyone treat each other right and we all will hug and get along" is not realistic. Deception in society is RAMPANT. How many people in Africa have AIDS because they were deceived by their...

I prefer grey. Who is us and who is them?

Ah my apologies. I misread it as one comment instead of a response from someone else. This explains most of the confusion!! Then in accordance with your original statement, I believe that the ability to empathize is a vital component to a "whole" person. Part of the problem with our society...

I am interested to hear anyone's thoughts on morality: practical definition as well as it's place/value in society. To clarify, I am speaking irrespective of religion as that isn't a universal for all people. Is morality a universal value?

Sunset....more vivid and beautiful colors

Thank you for the clarification. However it does then sound as if they are inherently related in the sense then that ego and empathy are mutually exclusive. I was mostly confused by your comment "I think many animals display empathy and I think it is vitally important to remember that we are...

I don't know if it qualifies as an appetite suppressant but I do a 10 day cleanse of fresh water, pure lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and natural maple syrup every few months to semi-purify my system. For the the key is to slowly integrate food back in on the 11th day and work my way up to a point...

amen to that....i would just like to see the money be put to good use. the reason i don't like the idea of "heirs" is that i believe stongly in NILF. Nothing in Life is Free. money and assistance should be given to those who work for it but because of various circumstances are not reaping the...