Uncharted Territory

Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 8:52 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 8:58 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 9:54 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 10:06 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 10:44 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Stirling Campbell 4/5/20 11:11 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory A. Dietrich Ringle 5/12/20 10:34 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 8/27/20 11:40 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/5/20 11:16 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 11:19 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 1:20 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/5/20 3:22 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 4:57 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/5/20 10:15 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/5/20 5:31 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/6/20 4:51 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 6:16 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 7:35 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 12:31 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 2:43 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 3:01 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/16/20 9:38 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/16/20 1:47 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/17/20 8:16 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/17/20 9:54 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/17/20 10:00 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/17/20 11:21 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/17/20 11:34 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/17/20 11:49 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/17/20 12:23 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/29/20 3:56 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 5/29/20 4:32 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/29/20 4:53 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 5/29/20 5:11 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/29/20 5:23 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 5/29/20 6:00 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/29/20 6:04 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/29/20 6:52 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 5/29/20 7:20 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/30/20 3:44 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/16/20 10:31 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/16/20 2:40 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/16/20 3:07 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/17/20 12:09 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/24/20 3:51 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/25/20 6:52 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/26/20 2:36 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/25/20 7:50 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/25/20 8:49 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/27/20 11:36 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 11:47 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/27/20 11:48 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 12:01 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 12:32 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 12:42 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 1:08 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 1:39 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 12:12 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/27/20 12:27 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 12:52 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/28/20 9:27 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/28/20 9:34 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 2:26 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 12:26 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 1:18 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 1:35 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 1:48 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 1:57 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 2:09 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 6/27/20 2:16 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 2:49 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 3:33 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 4:50 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Ricky Lee Nuthman 6/27/20 3:41 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 5:02 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 6:00 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 6:13 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Ricky Lee Nuthman 6/27/20 6:12 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 6:17 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/27/20 6:27 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 6/28/20 3:34 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Ricky Lee Nuthman 6/28/20 4:42 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/29/20 12:25 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/29/20 9:37 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/29/20 12:27 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/29/20 12:35 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/29/20 1:15 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/29/20 1:24 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/29/20 1:51 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/29/20 2:09 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/29/20 6:17 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/30/20 7:05 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/30/20 8:31 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 6/30/20 8:43 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/30/20 9:02 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/30/20 12:09 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/30/20 12:27 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 8/15/20 11:07 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 8/15/20 11:29 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 8/16/20 9:14 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 8/16/20 10:51 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/29/20 2:52 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/29/20 6:38 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 6/30/20 7:51 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 6/30/20 8:20 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 8/16/20 5:01 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 8/16/20 5:46 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 8/16/20 6:15 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 8/16/20 7:01 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 8/27/20 11:25 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory terry 8/16/20 4:54 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 5/29/20 2:35 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory shargrol 5/29/20 5:34 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/29/20 8:10 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 3:18 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 3:22 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 4:25 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 4:44 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 6:14 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 11:43 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Milo 4/6/20 12:43 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 9:40 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 9:44 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/5/20 10:02 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 10:10 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/5/20 10:24 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 10:26 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/5/20 10:38 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 10:36 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/5/20 10:53 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 11:03 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 11:08 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 11:13 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 11:16 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 11:33 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 12:56 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/5/20 1:03 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/5/20 1:07 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/5/20 12:55 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Noah D 4/5/20 1:48 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/5/20 2:20 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/5/20 2:43 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/5/20 5:44 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/5/20 10:16 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 2:33 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 6:19 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 8:00 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory T 4/6/20 8:02 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/6/20 8:09 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 8:13 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/6/20 8:19 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 8:48 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/6/20 9:03 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 9:14 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 8:53 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 6:38 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 6:27 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory T 4/6/20 7:07 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory T 4/6/20 11:03 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 11:20 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory T 4/6/20 11:55 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Lewis James 4/6/20 12:34 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 1:54 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/6/20 12:42 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory T 4/6/20 5:47 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/6/20 5:53 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/6/20 7:07 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/6/20 7:46 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 7:53 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 8:46 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/6/20 2:10 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 8/16/20 2:41 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 9:26 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 6:34 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/6/20 2:13 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 4:41 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 4/6/20 3:08 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 3:32 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 4/9/20 2:36 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/9/20 3:13 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Not two, not one 4/9/20 3:24 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 4/9/20 4:00 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/10/20 7:39 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/12/20 3:27 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/12/20 10:25 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/13/20 4:30 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/14/20 6:04 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 4:14 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/6/20 5:23 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/6/20 6:04 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/7/20 2:03 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/7/20 2:58 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/7/20 5:30 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/6/20 6:53 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/7/20 2:06 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/7/20 5:38 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/7/20 6:03 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/7/20 6:11 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/7/20 6:20 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/7/20 10:06 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 4/8/20 6:59 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/8/20 8:38 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö 4/7/20 1:29 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/8/20 8:36 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 4/10/20 8:28 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/11/20 4:36 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/12/20 7:53 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/14/20 5:54 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/16/20 12:06 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/12/20 11:36 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/12/20 11:51 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/12/20 2:15 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/14/20 6:15 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/14/20 11:36 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 6:41 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 7:06 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 7:51 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 7:55 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/15/20 7:59 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 8:12 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/15/20 8:15 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 9:00 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 9:10 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 9:43 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 9:46 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 9:50 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 9:53 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 10:02 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 10:02 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 10:18 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 10:31 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 10:37 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 10:46 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 10:46 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 11:07 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 10:44 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 10:45 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 10:50 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 10:28 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/15/20 11:08 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/15/20 11:20 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/15/20 11:22 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 2:31 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/16/20 3:07 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/16/20 9:31 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/17/20 5:37 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/17/20 8:19 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/17/20 9:05 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/17/20 9:05 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/17/20 10:13 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/17/20 10:40 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/17/20 10:35 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 5/17/20 9:14 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/17/20 9:15 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 5/17/20 9:43 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/16/20 3:01 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 12:18 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Mike Smirnoff 5/15/20 11:52 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 5/15/20 10:40 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 5/12/20 3:13 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Ricky Lee Nuthman 6/27/20 3:45 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory shargrol 6/29/20 1:04 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory spatial 4/7/20 9:52 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 4/8/20 6:52 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory spatial 4/8/20 9:04 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Papa Che Dusko 4/8/20 8:34 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 8/21/20 10:40 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 8/21/20 4:38 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Chris M 8/21/20 6:20 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 8/27/20 11:22 PM
RE: Uncharted Territory Tim Farrington 8/28/20 2:05 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 8/28/20 9:21 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 8/28/20 9:20 AM
RE: Uncharted Territory Olivier S 8/28/20 9:18 AM
Thread Split Chris M 1/21/21 12:32 PM
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 8:52 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 8:52 AM

Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
To start this topic, I'll paraphrase my friend Vincent Horn: "This is what we practice for."

Am I right?
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 8:58 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 8:56 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
We're through the rabbit hole now, or maybe we're still falling. Change is for always, but this might be Redd Foxx's Big One. What's clear to me is that a huge chunk of what thought we knew a few weeks ago is going to be very different. Things, they are a-changin', to quote somebody else.

My reaction is "bring it on."

I don't see an alternative, except maybe death, the odds of which seem a bit more likely now anyway for a geezer like me.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 9:54 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 9:54 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
We're through the rabbit hole now, or maybe we're still falling. Change is for always, but this might be Redd Foxx's Big One. What's clear to me is that a huge chunk of what thought we knew a few weeks ago is going to be very different. Things, they are a-changin', to quote somebody else.

My reaction is "bring it on."

I don't see an alternative, except maybe death, the odds of which seem a bit more likely now anyway for a geezer like me.

I'm concerned that you may be suicidal, Chris, considering death an alternative. Death is just not an alternative, and i speak as one who has at various points tried to avoid rebirth like the plague. Maybe you've got the chops to pull it off, but still, you're probably just going to be reborn in some damn Pure Land bardo anyway, at this point, with some damn Buddha type teaching you all over again to watch your breath. I don't see an alternative to "bring it on," either, here in these bodies.

Well, maybe running away screaming. But then people give me shit for being out in public during a pandemic, spreading germs and panic. So yeah, seriously, thinking it all the way through, no alternative but to shelter in place. This is why we practice, it's game time. Bring it on. It's already done wonders for agnostic, in my humble opinion. The monkeys may end up with a warlord or something, in the short term, but as long as it's a drunken warlord with his eye on the dot, who stays fat and happy, that's probably for the best too.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:06 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:04 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Dear Tim,

Thank you for your concern! I am not, nor will I be, considering suicide. It's just not my thing. I was thinking in terms of probabilities and Boolean logic, and then I typed the offending sentence. I'm sorry. I'll work harder to communicate with more concern for everyone's possible reaction to my words.

Yours in solidarity,

CM
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:44 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:44 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Dear Tim,

Thank you for your concern! I am not, nor will I be, considering suicide. It's just not my thing. I was thinking in terms of probabilities and Boolean logic, and then I typed the offending sentence. I'm sorry. I'll work harder to communicate with more concern for everyone's possible reaction to my words.

Yours in solidarity,

CM
Well, see, there you go, it was just a language thing. In Boolean logic, death is a 0, so if I'd recognized your angle I wouldn't have given it a moment's thought, no value change, no problem. I was misreading you anyway, thinking you were treating death as a 1, so forgive me for that. And thank you for the reassurance, in any case.

yours in these uncharted waters,
tf
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Stirling Campbell, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:11 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:11 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 621 Join Date: 3/13/16 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:

What's clear to me is that a huge chunk of what thought we knew a few weeks ago is going to be very different. Things, they are a-changin', to quote somebody else.

My reaction is "bring it on."

Really, this is how things always are, though there is now a more compelling narrative. The human story includes death, and it can happen at any time. In the middle of this there could be some other disaster that puts to shame the wake of this virus. Who knows? Always practice like your life depends on it. In some ways it does. The opportunity for compassion is omnipresent and boundless. All resistance to how things are is an opportunity for inquiry. In my experience, the dharmakaya points back at it its own impermanence/unity all of the time, in every facet, in every moment. I'm ready to show up for whatever that is. 

I'm with you: Bring it on.
A Dietrich Ringle, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 10:34 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 10:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 881 Join Date: 12/4/11 Recent Posts
Stirling Campbell:

Really, this is how things always are, though there is now a more compelling narrative. The human story includes death, and it can happen at any time. In the middle of this there could be some other disaster that puts to shame the wake of this virus. Who knows? Always practice like your life depends on it. In some ways it does. The opportunity for compassion is omnipresent and boundless. All resistance to how things are is an opportunity for inquiry. In my experience, the dharmakaya points back at it its own impermanence/unity all of the time, in every facet, in every moment. I'm ready to show up for whatever that is. 

I'm with you: Bring it on.

So this is indicative of my recent conundrum whether to try and remember what my "big issue" was last night and continue from there or let the newness of the day really sink in. So for me, uncharted territory is a choice.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 8/27/20 11:40 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/27/20 11:40 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Stirling Campbell:
Chris Marti:

What's clear to me is that a huge chunk of what thought we knew a few weeks ago is going to be very different. Things, they are a-changin', to quote somebody else.

My reaction is "bring it on."

Really, this is how things always are, though there is now a more compelling narrative. The human story includes death, and it can happen at any time. In the middle of this there could be some other disaster that puts to shame the wake of this virus. Who knows? Always practice like your life depends on it. In some ways it does. The opportunity for compassion is omnipresent and boundless. All resistance to how things are is an opportunity for inquiry. In my experience, the dharmakaya points back at it its own impermanence/unity all of the time, in every facet, in every moment. I'm ready to show up for whatever that is. 

I'm with you: Bring it on.

This feels like a moment of review, on this thread for me, looking back almost five months after Chris began it, to see what has held up. And for me, that is, this morning:

Acceptance, and patience;

a busload of faith;

and always practicing like your life depends on it, because reality really is always this bad, we just have some exceptionally vivid headlines for it right now.

This is why we practice, to remember these things when the shit is hitting the fan. And the fan is always spinning, and the shit is always flying.

For the karmic record, I'm less inclined to say "Bring it on," lol, as it will be brought in any case. But given that it's brought: Hello, shit, glad to meet you. Come here often?

love, tim
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:16 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:16 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
We're through the rabbit hole now, or maybe we're still falling. Change is for always, but this might be Redd Foxx's Big One. What's clear to me is that a huge chunk of what thought we knew a few weeks ago is going to be very different. Things, they are a-changin', to quote somebody else.

My reaction is "bring it on."

I don't see an alternative, except maybe death, the odds of which seem a bit more likely now anyway for a geezer like me.

I'm watching the supply chains. Particular for the health system, distribution of the agricultural surplus, and heating. And whether means of exchange continue to work.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:19 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:19 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
I'm watching the supply chains. Particular for the health system, distribution of the agricultural surplus, and heating.

Yeah, great point, if I can be serious for a minute. Those do bear watching. Believe it or not, that's a big part of what I for a living, for one particular commodity industry and its end markets. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:20 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:20 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Hey, curious - another serious post here:

I hosted a webinar for a bunch of industry executives last week that featured the economists I use as experts on the... um, on the economy. They are quite sure that U.S. GDP will take a massive hit in the second quarter of this year, setting a record. They're talking GDP being down somewhere between 20 and 30%, much like what Goldman Sachs is predicting.

I never thought I'd live through the impeachment proceedings against a sitting president. I've lived through three. I never thought I'd live through massive economic dislocation akin to the Great Depression. I've lived through one and the second is happening right now. There's more of these kinds of things I never thought I'd live to see but I don't want to go too far down that path.
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 3:22 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 3:18 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Hey, curious - another serious post here:

I hosted a webinar for a bunch of industry executives last week that featured the economists I use as experts on the... um, on the economy. They are quite sure that U.S. GDP will take a massive hit in the second quarter of this year, setting a record. They're talking GDP being down somewhere between 20 and 30%, much like what Goldman Sachs is predicting.

I never thought I'd live through the impeachment proceedings against a sitting president. I've lived through three. I never thought I'd live through massive economic dislocation akin to the Great Depression. I've lived through one and the second is happening right now. There's more of these kinds of things I never thought I'd live to see but I don't want to go too far down that path.

Yeah, it's worse than that, I think. This is the death of financial markets capitalism.  20% to 30% is just the first wave. After that their suppliers go bust, and their suppliers. And of course the negative demand effect from unemployment will be huge.  Everthing is so interconnected and overleveraged now, compared to he 1930s, it's a real worry.  And having multi-trillion dollar bailouts every ten years is not sustainable. I see three principal scenarios for how this ends.

1. Statism - Something breaks or enough confidence goes so the value of money disappears, and our systems sieze up. Markets and supply chains fail. Then we have to nationalise industries and conscript workers so that we can put the assets to use to get everone fed. 

2. Feudalism - A few politicians, bankers and industry moguls lord live high off the hog from stimulus money, and distribute a little bit of largess to keep the rest of us going. This is a pretend economy, so it inexorably slumps over time, and requires more and more bailout. Some fly corporate jets and others grow oats, beans, turnips, and barley. This is the worst scenario IMHO, as it is least sustainable - so the end game is probably mass violence, either as resistance, or as a dualistic distraction orchestrated by the aristos.

3. Socialism - Something like providing everyone with a universal basic income, recovering the looted simulus money through wealth taxes, having mixed public/private sector model, and move as much as possible to online business and automation. Basically we have to totally rebalance our banking and productive sectors, and truly ride the technological change to a new type of society, instead of being stuck in the past. Markets can't do this on their own - it needs heavy state intervention to support it.

Whatever happens, the economy of 'things' is dead. The only thing that will keep us going is realising we never needed all that crap we bought, and we can live simply and cheaply and have a really high standard of life after all. All we need is the four requisites (plus energy and sewerage), and a smartphone and a big flatscreen. Simplicity in the home, complexity in the servers. Restraint in private spaces, luxury in public spaces. 

So we may have to find different ways to use the agricultural and manufacturing surplus. Instead of employing people to build malls, sell barbie dolls, advertise fast food, and promote ocean cruises, we may need to employ them to build online games, create virtual environments, offer online grief counselling, drive delivery drones, grow organic food in cities, repair the environment, create public art and so on.  We need a massive realignment if we are to avoid a fairly destructive feudalism.

Ahh... rant over ... I feel better already!  

As you say, these are the times we practice for.  It's much easier if we are not clinging to weird mind-made objects.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 4:57 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 4:57 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
This is the death of financial markets capitalism.

I suspect it's not. Financial markets can serve people, not the other way around. If we regulate markets fairly, and properly, there is economic good to come from that. The problem we've had over the past several decades is that financial markets have become playgrounds for speculators and manipulators, not for the average person, or for main street, which is comprised of real economy businesses (manufacturers, for example) that need investment services, liquidity, and more efficient asset allocation.

Personally, I would like to see a major reorientation of the avaricious, modern American capitalism that is predatory and serves those who already have, not those who need and have not. A real and deep recognition that we're all in this society together would be nice, but if that's not possible because some people can't figure it out, then regulation with teeth, real, sharp teeth, is the way to go.
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:15 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:15 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Yes I don't think financial markets will disappear - I agree they perform a very useful function.  But they will have to be severly tamed to prevent this ongoing exposure to overleveraging, which seems baked in to the business model at the moment. Regulations don't seem to have done the trick; too easy to capture the regulators.  Also, I think central banks will need to move to providing stimulus through UBI-type payments, not just bank bailouts, as the bailouts clearly encourage more of the same overleveraging.  Anyway, not really a dharma conversation ....   
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 5:31 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 5:31 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Wow, I didn't think I would actually live to see financial market capitalism fall. I just hope that it won't be too painful for those who are already in great need before a new system is put in place. I won't miss the capitalism per se. I will certainly not miss the religion of the Holy Market That Fixes Everything With Its Divine Hand.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 4:51 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 4:50 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Another thing maybe none of us quite expected to live to see so vividly is something on the scale of the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, which killed more people in its couple years than died in WWI. The timing was interesting for me, because I had just finished reading David Quammen's book "Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Pandemic," which I highly recommend for the larger ecological/evolutionary context of these interesting times we live in. Quammen is a "nature writer" who has never written a non-interesting piece; he goes to the heart of what he's interested in, quite literally, talks to all the right people in depth, gets the big picture as clearly as anyone, and writes with exquisite lucidity, and even a genuine thread of humor. (His "Song of the Dodo," for instance, is the funniest book you will ever read about the current wave of human-related mass extinctions.) He understands not just the ecology and evolution, but also people, and the process of science, and politics.

I have started in on John Barry's classic, state-of-the-art study of the 1918 pandemic, "The Great Influenza." Barry starts with a protracted consideration of the history of infectious disease research in the U.S., and uses the Johns Hopkins labs beginning in the 1880s in particular as sort of a long on-ramp to the main story. I'm still on the on-ramp, but one interesting tidbit so far is that the pandemic is often called "the Spanish flu," which is basically a politically-conditioned artefact of history and politics: Spain was a prominent country not fighting in WWI at that time, and so had a freer press without wartime censorship, and so the news literally came out from there. But the disease itself almost certainly had its origins elsewhere, and possibly even in the U.S. The dance of protracted govermental denials, distortions, and finger-pointing is nauseatingly familiar.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:16 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:16 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
 David Quammen's book "Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Pandemic,"

Second! I read this book about a year ago.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:35 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:35 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Curious:

1. Statism - Something breaks or enough confidence goes so the value of money disappears, and our systems sieze up. Markets and supply chains fail. Then we have to nationalise industries and conscript workers so that we can put the assets to use to get everone fed. 

2. Feudalism - A few politicians, bankers and industry moguls lord live high off the hog from stimulus money, and distribute a little bit of largess to keep the rest of us going. This is a pretend economy, so it inexorably slumps over time, and requires more and more bailout. Some fly corporate jets and others grow oats, beans, turnips, and barley. This is the worst scenario IMHO, as it is least sustainable - so the end game is probably mass violence, either as resistance, or as a dualistic distraction orchestrated by the aristos.

Yeah, I'm concerned about these two possible outcomes. Of the two I worry most about Feudalism, or as I would describe a parallel outcome - Totalitarianism. I see a leaning in that direction in the U.S., with a denial of expertise and the slow but steadily increasing acceptance, by surprisingly many, of a personality cult.

Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 12:31 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 12:30 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Not two, not one:
Chris Marti:
Hey, curious - another serious post here:

I hosted a webinar for a bunch of industry executives last week that featured the economists I use as experts on the... um, on the economy. They are quite sure that U.S. GDP will take a massive hit in the second quarter of this year, setting a record. They're talking GDP being down somewhere between 20 and 30%, much like what Goldman Sachs is predicting.

I never thought I'd live through the impeachment proceedings against a sitting president. I've lived through three. I never thought I'd live through massive economic dislocation akin to the Great Depression. I've lived through one and the second is happening right now. There's more of these kinds of things I never thought I'd live to see but I don't want to go too far down that path.

Yeah, it's worse than that, I think. This is the death of financial markets capitalism.  20% to 30% is just the first wave. After that their suppliers go bust, and their suppliers. And of course the negative demand effect from unemployment will be huge.  Everthing is so interconnected and overleveraged now, compared to he 1930s, it's a real worry.  And having multi-trillion dollar bailouts every ten years is not sustainable. I see three principal scenarios for how this ends.

1. Statism - Something breaks or enough confidence goes so the value of money disappears, and our systems sieze up. Markets and supply chains fail. Then we have to nationalise industries and conscript workers so that we can put the assets to use to get everone fed. 



if we don't already have militias and district gvernors in open reblllion at that point issuing their own currency, and enforcing this with their own men under arms.
2. Feudalism - A few politicians, bankers and industry moguls lord live high off the hog from stimulus money, and distribute a little bit of largess to keep the rest of us going. This is a pretend economy, so it inexorably slumps over time, and requires more and more bailout. Some fly corporate jets and others grow oats, beans, turnips, and barley. This is the worst scenario IMHO, as it is least sustainable - so the end game is probably mass violence, either as resistance, or as a dualistic distraction orchestrated by the aristos.

follow the money, indeed.
3. Socialism - Something like providing everyone with a universal basic income, recovering the looted simulus money through wealth taxes, having mixed public/private sector model, and move as much as possible to online business and automation. Basically we have to totally rebalance our banking and productive sectors, and truly ride the technological change to a new type of society, instead of being stuck in the past. Markets can't do this on their own - it needs heavy state intervention to support it.

like that's going to happen?

The main thing as I see it, Malcom is the slope of the human population. It is a classic population curve, the kind you see in many species over time, and in every one of the cases so far the next phase of the curve is a precipitate drop in population on a spectacular scale. We have been telling ourselves we can be unique, ecologically speaking, and somehow level off and sustain the present population, at best. But meanwhile, the curve continues upward.
Whatever happens, the economy of 'things' is dead. The only thing that will keep us going is realising we never needed all that crap we bought, and we can live simply and cheaply and have a really high standard of life after all. All we need is the four requisites (plus energy and sewerage), and a smartphone and a big flatscreen. Simplicity in the home, complexity in the servers. Restraint in private spaces, luxury in public spaces. 

So we may have to find different ways to use the agricultural and manufacturing surplus. Instead of employing people to build malls, sell barbie dolls, advertise fast food, and promote ocean cruises, we may need to employ them to build online games, create virtual environments, offer online grief counselling, drive delivery drones, grow organic food in cities, repair the environment, create public art and so on.  We need a massive realignment if we are to avoid a fairly destructive feudalism.

Ahh... rant over ... I feel better already!  

not to poop the party, amigo, but if you feel better, you aren't in deep enough yet.
As you say, these are the times we practice for.  It's much easier if we are not clinging to weird mind-made objects.
 amen. And thanks to Chris also for setting off this cascade in the first place.

love
Tim
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 2:43 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 2:36 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
When I landed in Kathmandu, for my month long at Panditarama lumbini, I had already started reading Servigne. I was horrified at the nightmarish pollution in this city, the chaos. It's the most polluted city in the world currently, or second. 

I just felt so viscerally that what he was saying was true. I stumbled upon this article here, and it resonated so strongly with me. I wanted to share it with you. It really made me ask myselves questions like : if I must die, what should I die for ? 

I thought about that again during the hardcore retreat, and there was a moment when I knew what I was read to die for, although I couldn't have put it in words, perhaps for the first time. It was a strong moment. The fact of knowing viscerally that it's possible to be ok with dying for a cause, or rather to be so devoted to something that you would give your life for it, was really powerful. I imagine many parents feel that... 


https://theecologist.org/2019/may/08/social-collapse-and-climate-breakdown
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 3:01 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 2:56 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
When you know all these numbers and figures and trends, watching an exchange like this at Davos 2020 is just hilarious : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51u4JECraLQ

T
here is a wonderful tchadian woman saying that they don't want technology, they have the traditional knowledge to restore the forest which is their source of food, and that they should just be left alone to do that - they don't care about internet or electricity or progress. Next to her is a big guy from Rockefeller whatever who explains they are gonna install micro-tech bullcrap to create cheap electricity so that everyone in africa can have it !!!! Yey !!!! She says : we have no food. We don't want technology...

Other german big guy talking about cutting emissions a bit after Greta's speech. Chinese government official explaining that creativity from the private sector will need to find the solutions for climate change because we ain't gonna stop chasing after growth, sorry.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 9:38 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 9:37 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
I used to work in Silicon Valley and I still follow those folks. In my opinion, they are the people who are potentially the most dangerous and the most helpful to us, now and into the future. They have been allowed massive amounts of freedom and they sometimes get it right and other times cause huge ripples of pain. They have given us vast stores of information and they have fostered untold amounts of disinformation. They have shrunk the globe and they have taken our freedom and privacy. They have ridiculous money and very little of it trickles down. They will likely crown the world's first trillionaire, which angers and saddens me. Trillions in personal wealth is... profane.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 1:47 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 1:47 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Hmm, again I forgot to save my answer and it got swallowed, I suck at this...

Take 2 :

I think you mean obscene ?

How do you imagine new technologies taking a part in the future ? If we need to cut energy consumption by 86% basically right now to avoid +2 by 2050, give or take - cf Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, historian of sciences and industry - I think that just implies giving up high-tech  and embracing low-tech (although, I don't really see higher techs than plants, humans, and life forms in general, but anyways...).

Sure, they have their + and - sides, but they are in any case intrinsically linked with the whole fossil-fueled system, they are part of this interconnected whole which includes the entire industrial complex. Can you build any kind of chip, processor, etc., without heavy industry ?  Could it be possible to keep the upsides of this system, and throw away the downsides ? It sounds a bit like wanting to keep the apparently nice aspects of dualistic perception while wanting to get enlightened. How ?

Related question : were we actually worst off in the middle-ages or thousands of years ago ? I think it was just a different homeostasis, and that we shouldn't necesarilly fear a change of equilibium. {High material comfort + low sense of belonging, community, meaning, sacredness} doesn't necessarily seem like a better equation than {Low material comfort + high degree of meaningfulness, sacredness, community with life in human and non-human forms}. Although anyone with an interest in high-consumption lifestyles will try to prove otherwise - cf. the part in the "social collapse" article about the british ruling class and Hobbes. In fact, from an evolutionary standpoint, the latter having probably been closer to the actual living conditions of humans for most of history, it would make sense to imagine that this is how we would be happiest. To further this point, here is a funny and eloquent quote.


A Gaspesian (now Micmac) chief, in 1676, criticizes a group of French captains in Nova Scotia for the great esteem in which they hold French civilization.

"It is true that we have not always had the use of bread and of wine which you France produces ; but, in fact, before the arrival of the Franch in these parts, did not the Gaspesians live much longer than now ? And if we have not any longer amon us any of those old men of a hundred and thirty to forty years, it is only because we are gradually adopting your manner of living, for experience is making it very plain that those of us live longest who, despising your bread, your wine, and your brandy, are content with the natural food of beaver, of moose, of waterfowl, and fish, in accord with the custom of our ancestors and of all the Gaspesian nation. Learn now, my brother once for all, because I must open to thee my heart : there is no indian who does not consider himself infinitely more happy and more powerful than the French."

Haha.

Thoughts ?
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 8:16 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 8:16 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Related question : were we actually worst off in the middle-ages or thousands of years ago ?

Olivier, can you first please tell me what you mean by "worse off"? The question could refer to just about any version of the spectrum of human existence I can think of, so I'd like to know what part of the spectrum you're addressing. 
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:54 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:54 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Related question : were we actually worst off in the middle-ages or thousands of years ago ?

Olivier, can you first please tell me what you mean by "worse off"? The question could refer to just about any version of the spectrum of human existence I can think of, so I'd like to know what part of the spectrum you're addressing. 
The isobarycenter of all aspects of existence. 

emoticon 

It's not a very serious question. General sense of satisfaction with existence, sense of meaning, etc. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:00 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:58 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Chris Marti:
Related question : were we actually worst off in the middle-ages or thousands of years ago ?

Olivier, can you first please tell me what you mean by "worse off"? The question could refer to just about any version of the spectrum of human existence I can think of, so I'd like to know what part of the spectrum you're addressing. 
The isobarycenter of all aspects of existence. 

emoticon 

It's not a very serious question. General sense of satisfaction with existence, sense of meaning, etc. 


Chris: like so:



"Isobarycentre, exercice de barycentres "


CentroidProject SparkDefinition: an isobarycenter, also know as the center of gravity in Physics, is the average of equal masses placed at the point positions. The formula is to add all the points, and divide by the number of points. But fortunately, Project Spark has got a tile for that: "centroid". It needs an object set to work, so you'll have to put all your objects in an object set, or directly use each object (with the in-world picker/object variables and "plus"). Here's how this tile works:{object set...Centroid | Project Spark Wiki | Fandom https://projectspark.fandom.com/wiki/Centroid
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 11:21 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 11:21 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Olivier:

General sense of satisfaction with existence, sense of meaning, etc. 

Hmmm... this is pretty nebulous. Can you name some of the other independent variables? I've always been drawn to Maslow:

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs

One reason is that his hierarchy is not political or economic but broken into basic, psychological, and fulfillment segments.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 11:34 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 11:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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What do you mean "independent variables", I thought you were an arahat !?
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 11:49 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 11:49 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Statistically speaking  emoticon
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 12:23 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 12:23 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Let's use the Maslow model then.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 3:56 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 3:56 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
emoticon

or not.
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 4:32 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 4:32 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
What do you mean "independent variables", I thought you were an arahat !?

Chris is only an Arhat by the standards of other Arhats, but he is not an Arhat according to the standards of non-Arhats.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 4:53 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 4:53 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Not two, not one:
Olivier:
What do you mean "independent variables", I thought you were an arahat !?

Chris is only an Arhat by the standards of other Arhats, but he is not an Arhat according to the standards of non-Arhats.

I don't understand. Isn't the judgment of one's peers more important?
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 5:11 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 5:11 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Nah, judgement doesn't matter at all.  Rather it's knowledge that matters (or wisdom, if you prefer).
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 5:23 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 5:23 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Not two, not one:
Nah, judgement doesn't matter at all.  Rather it's knowledge that matters (or wisdom, if you prefer).


as determined by whom? This gets circular fast, yes?
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 6:00 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 6:00 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Not two, not one:
Nah, judgement doesn't matter at all.  Rather it's knowledge that matters (or wisdom, if you prefer).


as determined by whom? This gets circular fast, yes?

Ehm! Two sharks circling around you mate. Just sayn'! I'm out of here emoticon 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 6:04 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 6:04 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 6:52 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 6:51 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Two sharks circling around you mate.

They are only sharks by the standards of other sharks, not by the standards of non-sharks  emoticon

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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 7:20 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 7:20 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Touche' emoticon 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/30/20 3:44 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/30/20 3:44 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
Touche' emoticon 

Sergeant Dusko, this bar has quietly filled up with officers and REMFs. I'm getting out of here before i punch somebody and lose my hard-re-won Lance Corporal rank. See you at the Skype cafe later, amigo. Do you copy?

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over and out.

Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/16/20 10:31 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/16/20 10:31 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
A pretty good video - can you spot the bear watching bear porn ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7LDk4D3Q3U&feature=youtu.be
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/16/20 2:40 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/16/20 2:40 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Olivier:
A pretty good video - can you spot the bear watching bear porn ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7LDk4D3Q3U&feature=youtu.be

Not through my black tears of despair, no.

Thanks, Olivier, for that utterly brutal but expertly produced vision of everything going to shit, with an ironic anthem to freedom soaring above through the poisoned skies. I am now going to pray for us all.

love, tim
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/16/20 3:07 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/16/20 3:07 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Well, sorry about that tim, I didn't make it though !

<3
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/17/20 12:09 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/17/20 12:09 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Well, sorry about that tim, I didn't make it though !

<3


you PROPOGATED it! The parable is this: the sower sows the seed.

love, tim

p.s. musical interlude   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efl0G4SUdiM

Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/24/20 3:51 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/24/20 3:51 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
2.7°C increase in global average temp now locked in according to conservative IPCC emoticon 

This really dwarves the corona situation.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 6:52 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 6:52 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
2.7°C increase in global average temp now locked in according to conservative IPCC emoticon 

This really dwarves the corona situation.

Olivier,

I think what i freally want to keep studying is how to work under an oppressive totalitarian regime. What corona has taught us is that you can scare most of the people all of the time with a little nicely managed crisis, and how quickly we have abandonned our humanity in favor of guilty until prven innocent suspicion of every-fucking-one.

And don't dare protest in the streets without your fucking 6 foot gap.

took a knee at the National Anthem, when it was played at the local episcopalian church's white-assuagementofguilt-ceremony on Juneteenth. Just practicing.

love, tim
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/26/20 2:36 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 7:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
So, what was most impressive to me during this lock down was : how quickly people and behaviors can change if there is truely a sense of urgency in both the population and the executive power. The reason why people abdicated their freedoms is because they believed it was justified and necessary. That's they key point. It wasn't unreasonable in the face of the situation. 

That was incredible to me : in france, within one day, everything stopped and people would get fined if they lert home. Because the government decided so. I could feel the enormous power there.

If they felt compelled to, the powers in place could cut consumption by five within days. They could turn the whole thing over. That's what i learned here. I didn't really realize that.

If tomorrow everyone wakes up and the powers in place all share a great concern for the fact that ... etc., Climate change will kill everyone...  and say that to the general public with as firm a voice as they did with the corona threat ; as well as take the the necessary measures, which are of the scale of the ones we've seen - then people will DEFINITELY follow, gladly so, because when they are convinced of the righteousness of some measures, and are forced to comply strictly, they just do it. Just like we've seen.

But they won't if there isn't a sense of urgency of the kind which was present right before lockdown. Unfortunately humans are not wired to feel urgency for longer  term problems... However much worse those might be...

I'm surprised that even in enlightened communities such as this one, people don't seem to grasp the seriousness of the predicament. 

Tim, have you heard of extinction rebellion ? You might be interested in looking up Roger Hallam their founder. Interesting speaker. He has spent five years studying how change of the scale needed has happened in history. His answer is mass civil desobedience.

He is a powerful speaker but a big problem is that he lacks the intense meaningfulness which gandhi/king etc. Could bring along. All that Hallam works with is getting people to feel the actual fear of what's coming, and encourage them to act on that, possibly through personal sacrifice. Which is great. But in the name of what is this happening ? Just fear of extinction. Very justified, but uninspiring to most. People will just do everything in their power to turn a blind eye to that level of grimness.

How could we have both the urgency he so well manages to conjure, and a sense of fighting for a higher purpose ?

That seems so crucial to me. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 7:50 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 7:50 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
So, what was most impressive to me during this lock down was : how quickly people and behaviors can change if there is truely a sense of urgency in both the population and the executive power.

In the United States during this pandemic, we've managed to make science optional, depending on your politics, and here this is the major limiting factor on the climate change front, too. It's very depressing and very dangerous.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 8:49 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/25/20 8:49 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Yeah, what can you do about your health issues, if you are denying that they're there ? 
It's incredible how far ignorance will go. It will go all the way. It will destroy everything if need be to stay comfortable.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 11:36 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 11:36 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Worse - staying healthy has literally become an inconvenience in many places in the US. And thus keeping your fellow human beings healthy has become inconvenient. There is also a series of conspiracy theories about the coronavirus afoot - it's caused by 5G cellular, or that it's just a fake news thing perpetrated by either the government or the so-called fake news media.

We have issues.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 11:47 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 11:47 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Humans are an inconvenience.

That's the root of neoliberalism.

Its role is to adapt humans to the rate of self propelled progress of technology.

Imo, those conspiracies are right in their intuitions, but confused in their explanations.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 11:48 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 11:48 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Um, no.

emoticon
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:01 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:01 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
To which part ?
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:32 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:32 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Humans are an inconvenience.

That's the root of neoliberalism.

Its role is to adapt humans to the rate of self propelled progress of technology.

Imo, those conspiracies are right in their intuitions, but confused in their explanations.

   The root of neoliberalism is: markets rule! People are what you feed into the machines. Money is the measure of all things. Thus, in the end, we will have infinite money and no people. Jeff bezos is on track to be the world's first trillionaire. Then zuckerman, then larry page.

   Our true enemies are google, facebook and amazon. All three should be destroyed without remainder. It would be a start. 

   The powers that be currently ordering people to stay home could mandate a 95% decrease in energy use, should they develop the will. Unfortunately, it is already way too late. Think of a pond being covered by an algae bloom that doubles every day. It starts infinitesimally, but the day before it is completely covered, it is only half covered, and two days before only a quarter covered. The doubling process appears to accelerate.

t


"Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio."

~thomas malthus, 1798 



"Let no one ignorant of geometry enter here."

~sign over the entrance to plato's academy
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:42 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:40 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Yeah,  and the thinking behind markets rule is based on a skewed understanding of darwinism turned into a political ideology.

Yeah terry, it's way too late for many things. It's too late to avoid 2 billion deaths by 2100. Ok. But we can avoid 5 billion.

I'm 26 you know. In 50 years, when the south of france has become inhabitable, and we kill anyone who tries to cross the borders, etc., I will still be here, perhaps i will have children...

My generation is not gonna let this happen without an ACTUAL fight. 3.5 percent of the population is all it takes to be scary... 

Apathy is becoming unbearable.
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:08 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:08 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Yeah,  and the thinking behind markets rule is based on a skewed understanding of darwinism turned into a political ideology.

Yeah terry, it's way too late for many things. It's too late to avoid 2 billion deaths by 2100. Ok. But we can avoid 5 billion.

I'm 26 you know. In 50 years, when the south of france has become inhabitable, and we kill anyone who tries to cross the borders, etc., I will still be here, perhaps i will have children...

My generation is not gonna let this happen without an ACTUAL fight. 3.5 percent of the population is all it takes to be scary... 

Apathy is becoming unbearable.

   Your generation is the real problem. Narcissistic to the core. Throwing away their freedom and privacy with both hands, and digging their heads further and further into the sand. Their response to diminishing values is to get while the getting is good. Enjoy those beaches while you still can. Sit around in a drum circle and dissipate any possible positive energy indulging in casual sex and frequent drunkeness and drug use. In hawaii we have choke tourists of the gringo/gringa variety, upper middle class scions who feel the world exists to entertain them and give them whatever they like, because they are beautiful and have straight teeth. They contribute nothing and use up valuable resources with absolutely no sense of karmic debt.

   If you are still alive fifty years from now - unlikely - you wil be a very different person from the one you are now. I see the survivors of this generation turning good-natured hedonism into a degree of seflishness which bodes poorly for elder generations, for whom they have little respect. Apathy will turn into naked self-interest. (The Prisoner's Dilemma.)

   Of course, I am sure you are the exception, and your friends. (smile)


terry
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:39 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:39 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
terry:
Olivier:
Yeah,  and the thinking behind markets rule is based on a skewed understanding of darwinism turned into a political ideology.

Yeah terry, it's way too late for many things. It's too late to avoid 2 billion deaths by 2100. Ok. But we can avoid 5 billion.

I'm 26 you know. In 50 years, when the south of france has become inhabitable, and we kill anyone who tries to cross the borders, etc., I will still be here, perhaps i will have children...

My generation is not gonna let this happen without an ACTUAL fight. 3.5 percent of the population is all it takes to be scary... 

Apathy is becoming unbearable.

   Your generation is the real problem. Narcissistic to the core. Throwing away their freedom and privacy with both hands, and digging their heads further and further into the sand. Their response to diminishing values is to get while the getting is good. Enjoy those beaches while you still can. Sit around in a drum circle and dissipate any possible positive energy indulging in casual sex and frequent drunkeness and drug use. In hawaii we have choke tourists of the gringo/gringa variety, upper middle class scions who feel the world exists to entertain them and give them whatever they like, because they are beautiful and have straight teeth. They contribute nothing and use up valuable resources with absolutely no sense of karmic debt.

   If you are still alive fifty years from now - unlikely - you wil be a very different person from the one you are now. I see the survivors of this generation turning good-natured hedonism into a degree of seflishness which bodes poorly for elder generations, for whom they have little respect. Apathy will turn into naked self-interest. (The Prisoner's Dilemma.)

   Of course, I am sure you are the exception, and your friends. (smile)


terry


“Adults forget the depths of languor into which the adolescent mind decends with ease. They are prone to undervalue the mental growth that occurs during daydreaming and aimless wandering” 
― E.O. Wilson
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:12 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:12 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
So, what was most impressive to me during this lock down was : how quickly people and behaviors can change if there is truely a sense of urgency in both the population and the executive power. The reason why people abdicated their freedoms is because they believed it was justified and necessary. That's they key point. It wasn't unreasonable in the face of the situation. 

That was incredible to me : in france, within one day, everything stopped and people would get fined if they lert home. Because the government decided so. I could feel the enormous power there.

If they felt compelled to, the powers in place could cut consumption by five within days. They could turn the whole thing over. That's what i learned here. I didn't really realize that.

If tomorrow everyone wakes up and the powers in place all share a great concern for the fact that ... etc., Climate change will kill everyone...  and say that to the general public with as firm a voice as they did with the corona threat ; as well as take the the necessary measures, which are of the scale of the ones we've seen - then people will DEFINITELY follow, gladly so, because when they are convinced of the righteousness of some measures, and are forced to comply strictly, they just do it. Just like we've seen.

But they won't if there isn't a sense of urgency of the kind which was present right before lockdown. Unfortunately humans are not wired to feel urgency for longer  term problems... However much worse those might be...

I'm surprised that even in enlightened communities such as this one, people don't seem to grasp the seriousness of the predicament. 

Tim, have you heard of extinction rebellion ? You might be interested in looking up Roger Hallam their founder. Interesting speaker. He has spent five years studying how change of the scale needed has happened in history. His answer is mass civil desobedience.

He is a powerful speaker but a big problem is that he lacks the intense meaningfulness which gandhi/king etc. Could bring along. All that Hallam works with is getting people to feel the actual fear of what's coming, and encourage them to act on that, possibly through personal sacrifice. Which is great. But in the name of what is this happening ? Just fear of extinction. Very justified, but uninspiring to most. People will just do everything in their power to turn a blind eye to that level of grimness.

How could we have both the urgency he so well manages to conjure, and a sense of fighting for a higher purpose ?

That seems so crucial to me. 

    I listened to a talk yesterday by zennist daniel leighton, about the work of joanna macy, who is one of my favorite buddhists. Joanna theorizes about "deep time" which makes me love her, but another of her enthusiasms is taking care of nuclear waste. She believes that religious communities would be good repositories of nuclear waste because they would faithfully keep it contained over the 100,000s of years that it was dangerous.

  My refection on this was that, since the human race is unlikely to last in its present form more than the next hundred years, why bother?

   My feeling is that the demise or drastic pruning of the human population would be salutary for the health of Life generally. More species are dying out now than when the asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.  We are the disease and perhaps coronavirus is the cure.

   I also recently listened to a book by edmund o. wilson which was about "humanism." He makes the point, never supported because totally taken for granted as obvious fact, that the human race is the pinnacle of evolution, a very fortunate outcome for Life and the universe generally. Given that the human population has literally tripled in my lifetime, from 2.5 billion to (today) 7.8 billion, this astounding increase in only three generations is a neoplasm, a disease process. Unsustainable doesn't begin to describe it (michael moore has a new movie out supposed to be very disturbing). I suppose cancer tissue similarly regards itself as exceptional, vigorous and vibrant.

   Global warming has gotten insane, with summer temps right now above the arctic circle in siberia above 100 degrees F (winter temps there are -90F, quite a swing). Buildings are falling down because everything is built on what was formerly called "permafrost." In fifty years there will be no coral reefs and no beaches.

   The good news is that it won't hurt the planet, or Life generally, both quite tough. It will make human "civilization" a thing of the past, however. Kali juga will come to an end.

   Yay.


terry
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:27 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:24 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
... the human race is the pinnacle of evolution...

Utter nonsense. Since when did evolution start having long term goals? Are you sure Wilson believes that? Can you quote him here on this, terry?

EDIT; humans add to the population of the earth at a compounding rate, just like the coronavirus. There may be a vaccine for the latter but not the former. Question: how do we ethically and effectively address the former?
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:52 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:52 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
... the human race is the pinnacle of evolution...

Utter nonsense. Since when did evolution start having long term goals? Are you sure Wilson believes that? Can you quote him here on this, terry?

EDIT; humans add to the population of the earth at a compounding rate, just like the coronavirus. There may be a vaccine for the latter but not the former. Question: how do we ethically and effectively address the former?

   All humanists believe this... everyone believes it. Yes, of course the basic biology is natural selection. From a biological perspective, clearly insects are the pinnacle of evolution. Ants and termites in particular, even wilson knows this. But he can't help himself. The book was in audio and the humanism standpoint utterly pervasive, so he is quoted as saying more or less enlightened things; you need to bear in mind that he sees everything from hs standpoint of human superiority. Let me reiterate that virtually everyone does this. Even ecologists who take the view of interrelated life want to manipulate the web to advantage humans.

   The experiment that is humanity has already failed.

terry


“One planet, one experiment.” 
― Edward O. Wilson


“If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos.” 
― E.O. Wilson


“Humanity is a biological species, living in a biological environment, because like all species, we are exquisitely adapted in everything: from our behavior, to our genetics, to our physiology, to that particular environment in which we live. The earth is our home. Unless we preserve the rest of life, as a sacred duty, we will be endangering ourselves by destroying the home in which we evolved, and on which we completely depend.” 
― Edward Osborne Wilson


This last quote in particular shows how deluded this man is... how well has preserving life worked out for us so far?

t
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 9:27 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 9:25 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
“Humanity is a biological species, living in a biological environment, because like all species, we are exquisitely adapted in everything: from our behavior, to our genetics, to our physiology, to that particular environment in which we live. The earth is our home. Unless we preserve the rest of life, as a sacred duty, we will be endangering ourselves by destroying the home in which we evolved, and on which we completely depend.” 

― Edward Osborne Wilson

I suspect Wilson believes human beings are "superior" (not his word) because we have managed to develop engineering - a capability that has allowed us to have a much larger recent effect on the planet than other species in regard to climate and the general health of the biome. I'm not sure Wilson believes human beings represent the pinnacle of evolution. This nuance is important, I think. For Wilson to believe the latter would be astounding for a biologist and is why I flagged your comment. The former belief is, as you say, pervasive.

Do you have any thoughts on this distinction?

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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 9:34 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 9:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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I think this is what Oliver was talking about - income and fertility are inversely related:

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Income_and_fertility
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:26 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:26 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
... the human race is the pinnacle of evolution...

Utter nonsense. Since when did evolution start having long term goals? Are you sure Wilson believes that? Can you quote him here on this, terry?

EDIT; humans add to the population of the earth at a compounding rate, just like the coronavirus. There may be a vaccine for the latter but not the former. Question: how do we ethically and effectively address the former?

here the backround is that we are brilliant, blessed geniuses...but he doesn't realize we have no choice as "biological" creatures...what he fears has already occurred, how can this not be obvious to him? his optimism is delusional, or put on...whenever a scientist or economist says "I believe" they are really fixing to make stuff up...science is all imagination anyway, scientists interpret experimental results artistically and philosophically while claiming they are disseminating facts...like historians repeating the same old bullshit stories which they know are bullshit but they are "received wisdom" and hence inviolate, however false...our heritage...to give up imagining is to forget the past, forget the future...but I digress...

t





“I believe that in the process of locating new avenues of creative thought, we will also arrive at an existential conservatism. It is worth asking repeatedly: Where are our deepest roots? We are, it seems, Old World, catarrhine primates, brilliant emergent animals, defined genetically by our unique origins, blessed by our newfound biological genius, and secure in our homeland if we wish to make it so. What does it all mean? This is what it all means: To the extent that we depend on prosthetic devices to keep ourselves and the biosphere alive, we will render everything fragile. To the extent that we banish the rest of life, we will impoverish our own species for all time. And if we should surrender our genetic nature to machine-aided ratiocination, and our ethics and art and our very meaning to a habit of careless discursion in the name of progress, imagining ourselves godlike and absolved from our ancient heritage, we will become nothing.” 

― Edward O. Wilson, Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:26 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 12:26 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Yes, you're right.

But who are the billions who are gonna die in the century to come ?

Not europeans, not americans...

And that is just so sad emoticon 

I feel so much revolt everyday. I live in a small village in burgundy. 

Since i arrived a year+ ago, i have bee' able to notice a drastic change : people's cars are getting bigger and bigger. And two amazon lockers have been installed in the public space. And a giant flashing multicolor strobe light has been installed at the top of the thousand year old, makestic tower which stands on top of the hill of the town center, in which the dukes of Montbard used to live. 

In fact, this change has mostly happened during lockdown. Because of the strict lockdown, people here have saved up a lot of money over 2 months. It seems they have decided to spend it on huge new generation american cars. (Thanks guys, btw)

...

I'm at a point where i'm seriously thinking aboit getting some pointy thing and going on a tire cutting streack you know emoticon

It would just feel so good ...
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:18 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:18 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Yes, you're right.

But who are the billions who are gonna die in the century to come ?

Not europeans, not americans...

And that is just so sad emoticon 

I feel so much revolt everyday. I live in a small village in burgundy. 

Since i arrived a year+ ago, i have bee' able to notice a drastic change : people's cars are getting bigger and bigger. And two amazon lockers have been installed in the public space. And a giant flashing multicolor strobe light has been installed at the top of the thousand year old, makestic tower which stands on top of the hill of the town center, in which the dukes of Montbard used to live. 

In fact, this change has mostly happened during lockdown. Because of the strict lockdown, people here have saved up a lot of money over 2 months. It seems they have decided to spend it on huge new generation american cars. (Thanks guys, btw)

...

I'm at a point where i'm seriously thinking aboit getting some pointy thing and going on a tire cutting streack you know emoticon

It would just feel so good ...


   good for the environment too...

   anarchy!

   roasting marshmallows while the city burns...

t


ps the obvious solution to overpopulation is not to have children, eh? the prisoner's dilemma, again... the individual is not incentivized to do the right thing for the group... 
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:35 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:32 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Terry, you are so wrong, With all due respect for my elders, sir.

The overpopulation thing : the people who have a lot of kids are poor people. The poorer one is, the more kids they will have, and conversely. 

I'm really not sure about having kids myself. Yes it's the obvious solution, but then, if people like me stop having kids, all that will be left are the kids of less moral and more stupid people. So i feel like there is a certain degree of responsability there. Not that i'm a big kid guy,on the contrary...
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:48 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:48 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Terry, you are so wrong, With all due respect for my elders, sir.

The overpopulation thing : the people who have a lot of kids are poor people. The poorer one is, the more kids they will have, and conversely. 

I'm really not sure about having kids myself. Yes it's the obvious solution, but then, if people like me stop having kids, all that will be left are the kids of less moral and more stupid people. So i feel like there is a certain degree of responsability there. Not that i'm a big kid guy,on the contrary...


   So, in your view, poor people are less moral and more stupid. If you were to reproduce yourself, that would be a good thing, and elevate the gene pool. Poor people have kids who are born stupid and immoral, lots of them.

   Your view is self-defeating. Stupid and immoral.

   And you're not a big kid guy, on the contrary...

   As I said, narcissistic to the core.

t
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:57 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 1:57 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Hmm that's not what i meant, but i see how what i wrote could be interpreted that way ........

Anyways, i won't try to defend myself, thank you for the compliments terry, and bye bye.
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:09 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:09 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
terry:
Olivier:
Terry, you are so wrong, With all due respect for my elders, sir.

The overpopulation thing : the people who have a lot of kids are poor people. The poorer one is, the more kids they will have, and conversely. 

I'm really not sure about having kids myself. Yes it's the obvious solution, but then, if people like me stop having kids, all that will be left are the kids of less moral and more stupid people. So i feel like there is a certain degree of responsability there. Not that i'm a big kid guy,on the contrary...


   So, in your view, poor people are less moral and more stupid. If you were to reproduce yourself, that would be a good thing, and elevate the gene pool. Poor people have kids who are born stupid and immoral, lots of them.

   Your view is self-defeating. Stupid and immoral.

   And you're not a big kid guy, on the contrary...

   As I said, narcissistic to the core.

t


   You can always tell a narcissist. They characteristically lack empathy for everyone but themselves and those like them. They want to improve the world to make it a more pleasant place for their class. These are the young people who rush back to bars and clubs, wear no masks and don't care that 80% of the deaths to covid19 are in people over 65, whom they will carelessly and indifferently infect, while deploring the lack of ventilators.

   Currently on the big island we have no tourists and no virus, a win win situation for us. Someone inevitably will let tourists back in, and the young ones will come bringing illness, we'll all get sick and many of us useless old folks will die prematurely, making more room and wealth for the young. A win win for them.

   Do, re, mi mi mi mi mi mi...

t.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:16 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:16 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Wow, very astute terry, that's exactly me. Going to the clubs in hawai and whatnot. Just wanting to have fun at everbody else's expanse. 

I don't know, i feel like you just like fighting with people. 

I hope you don't get covid because of tourists.

Bye.
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:49 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 2:49 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Wow, very astute terry, that's exactly me. Going to the clubs in hawai and whatnot. Just wanting to have fun at everbody else's expanse. 

I don't know, i feel like you just like fighting with people. 

I hope you don't get covid because of tourists.

Bye.

   I meant to say, don't take it personally. I am sure you are not defined by the views you have just expressed. I have a 26 year old silversmith apprentice, actually she just turned 27, and I teach her 23 year old friend as well (beauty and cutie) We agree that black lives matter, but I have trouble feeling the same way about haoles. Trying to teach privileged vain hedonistic class representatives while remaining authentic in close proximity to nubile females has been a real challenge, not that I am complaining. It adds value to my usual solitude. But I am seriously thinking of moving to haiti and teaching black lives instead. I have a cousin who has been living there full time the last six years running a christian mission and have recently contacted him, telling him this. If I go I'll ask beauty and cutie if they want to come. You never know.

   I'm not fighting with you. I never agree with anyone, really. And I generally respond to statements I find most need challenging. I love to agree with goodness and kindness. Unfortunately I don't run across it very often.

   It is typical in hawaii that we generalize about classes and races, meaning no harm. We particularly make fun of blondes and portagees.

   Anyhows, I didn't mean to make points at your expense. On the other hand, I greatly prefer the company of poor people over that of the middle class, and always have. They are smarter and more moral.


terry
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 3:33 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 3:33 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
“Human existence may be simpler than we thought. There is no predestination, no unfathomed mystery of life. Demons and gods do not vie for our allegiance. Instead, we are self-made, independent, alone, and fragile, a biological species adapted to live in a biological world. What counts for long-term survival is intelligent self-understanding, based upon a greater independence of thought than that tolerated today even in our most advanced democratic societies.” 

― Edward O. Wilson, The Meaning of Human Existence
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 4:50 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 4:50 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
tonight's entertainment:


michael moore's new moview, planet of the humans, is available here for free:

https://planetofthehumans.com
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Ricky Lee Nuthman, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 3:41 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 3:41 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 92 Join Date: 4/22/18 Recent Posts
These are the young people who rush back to bars and clubs, wear no masks and don't care that 80% of the deaths to covid19 are in people over 65, whom they will carelessly and indifferently infect, while deploring the lack of ventilators.

I have taken to trying to adopt the perspective that people who do harmful things are behaving this way because of their own suffering. I know this, because I see it in myself whenever I act carelessly. 

Like if someone cuts you off in the street, rushing around other cars beeping and yelling angrily. In the old days, I might have said "What an asshole". But today I think "Wow, how unfortunate that he is going through that". Of course it isn't always automatic. I am just saying that I 'try' to adopt this perspective. I don't know if it's the right one or not, but it cured my road rage years ago when it snapped in my head.

It's the same with the pandemic. People are scared, confused, willfully ignorant and all kinds of things. Everyone is behaving based on their own 'safety strategies' to avoid the arising of aversion. There are no 'assholes' out there - only the sick and well. Even though on the surface this seems to be not very useful. Especially when people kill others with their sickness.

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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 5:02 PM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
These are the young people who rush back to bars and clubs, wear no masks and don't care that 80% of the deaths to covid19 are in people over 65, whom they will carelessly and indifferently infect, while deploring the lack of ventilators.

I have taken to trying to adopt the perspective that people who do harmful things are behaving this way because of their own suffering. I know this, because I see it in myself whenever I act carelessly. 

Like if someone cuts you off in the street, rushing around other cars beeping and yelling angrily. In the old days, I might have said "What an asshole". But today I think "Wow, how unfortunate that he is going through that". Of course it isn't always automatic. I am just saying that I 'try' to adopt this perspective. I don't know if it's the right one or not, but it cured my road rage years ago when it snapped in my head.

It's the same with the pandemic. People are scared, confused, willfully ignorant and all kinds of things. Everyone is behaving based on their own 'safety strategies' to avoid the arising of aversion. There are no 'assholes' out there - only the sick and well. Even though on the surface this seems to be not very useful. Especially when people kill others with their sickness.

"there are no assholes out there"... perhaps all the assholes are in here...perhaps there are no assholes any more because everyone is an asshole...


simone weil wrote the following in france in 1942 (from "gravity and grace"); she was 33:

‘There is every degree of distance between the creature and God. A distance in which the love of God is impossible: matter, plants, animals. Evil is so complete there that it destroys itself: there is no longer any evil: mirror of divine innocence. We are at the point where love is just possible. It is a great privilege since the love which unites is in proportion to the distance. God has created a world which is not the best possible but which contains the whole range of good and evil. We are at the point where it is as bad as possible because beyond is the stage where evil becomes innocence.’
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:00 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:00 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
“Imagine that the keeper of a huge, strong beast notices what makes it angry, what it desires, how it has to be approached and handled, the circumstances and the conditions under which it becomes particularly fierce or calm, what provokes its typical cries, and what tones of voice make it gentle or wild. Once he's spent enough time in the creature's company to acquire all this information, he calls it knowledge, forms it into a systematic branch of expertise, and starts to teach it, despite total ignorance, in fact, about which of the creature's attitudes and desires is commendable or deplorable, good or bad, moral or immoral. His usage of all these terms simply conforms to the great beast's attitudes, and he describes things as good or bad according to its likes and dislikes, and can't justify his usage of the terms any further, but describes as right and good the things which are merely indispensable, since he hasn't realised and can't explain to anyone else how vast a gulf there is between necessity and goodness.”


― Plato, The Republic



from the introduction to "gravity and grace," simone weil


Here below, a thousand relative objects bearing the label of absolute come between the soul and God. So long as man does not consent to become nothing in order to be everything he needs idols. ‘Idolatry is a vital necessity in the cave.’ And among these idols the social one of the collective soul is the most powerful and dangerous. Most sins can be traced back to the social element. They spring from a thirst to appear and to dominate. It is not that Simone Weil rejects the social element as such; she knows that our environment, roots and traditions form bridges, metaxu between earth and heaven; what she repudiates is the totalitarian city—symbolized by the ‘Great Beast’ of Plato and the Beast of the Apocalypse—whose power and prestige usurp God’s place in the soul. Whether it shows itself under a conservative or a revolutionary aspect, whether it consists of adoring the present or the future city, social idolatry always tends to stifle and to replace the true mystic tradition. All the persecutions of prophets and saints are due to it; through it Antigone and Joan of Arc were condemned and Jesus Christ crucified. The social Beast offers man a substitute for religion which allows him to transcend his individuality without surrendering his self and so, at small cost, to dispense with God; a social imitation of the highest virtues is possible by which they are immediately degraded into pharisaism: ‘The pharisee is he who is virtuous out of obedience to the Great Beast.’
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:13 PM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
from "gravity and grace" simone weil:



To accept a void in ourselves is supernatural. Where is the energy to be found for an act which has nothing to counter- balance it? The energy has to come from elsewhere. Yet first there must be a tearing out, something desperate has to take place, the void must be created. Void: the dark night.



We must give up everything which is not grace and not even desire grace.

The extinction of desire (Buddhism)—or detachment—or amor fati—or desire for the absolute good—these all amount to the same: to empty desire, finality of all content, to desire in the void, to desire without any wishes.

To detach our desire from all good things and to wait. Experience proves that this waiting is satisfied. It is then we touch the absolute good.
Always, beyond the particular object whatever it may be, we have to fix our will on the void—to will the void. For the good which we can neither picture nor define is a void for us. But this void is fuller than all fullnesses.

If we get as far as this we shall come through all right, for God fills the void. It has nothing to do with an intellectual process in the present-day sense. The intelligence has nothing to discover, it has only to clear the ground. It is only good for servile tasks.

The good seems to us as a nothingness, since there is no thing that is good. But this nothingness is not unreal. Compared with it, everything in existence is unreal.




I must not forget that at certain times when my headaches were raging I had an intense longing to make another human being suffer by hitting him in exactly the same part of his forehead.

Analogous desires—very frequent in human beings.
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Ricky Lee Nuthman, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:12 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:12 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 92 Join Date: 4/22/18 Recent Posts
That is a great quote! But to be honest, I think that 'Evil' is a way to describe delusion at its extreme end, and also making it immutable/static. 

I think that this is what lead me to become interested in meditation and the Buddha in general. When we look at things as beng 'Evil' or 'Good', we create a concept, a form; out of something that is simply a culmination of conditioning. 

Imagine you are walking down the street, and out pops some lunatic with an axe. He is running around chopping people down. Or imagine some religious person proudly 'honor killing' his daughter for having sex out of wedlock. Or even imagine a cop leaning on someone's neck until they die.

It's easy to say, 'That person is pure evil!'

Now imagine if at the very moment you saw this person, before you could even generate a thought about them, you were able to 'mind meld style' experience their entire life from start, up until this very moment - in an instant. 

Of course the person would need to be stopped from causing more harm, that isn't in question. But after having seen it all, all of the unskillful teachings they received from people they respect, all of the confusion, all of the suffering, all of the wrong turns, every single conditioned moment that led up to the person that you see before you: I would hazard to guess that one would no longer see 'evil', but a profoundly deluded, suffering and sick person worthy of compassion.

But this is the problem, isn't it. In America especially, everyone wants to blame individuals for being just plain evil, or bad seeds. No one wants to see the truth that it is society that is creating these people. Nothing is happening in a vacuum (no independent arising). 

"there are no assholes out there"... perhaps all the assholes are in here...perhaps there are no assholes any more because everyone is an asshole...


Well, if we are all assholes then we are truly deep shit! Pun intended.. hehe
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:17 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:17 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
That is a great quote! But to be honest, I think that 'Evil' is a way to describe delusion at its extreme end, and also making it immutable/static. 

I think that this is what lead me to become interested in meditation and the Buddha in general. When we look at things as beng 'Evil' or 'Good', we create a concept, a form; out of something that is simply a culmination of conditioning. 

Imagine you are walking down the street, and out pops some lunatic with an axe. He is running around chopping people down. Or imagine some religious person proudly 'honor killing' his daughter for having sex out of wedlock. Or even imagine a cop leaning on someone's neck until they die.

It's easy to say, 'That person is pure evil!'

Now imagine if at the very moment you saw this person, before you could even generate a thought about them, you were able to 'mind meld style' experience their entire life from start, up until this very moment - in an instant. 

Of course the person would need to be stopped from causing more harm, that isn't in question. But after having seen it all, all of the unskillful teachings they received from people they respect, all of the confusion, all of the suffering, all of the wrong turns, every single conditioned moment that led up to the person that you see before you: I would hazard to guess that one would no longer see 'evil', but a profoundly deluded, suffering and sick person worthy of compassion.

But this is the problem, isn't it. In America especially, everyone wants to blame individuals for being just plain evil, or bad seeds. No one wants to see the truth that it is society that is creating these people. Nothing is happening in a vacuum (no independent arising). 

"there are no assholes out there"... perhaps all the assholes are in here...perhaps there are no assholes any more because everyone is an asshole...


Well, if we are all assholes then we are truly deep shit! Pun intended.. hehe


AN EXCITABLE BOY
(warren zevon)

Well, he went down to dinner in his Sunday best
Excitable boy, they all said
And he rubbed the pot roast all over his chest
Excitable boy, they all said
Well, he's just an excitable boy
He took in the four a.m. show at the Clark
Excitable boy, they all said
And he bit the usherette's leg in the dark
Excitable boy, they all said
Well, he's just an excitable boy
He took little Suzie to the Junior Prom
Excitable boy, they all said
And he raped her and killed her, then he took her home
Excitable boy, they all said
Well, he's just an excitable boy
After ten long years they let him out of the home
Excitable boy, they all said
And he dug up her grave and built a cage with her bones
Excitable boy, they all said
Well, he's just an excitable boy

Songwriters: Leroy P. Marinell / Warren Zevon
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:27 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 6:27 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
That is a great quote! But to be honest, I think that 'Evil' is a way to describe delusion at its extreme end, and also making it immutable/static. 

I think that this is what lead me to become interested in meditation and the Buddha in general. When we look at things as beng 'Evil' or 'Good', we create a concept, a form; out of something that is simply a culmination of conditioning. 

Imagine you are walking down the street, and out pops some lunatic with an axe. He is running around chopping people down. Or imagine some religious person proudly 'honor killing' his daughter for having sex out of wedlock. Or even imagine a cop leaning on someone's neck until they die.

It's easy to say, 'That person is pure evil!'

Now imagine if at the very moment you saw this person, before you could even generate a thought about them, you were able to 'mind meld style' experience their entire life from start, up until this very moment - in an instant. 

Of course the person would need to be stopped from causing more harm, that isn't in question. But after having seen it all, all of the unskillful teachings they received from people they respect, all of the confusion, all of the suffering, all of the wrong turns, every single conditioned moment that led up to the person that you see before you: I would hazard to guess that one would no longer see 'evil', but a profoundly deluded, suffering and sick person worthy of compassion.

But this is the problem, isn't it. In America especially, everyone wants to blame individuals for being just plain evil, or bad seeds. No one wants to see the truth that it is society that is creating these people. Nothing is happening in a vacuum (no independent arising). 

"there are no assholes out there"... perhaps all the assholes are in here...perhaps there are no assholes any more because everyone is an asshole...


Well, if we are all assholes then we are truly deep shit! Pun intended.. hehe

we sre primarily beasts, worshipping the Great Beast, the "they" of heidegger whose opinions are taken for our own...

t



But if cattle and horses and lions had hands
or could paint with their hands and create works such as men do,
horses like horses and cattle like cattle
also would depict the gods' shapes and make their bodies
of such a sort as the form they themselves have.
...
Ethiopians say that their gods are snub–nosed [σιμούς] and black
Thracians that they are pale and red-haired.

~xenophanes
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 3:34 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 3:34 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
These are the young people who rush back to bars and clubs, wear no masks and don't care that 80% of the deaths to covid19 are in people over 65, whom they will carelessly and indifferently infect, while deploring the lack of ventilators.

I have taken to trying to adopt the perspective that people who do harmful things are behaving this way because of their own suffering. I know this, because I see it in myself whenever I act carelessly. 

Like if someone cuts you off in the street, rushing around other cars beeping and yelling angrily. In the old days, I might have said "What an asshole". But today I think "Wow, how unfortunate that he is going through that". Of course it isn't always automatic. I am just saying that I 'try' to adopt this perspective. I don't know if it's the right one or not, but it cured my road rage years ago when it snapped in my head.

It's the same with the pandemic. People are scared, confused, willfully ignorant and all kinds of things. Everyone is behaving based on their own 'safety strategies' to avoid the arising of aversion. There are no 'assholes' out there - only the sick and well. Even though on the surface this seems to be not very useful. Especially when people kill others with their sickness.


aloha ricky lee,


   The point to the "an excitable boy" quote was to question whether evil is any less evil if the perp is regarded as "sick" rather than "bad." Is rape and murder evil in and of itself, regardless of the culpability or blameworthiness of the particular homo rapiens?

   It is hard to deny that evil exists. Imaginary to think that evil is good. Chuang tzu says, "Calamity makes friendship perfect" - in that sense, evil is a blessing, it brings out the good. The good can make evil work for them, perfect them. The world becomes a place wherein liberation happens.

   The virus is a good metaphor for evil. In a larger sense we can see positive changes coming about, perhaps, as we become more conscious of the fragility of our institutions. The illness itself is bad, obviously, causing mortality and morbidity.

   For spiritual people, who seek or embody the good, evil must be confronted, accepted, transformed. Unless you have a transcendant source of energy, evil will easily overwhelm the good, the good being just a tiny seed and evil being the entire world. Worldly people worship the great beast, and seek good in prosperity, eschew evil in the form of poverty. Job gained true happiness when he no longer was attached to sheep and oxen, wives and children. The "goods" of the world are the source of evil, in that we envy, covet and desire them, and feel deprived at their loss. The goods of the spirit, as the buddha said, "pleasures born of solitude," are not subject to anicca.

Matthew 6:19-20, the King James Version of the Bible the text reads:

19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

    If the virus, which has no mind to commit evil, is regarded as a metaphor for evil, than natural events which negatively impact our species or those we closely depend on, are also evil, like earthquakes, storms, even death itself. Getting crisped by lava is bad, as is drowning in the ocean, or getting sick. Even the arhats begged food and medical requisites to stave off evil consequences. There is good karma and bad karma.

   I guess I am suggesting here that ignoring or renaming evil as something not bad is basically just hiding from reality, or the truth. Accepting the reality of evil and responding to it naturally and whole-heartedly, neither attracted nor averse, is more the way. 

   The focus on the virus sweeps aside the masks a little bit, makes us realize we can't hide from evil, and so we confront racism, currently. Racism was invented by american slave owners in the 17th and 18th centuries who had black, white and indian slaves all at the same time. They were afraid the class of slaves would see their common interests and unite, as they indeed had the tendency to do, and so using terror tactics and vicious lies they did their best to divide people through the creation of racial hatred where there formerly was none. Now we see slimeballs like unilever's ben & jerry's, poster boys for corporate corruption, and gun-seller walmart, jumping on the anti-racism bandwagon, as well as politicans of all stripes, and wannabees.Thoughtful and intelligent people understand the cops (themselves slaves) are choking poor whites and hispanics equally, jailing and disenfranchising them, as a political tactic of domination. Racism is only a symptom and the politics of division seize on it to maintain their power.

   Simone weil said, "Revolution, not religion, is the opiate of the people." A leftist herself, she nonetheless knew that in revolution one only exchanges one set of oppressors for another. Force only breeds more force, fighting evil leads to more fighting. The true jihad is against evil in oneself.


terry




from "gravity and grace," simone weil:




Good as the opposite of evil is, in a sense, equivalent to it, as is the way with all opposites.

It is not good which evil violates, for good is inviolate: only a degraded good can be violated.

That which is the direct opposite of an evil never belongs to the order of higher good. It is often scarcely any higher than evil! Examples: theft and the bourgeois respect for property, adultery and the ‘respectable woman’; the savings-bank and waste; lying and ‘sincerity’.

Good is essentially other than evil. Evil is multifarious and fragmentary, good is one, evil is apparent, good is mysterious; evil consists in action, good in non-action, in activity which does not act, etc.—Good considered on the level of evil and measured against it as one opposite against another is good of the penal code order. Above there is a good which, in a sense, bears more resemblance to evil than to this low form of good. This fact opens the way to a great deal of demagogy and many tedious paradoxes.

Good which is defined in the way in which one defines evil should be rejected. Evil does reject it. But the way it rejects it is evil.
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Ricky Lee Nuthman, modified 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 4:42 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/28/20 4:42 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 92 Join Date: 4/22/18 Recent Posts
 It is hard to deny that evil exists.


What does evil look like? How is it shaped? What color is it? How does it feel? Is it soft or hard? Is it solid, or perhaps liquid?

Of course it is none of these things. It isn't a thing at all, it is a concept that bundles all manner and degree of delusoin and ignorance into one lump.

Herein lies the danger of language. I use words like 'delusion' or 'sickness' because these are things that can be cleared up. When you call someone of something evil, it implies that there is a static nature of inherent badness to something which cannot be uprooted because it is just evil. He is evil! She is evil! 

Honestly the whole discussion is kind of pointless though because I mostly agree with you - I just think the word 'evil' has too much baggage that leads to misunderstanding, and things like salem witch trials.


Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 12:25 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 7:30 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
 It is hard to deny that evil exists.


What does evil look like? How is it shaped? What color is it? How does it feel? Is it soft or hard? Is it solid, or perhaps liquid?

Of course it is none of these things. It isn't a thing at all, it is a concept that bundles all manner and degree of delusoin and ignorance into one lump.

Herein lies the danger of language. I use words like 'delusion' or 'sickness' because these are things that can be cleared up. When you call someone of something evil, it implies that there is a static nature of inherent badness to something which cannot be uprooted because it is just evil. He is evil! She is evil! 

Honestly the whole discussion is kind of pointless though because I mostly agree with you - I just think the word 'evil' has too much baggage that leads to misunderstanding, and things like salem witch trials.


As a single example of NOT using it: not using it soon enough and often enough led to the Germans rationalizing their way through Hitler and his agenda.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 9:37 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 9:37 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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I find it hepful to think of systems or mechanisms of systems as evil - inherently or potentially, depending on purposes and implications. I think it can be a good word because the alternative is very often to pathologize it, which leads to an association between ill health and evildoing. Living with a number of diagnoses, I have seen too much of the consequences of that. Asshattery is also a good word, but there is more punch to the word evil. In most cases when people say with disgust that something is sick, asshattery doesn't seem strong enough to replace it. Evil does. I still prefer to use it for systems or mechanism, though, as I said, because I don't think it's a good idea to give up on people. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 12:27 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 12:27 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
I find it hepful to think of systems or mechanisms of systems as evil - inherently or potentially, depending on purposes and implications. I think it can be a good word because the alternative is very often to pathologize it, which leads to an association between ill health and evildoing. Living with a number of diagnoses, I have seen too much of the consequences of that. Asshattery is also a good word, but there is more punch to the word evil. In most cases when people say with disgust that something is sick, asshattery doesn't seem strong enough to replace it. Evil does. I still prefer to use it for systems or mechanism, though, as I said, because I don't think it's a good idea to give up on people. 

As a single example of NOT using it personally: not using it soon enough and often enough led to the Soviets rationalizing their Marxist way through that evil sociopath Stalin and his agenda of whimsical brutalization against all reality checks.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 12:35 PM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

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Why wouldn't it be enough to talk about the evil system and evil mechanisms soon enough and often enough? A system isn't only ideology on paper, but also what is done in practice. A system of actions. 

By the way, mechanisms can be individual too, such as defense mechanisms. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:15 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:15 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
Why wouldn't it be enough to talk about the evil system and evil mechanisms soon enough and often enough? A system isn't only ideology on paper, but also what is done in practice. A system of actions. 

By the way, mechanisms can be individual too, such as defense mechanisms. 
You could say that the emperor's fat white ass is evil, or that we need better systems to keep asses like that from being admired out of fear of the consequences of saying, "That is butt ugly!" But in the last resort, it is human nature. We have met the enemy, as Pogo says, and he is us.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:24 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:24 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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I think it is generally more likely that people will behave better if we deem actions, systems, and mechanisms as evil rather than the individuals, because it enables people to see the possibilities of behaving better next time. Some people won't, of course, but I think the majority wants to be good or at least be seen as good if they can. Also, they are more likely to keep an open mind if we don't trigger their defense mechanisms as much. Just being pragmatic here. 
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:51 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:35 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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And in addition, by talking of the system as evil rather than the individuals, it is possible to target the very mechanisms that lead to horrible consequences. In Nazi Germany and in Stalin's Soviet Union, Hitler and Stalin and their closest persons in service weren't the only ones who made the horror possible. A majority of the citizens were somehow involved in the bureaucracy around it and all the things that normalized it in everyday life - just like people do with contemporary systems that harm oppressed or vulnerable groups and/or the planet, with or without narcissistic leaders. That's dependent origination right there.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 2:09 PM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

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IMHO, people need to be held responsible for their misdeeds. Call it whatever you want (evil, bad, ill-conceived, etc.) but no system can be subject to justice. At some point someone, a human being or group of human beings, is responsible. Intent matters, as does ignorance.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 6:17 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 5:49 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
IMHO, people need to be held responsible for their misdeeds. Call it whatever you want (evil, bad, ill-conceived, etc.) but no system can be subject to justice. At some point someone, a human being or group of human beings, is responsible. Intent matters, as does ignorance.
Well, of course! But we can't just put entire societies in prison, can we? The Hitlers should go into prison for their actions, just like all the others who commit crimes against humanity. No doubt about that. But we need to be able to point out the evil of the whole system. That's the only way to prevent it all from happening again. Normalization occurs gradually, and there are lots of actions that in themselves can't send anyone to prison but that contribute to making holocausts happen. We need to realize that there are totally normal people that contribute to it. Zygmunt Bauman wrote a brilliant analysis of this. 

Could you please try not to assume the worst from what I write? That goes for Tim as well. 

Also, the last time I checked, people go to prison for their actions, not for their inherent nature. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 7:05 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 6:47 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Well, of course! But we can't just put entire societies in prison, can we? The Hitlers should go into prison for their actions, just like all the others who commit crimes against humanity. No doubt about that. But we need to be able to point out the evil of the whole system. That's the only way to prevent it all from happening again. Normalization occurs gradually, and there are lots of actions that in themselves can't send anyone to prison but that contribute to making holocausts happen. We need to realize that there are totally normal people that contribute to it. Zygmunt Bauman wrote a brilliant analysis of this. 

I think we're talking past each other on this one. I'm trying to say that people have intent, systems don't. People put systems in place, and the systems enact the intent. There are also degrees of guilt, in my opinion. I think of it this way: one person can have the intent to create a government that systematically treats a class of humans as inferior. Others within that government or within that country then can choose to actively assist in that system, to passively live within it and accept it, to passively resist it, or to actively resist it. Everyone has some element of intent behind their actions, and if we are to have any kind of justice this must be taken into account. And no, we don't put whole nations or their systems of government in jail - that's what I said in my last comment.

Also, please don't take what I say here personally. I'm just articulating my thoughts on the topics at hand. It's okay, maybe even healthy, if we happen to disagree on some things.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 8:31 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 8:16 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Intentions can be evil, sure, and when that's the case, we need to have mechanisms in place that prevent or minimize harm. AND we need to carefully examine the mechanisms to make sure that they don't have implications that are harmful in some situations. 

I agree with what you are saying. I'm trying to explain that I didn't say anything that contradicts that. 

Intentions don't arise in a vacuum because of somebody's inherent nature in isolation. I use system as a wide term. It includes belief systems, value systems, sociocultural norms and a wide variety of conditions that influence intentions. I use mechanism as a wide term too, including causal chains and defense mechanisms and group dynamics and bugs in the code and unforeseen or intentionally neglected biproducts.

Accountability is of course needed because we live in a relative world where people's actions, or refraining from action (which can also be regarded as action) affect other people.

I don't care if people choose to call Hitler, Stalin, or other massmurderers evil. By all means, go ahead. It's kind of a duh thing. Easy to do in retrospect. They are guilty as fuck. Does it help? I mean now that they are all dead anyway - of course it helps if we manage to stop them. Validating the experiences of the victims is of course important. I wouldn't correct victims that call their abusers evil. In the present, once someone like that is in power, we are already screwed. I salute resistence. However, I think we would be better off if we could also work with the mechanisms that lead people to have such intentions and to act on them. Saying that the Holocaust was made possible because Hitler and other nazis were evil won't prevent it from happening again. If anything, it leads to a false sense of safety, because people think that if we are not evil it can't happen again. Evil is seen as something other, something isolated, something extreme. Here in Sweden I have seen politicians who are involved with organized nazis come to influence, democratically chosen based on a programme that was almost identical to the one in Hitler's Germany, and a number of incidents have occurred that remind of the development back then. I call that stuff out. I point to the similarities and risks, to how one thing leads to another. Lots of people get offended, because that's not like Hitler. But Hitler didn't start with the Holocaust right away. First there was a development that gradually changed people's values and normalized ideas that would previously not have been accepted. That's how it happens. 

My aunt voted for that party. She didn't start out evil. She is bitter after her son was killed at a young age in a work accident because the boss didn't prioritize security and because doctors won't take her health issues seriously, and she found a belief system that gives her something to blame, someone to hate. The nazis killed autistic people too, people like me. Somehow she refuses to see the implications of the politics that she votes for and the ideas that they plan to set in motion. When I was a kid, her home was like a home to me. To say that it is her intention to take away all security there ever was for people like me would not be fair. I think she should be informed enough to see what kind of suggestions the politicians she votes for make, but somehow she's in denial, and she lives in a society that has over the last years come to normalize decisions, actions, ideas that would never have been accepted before that gradual change happened. Do I still blame her? Yes. Do I think that her evil nature explains it? No. 

What I find highly problematic is all the cases when people refuse to see extremely harmful actions as evil or even just simply wrong because the persons who committed those actions are not like Hitler. They couldn't possibly have meant it, people seems to think, and therefore they must have had a reason, so the victim just can't be that innocent. The victim shouldn't have moved, or should have moved. The victim should have answered when spoken to, or shouldn't have answered, or should have had a different voice. The victim shouldn't have looked so scary. The victim shouldn't have been outside while being black, or autistic with divergent eye contact. And so the institutionalized racism and ableism are justified, and these things keep happening.

I have a friend who hasn't been able to leave his bed for a couple of years, due to a number of illnesses and disabilities and divergences that complicate each other in a way that makes it impossible for him to get help from any of the available systems. He is forced to lie there in his own shit. In trying to help him claim his rights, I have seen unbelievably many totally normal people change from treating him like a fellow human being to calling him manipulative for asking for water and other absurdities. Many who work within the care system or social services want to help first, and they just can't believe how badly he has been treated. Then they gradually notice how impossible the situation is. How it is all a catch-22. And so they start to makes hints that maybe he should just try to not have some of the difficulties that he has, as if he hasn't already been trying for far too long and only gotten worse from it. If he doesn't exhaust himself by doing what would cost him a month of much worse health in a situation that is already unbearable, then they start resenting him. If he does harm himself like that, because he sees no other choice, then they assume that he was exaggerating all along, and so they resent him for that. They start to demand even more from him, leading to more situations that only lead to resentment from them and increasingly poor health from him. Then they start comparing notes and legitimize each other's decisions and actions. Surely he must just be faking it. Or maybe he is deluding himself. It's not like we would let anyone lie in his own shit for a couple of years and yell at him for it if it wasn't really his own fault. We are doing him a favor by not accepting his delusion, they say. Systems give rise to evil. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 8:43 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 8:43 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
I agree with what you are saying. I'm trying to explain that I didn't say anything that contradicts that. 

You truly don't need to explain that, but I appreciate all the effort you're putting into doing it. I know what your position is. As I said, I think we were talking past each other. I wasn't really even replying to you directly in my first comment on this topic, but on DhO you have to choose an existing post to reply to. I generally choose that last post in that case. That post just happened to be yours in this case.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 9:02 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 9:00 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Chris, thankyou for clarifying! I'm glad you didn't misunderstand me like that, and I appologize for believing so.

I usually reply to the start of the thread, because that makes the thread easier to navigate for those who have chosen two of the three possible alternatives for viewing the threads according to the settings. If I respond to anyone else, it is because I'm addressing something they said. 

Edited to add: You did address what I said about systems, though, which is part of why I thought the rest of the short comment was directed to me as well, together with your replying to my post.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 12:09 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 12:09 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
Intentions can be evil, sure, and when that's the case, we need to have mechanisms in place that prevent or minimize harm. AND we need to carefully examine the mechanisms to make sure that they don't have implications that are harmful in some situations. 

I agree with what you are saying. I'm trying to explain that I didn't say anything that contradicts that. 




Okay, thank you. I agree. I never thought you were a Nazi, to be honest, sweetie. A closet Stalinist, maybe, but that's fasionable again, i hear.
Intentions don't arise in a vacuum because of somebody's inherent nature in isolation. I use system as a wide term. It includes belief systems, value systems, sociocultural norms and a wide variety of conditions that influence intentions. I use mechanism as a wide term too, including causal chains and defense mechanisms and group dynamics and bugs in the code and unforeseen or intentionally neglected biproducts.

Accountability is of course needed because we live in a relative world where people's actions, or refraining from action (which can also be regarded as action) affect other people.


sure.

I don't care if people choose to call Hitler, Stalin, or other massmurderers evil. By all means, go ahead. It's kind of a duh thing. Easy to do in retrospect. They are guilty as fuck. Does it help? I mean now that they are all dead anyway - of course it helps if we manage to stop them. Validating the experiences of the victims is of course important. I wouldn't correct victims that call their abusers evil. In the present, once someone like that is in power, we are already screwed.

I started with the obvious evil men. I belive, with Hannah Arendt that the real evil is not in the Big Front Men, but in the complicit people "just following orders," whatever the morality of the orders, the grey men of the bureaucracies of dehumanization, the haters rejoicing in a legitimized venue for their hatred, the power-hungry rejoicing in a petty kingdom and power exercised from a small desk, toll booth, or security station. If one person with a cell phone had knocked that fucking cop off George Floyd's neck, it would be a whole different story. The guy who knocked the cop over might be dead too, but maybe not, and probably not George Floyd. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, Edmund Burke said, is for good men to do nothing.

This is human nature. My larger argument here is one that i started really realizing after a long talk with a cop in Washing, DC, on a quiet street that had been in flames the night before. He said, the systems are all in place, the rules are all perfectly adequate to address the abuses. The problem, he said, the real problem is that there are too many stupid people, too many corrupt people, and too many people who are just chickenshit.

I was silent then. And i thought, Fuck, he's right, it doesn't matter who is in power, we're already screwed.

I salute resistence. However, I think we would be better off if we could also work with the mechanisms that lead people to have such intentions and to act on them. Saying that the Holocaust was made possible because Hitler and other nazis were evil won't prevent it from happening again. If anything, it leads to a false sense of safety, because people think that if we are not evil it can't happen again. Evil is seen as something other, something isolated, something extreme. Here in Sweden I have seen politicians who are involved with organized nazis come to influence, democratically chosen based on a programme that was almost identical to the one in Hitler's Germany, and a number of incidents have occurred that remind of the development back then. I call that stuff out. I point to the similarities and risks, to how one thing leads to another. Lots of people get offended, because that's not like Hitler. But Hitler didn't start with the Holocaust right away. First there was a development that gradually changed people's values and normalized ideas that would previously not have been accepted. That's how it happens. 

My aunt voted for that party. She didn't start out evil. She is bitter after her son was killed at a young age in a work accident because the boss didn't prioritize security and because doctors won't take her health issues seriously, and she found a belief system that gives her something to blame, someone to hate. The nazis killed autistic people too, people like me. Somehow she refuses to see the implications of the politics that she votes for and the ideas that they plan to set in motion. When I was a kid, her home was like a home to me. To say that it is her intention to take away all security there ever was for people like me would not be fair. I think she should be informed enough to see what kind of suggestions the politicians she votes for make, but somehow she's in denial, and she lives in a society that has over the last years come to normalize decisions, actions, ideas that would never have been accepted before that gradual change happened. Do I still blame her? Yes. Do I think that her evil nature explains it? No. 

you admit that there is a basis for your judgment. You "still blame her." We are saying the same thing. The word "evil" is not the point.
But human nature is.
What I find highly problematic is all the cases when people refuse to see extremely harmful actions as evil or even just simply wrong because the persons who committed those actions are not like Hitler. They couldn't possibly have meant it, people seems to think, and therefore they must have had a reason, so the victim just can't be that innocent. The victim shouldn't have moved, or should have moved. The victim should have answered when spoken to, or shouldn't have answered, or should have had a different voice. The victim shouldn't have looked so scary. The victim shouldn't have been outside while being black, or autistic with divergent eye contact. And so the institutionalized racism and ableism are justified, and these things keep happening.

as soon as we stop saying the same thing, i will say "fuckety-fuck" to say, precisely translated in a hazy but generall viable way, "Dearest Linda, I beg to differ, in civil and even affectionate terms and tones."

I have a friend who hasn't been able to leave his bed for a couple of years, due to a number of illnesses and disabilities and divergences that complicate each other in a way that makes it impossible for him to get help from any of the available systems. He is forced to lie there in his own shit. In trying to help him claim his rights, I have seen unbelievably many totally normal people change from treating him like a fellow human being to calling him manipulative for asking for water and other absurdities. Many who work within the care system or social services want to help first, and they just can't believe how badly he has been treated. Then they gradually notice how impossible the situation is. How it is all a catch-22. And so they start to makes hints that maybe he should just try to not have some of the difficulties that he has, as if he hasn't already been trying for far too long and only gotten worse from it. If he doesn't exhaust himself by doing what would cost him a month of much worse health in a situation that is already unbearable, then they start resenting him. If he does harm himself like that, because he sees no other choice, then they assume that he was exaggerating all along, and so they resent him for that. They start to demand even more from him, leading to more situations that only lead to resentment from them and increasingly poor health from him. Then they start comparing notes and legitimize each other's decisions and actions. Surely he must just be faking it. Or maybe he is deluding himself. It's not like we would let anyone lie in his own shit for a couple of years and yell at him for it if it wasn't really his own fault. We are doing him a favor by not accepting his delusion,


well, i'll be damned.

love, tim
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 12:27 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 12:27 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
You don't use the word "system" in the same way as I do. As I said, systems, the way I use the word, is not only what is on paper. It is also how people routinely behave in practice, in interaction with the formal systems and other circumstances. 

There is a tendency for humans to form groups that have each other's backs and to protect both themselves and the group with defense mechanisms. Whether or not that results in evil depends on the specific systems that organically develop, and how that interacts with mechanisms such as the tendencies mentioned. Those things can be worked with. I'm not saying that it's easy, but the alternative is just giving up. I'm saying that we should call it out. You just accused me for not daring to call it out. Now you are saying that there is no point in doing it. It seems to me like the former you would have called out the latter you. 

Yes, I blame my aunt for her actions. That doesn’t mean that I believe that her actions are caused by her inherent nature. If I believed that, there would be no point in blaming her.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 8/15/20 11:07 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/15/20 11:07 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/deep-adaptation-opens-necessary-conversation-about-breakdown-civilisation/?fbclid=IwAR17KLj1tcC_qXtWsr1xLlvawAEIUJ9G07pcWYBJUGNgNc1j-IKSI8GFaQg

...Indeed, following the recommendations of the IPCC, the necessary mitigation efforts would in a way amount to bringing about the end of thermo-industrial civilisation. With such a forced decrease, the world's economies would not survive in their current structure. The necessary reduction in emissions is -7.6% per year for 10 years to maintain a 66% probability of remaining below 1.5°C (-2.7% per year for 10 years to maintain a 66% probability of remaining below 2°C). That would mean extending (and even strengthening) the strongest economic effect of the COVID-19 lockdown for 10 continuous years!
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 8/15/20 11:29 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/15/20 11:29 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/deep-adaptation-opens-necessary-conversation-about-breakdown-civilisation/?fbclid=IwAR17KLj1tcC_qXtWsr1xLlvawAEIUJ9G07pcWYBJUGNgNc1j-IKSI8GFaQg

...Indeed, following the recommendations of the IPCC, the necessary mitigation efforts would in a way amount to bringing about the end of thermo-industrial civilisation. With such a forced decrease, the world's economies would not survive in their current structure. The necessary reduction in emissions is -7.6% per year for 10 years to maintain a 66% probability of remaining below 1.5°C (-2.7% per year for 10 years to maintain a 66% probability of remaining below 2°C). That would mean extending (and even strengthening) the strongest economic effect of the COVID-19 lockdown for 10 continuous years!

No government is going to comply with such standards. The most likely scenario is what we are seeing during the Covid times, much stronger government controls and disinformation, moving toward totalitarianism and news control. The government grips will take us into whatever the future climate holds for us. Meanwhile, study Solzhenitsyn, the Gulag Archipelago, and the memoirs from eastern Europe from before the Velvet Revolution: how to live under authoritarian/totalitarian rule, and how to keep your sense of humor in jail.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 9:14 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 9:14 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
That would mean extending (and even strengthening) the strongest economic effect of the COVID-19 lockdown for 10 continuous years!

This remains a possibility, given that we may never defeat the COVID virus. Of course, we will likely develop immunities and the virus will mutate and soften in effect, just like the Spanish Flu did after 1919. From what I read in the scientific press we're accelerating into warming much faster than expected, so the models are missing on the downside. That's horrible news for the planet.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 10:51 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 10:50 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Yeah, i think +3 or 5 celsius on average by 2050 is pretty likely honestly, which means maybe +6 or 10 average on the continents. That is a very different world, with peaks at 50 celsius becoming a normal thing in france... Within 30 years !!

May we all become aware, accept, and find the fluidity and strength to adapt our action.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 2:52 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 2:52 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
I think it is generally more likely that people will behave better if we deem actions, systems, and mechanisms as evil rather than the individuals, because it enables people to see the possibilities of behaving better next time. Some people won't, of course, but I think the majority wants to be good or at least be seen as good if they can. Also, they are more likely to keep an open mind if we don't trigger their defense mechanisms as much. Just being pragmatic here. 

yes, the gentle approach tp people, not hurting their feelings by not pointing out their complicity in the horrific shit going down right in front of their eyes, has worked sp well throughout history. The several eople possibly spared in their hurt feelings no dounbt, uh, well, whatever. The millions lost to genocide, gulags, and let us not forget the concentrations camps exterminating the Chosen People of God even though many of them hd been doing their best to assimilate into the racist oppressive bourgeois kaiser-fest in which they found themselves, in the most civilized nation on earth (at least so the Germans said, always citing tha same few fucking musician composers and fucking Goethe the universal genius who puts me to sleep with every romantic thing he writes and is clearly an acquired taste), being taken en masse by trains and unloaded, the ones who looked capable of being worked to death sent to the right, the children, women, sick, aged, and just plain weak sent left straight down into the shower room at Auschwitz, where the doors clanged shut and locked and gas began to hiss into the room. Down the way a bit, the cremations ovens worked day and night, after the civilized german people who wouldn't admit to evil if they were in it up to their necks themselves (oh, right, there were, and didn't) took the remaining gold from the corpes teeth and wheeled them to the furnace door.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 6:38 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 5:55 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
I think it is generally more likely that people will behave better if we deem actions, systems, and mechanisms as evil rather than the individuals, because it enables people to see the possibilities of behaving better next time. Some people won't, of course, but I think the majority wants to be good or at least be seen as good if they can. Also, they are more likely to keep an open mind if we don't trigger their defense mechanisms as much. Just being pragmatic here. 

yes, the gentle approach tp people, not hurting their feelings by not pointing out their complicity in the horrific shit going down right in front of their eyes, has worked sp well throughout history. The several eople possibly spared in their hurt feelings no dounbt, uh, well, whatever. The millions lost to genocide, gulags, and let us not forget the concentrations camps exterminating the Chosen People of God even though many of them hd been doing their best to assimilate into the racist oppressive bourgeois kaiser-fest in which they found themselves, in the most civilized nation on earth (at least so the Germans said, always citing tha same few fucking musician composers and fucking Goethe the universal genius who puts me to sleep with every romantic thing he writes and is clearly an acquired taste), being taken en masse by trains and unloaded, the ones who looked capable of being worked to death sent to the right, the children, women, sick, aged, and just plain weak sent left straight down into the shower room at Auschwitz, where the doors clanged shut and locked and gas began to hiss into the room. Down the way a bit, the cremations ovens worked day and night, after the civilized german people who wouldn't admit to evil if they were in it up to their necks themselves (oh, right, there were, and didn't) took the remaining gold from the corpes teeth and wheeled them to the furnace door.

Jeeze... You misunderstood me completely. Please read what I wrote to Chris above. Please also note that we all contribute to some form of oppression whether or not we intend to. That needs to be called out too. That's what I'm talking about. Do you seriously think that I would defend people who commit genocide? I would never defend or look for excuses for any of those cops that go about killing innocent people because they are black or autistic or black and autistic. Surprisingly many people do. They focus on that, and they do it in a way that puts the blame on the victim. That's not okay. I call out oppression and other evil actions, and I'm very rarely accused of doing it too gently. I thought you knew that about me by now. 

Also, may I remind you that you were the one talking about it just being human nature, not me. That's relativizing crimes like the ones you described above. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 7:51 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 7:51 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
Tim Farrington:
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
I think it is generally more likely that people will behave better if we deem actions, systems, and mechanisms as evil rather than the individuals, because it enables people to see the possibilities of behaving better next time. Some people won't, of course, but I think the majority wants to be good or at least be seen as good if they can. Also, they are more likely to keep an open mind if we don't trigger their defense mechanisms as much. Just being pragmatic here. 

yes, the gentle approach tp people, not hurting their feelings by not pointing out their complicity in the horrific shit going down right in front of their eyes, has worked sp well throughout history. The several eople possibly spared in their hurt feelings no dounbt, uh, well, whatever. The millions lost to genocide, gulags, and let us not forget the concentrations camps exterminating the Chosen People of God even though many of them hd been doing their best to assimilate into the racist oppressive bourgeois kaiser-fest in which they found themselves, in the most civilized nation on earth (at least so the Germans said, always citing tha same few fucking musician composers and fucking Goethe the universal genius who puts me to sleep with every romantic thing he writes and is clearly an acquired taste), being taken en masse by trains and unloaded, the ones who looked capable of being worked to death sent to the right, the children, women, sick, aged, and just plain weak sent left straight down into the shower room at Auschwitz, where the doors clanged shut and locked and gas began to hiss into the room. Down the way a bit, the cremations ovens worked day and night, after the civilized german people who wouldn't admit to evil if they were in it up to their necks themselves (oh, right, there were, and didn't) took the remaining gold from the corpes teeth and wheeled them to the furnace door.

Jeeze... You misunderstood me completely. Please read what I wrote to Chris above. Please also note that we all contribute to some form of oppression whether or not we intend to. That needs to be called out too. That's what I'm talking about. Do you seriously think that I would defend people who commit genocide? I would never defend or look for excuses for any of those cops that go about killing innocent people because they are black or autistic or black and autistic. Surprisingly many people do. They focus on that, and they do it in a way that puts the blame on the victim. That's not okay. I call out oppression and other evil actions, and I'm very rarely accused of doing it too gently. I thought you knew that about me by now. 

Also, may I remind you that you were the one talking about it just being human nature, not me. That's relativizing crimes like the ones you described above. 
Linda, you know i love you. Nothing could be more certain than that. This is not about you in any way shape or form, truly.

"Evil" is political, and societal, systemic (all of which you note), and historical. it has nothing whatso ever to do with either you and/or me, in that sense, nor does it have anything to do with the kind of very personal interaction you are talking about in which no blame is so crucial. i agree with you on that personal interactional approach, you know that, in general, in most instances. i am talking about standing in the streets facing men in riot gear and saying the emperor has no clothes, and that police need to stop killing young black men and getting away with a slap on the wrist.that is calling out evil.evil means something.Addressing it begins with the courage to face the the punishments that come with calling an evil evil. It proceeds frpom there accvording to how much you've pissed the fuckers off.

love, tim
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 8:20 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/30/20 8:20 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Tim, I never suggested that we should be gentle with nazis and the like in order not to hurt their feelings. My position is rather the opposite. You know that, so there was no need to be sarchastic. 
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 5:01 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 5:01 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
 It is hard to deny that evil exists.


What does evil look like? How is it shaped? What color is it? How does it feel? Is it soft or hard? Is it solid, or perhaps liquid?

Of course it is none of these things. It isn't a thing at all, it is a concept that bundles all manner and degree of delusoin and ignorance into one lump.

Herein lies the danger of language. I use words like 'delusion' or 'sickness' because these are things that can be cleared up. When you call someone of something evil, it implies that there is a static nature of inherent badness to something which cannot be uprooted because it is just evil. He is evil! She is evil! 

Honestly the whole discussion is kind of pointless though because I mostly agree with you - I just think the word 'evil' has too much baggage that leads to misunderstanding, and things like salem witch trials.


As a single example of NOT using it: not using it soon enough and often enough led to the Germans rationalizing their way through Hitler and his agenda.




BUSLOAD OF FAITH
(lou reed)

You can't depend on your family
you can't depend on your friends
You can't depend on a beginning
you can't depend on an end
You can't depend on intelligence
ooohhh, you can't depend on God
You can only depend on one thing
you need a busload of faith to get by, watch, baby
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by
you need a busload of faith to get by
You can depend on the worst always happening
you can depend on a murderer's drive
You can bet that if he rapes somebody
there'll be no trouble having a child
You can bet that if she aborts it
pro-lifers will attack her with rage
You can depend on the worst always happening
you need a busload of faith to get by, yeah
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by, baby
busload of faith to get by
You can't depend on the goodly hearted
the goodly hearted made lamp-shades and soap
You can't depend on the Sacrament
no Father, no Holy Ghost
You can't depend on any churches
unless there's real estate you want to buy
You can't depend on a lot of things
you need a busload of faith to get by, woh
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
You can't depend on no miracle
you can't depend on the air
You can't depend on a wise man
you can't find 'em because they're not there
You can depend on cruelty
crudity of thought and sound
You can depend on the worst always happening
you need a busload of faith to get by, ha
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by

Songwriters: Lou Reed
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 5:46 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 5:46 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
   I am amazed, with all this talk about nazis, soviets, the horrible destruction of millions of people instigated by hitler and stalin, brave talk of calling the government out, how the followers are the true evil ones, etc etc etc and no one calls out trump!!!!!!

   I am truly astounded that all this is just reminiscing to you, or that you can speak so vehemently and entirely ignore the elephant in the room.

   Under trump's leadership of the world's only superpower, the world economy and health have gone completely over a cliff. More millions will die of poverty and starvation alone than lost their lives in ww2, and it can be easily laid to the faults of this man's so-called leadership. Millions of americans will die unnecessarily, and the damage to the world is incalculable. Entire societies may collapse, imminently. Many of them muslim: lebanon, yemen, bangladesh. "Let them eat tweets" is the title of a new book; how will history view the trump phenomenon? He may well throw the 2020 presidential election into chaos by hamstringing the us postal service and deligitimizing voting by mail during a pandemic. Ironically, if no president is elected by jan 20, nancy pelosi will be elevated to the office as 3rd in line speaker of the house.

   No need for evidence, observe any clip of the american president speaking, see and hear a banal apprentice dictator with the same old playbook. Hitler never got more than 38% of the vote in germany, and the unified enthusiasm of this minority carried the nation away to a self-perpetuating terroism. No american president has before sent militarized federal police forces in forest camo to quell protests in cities run by the opposition party only. None has openly sought to discourage voting, or refused to accept losing. Dictators the world over have been emboldened, from belarus to brazil, not to metion china and russia.

   Congress, which should be holding hearings to publicize trump's latest high crimes and misdemeanors (we have video evidence, he told fox news he won't approve covid relief because he believes starving the post office would serve his political interests in maintaining power).

   The stories of americans who are on the brink or over the falls need to be told. 

terry



from leonard lyons, washingtom post, 1947:


In the days when Stalin was Commissar of Munitions, a meeting was held of the highest ranking Commissars, and the principal matter for discussion was the famine then prevalent in the Ukraine. One official arose and made a speech about this tragedy — the tragedy of having millions of people dying of hunger. He began to enumerate death figures … Stalin interrupted him to say: “If only one man dies of hunger, that is a tragedy. If millions die, that’s only statistics.”




if you haven't seen sarah cooper's impressions yet, you will soon as she's coming to netflix...this is comedic art at its finest; sarah wrote a book on a hundred ways to walk into a meeting and captivate people while saying absolute nonsense, and so she understands trump very well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxDKW75ueIU
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 6:15 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 6:15 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
for insight into where trump arose, from the birthers to qanon, pbs frontline's recent documentary on conspiracy theories reveals how trump is alex jones' maxi-me...when the sun sets, tall shadows are cast by little people...



https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/united-states-of-conspiracy/
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 7:01 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 7:01 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
terry:
for insight into where trump arose, from the birthers to qanon, pbs frontline's recent documentary on conspiracy theories reveals how trump is alex jones' maxi-me...when the sun sets, tall shadows are cast by little people...



https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/united-states-of-conspiracy/


this isn't about politics, not about taking sides...I hate politics and didn't vote in the last presidential election, clinton was a lock in hawaii anyway, most votes don't count when we don't have direct election of the president, and the one elected usually loses the vote count even when many don't bother to cast an opposing vote; a clearly corrupt system perpetuated by those who benefit, like the rotten boroughs of old england...I didn't even know who won the election until the following thursday...I was amazed and resolved to never read or watch the news for the next four years...never to hear the obscenity, "president trump" for whom being born in hawaii made you not a citizen, if you were black at least...

and I did not, even comedy was avoided when a reality tv star (signature line for "the apprentice" dictator: "you're fired!") was to be taken for real, as though he could lead, as though he spoke anything but fantasy and lies...yes he is a joke, and no he is not generally amusing; ridiculous but not comical...

I wasn't worried about the pandemic in march; I've worked with public health, and as expected europe and new york have demonstrated it is handleable...not until it became apparent we were not going to make any real effort and would be forced to follow the nonsensical magical thinking of a "leader" who lives in a narcissistic bubble of intensely self-interested delusion...discouraging testing and forcing schools and businesses to reopen or suffer consequences has been and continues to be devastating, calamitous....we are a hotbed, and a seedbed of contagion for the world to constantly be vigilant against, making any sort of attempt at normalcy at best an open question for the indefinite future...the world was not so complex and interrelated, not so many dependent on the global flow of materials during the spanish flu; while it was virulent and contagious, not eveyone got it, it was a flu and not "novel"... no one has had covid before and that makes 7.5 billion susceptible, imagine delivering 15 billion doses of semi-effective vaccine in a small window of global effectiveness...we need also to prepare for future pandemics...

a world crisis of leadership and the world has trump at the helm...his intentions, insect that he is, are irrelevant...the evil that he does is very much an immediate disaster...he has surrounded himself with sycophants and bombthrowers, placed in almost accidental positions that now are of real power...his followers are conditioned to believe the most nonsensical things, supported by huge media aggregates telling only self-serving lies to a viewership deliberately and completely detached from reality...facebook delivered trump the election, suckerberg sees himself as a string-puller...

wall street set new records as the economy declined 35%...think about how that is even possible...

here in hawaii our gov is steady and our lt gov is a physician/politician whose grasp of reality here is greatly reassuring...oahu cases are soaring and soon will be out of hand...we still have no virus here on the big island but it can only be a matter of time, the quarantines are too porous, the disease is likely among us already...

may all beings be happy (smile)...

t
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 8/27/20 11:25 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/27/20 11:25 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
thanks, terry, for this, which goes to the heart of all this for me:


BUSLOAD OF FAITH
(lou reed)

You can't depend on your family
you can't depend on your friends
You can't depend on a beginning
you can't depend on an end
You can't depend on intelligence
ooohhh, you can't depend on God
You can only depend on one thing
you need a busload of faith to get by, watch, baby
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by
you need a busload of faith to get by
You can depend on the worst always happening
you can depend on a murderer's drive
You can bet that if he rapes somebody
there'll be no trouble having a child
You can bet that if she aborts it
pro-lifers will attack her with rage
You can depend on the worst always happening
you need a busload of faith to get by, yeah
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by, baby
busload of faith to get by
You can't depend on the goodly hearted
the goodly hearted made lamp-shades and soap
You can't depend on the Sacrament
no Father, no Holy Ghost
You can't depend on any churches
unless there's real estate you want to buy
You can't depend on a lot of things
you need a busload of faith to get by, woh
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
You can't depend on no miracle
you can't depend on the air
You can't depend on a wise man
you can't find 'em because they're not there
You can depend on cruelty
crudity of thought and sound
You can depend on the worst always happening
you need a busload of faith to get by, ha
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by
Busload of faith to get by
busload of faith to get by

Songwriters: Lou Reed
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terry, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 4:54 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 4:54 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2424 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:
 It is hard to deny that evil exists.


What does evil look like? How is it shaped? What color is it? How does it feel? Is it soft or hard? Is it solid, or perhaps liquid?

Of course it is none of these things. It isn't a thing at all, it is a concept that bundles all manner and degree of delusoin and ignorance into one lump.

Herein lies the danger of language. I use words like 'delusion' or 'sickness' because these are things that can be cleared up. When you call someone of something evil, it implies that there is a static nature of inherent badness to something which cannot be uprooted because it is just evil. He is evil! She is evil! 

Honestly the whole discussion is kind of pointless though because I mostly agree with you - I just think the word 'evil' has too much baggage that leads to misunderstanding, and things like salem witch trials.



   All existence is dualistic, relative. Existence/non-existence. Thus good requires evil, in  a world which exists.

   Supreme court justice potter stewart , writing in the decision of the Jacobellis v. Ohio case, said:

“I have reached the conclusion . . . that under the First and Fourteenth Amendments criminal laws in this area are constitutionally limited to hard-core pornography. I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description; and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that.”

  Unintentional comedy, of course. Lenny bruce thought of the supreme court's obscenity rulings as art criticism, as people who didn't understand his art and saw it as obscene. He observed that judges live in a world where no one talks dirty to them. Lenny bruce, of course, was the author of "How to talk dirty and influence people" and was arrested many times for words some people routinely use here, and for making fun of the associates christ and moses. (He particularly resented being arrested for saying that bishop fulton sheen looked like shirley temple, because a priest had told him that joke.)

   The word evil is in a class of words which cannot be defined because they are so relative to one's point of view. Eg: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Similarly, truth, justice, courage, honor, honesty...even such ideas as sweetness or goodness depend on what we individually or conventionally value and what we don't. That they are relative to a point and indefinable generally desn't make them less real as influences and values.

   In the absolute sense it's all good, all love, one pearl. I've always thought of the relative and absolute in the sense of a farmer, or gardener. On one's day off, one goes to the meadow for a picnic, and enjoys the buzzing of the insects, the blooming of wildflowers and grasses, the shade of trees. Next day the same insects are pests to be killed, the same wildflowers are weeds to be plucked up, and the shade tree blocks the sun and needs trimmed or removed. Two views.

   I take your point though. As soon as we step into the relative realm of good and bad we takes sides, we love the good and hate the bad, and so are lost.


terry





some sayings of saadi:




A TREE FRESHLY ROOTED

A tree, freshly rooted, may be pulled up by one man on his own. Give it time, and it will not be moved, even with a crane.



DOING GOOD TO THE EVIL

Merely doing good to the evil may be equivalent to doing evil to the good.



REWARD

Child, look for no reward from A,
If you are working in the house of B.
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 2:35 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 2:35 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Two sharks circling around you mate.

They are only sharks by the standards of other sharks, not by the standards of non-sharks  emoticon

Well that is totally next level.  emoticon
shargrol, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 5:34 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 5:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2326 Join Date: 2/8/16 Recent Posts
Not two, not one:
Chris is only an Arhat by the standards of other Arhats, but he is not an Arhat according to the standards of non-Arhats.emoticon

I added the smiliy face your forgot to add.

It's funny because there is an element of truth, like all good jokes. emoticonemoticon
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 8:10 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/29/20 8:10 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
shargrol:
Not two, not one:
Chris is only an Arhat by the standards of other Arhats, but he is not an Arhat according to the standards of non-Arhats.emoticon

I added the smiliy face your forgot to add.

It's funny because there is an element of truth, like all good jokes. emoticonemoticon
This conversation is way above my pay grade. emoticon
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 3:18 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 3:18 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
When I landed in Kathmandu, for my month long at Panditarama lumbini, I had already started reading Servigne. I was horrified at the nightmarish pollution in this city, the chaos. It's the most polluted city in the world currently, or second. 

I just felt so viscerally that what he was saying was true. I stumbled upon this article here, and it resonated so strongly with me. I wanted to share it with you. It really made me ask myselves questions like : if I must die, what should I die for ? 

I thought about that again during the hardcore retreat, and there was a moment when I knew what I was read to die for, although I couldn't have put it in words, perhaps for the first time. It was a strong moment. The fact of knowing viscerally that it's possible to be ok with dying for a cause, or rather to be so devoted to something that you would give your life for it, was really powerful. I imagine many parents feel that... 


https://theecologist.org/2019/may/08/social-collapse-and-climate-breakdown
It's sort of like drinking sips of poison. 

An interesting sign of the times here--- https://frieze.com/article/arts-ecological-turn-and-sixth-great-extinction 
Art’s Ecological Turn and the Sixth Great Extinction
Two shows, at Cologne’s Temporary Gallery and Moscow’s Garage MCA, look to art in the age of environmental collapse:

In the context of climate destruction, representations of the ecological or technological sublime, such as the massive formats of Edward Byrtynksy or the videos of visual artist Rachel Rose, have come, for me, to seem increasingly escapist, suffering from what the cultural critic Sianne Ngai theorises as ‘stuplimity’: the sublime plus ‘whatever’. You look into the void, you look out.

Two recent exhibitions in Germany and Russia took a different tack. The first was held in Cologne this summer: a modest group show held at the not-for-profit Temporary Gallery, ‘Heart of an Old Crocodile Exploding Over a Small Town.’ The second, at Moscow’s Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, ‘The Coming World: Ecology as the New Politics 2030–2100’, which runs until December. Both shows chose not to span out but to drive in to consider our current predicament, focussing on the creaturely, the subterranean and the weird, to think through life within and beyond the anthropocene.

love, tim
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 3:22 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 3:22 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Yes, very toxic topic ! 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 4:25 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 4:19 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Jonathan Neale, "Social Collapse and climate breakdown":

Almost none of those (major twnetieth century mass] horrors were committed by small groups of savages wandering through the ruins. They were committed by States, and by mass political movements.

Society did not disintegrate. It did not come apart. Society intensified. Power concentrated, and split, and those powers had us kill each other. It seems reasonable to assume that climate social collapse will be like that. Only with five times as many dead, if we are lucky, and twenty-five times as many, if we are not.

Remember this, because when the moment of runaway climate change comes for you, where you live, it will not come in the form of a few wandering hairy bikers. It will come with the tanks on the streets and the military or the fascists taking power.

Those generals will talk in deep green language. They will speak of degrowth, and the boundaries of planetary ecology. They will tell us we have consumed too much, and been too greedy, and now for the sake of Mother Earth, we must tighten our belts.

Then we will tighten our belts, and we will suffer, and they will build a new kind of gross green inequality. And in a world of ecological freefall, it will take cruelty on an unprecedented scale to keep their inequality in place.


https://theecologist.org/2019/may/08/social-collapse-and-climate-breakdown

I am struck by Neale’s assertion in https://theecologist.org/2019/may/08/social-collapse-and-climate-breakdown that one of the main features of a societal “breakdown” and climate/resources/virus/population-crash global emergency is likely to be not the disappearance of governments, but the kind of extraordinary cementing of control by governments that we are seeing in the covid crisis. I live among poor blacks and poor whites, mostly, here, and strangely enough, neither of these seemingly irreconcilable and seemingly naturally antagonistic groups trust the government a bit, and they’re all sure that once the crisis is “past,” the government will not back off from the kind of social control they’ve suddenly realized they can exercise in the face of a kind of natural Pearl Harbor mobilizing the country’s spirit and its fears.
 
This took me back to a bunch of books i read about four years ago, trying to understand how the eastern europeans had accomplished the miracles of 1989, the non-violent mass movements that brought down the Soviet Union. The Civil Rights movement of the 60s is also very instructive along these lines, of what are ordinary people to do in the face of brutal government-back systematic and institutionalized oppression? And Gandhi, of course.
 
And, of course, that so many leaders of non-violent revolutions are killed by violence.
 
Anyway, how do real people even begin to understand how to live with the possibility that Neale is right when he says:
 
Remember this, because when the moment of runaway climate change comes for you, where you live, it will not come in the form of a few wandering hairy bikers. It will come with the tanks on the streets and the military or the fascists taking power.

Those generals will talk in deep green language. They will speak of degrowth, and the boundaries of planetary ecology. They will tell us we have consumed too much, and been too greedy, and now for the sake of Mother Earth, we must tighten our belts.

Then we will tighten our belts, and we will suffer, and they will build a new kind of gross green inequality. And in a world of ecological freefall, it will take cruelty on an unprecedented scale to keep their inequality in place.

The answers, i think, can begin to be studied in those extraordinary underground small groups that laid the foundations under the Soviets for a renewal of spirit and a belief in the power of truth, against all odds, by simply beginning to get together quietly and secretly and talk with each other about what was actually going on.
 
A good one to start with: An essay length article by Vaclav Havel that lays out the groundwork for the kind of underground society of truth-tellers that underlay the “sudden” non-violent success of the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989,l and in particular the radical yet simple tactic of small groups getting together simply to tell each other the truth, what he calls “Living the truth,” which he feels was the key to the whole revival of Czech morale at the grass roots level under the boot of a society where truth was punished at every turn.
https://web.archive.org/web/20120107141633/http://www.vaclavhavel.cz/showtrans.php?cat=clanky&val=72_aj_clanky.html&typ=HTML
 
A bunch of great books that spin separate threads of this approach:

Open letters, Vaclav Havel, https://www.amazon.com/Open-Letters-Selected-Writings-1965-1990/dp/0679738118/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AS28X9B0BJ79&dchild=1&keywords=open+letters+havel&qid=1589575401&s=books&sprefix=Open+Letters%2Cdigital-text%2C150&sr=1-1
 
The Captive Mind, Czeslaw Milosz, https://www.amazon.com/The-Captive-Mind-audiobook/dp/B077H8GR6C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IZB1ZIT6W3B0&dchild=1&keywords=the+captive+mind+by+czes%C5%82aw+milosz&qid=1589575476&s=books&sprefix=the+captive+mind%2Cstripbooks%2C157&sr=1-1
 
Adam Roberts (Editor), Timothy Garton Ash (Editor) Civil Resistance and Power Politics: The Experience of Non-Violent Action from Gandhi to the Present
https://www.amazon.com/Civil-Resistance-Power-Politics-Non-violent/dp/0199691452/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=civil+resistance+and+power+politics&qid=1589575521&s=audible&sr=1-1-catcorr
 
Timothy Garton Ash, editor of the above, was one of the finest journalist-historians observering the events throughout the largely non-violent and grass roots revolutions in eastern Europe that toppled the Soviet system. A good one to start with is,The Polish Revolution: Solidarity, 
https://www.amazon.com/Polish-Revolution-Solidarity-Third/dp/0300095686/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&qid=1589575735&refinements=p_27%3ATimothy+Garton+Ash&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Timothy+Garton+Ash
 
and  The Magic Lantern, on varius other eastern european mass movements in the same vein  https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Lantern-Revolution-Witnessed-Budapest-ebook/dp/B004089I5Q/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&qid=1589575799&refinements=p_27%3ATimothy+Garton+Ash&s=books&sr=1-6&text=Timothy+Garton+Ash
 
 
There are many precedents for ripened contemplatives entering whole-heartedly into political action. Thomas Merton is among the most noted--- and, among a certain strain of old school Catholics, notorious; these are the people who never forgave him for not doing variations of The Seven-Storey Mountain for the rest of his life--- and his collection of essays, The Non-Violent Alternative shows the extent to which he was involved in the world in all its messiness, from his latter-years hermitage in Kentuckyl during the crisies of civil rights and Vietnam, among others, in the 1960s---  https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Merton/dp/0374515751/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+non-violent+alternative+merton&qid=1589575937&s=books&sr=1-1

l
ol, yeah, i know. books, books, books. you can make a new stack beside the stack of unread dharma books you can't find time to get to either.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 4:44 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 4:44 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Yes ! Cool ! Thank you for the references. I was recently recommended Milosz, and had wanted to read Havel and Merton for a while. So i'll start (?) with those. Particularly curious about Havel here as it seems so relevant, great !


But, Tim Fucking F, fucking amazon ?  ^^
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 6:14 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 6:14 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Yes ! Cool ! Thank you for the references. I was recently recommended Milosz, and had wanted to read Havel and Merton for a while. So i'll start (?) with those. Particularly curious about Havel here as it seems so relevant, great !


But, Tim Fucking F, fucking amazon ?  ^^

ooops. independent booksellers, shoot me, i deserve it. i succumbed to ease. Olivier, my bad, but I AM bad. Feel free to offer more whatever-friendly links.

Start with the havel essay.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:43 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:42 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
emoticon

Theme song, courtesy of Smashmouth: Smashmouth, courtesy of John W, aka That Mad Rambler who only comes down from his cave once a full moon to yell Smashmouth lyrics at random villagers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gklwYGHYeGU&list=PL3KU7_vkKrAmBCksSCjxOtQ9bhfhDY515&index=38

"So Insane"

When was the last time you clocked-in?
There is a race to be run and a song to be sung
There is a fine line wearing thin

So don't look back the past has past
The future is coming fast
You better make room, we're coming through
Loud and clear


We got the hands to turn this around
We got the plan to make it go down
We got the voice filling this room
We got the minds, the minds that go boom
Get up get out get on that train
It's becoming so insane
This tiny blue marble is rolling away


Have ya checked out the temperature lately
There's a fever that's about to break
There is a game to be won and a song to be sung
This is our battle cry, make no mistake
So don't look back the past has past
The future is coming fast
You better make room, we're coming through
Loud and clear


We got the hands to turn this around
We got the plan to make it go down
We got the voice filling this room
We got the minds, the minds that go boom
Get up get out get on that train
It's becoming so insane
This tiny blue marble is rolling away


 
So don't look back the past has past
The future is coming fast
You better make room, we're coming through
Loud and clear

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Milo, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 12:43 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 12:43 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 371 Join Date: 11/13/18 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
We're through the rabbit hole now, or maybe we're still falling. Change is for always, but this might be Redd Foxx's Big One. What's clear to me is that a huge chunk of what thought we knew a few weeks ago is going to be very different. Things, they are a-changin', to quote somebody else.

My reaction is "bring it on."

I don't see an alternative, except maybe death, the odds of which seem a bit more likely now anyway for a geezer like me.

Seems like in a lot of cases it's a sudden acceleration of existing trends. C-Virus just gave things a shove and moved the schedule up a decade.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 9:40 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 9:40 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
To start this topic, I'll paraphrase my friend Vincent Horn: "This is what we practice for."

Am I right?


Yes. It's like a dissolving of a lot of what has been taken as simple unquestioned ground, for a lot of the world. Every step, or quarantined non-step, is a whole new thing now for the vast majority of people, with or without any practice in essential groundlessness. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 9:44 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 9:44 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
This situation is also what I like to think of as a universal bullshit detector. The formal version of this goes something like, "Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it."
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:02 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:02 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
I've experienced war so to me all this "new (covid) territory" not new at all but yes we indeed practice for This-ness as there is nothing outside of This no matter pleasant or unpleasant or neutral.

Also, being Master of This does not fool Anicca out of throwing this human creature into old age, sickness and death. As Kenneth Folk so finely puts it "we have already lost no matter what" or "aaah, emoticon Im gonna die emoticon

So hurry up people and wake up to THIS as indeed there is NOTHING outside of THIS. Fire up that practice and stop "sleeping" in some blissful realm emoticon emoticon emoticon
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:10 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:10 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
As Kenneth Folk so finely puts it...

Kenneth does have a way with words, doesn't he?

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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:24 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:24 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Chris Marti:
As Kenneth Folk so finely puts it...

Kenneth does have a way with words, doesn't he?

he certainly knows how to crush those romantic notions we might have about awakeing and all other dogmatic buddhist ideas emoticon The lad has some serious talent emoticon I love him for his rawness and right-in-your-face-ness.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:26 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:26 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
The lad has some serious talent emoticon

And you, sir, have a serious smiley addiction.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:38 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:38 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
The lad has some serious talent emoticon

And you, sir, have a serious smiley addiction.
emoticonemoticonemoticonemoticon
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:36 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:35 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Papa Che Dusko:
I've experienced war so to me all this "new (covid) territory" not new at all but yes we indeed practice for This-ness as there is nothing outside of This no matter pleasant or unpleasant or neutral.

Also, being Master of This does not fool Anicca out of throwing this human creature into old age, sickness and death. As Kenneth Folk so finely puts it "we have already lost no matter what" or "aaah, emoticon Im gonna die emoticon

So hurry up people and wake up to THIS as indeed there is NOTHING outside of THIS. Fire up that practice and stop "sleeping" in some blissful realm emoticonemoticonemoticon

This is a kind of war-conditions for the masses thing. Death is on the table, up front and obvious for everyone, and bullshit in that heightened light is way obvious.

But Papa Che, you have made me realize that this whole Buddhism thing is a bait-and-switch. I mean, thank you, but damn. The story goes that Prince Siddhartha left his protected palace and on the road encountered, for the first time, a sick person, and aged person, and a corpse, and then a sanyasin, who inspired him onto his path. But now . . . well . . . sickness, and old age, and death, oh my. The 8-fold yellow brick road doesn't change any of the things that got Gautama going in the first place? Why was I not told this earlier? Have you mentioned this to anyone else?
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:53 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:53 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
[quote=
]

"But Papa Che, you have made me realize that this whole Buddhism thing is a bait-and-switch. I mean, thank you, but damn. The story goes that Prince Siddhartha left his protected palace and on the road encountered, for the first time, a sick person, and aged person, and a corpse, and then a sanyasin, who inspired him onto his path. But now . . . well . . . sickness, and old age, and death, oh my. The 8-fold yellow brick road doesn't change any of the things that got Gautama going in the first place? Why was I not told this earlier? Have you mentioned this to anyone else?"



Ehm, emoticon maybe THAT is why Mr.Buddha was so keen on teaching the VERY END of suffering = Pari-Nibbana emoticon  all the yellow brick path maybe only Interventions during the conscious hours? 

emoticon (I think Chris wants me to stop using smileys damn it)
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:03 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:03 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
Tim Farrington:
[quote=
]

"But Papa Che, you have made me realize that this whole Buddhism thing is a bait-and-switch. I mean, thank you, but damn. The story goes that Prince Siddhartha left his protected palace and on the road encountered, for the first time, a sick person, and aged person, and a corpse, and then a sanyasin, who inspired him onto his path. But now . . . well . . . sickness, and old age, and death, oh my. The 8-fold yellow brick road doesn't change any of the things that got Gautama going in the first place? Why was I not told this earlier? Have you mentioned this to anyone else?"



Ehm, emoticon maybe THAT is why Mr.Buddha was so keen on teaching the VERY END of suffering = Pari-Nibbana emoticon  all the yellow brick path maybe only Interventions during the conscious hours? 

emoticon (I think Chris wants me to stop using smileys damn it)
(fuck Chris, he has no sense of humor whatsoever, which is why you HAVE to use smileys with him. It's a question of skillful means for you, like the Buddha using a different idiom with the Brahmins.)
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:08 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:08 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
... fuck Chris...

Honestly, there's just no desire on my part to get any closer to Che than I have to, at least until social distancing and government quarantine orders are lifted.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:13 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:13 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
... fuck Chris...

Honestly, there's just no desire on my part to get any closer to Che than I have to, at least until social distancing and government quarantine orders are lifted.


Well, I'm as close to Papa Che as I can stand too, as far as that goes. The fucker just destroyed my faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the sangha, and followed it up with a smiley.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:16 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:16 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Uh, that's Mr. Buddha to you, pal.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:33 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 11:33 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Uh, that's Mr. Buddha to you, pal.


Mea culpa. I certainly did not mean to seem disrespectful to Mr. Buddha by saying that I got sucked into that bait-and-switch of his so bad, until Papa Che set me free. [smiley face]
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 12:56 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 12:56 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Behold! It's Mr. Buddha:



Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:03 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:03 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Behold! It's Mr. Buddha:



Okay, I can take refuge in that, even after Papa Che DESTROYED my FAITH again, and without even the compassion of a smiley.

Plus, I like what Mr. B is doing with the red/yellow thing, just enough Santa Claus to balance the Dalai Lama kind of thing, very with it. You'll sell a million of these. My $29.95 is in the mail.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:07 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:07 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
And, and, and, you can cuddle Mr. Buddha up to your face while you sleep! Talk about reducing dukkha!
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 12:55 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 12:55 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Chris Marti:
... fuck Chris...

Honestly, there's just no desire on my part to get any closer to Che than I have to, at least until social distancing and government quarantine orders are lifted.


Well, I'm as close to Papa Che as I can stand too, as far as that goes. The fucker just destroyed my faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the sangha, and followed it up with a smiley.

Shoit man, you got me there! I had an impression that Faith was SOLID as a rock totally not subject to Anicca! 

(no smileys this time ... but this could change) 
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Noah D, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:48 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 1:48 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1211 Join Date: 9/1/16 Recent Posts
Turns out the 4 noble truths are more than just a psychological exercise, but an actual description of the fact that reality (the conventional world we live in) is samsara.  
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 2:20 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 2:20 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Noah D:
Turns out the 4 noble truths are more than just a psychological exercise, but an actual description of the fact that reality (the conventional world we live in) is samsara.  

Hm ... lemme see ...

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"  or
"If a stock market collapses and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"


(still no smileys ... damn it)
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 2:43 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 2:43 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
Noah D:
Turns out the 4 noble truths are more than just a psychological exercise, but an actual description of the fact that reality (the conventional world we live in) is samsara.  

Hm ... lemme see ...

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"  or
"If a stock market collapses and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"


(still no smileys ... damn it)

Well - on the tree - it never made a sound anway.  We made the soud emoticon
And on the stock market - sure the howling and whining for bailouts echoes right around the world! emoticon
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 5:44 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 5:44 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
By the way, this is the sort of discussion I had in mind when I started a thread a while back about practice implications for a better society. When I said that it was what the practice was for, I was heavily criticized. 
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:16 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/5/20 10:16 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
By the way, this is the sort of discussion I had in mind when I started a thread a while back about practice implications for a better society. When I said that it was what the practice was for, I was heavily criticized. 
So what advice would 'you' now give 'you' then?  emoticon
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:33 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:33 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Well, it's a little late, but maybe the world will be more willing now, for the future. I think we need to prioritize more how resources are utilized. We need to consume less unnecessary material stuff and focus on making sure that people have their basic needs met. There need to be more resources on health care and different kinds of support for those who are in need. We need to have systems that are less vulnerable, that work even in a time of crisis, even if it isn't the cheepest short-term solution. We need to obsess less with "me" and "mine" and see that we are all connected. We need to produce food more locally and use the resources of the earth in a more sustainable way. We can't just take it for granted to have our exotic tastes catered for within the blink of an eye. We need to make sure that people around the world have the resources for a healthy life style with basic hygiene, food and health care, even if this means that we in the west can no longer afford all the material stuff that we have learned to think that we need. We don't actually need all that stuff, and we need to see that our cravings only cause suffering. We need to be less dependent on energy sources that are limited and that exploit the earth and that are dependent on deliveries. We need to have a sustainable infra structure. Stuff like that. 

Thanks for meeting my childish "told ya so" comment in a constructive way. It did hurt to be bashed at for wanting to be proactive for the sake of everyone's wellbeing, and that ego still dwells somewhere, craving to be accepted, but it was still not the most skillful comment. And sometimes being right sucks. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:19 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:19 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
And sometimes being right sucks. 

Holy crap... you were right?   emoticon
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:00 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:00 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
And sometimes being right sucks. 

Holy crap... you were right?   emoticon

Well, yeah. I said that the dangerous thing was not talking about how our cravings cause harm on a society level, when short-term profit gets to be more important than basic needs for people. But who was right is not important. Minimizing harm in this time of crisis is.
T, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:02 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:02 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 279 Join Date: 1/15/19 Recent Posts
...but you were right. emoticon
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:09 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:09 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
T:
...but you were right. emoticon

Plus, given my recent experiments in pidgin Advaita, I think we can say also that she WAS NEVER WRONG!
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:13 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:13 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Yoda Advaita:

I, there is
Inquire, you must!
Know, you will
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:19 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:19 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Yoda Advaita:

I, there is
Inquire, you must!
Know, you will

shit, it's not even pidgin Advaita I've been trying to speak! It's something in which Yoda Advaita translates to:

is-ing
inquiring must-iferously!
knowing already-ing
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:48 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:48 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
T:
...but you were right. emoticon

Plus, given my recent experiments in pidgin Advaita, I think we can say also that she WAS NEVER WRONG!

Nah, that's just faulty logic. Ugh. I still have reactive patterns with regard to poor logic. emoticon
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 9:03 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 9:02 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
Tim Farrington:
T:
...but you were right. emoticon

Plus, given my recent experiments in pidgin Advaita, I think we can say also that she WAS NEVER WRONG!

Nah, that's just faulty logic. Ugh. I still have reactive patterns with regard to poor logic. emoticon

No, keep me honest, please, scrupulously, with regard to poor logic. And forgive my faulty logic here, I didn't mean to be annoying as fuck (what a treasure of a dharma technical term that is, thank you). What I was going for was relatively complete nonsense.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 9:14 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 9:14 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Haha, so you have those reactive patterns too? Sure, we can call them honesty instead. Deal. emoticon
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:53 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:53 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
T:
...but you were right. emoticon

Hell yeah. emoticon

And I'm not liking the reactive pattern that wishes to emphasize that. Because it really isn't important, and I'm fully aware that it is annoying as fuck. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:38 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:23 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
 We need to consume less unnecessary material stuff and focus on making sure that people have their basic needs met. There need to be more resources on health care and different kinds of support for those who are in need. 

This is in the right direction, I think. I would agree on universal basic income. I would agree on universally available, publicly funded healthcare and, to reign things in on the excess income/excess consumption vector, to fund both of those I would establish a sort of  "maximum" annual income, above which folks are taxed at a rate commensurate with what the U.S. had during the 1950s - around 90%, or more.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:27 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:27 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Can anyone point to specifics on how their meditation/reflection/self-inquiry practice (practise?) has been beneficial recently? For me, it is about two things that seem to help daily: patience, and acceptance.

You?
T, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:07 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:07 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 279 Join Date: 1/15/19 Recent Posts
Yes!!!



I meditate instead of watching the news.
I read references to the suttas in the hope I can figure out what the fuck is going on with the mind instead of watching the news. 


I then read the news and am far less affected by fear mongering, misinformation, far-too-hastily created hot takes, and all that jazz.
I watch the death toll rise and am in a much more balanced place to be circumspect about the whole affair. 

So meditation has been very helpful for me. 

I only wish it were more clear what on Earth I'm investigating in the first place while I sit there. emoticon
T, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 11:03 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 11:03 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 279 Join Date: 1/15/19 Recent Posts
aaaaaaah.... emoticon

https://youtu.be/AJjaQJTBTGU 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 11:20 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 11:20 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
T, I don't have a lot of time today - what's the gist of the video you posted?
T, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 11:55 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 11:55 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 279 Join Date: 1/15/19 Recent Posts
anonymous member pointing out that the virus was adapted by a scientist in NC, who was there on a grant/fellowship of some kind, originally from Wuhan, China. 

Basically says that gov't research led to this - possibly intentionally. 
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Lewis James, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 12:34 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 12:34 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 155 Join Date: 5/13/15 Recent Posts
I admit I hastily watched the video on 2x speed, but isn't his argument essentially "researchers including some from Wuhan have been working on mutating coronaviruses to study their effects, therefore this coronavirus outbreak must be a man made disease?"

Didn't independent teams of scientists already sequence this thing and find the related mutations in some animal species, strongly suggesting it was a natural cause? Due to certain inefficiences in the virus and sequences that are redundant but found in animal species found in Wuhan.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0820-9
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 1:54 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 1:54 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Didn't independent teams of scientists already sequence this thing and find the related mutations in some animal species, strongly suggesting it was a natural cause? Due to certain inefficiences in the virus and sequences that are redundant but found in animal species found in Wuhan.

Why, yes. Indeed they did. I read that same Nature article recently:

The genomic features described here may explain in part the infectiousness and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in humans. Although the evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is not a purposefully manipulated virus, it is currently impossible to prove or disprove the other theories of its origin described here. However, since we observed all notable SARS-CoV-2 features, including the optimized RBD and polybasic cleavage site, in related coronaviruses in nature, we do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 12:42 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 12:42 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
T:
anonymous member pointing out that the virus was adapted by a scientist in NC, who was there on a grant/fellowship of some kind, originally from Wuhan, China. 

Basically says that gov't research led to this - possibly intentionally. 


And I thought it was CIA funding the research in Wuhan to make it look like China did it. Get out of here! 

I trust China as much as I trust US or Russia but please stop feeding this forum with such crap! Back to practice!


(most certainly no smileys this time) 
T, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 5:47 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 5:47 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 279 Join Date: 1/15/19 Recent Posts
nah
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 5:53 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 5:53 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
T:
nah


Ah yes, this deserves a smiley emoticon 
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:07 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:07 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Seeing, hearing, tightness, anticipation, hearing, touching, hardness, comprehending, imagining, hearing, anticipation, seeing, hearing, coolness, touching, movement, expanding, wetness, swallowing, seeing, hearing, stiffness, unpleasant, hearing ... 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:46 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:46 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Can anyone point to specifics on how their meditation/reflection/self-inquiry practice (practise?) has been beneficial recently? For me, it is about two things that seem to help daily: patience, and acceptance.

You?

At the risk of provoking an endless confusion of translations across various tradions: acceptance, and patience.

P.S. Americans practice, to raze the illusion of a self at the center; the British practise, to rase the illusion of a self at the centre. This sectarian conflict is a needless tragedy.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:53 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 7:53 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Provocateur!
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:46 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 8:46 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Can anyone point to specifics on how their meditation/reflection/self-inquiry practice (practise?) has been beneficial recently? For me, it is about two things that seem to help daily: patience, and acceptance.

You?


For me it has been helpful in many ways. I haven't had much reactive behavior with regard to this crisis. Instead of drowning in media speculations, I have focused on very few trustworthy channels that post confirmed information. I have been comfortable with not knowing. I have listened and waited instead of making comments on social media that I would later live to regret because they hurt someone. I have listened to and supported people who worry without getting wired up myself (with an exception in the beginning when I raised my voice for relational reasons that I then saw through, thankfully). I have been careful without panicking. I have taken time to practice when other things were cancelled. I have made new friends online with meditation practicioners who have also taken the time to practice. My practice has had a boost, so although I feel for those who are ill or at risk, I'm also happy. I don't know if I'll still have a job from July 1st, but I know I'm not alone in that. I don't know what the future will bring, and I accept that. I don't know when I'll get to see my partners, as they live in towns that we are advised not travelling to or from, and I'm okay with that. Well, I'm not liking it, but the bigger picture requires caution, and there's nothing I can do about that, and I have my practice. I connect with other practicioners all over the world. I prioritize things that matter (to the extent that my poor executive function and other disability-related stuff doesn't get in the way). I have helped some people close to me not to rush into doing things that they would later regret (such as visiting old relatives while having a cold) because they were reacting and couldn't think straight (and their older relative really wanted to have their laundry done that specific day and were guilttripping them). None of this is thanks to me. It is thanks to the practice. 

However, so far nobody close to me has been severely affected by the virus, so I realize that I'm privileged in that regard. I don't know if the practice would be any help if something like that would happen. Also, being autistic makes social isolation easier, I guess, so if it weren't for that, maybe I would be panicking.

I'm still trying to figure out how I can be of help without that turning into a risk factor for others. I would like to be more useful, in a way that really does help, not just looks like it does.
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:10 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:10 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Can anyone point to specifics on how their meditation/reflection/self-inquiry practice (practise?) has been beneficial recently? For me, it is about two things that seem to help daily: patience, and acceptance.

You?

Angst does not arise. Worry does not stick. Compassion and happiness predominate. 

Of course, that could just be because I'm getting more sleep in lockdown. Or because I'm getting Tummo going a bit better in the mornings.  
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 2:41 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/16/20 2:40 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Can anyone point to specifics on how their meditation/reflection/self-inquiry practice (practise?) has been beneficial recently? For me, it is about two things that seem to help daily: patience, and acceptance.

You?


I recalled this ABC affirmation of the basics by Chris this morning, thinking about horrors, samsara, maya, and bad futures, worse futures, and unthinkably bad futures yet to be considered. I think this calls us back to the heart of why Chris initially posted this incredibly diverse and fruitful thread: bringing the vast daunting inscrutables of samsara back to the single soul and heart, practicing one day at a time on this planet, now. In sangha, thank the Buddha's pajamas, for sangha. I take refuge in the Dharma and the Buddha's pajamas as well. They're very comfortable, I hear; that's why he seems so serene.

Patience and acceptance. Amen. Apply, lather, rinse, repeat. Patience and acceptance . . .
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 9:26 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 9:26 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
 We need to consume less unnecessary material stuff and focus on making sure that people have their basic needs met. There need to be more resources on health care and different kinds of support for those who are in need. 

This is in the right direction, I think. I would agree on universal basic income. I would agree on universally available, publicly funded healthcare and, to reign things in on the excess income/excess consumption vector, to fund both of those I would establish a sort of  "maximum" annual income, above which folks are taxed at a rate commensurate with what the U.S. had during the 1950s - around 90%, or more.

I think we're on the same page here. 
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:34 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:06 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
A more strategic advice from "me" to "me" would maybe be to shut up until you have made yourself a name AND shit happens that illustrate the vulnerability of the economy even for people who are normally protected, and then blurt it out in a laconic way to the right people when it's already obvious. I wouldn't have listened, though, because people were already dying from system failures that could have been prevented, and I just think that is so very unnecessary. 

So I think a key component in navigating the world together on this planet would have to involve better ways of communication that enable people to talk about the sensitive stuff. I don't know how this could be accomplished. Somehow we need to see that we are all in this together, just like Chris said now, and like I said before. As long as people divide themselves and compete for resources, there will always be a lack of resources for some. When it comes to a pandemic, it becomes very obvious how vulnerable that is. And yet, as long as some people take advantage of systems, trusting a system can be risky business. Thus we need to build trust to the extent that nobody ses the need to exploit, and still maintain transparency so that power cannot be exploited. That's a very long-term project. Also, it will cost. Luxury comsumption cannot be part of it, at least not to the extent that people have gotten used to. Advertisement that makes people think that they need all that unnecessary stuff cannot be prioritized. The resources spent on boosting people's cravings for stuff and for travelling all over the world can be put to better use. Basic needs need to be prioritized, and the stuff that actually makes people happy, for real. But this won't work by force, at least not in the long term. Authoritarian governing is no solution. 
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:13 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:13 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
A more strategic advice from "me" to "me" would maybe be to shut up until you have made yourself a name AND shit happens that illustrate the vulnerability of the economy even for people who are normally protected, and then blurt it out in a laconic way to the right people when it's already obvious. I wouldn't have listened, though, because people were already dying from system failures that could have been prevented, and I just think that is so very unnecessary. 

So I think a key component in navigating the world together on this planet would have to involve better ways of communication that enable people to talk about the sensitive stuff. I don't know how this could be accomplished. Somehow we need to see that we are all in this together, just like Chris said now, and like I said before. As long as people divide themselves and compete for resources, there will always be a lack of resources for some. When it comes to a pandemic, it becomes very obvious how vulnerable that is. And yet, as long as some people take advantage of systems, trusting a system can be risky business. Thus we need to build trust to the extent that nobody ses the need to exploit, and still maintain transparency so that power cannot be exploited. That's a very long-term project. Also, it will cost. Luxury comsumption cannot be part of it, at least not to the extent that people have gotten used to. Advertisement that makes people think that they need all that unnecessary stuff cannot be prioritized. The resources spent on boosting people's cravings for stuff and for travelling all over the world can be put to better use. Basic needs need to be prioritized, and the stuff that actually makes people happy, for real. But this won't work by force, at least not in the long term. Authoritarian governing is no solution. 
Morality is the first training, and morality is the last training. The way I think about about it, first time around it is more about personal action and calm, so you are not twisting yourself up and preventing progress. Second time around, it is more about recognising interconnection and compassion, and skilfully contributing for the benefit of all beings (the whole field of perception together with connected causes and conditions). Maybe you were just too early?

Malcolm
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 4:41 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 4:02 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
curious:
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
A more strategic advice from "me" to "me" would maybe be to shut up until you have made yourself a name AND shit happens that illustrate the vulnerability of the economy even for people who are normally protected, and then blurt it out in a laconic way to the right people when it's already obvious. I wouldn't have listened, though, because people were already dying from system failures that could have been prevented, and I just think that is so very unnecessary. 

So I think a key component in navigating the world together on this planet would have to involve better ways of communication that enable people to talk about the sensitive stuff. I don't know how this could be accomplished. Somehow we need to see that we are all in this together, just like Chris said now, and like I said before. As long as people divide themselves and compete for resources, there will always be a lack of resources for some. When it comes to a pandemic, it becomes very obvious how vulnerable that is. And yet, as long as some people take advantage of systems, trusting a system can be risky business. Thus we need to build trust to the extent that nobody ses the need to exploit, and still maintain transparency so that power cannot be exploited. That's a very long-term project. Also, it will cost. Luxury comsumption cannot be part of it, at least not to the extent that people have gotten used to. Advertisement that makes people think that they need all that unnecessary stuff cannot be prioritized. The resources spent on boosting people's cravings for stuff and for travelling all over the world can be put to better use. Basic needs need to be prioritized, and the stuff that actually makes people happy, for real. But this won't work by force, at least not in the long term. Authoritarian governing is no solution. 
Morality is the first training, and morality is the last training. The way I think about about it, first time around it is more about personal action and calm, so you are not twisting yourself up and preventing progress. Second time around, it is more about recognising interconnection and compassion, and skilfully contributing for the benefit of all beings (the whole field of perception together with connected causes and conditions). Maybe you were just too early?

Malcolm
Or maybe I was too late, as we all. These things take time. So many lives could have been spared. I happen to think that is more important than progress of the few. But there is no use dwelling in the past. Better to look at what can be done now. 
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 3:08 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 2:48 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
To start this topic, I'll paraphrase my friend Vincent Horn: "This is what we practice for."

Am I right?
Indeed !

I want to share my perspective. (Not adressing you in particular Chris, but any good soul who might read this ;) )

For me, there has been almost no surprise or shock or grief about this situation, because I have been doing enough reading up on the potential for collapse of global society to know that it's not a question of if anymore, but of how and when.

It seems to me that the coronavirus crisis is a very small event compared to what I've come to accept is gonna happen, has been happening, and is in fact happening everywhere around the world right this minute. Every five minutes a child dies of hunger somewhere, right ? Most of the world is already in a state of collapse. Like someone whose name I forgot said : "Collpase means living like the people who grow your coffee."

The coronavirus thing has basically made no change to how I live, because I've moved to a small village where nothing is happening, and my life consists mostly of : meditating, reading, writing, thinking, composing, etc. I'm basically living extremely simply, and preparing myself for a very different world, where different skills will be recquired. 

I don't have a job because I have little desire to integrate a system which is so utterly destructive, and because I know it is already starting to break down. Well, I am indeed pursuing things like a PhD, trying to be a composer, writing books... and have in no way given up on a "conventional" career - but it's just one of the options I'm imagining for my life, one small part of it. I'm working on my needs, living on extremely little, trying to cut myself off from industrial products, firstly because they are usually of bad quality, and secondly, because they are soon gonna be much less widely available. I don't own a car, never have, never will. I've decided to never again fly in a plane if I can possibly avoid it. I'm learning about how to grow things, because that's gonna be an essential need in the times to come, and like malcolm says : you don't need much, if every family has a 250 m² garden, we are good.

In russia, most people have kept this kind of thing, most people, even in big cities, still own a 6-acre garden accessible through public transportation or by walking (cities were designed this way intentionnally). Thanks to that, they have avoided food crises when the USSR collapsed (30 years ago, may I remind you). The international community, seeing the collapse of the union, prepared a bunch of food help, but it was not needed.

Interestingly, usually when I talk about this on forums, nobody answers. I wonder if it's because people are in denial, or if they don't have enough information, or if it's because it seems preposterous to many who are "in the system" and have built their lives and careers around a certain way of functioning, or unabile/unwilling to digest this, or what. Anyways : I see in many people a kind of realization these days that "shit, this system is fragile".

Well... There is a huge big mass of information and hard to refute demonstrations about the unsustainability of just about everything in our lives right now, it's out there waiting for you... emoticonemoticonemoticon

I'm not trying to sound scary, there is no need to freak out in my opinion, but it's important to realize that things are gonna change enormously, probably sooner than later. Very probably, will will all experience that during our lifetimes. It's important to come to terms with that, to accept it however painful it may be, to be able to take the right steps so that it happens in the most positive way possible... In fact it's our responsibility. 

I now view this whole mess as something extremely positive, personally. I've never wanted to live the way that developed countries have since the 30 glorious years. And now I truly understand why ^^ I understand what was wrong, why I and so many young persons I know have such great difficulties integrating this crazy society. I now fully recognize and understand that the problem is not on our side. Quite the opposite... 

I've always felt this, many people I know have always felt this without being able to fully grasp it. I'm of a generation (currently 26 years-old) who has been told since they were children that urgent action was needed to tackle extremely dangerous climate change before it is too late, and who has grown up witnessing the fact that nothing at all was made to even try to slow the increase (!) in the toxicity of our lifestyles. In fact, I now take it as my duty to find a way of living which is as disconnected as possible from (1) technologies, (2) overconsumption, (3) industry.

The generation after me, obviously, has experienced this much more full-on, and thankfully they are proving to be wiser than the rest... Or perhaps it's just that their unease is so strong that they can't do anything other than act. It's very inspiring and extremely pathetic at the same time, I find.

My meditation practice is fundamental in several respects in my relation with all this. I don't make a disconnect, actually... I don't think there is anything much more ecological than dissipating the boundaries between self and world, right ? After all, eco-, oikos, means "surroundings", "milieu".... But then again, surprisingly, it doesn't necesarily seem that awakening and a sense of sacredness-connectedness with the cosmos go together... Or does it ? What do you think, Chris, Malcolm, ... ?

Well, I think it should lead in that direction anyways.

I want to offer a point of discussion for those who advocate a kind of mix of high-tech solutions and low-tech living. What makes you think that we will be able to preserve, within the next few decades, (1) the theoretical knowledge and know-how, (2) the industrial capacities and (3) the resources (in terms of rare minerals which are essential for all high-tech things, for instance, minerals which are running out everywhere in the world), which are all key elements in the production of things like chips and screens, etc. ?

All these extremely advanced techs have emerged as the result of a process of complexification started in the past couple of centuries, which itself was based on a superabundance of natural resources. The exponential increase of complexity in terms of social and economic structures, is the main cause for the coming about of the extremely high level of specialization needed for running all these industrial processes. How can we store all this knowledge, have enough people who are specialized enough at so many different levels to transmit all of this interconnected knowledge to the next generation, for instance to allow for something so massively complex as a nuclear plant to function in 70 years from now, if basic things like medication, clean water, electricity and gas, become less easy to come by even in advanced societies ?

What will happen when other countries are in the same situation as us and there is no possibility to get help from china if we're short on respirators ? 

Seriously. This applies to almost everything we are using in our daily lives...

All this is totally dependent on the levels of interconnectivity which exist today. The requisite conditions which have allowed for these complexe webs of causes and conditions to come together are not gonna be present anymore. I don't know if I'm explaining this very well, but there are serious studies of this loss of knowledge and know-how which is probably inevitable by now. I can dig up for references if anyone dares me.. *wink wink*

Seriously. Who's gonna have a smartphone in fifty years ? 20 ? 100 ? Any bets ?

I don't know, I hope I'm not too unskilful, that all this is neither and scary for people, nor ludicrous-sounding, nor radical... It's not radical, not even far-out... It needs to be taken seriously.

The important idea behind my post is this : If we accept the catastrophes which are coming, we can prepare for them in the best possible way, and perhaps avoid the worst. 

For example : my mother has moved to the countryside at an opportune time, it seems, and I've managed to convince her of the necessity of having a great garden... And so I've started working on her autonomy ! She will at some points get chickens, a bee-hive, there will be the possibility to grow more than enough vegetables to be able to trade things with people around, etc. I'm working on getting them to buy a piece of forest, and to think about what it would be like ot live without electricity ;) ;) This is just one area of action.

After the initial schocks of the realization, a whole world of new possibilities and action opens up, which can be incredibly fun !  In fact, you can reconnect with something incredible. It's only been a few decades that we live like we do now. It has not been a success. People were happy before. People have always lived on massively lower levels of energy-consumption. The notion that we are better off being materially wealthy but impotent in most other domains of existence is a myth. One tiny example : the most advanced forms of agriculture which are now being "invented" and experimented with, are starting to resemble more and more what people were always naturally doing... In another area : all traditional cultures had at the core of their organization, some form of spiritual training aimed at allowing their elites to experience the truths that we are here all endeavouring to attain, in this "underground" place, where we are finding nourishment because our own culture has totally forgotten about truth.

The parenthesis, the mistake, was modernity. We will be fine, and better off. Less is more !

Much love.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 3:32 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 3:32 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
 I don't know if I'm explaining this very well, but there are serious studies of this loss of knowledge and know-how which is probably inevitable by now. I can dig up for references if anyone dares me.. *wink wink*

Please post references. I would be interested in reading them. I'm daring you to.

I'm reading and digesting your comments. One thing I will say right away is that I think you are underestimating the resiliency of human society and the technology humanity has developed, and you seem to be overestimating the probability of our collapse, at least in terms of timing if not severity. I'm also not sure you're fully accounting for the positives that can and do come with technology. I doubt you'd like to go back to the good old days of not having antibiotics, vaccines and the like, or would you?

I'll explain in more detail but for now, I have to get back to work.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 2:36 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 2:36 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
 I don't know if I'm explaining this very well, but there are serious studies of this loss of knowledge and know-how which is probably inevitable by now. I can dig up for references if anyone dares me.. *wink wink*

Please post references. I would be interested in reading them. I'm daring you to.

I'm reading and digesting your comments. One thing I will say right away is that I think you are underestimating the resiliency of human society and the technology humanity has developed, and you seem to be overestimating the probability of our collapse, at least in terms of timing if not severity. I'm also not sure you're fully accounting for the positives that can and do come with technology. I doubt you'd like to go back to the good old days of not having antibiotics, vaccines and the like, or would you?

I'll explain in more detail but for now, I have to get back to work.


Hi Chris,

I came to understand that, much like the dharma, there is nothing I could say right now that would take someone to where I am in just one forum post. It's just one of those topics that recquires a lot of reading, learning, accepting, digesting, evolving, opening up, reading, learning, etc.

It's not possible for someone to quickly come to a full appreciation of this situation I'm describing.

It was a long process for me and I can't reasonably expect that someone who is not willing, or not in a position to engage themselves seriously in trying to understand the bigger picture, could come to share my views.

So I decided to keep it simple, after much writing and pondering...

In short, get this book : https://www.wiley.com/en-us/How+Everything+Can+Collapse%3A+A+Manual+for+our+Times-p-9781509541386

It's a huge slap in the face, be warned... For me at least. It contains all the information you need, being a very fact and quantitative oriented discussion, the result of years of work, which draws on hundreds of references, scientific papers, articles, books. It's pretty complex, technical and heavy (and toxic), but I think you have some scientific background, and since this is, to me anyways, the definitive reference, I think that's what one who can handle it should go for.

It is extremely solid, and I would be amazed if you disagreed with say, even 10 percent of it. Even if you did, I doubt that this would be enough to change the general picture. If however you think it's on the whole an over or under estimation of things, or fails to see such and such ... Amazing !!! come back to explain that to me, please ! At least it will be a discussion where we would share a lot of common ground.

The thing about loss of information and knowledge resulting from decomplexification processes of societies, or degrowth, comes from that book, pp. 198 et seq from the french edition.

For some background, the author is a biologist specialized in complex systems who has for instance worked for the european parliament on tasks such as evaluating food safety in europe... Another of his published books, fun read too.

Alternatively one might start with this article as an apéritif (but although it's a serious academic work, it lacks the unshakeably solid feeling that the other one leaves you with) : https://mahb.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/deepadaptation.pdf

There you go emoticon I hope you do read it.

Cheers
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 3:13 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 3:09 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Thank you for the references, Oliver.

Believe it or not, I've read the IFLAS Deep Adaptation paper, and some time ago. I do follow these things. I don't look at the world with rose-colored glasses but I don't use blackout shades, either. I'm extremely concerned about climate change and I think we are well past the point from which we can get away without some very serious effects. We're now into adapting to the coming changes, not preventing them. I'm just not at all sure that we face a high probability of the collapse of civilization, but even with a low probability of occurrence, it's something to think about and have contingency plans for.
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Not two, not one, modified 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 3:24 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 3:24 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
If anyone does wish to read How Everything Can Collapse, I recommend NOT going through Wiley to purchase. Wiley's Vitalsource Bookshelf is the work of the devil. It has been carefully crafted by legions of demons to erode our humanity.  iTunes is better option, and I'm sure there are others.

Malcolm
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 4:00 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/9/20 3:50 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Curious : Oh, thank you for that ! I'd never heard of that site, I just took the first link which wasn't amazon and put a disclaimer in my original post which I accidentally deleted.

Chris : Right, maybe that won't be such a slap in the face for you as it was for me then. I suspect I also read this at a special time in my life, after a long retreat, etc., and so it was particularly impactful for my extremely open awareness. But yeah, I'll be interested in what you think. And just one thing : the name is Oliv i er ;)

Best wishes gentlemen

Edited
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/10/20 7:39 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/10/20 7:39 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
And just one thing : the name is Oliv i er ;)

Yeah, sorry about that. Nasty typo.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 3:27 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 3:06 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Chris Marti:
 I don't know if I'm explaining this very well, but there are serious studies of this loss of knowledge and know-how which is probably inevitable by now. I can dig up for references if anyone dares me.. *wink wink*

Please post references. I would be interested in reading them. I'm daring you to.

I'm reading and digesting your comments. One thing I will say right away is that I think you are underestimating the resiliency of human society and the technology humanity has developed, and you seem to be overestimating the probability of our collapse, at least in terms of timing if not severity. I'm also not sure you're fully accounting for the positives that can and do come with technology. I doubt you'd like to go back to the good old days of not having antibiotics, vaccines and the like, or would you?

I'll explain in more detail but for now, I have to get back to work.


Hi Chris,

I came to understand that, much like the dharma, there is nothing I could say right now that would take someone to where I am in just one forum post. It's just one of those topics that recquires a lot of reading, learning, accepting, digesting, evolving, opening up, reading, learning, etc.

It's not possible for someone to quickly come to a full appreciation of this situation I'm describing.

It was a long process for me and I can't reasonably expect that someone who is not willing, or not in a position to engage themselves seriously in trying to understand the bigger picture, could come to share my views.

So I decided to keep it simple, after much writing and pondering...

In short, get this book : https://www.wiley.com/en-us/How+Everything+Can+Collapse%3A+A+Manual+for+our+Times-p-9781509541386

It's a huge slap in the face, be warned... For me at least. It contains all the information you need, being a very fact and quantitative oriented discussion, the result of years of work, which draws on hundreds of references, scientific papers, articles, books. It's pretty complex, technical and heavy (and toxic), but I think you have some scientific background, and since this is, to me anyways, the definitive reference, I think that's what one who can handle it should go for.

It is extremely solid, and I would be amazed if you disagreed with say, even 10 percent of it. Even if you did, I doubt that this would be enough to change the general picture. If however you think it's on the whole an over or under estimation of things, or fails to see such and such ... Amazing !!! come back to explain that to me, please ! At least it will be a discussion where we would share a lot of common ground.

The thing about loss of information and knowledge resulting from decomplexification processes of societies, or degrowth, comes from that book, pp. 198 et seq from the french edition.

For some background, the author is a biologist specialized in complex systems who has for instance worked for the european parliament on tasks such as evaluating food safety in europe... Another of his published books, fun read too.

Alternatively one might start with this article as an apéritif (but although it's a serious academic work, it lacks the unshakeably solid feeling that the other one leaves you with) : https://mahb.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/deepadaptation.pdf

There you go emoticon I hope you do read it.

Cheers

okay, the book is not yet released! how did you read it? i have pre-ordered it.

i am printing out the stanford article. i am listening to Planète des humains ou Comment le capitalisme a absorbé l'écologie . You are a dangerous man. Est-il vrai que vous êtes très jeune, comme semblait le dire Papa Che?

You've got your seminar here, Olivier,

and Chris has an extraordinary fruit from the seed he planted in this thread.

Let's do this education properly, Professor. Yes?

(edit) Olivier, my email is tim_farrington@msn.com   I would be most grateful if you would write to me there.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 10:25 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 10:25 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Ok, I give up for now, this is the third time the system eats my message... Will come back...
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/13/20 4:30 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/13/20 4:29 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Ok, I give up for now, this is the third time the system eats my message... Will come back...
Olivier, your poor tormented genius: discipline, discipline, discipline. Suck it up, compose on your own word processing, save, and then cut and paste. Just fucking quit bitching and do it, the loss of your posts hurts us all.

“This article may contribute to future work on sustainable management and policy as much by subtraction as by addition. By that I mean the implication is for you to take a time to step back, to consider ‘what if’ the analysis in these pages is true, to allow yourself to grieve, and to overcome the typical fears we all have, to fond meaning in new ways of being and acting. That may be in the fields of academia or management--- or could be in some other field that this realization leads you to.”
 
“Deep Adaptation: A Map for Navigating Climate Tragedy” by Prof. Jem Bendell, PhD

love, tim
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 6:04 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 6:04 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
[quote=Tim Farrington
]
okay, the book is not yet released! how did you read it? i have pre-ordered it.

i am printing out the stanford article. i am listening to Planète des humains ou Comment le capitalisme a absorbé l'écologie . You are a dangerous man. Est-il vrai que vous êtes très jeune, comme semblait le dire Papa Che?

You've got your seminar here, Olivier,

and Chris has an extraordinary fruit from the seed he planted in this thread.

Let's do this education properly, Professor. Yes?

(edit) Olivier, my email is tim_farrington@msn.com   I would be most grateful if you would write to me there.


Sorry about that, I just looked up if there was en english version and posted the first link... perhaps you could get it in french ?

Otherwise, I remember he references a book by Clive Hamilton, Requiem for the human species, or something like that, which is in english and probably shares a lot of content.

Yes I'm almost a kid you could say, being 26 !

I've recently been reproached for my professoral tone by a friend, so, I feel like I should get a grip on that a bit...

Anyways, I don't know, I think with all this you've got a lot on your plate already my friend !

Perhaps another recommentdation from Burbea would interest you, perhaps you know it already, a book by James Hillman called We've had a hundred years of psychotherapy and the world is getting worse. It's very thought-provoking.

Honestly man, we're all in this together, I have, and no one else has, the solutions ! The only things I know for sure, for me at least is that : industrial economies are gonna crash sooner or later ; whether they take everything down with them or not, is a question... ; in the mean time, we can try to wean ourselves off it as much as possible, to (1) avoid prolonging its life expectency (spelling) ; (2) be resilient when conventional supply chains start breaking (3) not participate in the mass extermination of life, and if possible (4) contribute to protecting and restoring life. In fact there are so many so many possibilities open for us ! 
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 4:14 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 4:14 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Much love to you, Olivier!
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 5:23 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 5:23 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
I'm totally with you on this! I'm 45. A bit burned out with fighting for the biodiversity in this world that cares only about money. I'm a natural beekeeper. I try to create lots of wild native biodiversity on our little organic farm and local farmers hate me for it. They say "why are you letting those thistles spread seeds all over our fields, you ought to destroy them". They hate thistles and they hate dandelions. Both amazing pollen sources for pollinators. 

Here in Denmark they have already killed their Mother long ago with plows and poisons (our ground water now has pesticides too). Forests are less and less. As from 2016 we don't get any insects on the cars windshield glass! They are gone. So are Swallows.

Please don't let old farts like myself and Chris put you down with our "smart" comments! We had our chance to make a change and we blew it, like so many from our generation. We ought to shut up and listen to the young ones like you and that brave girl from Sweden , Greta. 

My son is now 4 years old and I will do my best to point him towards people like you and Greta and all those young ones who are just sick and tired of all these lies. 

One thing we can't do. We can not hate all those who are destroying our planets biodiversity, as we , meditators, well know the illusion this I-mind is! Most folks blindly believe they are this chattering mind. This mind that says "I want more, I need more, I need to protect myself, insure myself, build walls around myself, control nature, gain more, more". We can't hate them as they indeed are delusional from a Buddhist perspective. Once we see this mind fall off the wagon, how can I ever take it seriously? Most people lack this insight. 

Still, as they remain part of the Matrix, they are threat to the balance. What we need is more young people taking up another life style. Yes, even without the vaccines Chris. Do you fear death emoticon Do you desire a Covid Vaccine? I say to hell with it. 

Our planet is overpopulated with humans as is. Looking at today's politics no one wants to back of from consumerism. US the least. 

All we old farts can do is spread the Dhamma to those who lend their ear. And do it well. Last thing we are to do is lecture young folks like Olivier. We are to lend him our ear and give all the support as their fight will be a tough one. The beast we call Stock Market is their main enemy. Only way to sever its many heads is by utterly not supporting it. 

I salute you Olivier for you bravery. I also wish you to practice well so you can be of even more benefit to the many that come after us. 
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:04 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:01 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
You should see my small patio. I have invited nature to it, and it said hell yeah. Bees love it. Hedgehogs too. 

This really seems to be a generation thing. I'll be 45 this year too and I agree (well, not to all of it - I do want vaccines, because lack of vaccines kills vulnerable people). It might be vanity speaking, but I suspect we are still relatively young in this company. 

And I'm utterly tired of any lecturing of people who are willing to make personal sacrifices to change things for the benefit of all beings, regardless of whether it comes from old farts or rinpoches or nice realized people in denial or nice realized people who think one should practice instead or whatever. 

Anyway, if we wish to keep technology, we'd better get started with cradle-to-cradle production in order to use resources more efficiently and sustainably and avoid toxic waste and health-threatening handlings of toxic waste. 
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 2:03 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 2:03 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
I would love to see that patio emoticon are you inviting me? emoticon 
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 2:58 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 2:58 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
I would love to see that patio emoticon are you inviting me? emoticon 


Haha, sure, after Corona. Sweden is not that far away for you. You would be welcome.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 5:30 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 5:30 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Ah Sverige emoticon I lived in Malmö for 8 years. Also had a nice stuga in Ballingslöv. Love Swedish nature! 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:53 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/6/20 6:50 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Yes, even without the vaccines Chris. Do you fear death emoticon Do you desire a Covid Vaccine? I say to hell with it. 

Papa Che!

I'm in awe. I'll admit it - at first read, I thought this was just an emotionally charged rant. Childish taunting. But on the second read it dawned on my poor old-age addled brain, and an epiphany blossomed. This is actually an amazing modern example of the lost art of..  satire! It's more cutting, better than Swift when at his best. A Modest Proposal, indeed!

You've blown me away, my friend.

<<bows>>
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 2:06 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 2:06 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Oh stop it Chris.  See what you did now; you made this childish old fart blush. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 5:38 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 5:38 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
Oh stop it Chris.  See what you did now; you made this childish old fart blush. 


Papa Che, you're not necessarily a childish old fart. You may be, per the wisdom of Linda, a rinpoche, or a nice realized person in denial or a nice realized person who thinks one should practice instead, or whatever. She didn't say, because she is probably a nice realized person, but you may also be a realized asshole, of course. And besides, Christ is not afraid of death; if anything, he seems occasionally suicidal, unless he is able to practice the proper Boolean discipline.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 6:03 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 6:03 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Papa Che Dusko:
Oh stop it Chris.  See what you did now; you made this childish old fart blush. 


Papa Che, you're not necessarily a childish old fart. You may be, per the wisdom of Linda, a rinpoche, or a nice realized person in denial or a nice realized person who thinks one should practice instead, or whatever. She didn't say, because she is probably a nice realized person, but you may also be a realized asshole, of course. And besides, Christ is not afraid of death; if anything, he seems occasionally suicidal, unless he is able to practice the proper Boolean discipline.

I know He was not afraid of death as He was the Son of God granted place on His Fathers side. 
It was easy for Christ knowing he had a certain pass to the Kingdom of Heaven. 

emoticon 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 6:11 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 6:11 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
Tim Farrington:
Papa Che Dusko:
Oh stop it Chris.  See what you did now; you made this childish old fart blush. 


Papa Che, you're not necessarily a childish old fart. You may be, per the wisdom of Linda, a rinpoche, or a nice realized person in denial or a nice realized person who thinks one should practice instead, or whatever. She didn't say, because she is probably a nice realized person, but you may also be a realized asshole, of course. And besides, Christ is not afraid of death; if anything, he seems occasionally suicidal, unless he is able to practice the proper Boolean discipline.

I know He was not afraid of death as He was the Son of God granted place on His Fathers side. 
It was easy for Christ knowing he had a certain pass to the Kingdom of Heaven. 

emoticon 

Typo. Seriously, a fucking typo. I meant CHRIS MARTI is not afraid of death. Jesus was actually scared shitless, and rightfully so, take this fucking cup away from me, indeed, right up until the night before. And no, I do not believe, at this time, that ChrisM is the second coming of Christ, unless he claims to be, at which point i would have to give ithe issue more thought and apply proper rabbinical discernment.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 6:20 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 6:20 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
p.s. Papa Che, please forgive the confusion and my poor proof-readings skills sowing such confusion. I would go back and edit or even delete the post in question, but then it might suggest to everyone else that you and i had gone completely insane. So I will let it stand as a small monument, humbling to the max, to my unskillful means of communication.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 10:06 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 10:06 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
I know what you meant emoticon I was just takin' a piss emoticon 

BTW, dear folks I'm off to sit now. I'm sure much of this stuff will creep into me practice if I'm not being mindfull! Noting Aloud here I come! 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 6:59 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 6:58 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
I know what you meant emoticon I was just takin' a piss emoticon 

BTW, dear folks I'm off to sit now. I'm sure much of this stuff will creep into me practice if I'm not being mindfull! Noting Aloud here I come! 
emoticon

Papa Che, you wily young dharma fox, i think that someday, as you sit in flawless meditation, you will note the arising and passing away of a bit of dukkha that in light of anatta is simply major fucking regret that you tipped me off to the use of emjois!!!!!!!!! emoticonemoticonemoticonemoticon

I vow in your honor to only use this incredible siddhi in the service of the salvation of all sentient beings. emoticon
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 8:38 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 8:38 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Papa Che Dusko:
I know what you meant emoticon I was just takin' a piss emoticon 

BTW, dear folks I'm off to sit now. I'm sure much of this stuff will creep into me practice if I'm not being mindfull! Noting Aloud here I come! 
emoticon

Papa Che, you wily young dharma fox, i think that someday, as you sit in flawless meditation, you will note the arising and passing away of a bit of dukkha that in light of anatta is simply major fucking regret that you tipped me off to the use of emjois!!!!!!!!! emoticonemoticonemoticonemoticon

I vow in your honor to only use this incredible siddhi in the service of the salvation of all sentient beings. emoticon

You are a darling Tim emoticon 
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 1:29 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 1:27 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Papa Che Dusko:
Oh stop it Chris.  See what you did now; you made this childish old fart blush. 


Papa Che, you're not necessarily a childish old fart. You may be, per the wisdom of Linda, a rinpoche, or a nice realized person in denial or a nice realized person who thinks one should practice instead, or whatever. She didn't say, because she is probably a nice realized person, but you may also be a realized asshole, of course. 

He can't be an old fart. That would mean that I am too, and there's no fucking way. We are young, newborn even, and innocent and unfuckupable.

Seriously, look at that babyface (I mean the big one) - that's not the face of an old fart. 
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 8:36 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 8:36 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö:
Tim Farrington:
Papa Che Dusko:
Oh stop it Chris.  See what you did now; you made this childish old fart blush. 


Papa Che, you're not necessarily a childish old fart. You may be, per the wisdom of Linda, a rinpoche, or a nice realized person in denial or a nice realized person who thinks one should practice instead, or whatever. She didn't say, because she is probably a nice realized person, but you may also be a realized asshole, of course. 

He can't be an old fart. That would mean that I am too, and there's no fucking way. We are young, newborn even, and innocent and unfuckupable.

Seriously, look at that babyface (I mean the big one) - that's not the face of an old fart. 

That photo if me is 4 years old !!! 
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 4/10/20 8:28 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/10/20 8:25 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Papa Che Dusko:
I'm totally with you on this! I'm 45. A bit burned out with fighting for the biodiversity in this world that cares only about money. I'm a natural beekeeper. I try to create lots of wild native biodiversity on our little organic farm and local farmers hate me for it. They say "why are you letting those thistles spread seeds all over our fields, you ought to destroy them". They hate thistles and they hate dandelions. Both amazing pollen sources for pollinators. 

Here in Denmark they have already killed their Mother long ago with plows and poisons (our ground water now has pesticides too). Forests are less and less. As from 2016 we don't get any insects on the cars windshield glass! They are gone. So are Swallows.

Please don't let old farts like myself and Chris put you down with our "smart" comments! We had our chance to make a change and we blew it, like so many from our generation. We ought to shut up and listen to the young ones like you and that brave girl from Sweden , Greta. 

My son is now 4 years old and I will do my best to point him towards people like you and Greta and all those young ones who are just sick and tired of all these lies. 

One thing we can't do. We can not hate all those who are destroying our planets biodiversity, as we , meditators, well know the illusion this I-mind is! Most folks blindly believe they are this chattering mind. This mind that says "I want more, I need more, I need to protect myself, insure myself, build walls around myself, control nature, gain more, more". We can't hate them as they indeed are delusional from a Buddhist perspective. Once we see this mind fall off the wagon, how can I ever take it seriously? Most people lack this insight. 

Still, as they remain part of the Matrix, they are threat to the balance. What we need is more young people taking up another life style. Yes, even without the vaccines Chris. Do you fear death emoticon Do you desire a Covid Vaccine? I say to hell with it. 

Our planet is overpopulated with humans as is. Looking at today's politics no one wants to back of from consumerism. US the least. 

All we old farts can do is spread the Dhamma to those who lend their ear. And do it well. Last thing we are to do is lecture young folks like Olivier. We are to lend him our ear and give all the support as their fight will be a tough one. The beast we call Stock Market is their main enemy. Only way to sever its many heads is by utterly not supporting it. 

I salute you Olivier for you bravery. I also wish you to practice well so you can be of even more benefit to the many that come after us. 

Hi Papa Che ! 

Thank you for your niceness, though I'm not doing anything very brave to be honest ! It's kind of a minimum in my view ... But you're right, most people don't want...
I think generations should not fight each other either, and I don't feel like I'm in a position to lecture people on their behavior, but I do see that most people just can't help it for reasons which often makes it hard to hate them ^^ 

Although that is definitely an area of work : how to face all this toxic stuff and darkness with a bright perspective and compassion ? I find it difficult sometimes. The notion that, like you say, this could have been prevented pretty easily, can trigger some... contempt, or ill-will and such. Sure, this is true about anything, as soon as you start to look at what seems wrong about the world and people's behavior, but the magnitude of the current destruction of life in all its forms is just so comically disproportionate, nd its causes so pathetic... The balance between acceptance and enough revolt that serious action will be taken, is very tricky, I find... What do you reckon ?

Anyways, cheers my friend.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/11/20 4:36 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/11/20 3:53 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Nice documentary, called Planet of the humans, which explains why

-"renewable energies" are neither renewable nor clean
-how the notion that future technological inventions are gonna save us is just gonna make things more terrible
-have only watched the first 30 min so far, so, probably other intersting things emoticon

Although the video title in this link is in french, the video is in english : Here

Edited as I watch : Hilariously, it seems that the increased use of "clean energies" this past decades corresponds to the sharpest rise in fossil fuel consumption ever !!

Almost as hilarious is the fact that : solar panels are built from coal. They melt coal and quartz at a very high temp, using coal furnaces, for the silicium.

A quote : "The problem with all of these materials, is that it takes a incredible amount of energy to mine and process all of the materials that go into building something like this ["clean" energy power plants]. You use more fossil fuels to do this than you get benefit from it. You would have been better off just burning the fossil fuels in the first place instead of playing pretend. [...] This relies on the most toxic and industrial processes that we'e ever created. "

Otherwise, I wanted to link this Rob Burbea talk from 2011, called The meditator as revolutionary, where he suggests that SE could be defined as the willingness to enter into civil disobedience to try to avoid impending doom emoticon A funny and thought-provoking idea : There
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 7:53 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 7:53 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Olivier --

What do you think the ongoing pandemic will do to the environment (short-term), and to the long-term effort to stave off environmental disaster? Will it accelerate our decline or could the pandemic become the fulcrum leveraging us to a better future? It seems to me this is a Black Swan that comes along only every so often, and that it can be used for good or for ill, depending.

Thoughts?
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 5:54 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 5:51 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Olivier --

What do you think the ongoing pandemic will do to the environment (short-term), and to the long-term effort to stave off environmental disaster? Will it accelerate our decline or could the pandemic become the fulcrum leveraging us to a better future? It seems to me this is a Black Swan that comes along only every so often, and that it can be used for good or for ill, depending.

Thoughts?
Well I agree !

I think, though, we should remember that this isn't that big of a deal compared to what awaits us, without wanting to be alarmist.

It should be put into perspective. In the sixties there was an episode of Hong-Kong flu, which killed over 30 000 people in france - nobody made a big deal out of it. Every year, 600 000 people die in france - 27 000 have died of corona so far. The leading causes of mortality except natural death in the world are, from what I gather : air pollution, tobacco smoke, alcohol consumption, obesity, malnutrition. 

I'm no expert on any of those things, but have been listening and reading a lot. Right now obviously, environmentally speaking, things have been bette during the economic stop, you can tell : I see a bunch more birds in the sky than usual, and other things like that, more insects, etc. It's very nice.

In the long-term, I don't think the people who have interests in growth will turn away from that easily. We should expect some kinds of moves which will try to capitalize on the "shock", I have no idea how exactly, but they are gonna try. One small example : the EU has just signed a neo-liberal trade agreement with mexico while everybody is looking in the other direction.

The fact that everyone is talking about "relance", about getting things back to "normal", is a tell... The people in power have been elected, or have gotten there, by internalizing a competitive and profit driven ideology. Do people usually change quickly ? I don't know... The institutions in place have been built according to certain world-views and certain .. hm .. attitudes ?

Here in France, there are many many voices being heard saying that we should change something about the system, relocalize the entirety of our productions for instance. In the major newspapers, grous of famous people are signing collective articles saying : let's not go back ! Let's stave off environmental catastrophy ! etc.

These things are being heard. But I really think that individuals have a huge role to play here, because, what are you gonna do, huge lobbies have more influence than environmentalists. And lobbies won't stop lobbying.

My position is : I hope this lasts long enough to deal a hard enough blow that things are actually gonna HAVE to change. I don't know what that would mean exactly, but something like a heart attack to the world economy which produces systemic failure of some kind. Hoping that it won't be too hard on people. In any case, it would be less intense than nothing happening at all.

Anyways, sorry but I don't have much of an idea what will happen.

Here's an interview of a VERY bearded Noam Chomsky about this, it puts thigns in perspective, and as always he has a refreshing take on the subject, including fun facts like "we knew that there would be a coronavirus outbreak years ago" emoticonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-N3In2rLI4

Cheers my friends,

Olivier

ps : Just wanted to add something : in any case, I think it's a good time to reflect, on the notion for instance that food shortages are extremely likely to happen in many place at some point, given the interconnectivity of the global system, and so, if you can garden, maybe start honing your skills just in case emoticon If everybody does it, we're golden
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 12:06 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 12:06 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Olivier --

What do you think the ongoing pandemic will do to the environment (short-term), and to the long-term effort to stave off environmental disaster? Will it accelerate our decline or could the pandemic become the fulcrum leveraging us to a better future? It seems to me this is a Black Swan that comes along only every so often, and that it can be used for good or for ill, depending.

Thoughts?
I think what has most obviously emerged in light of the ongoing pandemic is the astonishing efficacy and power of government control. 

and :
I am struck by Neale’s assertion in https://theecologist.org/2019/may/08/social-collapse-and-climate-breakdown that one of the main features of a societal “breakdown” and climate/resources/virus/population-crash global emergency is likely to be not the disappearance of governments, but the kind of extraordinary cementing of control by governments that we are seeing in the covid crisis. I live among poor blacks and poor whites, mostly, here, and strangely enough, neither of these seemingly irreconcilable and seemingly naturally antagonistic groups trust the government a bit, and they’re all sure that once the crisis is “past,” the government will not back off from the kind of social control they’ve suddenly realized they can exercise in the face of a kind of natural Pearl Harbor mobilizing the country’s spirit and its fears.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 11:36 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 11:36 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 77 Join Date: 2/6/20 Recent Posts
Unable to post!
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 11:51 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 11:51 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
What I said about this posting issue in another topic just now, to Olivier:

 Is there a technique for getting it back ? 

Not as far as I can tell, and this happens to me 
a lot, too, In fact, it just happened as I posted this reply.

What I do:

1) Compose posts in Word and paste them here
2) Compose posts here but save them every so often in the clipboard to preserve them

That's all I can suggest.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 2:15 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 2:13 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 77 Join Date: 2/6/20 Recent Posts
Hi Olivier,
I'd differ here -- I don't think the documentary you mention
made a cogent case against renewables. All it proves is that the current
capitalist system along with renewables has not worked. True solar
energy requires other raw materials and coal or other fossils
to make but if most of the  energy were renewable (solar for example), we
 would likely be in a much better place -- solar cells last decently long
enough. This has not been possible, and I like to believe, this has
to do with the system not renewables. Sure, the resources needed to make
the renewables will run out too at some point -- so in that sense, nothing
is renewable.

That said (and maybe this is your point),
I do like to believe that preventing global warming is the wrong
question. It's another self-centered questions we humans ask, now that we
see ourselves on the edge of destruction. The right question is: how to live
in harmony with the planet and other species -- and how to live in a way to
kill as little as possible. We humans are involved in mass killing currently
-- the current anthropocene is supposed to have started thousands of years
ago -- when humans started large scale deforestation in order to achieve the
ease of cultivation and settling down. Then came industrial revolution which
gave the anthropocene another big push. That global warming goes away --
should be a result of living in harmony with other species -- not the goal
-- so is my not so humble opinion.

I like the thought about SE and revolutionaries. Though what does SE stand for?
Is it fruition? From other posts on DhO, I gather it comes after EQ -- thus my
guess that it is fruition.

Mike.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 6:15 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 6:15 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Mike Smirnoff:
Hi Olivier,
I'd differ here -- I don't think the documentary you mention
made a cogent case against renewables. All it proves is that the current
capitalist system along with renewables has not worked. True solar
energy requires other raw materials and coal or other fossils
to make but if most of the  energy were renewable (solar for example), we
 would likely be in a much better place -- solar cells last decently long
enough. This has not been possible, and I like to believe, this has
to do with the system not renewables. Sure, the resources needed to make
the renewables will run out too at some point -- so in that sense, nothing
is renewable.

That said (and maybe this is your point),
I do like to believe that preventing global warming is the wrong
question. It's another self-centered questions we humans ask, now that we
see ourselves on the edge of destruction. The right question is: how to live
in harmony with the planet and other species -- and how to live in a way to
kill as little as possible. We humans are involved in mass killing currently
-- the current anthropocene is supposed to have started thousands of years
ago -- when humans started large scale deforestation in order to achieve the
ease of cultivation and settling down. Then came industrial revolution which
gave the anthropocene another big push. That global warming goes away --
should be a result of living in harmony with other species -- not the goal
-- so is my not so humble opinion.

I like the thought about SE and revolutionaries. Though what does SE stand for?
Is it fruition? From other posts on DhO, I gather it comes after EQ -- thus my
guess that it is fruition.

Mike.
SE is stream entry = fruition yes, in the way we think about it hear, others differ, and in fact so many opinions exist that probably you could give any definition, which is what Burbea is doing, I guess jokingly.

Yeah, I guess shifting perspective to a positive version of the story could be helpful, nice.

About your renewables paragraph, I mean, yes there are renewables, and the sun is renewable. Plants already exist, we don't have to go looking very far.

But, a question : if you can come up with a solution in three seconds while responding to me here, why has no one else enacted it already ? If they had actual renewables, they would have made and commercialized them already. Why ? Because their motivation is profit. It's a promess of more profit for them if society keeps functioning than if it doesn't. They know that. 

We have all the solutions : stop overconsuming. Live in harmony with the natural world, as you suggest.

Will we do it ? Will we reorganize our lives drastically to cut off by 90 percent you energy consumption ? That is the minimum needed emoticon emoticon

Hey, I just thought of an interesting read for anyone interested, kind of on this topic : it's "Touch the earth" by T C Mc Luhan (from the top of my head). It's an anthology of writings from native americans. It's amazing, they just knew it was gonna happen, because they had a different relationship with other living beings.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 11:36 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/14/20 10:41 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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For one, it did not take me 3 seconds and secondly, I've not provided any solution. This is a question I've thought about on and off for years and I  had already seen this documentary before you mentioning it.

For why is it difficult to change anything: The reason is the same as 1) At an individual level -- why we humans have difficulty changing bad habits? , and 2) at a system level: why bad capitalist systems finally just end up pandering to the rich without much concern for society? This is as regards why we've not been able to implement renewables properly. Or so is my guess. And the situation is definitely more complicated. Or maybe it is just as simple as that we humans have a shelf-life. I'm no authority.

As regards the anthropocene started 1000's of years ago I don't have any deep thoughts on how to go back to the pre-deforestation kind of life-style, and whether it is a good thing [[Edit: Meaning, I personally would like to believe that it's a good thing, but much more research & understanding is needed I think in order to get to an understanding of how to structure a healthy society]]
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 6:41 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 6:37 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
For one, it did not take me 3 seconds and secondly, I've not provided any solution. This is a question I've thought about on and off for years and I  had already seen this documentary before you mentioning it.

What I assumed you were saying was that there was a way to produce (1) let's say the same amount of total energy (E) as we are needing right now with our current lifestyles, which can actually be given a pretty accurate number (2) but to have E replaced by sustainable and non polluting energy sources, and somehow I heard in what you were saying that something like solar cells could be a good candidate in your view. Sorry if I was mistaken !

In any case just to clarify what I mean : from what I've read from more informed people than I, this is simply wishful thinking emoticon

As I understand it, the two things we have in front of us is (a) Too Many People (b) Too Much Resources Being Used Per Capita. It seems very complicated for humans to change (b), as you say... As for (a), well, it's a bit taboo, although, see this (I'm sure you know this paper but perhaps some others here don't) :  World scientists' second warning to humanity [url=]https://watermark.silverchair.com/bix125.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAoAwggJ8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggJtMIICaQIBADCCAmIGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMXk1NJ33uXnFoGUMbAgEQgIICM0oGPQQmKMVyjE60gZ_HyWuWEi4vayNRtg-h2--vjE4dPdeCpsNRRnp0rk5S7SXZzLJjAH0hLJ7zoYNhVolTFJj1TfaMAR4FVQOpuiocOGu2JJy8FwIkEf2wpmVmdfYndJhIsJPM81mji_BDZJo7xI-IdvtjyqkIgJAB3CMkidQ84BYsfL9Pe1rgX0kMSwNAWoBTgd9Ry7BjEcv2hlByr2UM0DhQ6CdQHXr9kdDZ1usUpdRpFsqaOL7DvkKhJvciLka5yMvFTaPe3LOxAsZkpuwSLOMp7rV6K15lMWltlf6pUxJVyHreQGWd39aTn0TWj8wQ8EhHp-HbwniY93qYV8GUYLqlkZf3Bk0l6zESrn-20kmEsv2FpYsDCY7AxUH-z9Q4Ix33pqpG-9Ra2-IltueNS7Yx6VfOULFjcyDMk_2pAmfk9RQGtyo7vXqpRP915tRXBX4Z-iePlCLgspTKjBa59ouEi7LemGf_Rb96Mihf6X84cqGVH6qQGTZaJxM1jIdkZtj9vquskYZX-NJ2-UaH1W9dRULkobcNzi1oWgVDXYm6sg5vgyittYzEbyq0U62BtLS7I7FzhoOj3JQyXD6cjxGmCTpsvOuxlpFypdmzHtJcfQfQg6WFmIIJq6E8dk4QK_s0wgA9SN_chlJ0TVvMow1kV_f2GIAEi9sON76uh1Cfm-PukGXZ_lOaCbCyKQwg8IjxJ-qDm6-SpLKdM8IFi_obc7ZLt3NZkkwTG-Ftpc3F

(Sorry I can't manage to reduce the link)

My personal intuition regarding this, Mike, is that collectively embodying a sense of sacredness of existence and nature would be the most profound and perhaps only viable solution to this.
And that we would have much to learn from native peoples.

I guess this is a bit like what you meant when you said that trying to mitigate climate change is the wrong way to look at it, but that what we are trying to do is save life and become aware of the sacredness of life and all life forms ? I agree with you fully on that... As if focusing on external factors is not the key...
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 7:06 AM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

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Yeah, that's sort of what I meant, the points 1) and 2) you mention. Just that it was an opinion -- not a solution. Maybe we are just playing with words here. The point  I was really making was that the documentary definitely is not making a cogent point that renewables won't work. Regarding other sources you mention, I don't know. There are people I trust who seem to think that solar is a good idea. But yes, I don't know enough to say this with any certainty.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 7:51 AM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

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Sure, the documentary by itself is not enough. There are other sources of info though ;(

Just in terms of , what's it called, energy return units ? The ratio of energy put in to energy got out off of an energy source. WHen you're building an energy source, you have to put in energy to make that device, first, right ? You can quantify that.

The numbers i'l quote are from memory, but you can find all this in the first book I referenced to chris (once it's translated...).
So oil, beginning of the 20th century, had a ratio of 100:1 or something like that. Put in one unit of energy get 100 back. Very good.

Nowadays, non-conventional oils have a ratio of 1.8:1. 

It's soon gonna become more energy-consuming to extract fossil fuels, than energy producing. At 1:1 you just have to stop because it is useless.

Alternative energy sources seem to have much lower efficiency than fossil fuels, than the ratio that has been necessary in order to build the current system. For instance, I think at max capacity, wind mills have an energy return of 18:1, which is rather good.

But it has been estimated that : there is not enough fossil fuels over the 1:1 ratio left on earth in order to produce enough alternative energy sources with lower efficiency rates like wind mills and solar that would cover up current needs. That's a bit convoluted but wrap your head around it....

It takes energy to produce a windmill, to produce solar cells, to produce whatever. To produce (E) energy, you need X windmills. Currently, (E), the global energy consumption, is produced through a mix of energy sources, mainly fossil. If we were to want to replace all energy sources by "renewables" to produce clean (E), there is not enough energy from fossil fuels left on earth to produce and renew X windmills, while still producing (E) in the intermediary period where we are trying to build the X wind mills, it seems. Just being schematic ...

And, of course, the industrial chains, mining, transport, mineral processing/chemistry/etc., the machines which produce the machines which produce solar cells, all of this is ultimately relying on fossil fuels. The documentary had the merit of showing that pretty well. Sure, you can create a net zero emission electric car : awesome. But to build the car parts you have used fossil fuels. How much ? It turns out, perhaps more than you would have for a normal car. Etc.

I'm not making any of this up, and there is a counter-argument to any kind of solution that we could imagine, to any that I've been able to come up with anyways... 

This kind of saturation and increasing scarcity of resources is the case in most domains : rare metals needed for virtually all technology are simply running out. Running out. 

Today a modern fisherman, equipped with gps tracking technology and radars and whatnot, things which were unthinkable a couple of generations ago, are still getting like, something of the order of magnitude of 10 times less catch than two generations ago.

There is no turning away from the fact that (E) is not gonna be available anymore, soon. It's a bit like death... some day, you know... we are not infinite. 

Refusing that, by dreaming up unthought of solutions for the future, is unrealistic and dangerous. It provides the incentive to deny our situation, and to further the destruction of life to "temporarily" meet our energy needs, until we find a way to have a clean source for that.

It's impossible ! It must be said firmly.

A finite world, with finite resources, cannot support infinite growth - it is just common sense.

I think we should collectively acknoledge that, grieve, and then start being responsible !

If we accept catastrophe, that is how we will be able to avert it.

--

To go back on the covid -19 thing : just found this, thought I'd share : https://forge.medium.com/prepare-for-the-ultimate-gaslighting-6a8ce3f0a0e0

Food security :
https://www.scientistswarning.org/coronavirus-food-security-and-sustainability-in-a-just-in-time-global-supply-chain/
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 7:55 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 7:55 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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I don't see your argument. (Not saying you're wrong -- just that I don't see it).
Let's say we're able to get to some kind of population stabilization in say some 10's of years.
We're able to get to a point where there is enough solar so that everything is being powered using solar & the rest of the solar cell production can be carried out using the existing solar + raw materials used to make solar.
Then, how is this not sustainable for the amount of the time the raw materials used to make solar panels exist?
[[there is of course the energy of storing solar -- let's assume we're able to get around that somehow]] 
True, finite resources can't produce infinite production but we don't need infinite production if population stabilizes and people don't want infinite amount of things for themselves.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 7:59 AM
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My opinion is that we need to start to redefine "wealth" to mean less about material possessions and amassing huge sums of money and to mean more about personal well-being, sustainable societies, and the well-being, on average, of every human on this planet.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 8:12 AM
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I'd agree -- with the difference that we should not be worried just about humans but about all species.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 8:15 AM
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That's a good fix to what I said.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:00 AM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
I don't see your argument. (Not saying you're wrong -- just that I don't see it). What do you mean ? My argument is that there is no possibility of producing (E) through solar energy for instance.
Let's say we're able to get to some kind of population stabilization in say some 10's of years.
We're able to get to a point where there is enough solar so that everything is being powered using solar I just showed how this is not possible... & the rest of the solar cell production can be carried out using the existing solar + raw materials used to make solar.
Then, how is this not sustainable for the amount of the time the raw materials used to make solar panels exist?
[[there is of course the energy of storing solar -- let's assume we're able to get around that somehow]] 
True, finite resources can't produce infinite production but we don't need infinite production if population stabilizes and people don't want infinite amount of things for themselves.
Honestly, I'm starting to feel like you have an agenda, Mike. I'm providing realisitc information with sources and you keep using the same but-if-we-find-a-magical-solution thinking and disregarding my arguments, or saying you don't see them, and using that as a way to push forward a kind of "clean growth" or "clean business as usual" POV. 

Maybe someone has some money invested in solar cells ? *wink wink wink* 

Or, perhaps, you just misunderstood and in that case, I'll be happy to clarify anything ?

We do not have tens of years my friend. We have a couple of years to cut off emissions by 86 percents.

Said in the spirit of gentle poking, not harshness.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:10 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:10 AM

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No agenda. I don't have any money in solar or renewable energy.

I don't see how the same amount of energy E cannot be produced with solar. Of course, this would need a huge infrastructure over-haul -- and that in my opinion, is the bottle-neck, not solar per say.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:43 AM
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Because the amount of energy that would be needed to produce this much solar is not available.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:46 AM
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Prove it.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:50 AM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
No agenda. I don't have any money in solar or renewable energy.

I don't see how the same amount of energy E cannot be produced with solar. Of course, this would need a huge infrastructure over-haul -- and that in my opinion, is the bottle-neck, not solar per say.
Mike, most simply put, to produce solar cells requires a vast amount of coal or other non-renewalbles in itself. The pure quartz (not cheap itself) misy be heated to 4000 degrees to produce many elements of solar panels. By the time you've spent the coal to make the cell, you'd have been better off to have used the coal directly to make electricity in the first place. Cells are not immortal, too: you will never be free of the requirement aof making new cells, on the firm invisible foundation of cheap, available coal, which is disappearing under the feet o solar, and will take solar down with it and the rest of civilization as we know it when that coal well runs dry.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:53 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 9:53 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Show me the numbers.

Let's say, to start with, show me the numbers for:

1. How much energy is needed to produce a solar cell.
2. How long is the solar cell expected to last.
3. How much energy is expected to be produced out of the solar cell during the time period that it lasts.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:02 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:01 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
Show me the numbers.

Let's say, to start with, show me the numbers for:

1. How much energy is needed to produce a solar cell.
2. How long is the solar cell expected to last.
3. How much energy is expected to be produced out of the solar cell during the time period that it lasts.

So, I would redirect you to the Pablo Servigne book I referenced above, pp.43-57. In there, the numbers you are asking for are given, and much more. This 14 page section of the book references 58 scientific papers. Although the specific numbers are all debatable within a certain range, the global picture that emerges is less questionnable. 

The problem is, it seems this book has not come out yet in english. I could manually post the references of these papers, as well as translate myself and post this section of the book, but that would mean you have have to go through them and do the huge synthesis work that Servigne has done yourself.

I could do it, if you're up for that. I'm not gonna spend hours on this for no reason, though emoticon.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:02 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:01 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
Show me the numbers.

Let's say, to start with, show me the numbers for:

1. How much energy is needed to produce a solar cell.
2. How long is the solar cell expected to last.
3. How much energy is expected to be produced out of the solar cell during the time period that it lasts.


Mike, if you're determined to play the devil's advocate, or hard-nosed skeptic, or simply asshole, on this thread, then have the decency to do your fucking homework. Olivier supplied multiple fucking links in his initial posts. Why the fuck should we bog down the discussion for someone too fucking lazy to even do the work already done here?

best link reamins, as it has been since this fucking thread started:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycN3mVW1fow&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR26Dv_jw7XNLjZkscwIE1agmb-kW0K_zY5IOZeJ4zUDrmizdtHyOtg_uDc


Olivier also cites two other key texts he recommends to get your feet wet here, one a book, and one article. if you can be bothered, the fucking links are fucking placed perfectly at the fucking beginning of this conversation you're trolling, above.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:18 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:10 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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What makes you think I've not looked at those links?
FYI: I've looked at some of them -- though not all. 

I've not found it convincing.



Also, next time, mind your language. I've flagged this post of yours. And Chris will tell us whether your language is appropriate. 

Edit: The youtube link you provide: for planet of the humans, which you call the "best" link proves nothing -- there are no numbers. I've commented on that and Olivier has agreed that just that does not produce a case. So, consider the possibility that you're not following the discussion rather than using abusive language and pointing fingers at others.

Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:31 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:26 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Honestly, though... emoticon 

But people who only swear by "numbers" will only be convinced by numbers, even if they saw it right in front of their eyes, they would need some scientist to tell them using equations that yes, it's true, and so that's why people like Servigne have written books like he did... 

Anyways, Mike, if I do this will you go through all the articles and check the numbers ? 

(edit : btw : an energy specialist interviewed about energy telling you things, but not giving you numbers, is not a convincing case ? I don't agree with you that this documentary is not a convincing case. And to end with a joke : want a number ?

Here it is : 

7

...)
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:37 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:37 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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How many articles are we talking about? If it is 2, I'd be happy to look at them. I can't promise I would be willing to check out 30 articles. So I won't insist on you doing the work on putting down 30 articles here.

I've checked out the following: the Planet of the Humans and the file deepadaptation.pdf. From those, I don't come to any definite conclusions.

It'd be easier if you provided the 3 numbers I asked for -- but this is up to you.

What do you mean by "Even if they saw it right in front of their eyes?" Hitler saw right in front of his eyes that what he was doing the right thing. We know the consequences of that. Most people are incapable of being precise -- and then they go based on make-believe. Consider the possibility that that's exactly what you're doing.

Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:46 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:43 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
How many articles are we talking about? If it is 2, I'd be happy to look at them. I can't promise I would be willing to check out 30 articles. So I won't insist on you doing the work on putting down 30 articles here.

I've checked out the following: the Planet of the Humans and the file deepadaptation.pdf. From those, I don't come to any definite conclusions.

It'd be easier if you provided the 3 numbers I asked for -- but this is up to you.

What do you mean by "Even if they saw it right in front of their eyes?" Hitler saw right in front of his eyes that what he was doing the right thing. We know the consequences of that. Most people are incapable of being precise -- and then they go based on make-believe. Consider the possibility that that's exactly what you're doing.


Ok man, here, you are the one incapable of being precise and going based on make belief.

I just told you I was willing to put references to a total number of 58 scientific papers from which you will be able to gather enough information to understand that what i've been talking about is in fact correct. Because that is the number that is necessary to realize that yes, there is no way renewables are going to do what you claim they could.

Now, you refuse to do the work, and accuse me of being imprecise and spreading misinformation.

I call serious bullshit.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:46 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:46 AM

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You're asking me to read 58 papers.
I'm asking you to provide 3 numbers which you seem unwilling to provide.


So, where's the bullshit?
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:07 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:07 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
You're asking me to read 58 papers.
I'm asking you to provide 3 numbers which you seem unwilling to provide.


So, where's the bullshit?


The bullshit here is squarely on you, Mike. You are my friend, and i hate this, but you are here as a dilettante and a carper. This is a serious thread on a particular topic: WHAT IF this documentary is correct? Can we do the work of grief and despair that consideration brings? How would we go about doing that. We are not trying to convert or convince anyone here.

I think the worst bullshit you've pulled here is wasting the precious time of a man who has in fact read the 60 fucking articles you can't be bothered to read. It took serious effort on the part of several people to convince Olivier to host this seminar, he thought it was a waste of time. And now you are here proving him right.

Flag this fucking post too. Do your fucking homework. I would rather you simply gracefully withdraw from this thread, as from a party you crashed by mistake. No harm, no foul.
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:44 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:44 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Good to know that you think that the documentary provides a convincing case -- now we know where we differ.
I'd suggest you to ask Noam Chomsky, what he thinks of the documentary and how convincing a case it makes. He's usually available on e-mail. He seems to be someone you admire (unless I got it wrong based on what you've written) and I admire too.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:45 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:45 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
Good to know that you think that the documentary provides a convincing case -- now we know where we differ.
I'd suggest you to ask Noam Chomsky, what he thinks of the documentary and how convincing a case it makes. He's usually available on e-mail. He seems to be someone you admire (unless I got it wrong based on what you've written) and I admire too.
Do you realize that Chomsky is CONSTANTLY talking about the fact that the two most important things in the world right now are

(1) potential nuclear war

and

(2) the fact that humanity is racing towards extinction ?
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:50 AM
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He also says renewable energy is a good thing. 

Seriously, ask him about the documentary. And his view on renewables.  
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:28 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:28 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

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Mike Smirnoff:
What makes you think I've not looked at those links?
FYI: I've looked at some of them -- though not all. 

I've not found it convincing.



Also, next time, mind your language. I've flagged this post of yours. And Chris will tell us whether your language is appropriate. 

Edit: The youtube link you provide: for planet of the humans, which you call the "best" link proves nothing -- there are no numbers. I've commented on that and Olivier has agreed that just that does not produce a case. So, consider the possibility that you're not following the discussion rather than using abusive language and pointing fingers at others.


I don't need Chris Marti in his jikijitsu cap to tell me when someone is being simply perverse. This thread is for people willing to consider the possibility that the video and associated texts may have something to them. If you're on for that ride, fine. But you're not. I couldn't give a shit about your fucking numbers, i will use any fucking language i chose as most appropriate to the sitation until Chris as moderator tells me to back off, and i'm not here to do your fucking troll homework for you. Flag this too. Flag every fucking word out of my mouth until the situation on this planeyt makes all flagging moot.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:08 AM
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 i will use any fucking language i chose as most appropriate to the sitation until Chris as moderator tells me to back off, and i'm not here to do your fucking troll homework for you. 

Tim, there's no need to take it so quickly from 1 to 10 on the reaction scale. Okay? That applies to your use of language to Mike and, frankly, to me. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:20 AM
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Chris Marti:
 i will use any fucking language i chose as most appropriate to the sitation until Chris as moderator tells me to back off, and i'm not here to do your fucking troll homework for you. 

Tim, there's no need to take it so quickly from 1 to 10 on the reaction scale. Okay? That applies to your use of language to Mike and, frankly, to me. 

okay.

Is that all the action you intend to take here? Because if it is, let's save a loop and say that I flag Mike for trolling and sheer obstructiveness in persisting in violating the clearly stated intention of this thread. I believe you should recommend that he leave this thread alone.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:22 AM
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Let's not play games with this. It's not in your best interest.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 2:31 PM
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RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
In the meantime, if you wanted to get back to business tim... It might be hard to let yourself feel again after these subtle energies have ploughed through the room, O the limbness and light sensitivity of the objective mind's , but oh well...
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 3:07 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 3:07 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
 i will use any fucking language i chose as most appropriate to the sitation until Chris as moderator tells me to back off, and i'm not here to do your fucking troll homework for you. 

Tim, there's no need to take it so quickly from 1 to 10 on the reaction scale. Okay? That applies to your use of language to Mike and, frankly, to me. 

Chris, fuck you and the horse you rode in on. You ain't my momma.

emoticon

truly, man, i'm sorry. Thank you for once again doing your job as the jikijitsu here precisely and promptly and cleanly and righteously. You were right all the way, and i was way way off. My bad.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 9:31 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 9:31 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Tim, thanks for your apology. I do have to say, though, you only get so many yellow cards. 

Now.... back to the topic.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 5:37 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 5:37 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Tim, thanks for your apology. I do have to say, though, you only get so many yellow cards. 




Chris, thanks for your thanks.

It is my understanding that i am allowed one yellow card per game. And that game is over. And the other guys won.

Clean slate.



Now.... back to the topic.
amen.

 love, tim
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 8:19 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 8:19 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
It is my understanding that i am allowed one yellow card per game. And that game is over. And the other guys won.

Tim, framing this issue is critical, and I'm charged with being the referee. Be a good DhO citizen all the time and the red card will stay in my pocket.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:05 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:02 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
It is my understanding that i am allowed one yellow card per game. And that game is over. And the other guys won.

Tim, framing this issue is critical, and I'm charged with being the referee. Be a good DhO citizen all the time and the red card will stay in my pocket.

Chris, i agree that framing the issue is critical. I have shown as much respect as is due you in your referee cap at DhO, I think you know that. This is not about whether I can be an ideal DhO citizen all the time; that strikes me as unrealistic, and I actually suspect you are yanking by chain by saying it. The issue here, in this post, is: the crucial sequence is yellow card (warning), red card (banning). If i am at perpetual yellow card status, if i only get 1 yellow card per career, that also strikes me as unrealistic. The reason for yellow cards is for the referee to let the hot head know that one more, and he's out of the game. You say, I stop fucking up and play out the game. Then, new game, fresh slate.

I say again, the other game is over, and the other guys won. The slate is clear. The next yellow card i get, if ever i do, i will almost certainly respect it, as i have respected all but one of your yellow cards. But if the next card is red no matter what, as you seem to be implying consistently here, then it's just a matter of time, so let's just fucking get it out of the way right away, right fucking now, and save us both a shitload of trouble.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:05 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:05 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Olivier - the video linked here seems somehow very fitting on this topic:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=644&v=Xb6TIWub6KU&feature=emb_logo
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:13 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:13 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Olivier - the video linked here seems somehow very fitting on this topic:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=644&v=Xb6TIWub6KU&feature=emb_logo

Yeah !
It's like Malcolm said : we don't really need that much at all, in the end, I think. 
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:40 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Are you in the mode where you start watching crazy youtube videos with DIY everything ??
Classic sign that you're taking this seriousely !!!!

Welcome, welcome emoticon

I had a phase like that this winter, I'd learn about how to make rocket stoves made from discarded metals that could go over 1000C and melt aluminum, about edible plants in the wild and all emoticon Survivor style.
It seems to be a pretty classic phase when you start looking more deeply into collapse stuff emoticon 
You learn interesting things in the process ! Luckily, I really don't think it will be like that anymore, although those are always useful know-hows. It will be social, communal, especially if we ask those questions now that we have so much room to manoeuvre.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:35 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 10:35 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Chris Marti:
Olivier - the video linked here seems somehow very fitting on this topic:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=644&v=Xb6TIWub6KU&feature=emb_logo

Yeah !
It's like Malcolm said : we don't really need that much at all, in the end, I think. 
forget the miraculously maintained washing machine, i want to learn that guy's accent!
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:14 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:09 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
I say again, the other game is over, and the other guys won. The slate is clear. The next yellow card i get, if ever i do, i will almost certainly respect it, as i have respected all but one of your yellow cards. But if the next card is red no matter what, as you seem to be implying consistently here, then it's just a matter of time, so let's just fucking get it out of the way right away, right fucking now, and save us both a shitload of trouble.

What I'm hearing you say is that we're doomed to repeat this play, over and over and over. I don't have the time or patience for that. I think you can learn from experience, being the smart and articulate human being that you are, and I think you should expect more from yourself.

EDIT: You can be your own regulator and not rely on me to do it for you. That's what we're working for when we practice.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:15 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:13 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
I say again, the other game is over, and the other guys won. The slate is clear. The next yellow card i get, if ever i do, i will almost certainly respect it, as i have respected all but one of your yellow cards. But if the next card is red no matter what, as you seem to be implying consistently here, then it's just a matter of time, so let's just fucking get it out of the way right away, right fucking now, and save us both a shitload of trouble.

What I'm hearing you say is that we're doomed to repeat this play, over and over and over. I don't have the time or patience for that. I think you can learn from experience, being the smart and articulate human being that you are, and I think you should expect more from yourself. 
There will eternally be moments when a higher law applies. Neither of us can do anything at those moments but our duty, a la the Bghavad Gita: your dharma and mine, in the battlefield filled with cousins ready to kill cousins that is samsara. You and I know that Krisna parks their chariot for a chat with the reluctant-to-do-his-bloody-duty Arjuna, at the still point of that turning world. So let's both hope that 
our charioteers give us good advice, when the battle resumes. I actually think we're pretty good at this shit, and there's no one more fun to do it with than you, my friend.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:43 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/17/20 9:43 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
Tim. 

I know from my experience how hard it is to resist the urge to let bleed through happen and be spat unto others. DN is a very reactive stage for many of us. It feels as we have no control over the Urge. It just spits at oneself and all those around us. 

I failed to get my shit together which resulted in turning away from Dhamma communities and trying to absorb myself into every day life. Still the urge remained. Spitting my bleed through on others. People did not like that. No one likes that and why should any one like it. 

I was ignoring it all for several years until I just could not stand it anymore and I knew to my bones that there was no way back to the pre-path faze of my ignorant life as I have already seen lots of stuff, and the only way was walking forward with the lit torch of mindfulness and acceptance. Practice was the only way. 

I will miss you but I doubt I will have the energy to follow you out side of DhO if you get yourself kicked out. 

I do see you starting many new threads which reminds me of my DN stage back in 2011 when I was part of another Dhamma forum. It's a forceful urge and not easy to tame. One has to come to the point of being sick and tired of that urge to piss and spit on one self and others. I hope you will have the power to realize this while stil here on DhO and find a way that works well for moving your practice ahead. 

Did you ever consider finding an online teacher? One on one. Also would be good to have someone to talk about psychological stuff. 
In case you must bring all sorts of philosophical and religious stuff into the web world maybe join such forums and vent out there as those are made for it. Keep this Zendo for practicing allowing those who have tips to reach you. 

I do wish you find a way to come back to the focus needed to continue on this Path to awakening. 
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 3:01 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/16/20 2:57 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Tim Farrington:
Mike Smirnoff:
What makes you think I've not looked at those links?
FYI: I've looked at some of them -- though not all. 

I've not found it convincing.



Also, next time, mind your language. I've flagged this post of yours. And Chris will tell us whether your language is appropriate. 

Edit: The youtube link you provide: for planet of the humans, which you call the "best" link proves nothing -- there are no numbers. I've commented on that and Olivier has agreed that just that does not produce a case. So, consider the possibility that you're not following the discussion rather than using abusive language and pointing fingers at others.




Mike, i've had some time to consider my behavior and now, in the cold light of a pitch black four am wee hours, post-first-sit, i just want to tell you how sorry i am for that truly atrocious behavior. You and Olivier were conducting a perfectly civilized conversation between peers on a topic of mutual interest, and scrupulously attending to clarifying points and delineating differences with mutual respect and exemplary fondness. I crashed into that model exchange late, like a bull into a china shop,, and made an ass of myself completely.

You were right to flag me for it, and Chris was right to tell me to put a lid on it.

I hope you will forgive me in time. Please know that i have valued our friendship ever since our early exchanges on some dark night thread back in the day, where you were one of the earliest people on DhO to engage me with the respect and curiousity and precise attention and joy in the swapping of perspectives on the path that characterize your posts in general.

Again, i'm truly sorry for dumpinjg that abuse on you. You didn't deserve that. I hope i have not destroyed our friendship.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 12:18 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:36 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Mike Smirnoff:
Show me the numbers.

Let's say, to start with, show me the numbers for:

1. How much energy is needed to produce a solar cell.
2. How long is the solar cell expected to last.
3. How much energy is expected to be produced out of the solar cell during the time period that it lasts.

"The concept of ERoI (energy return on investment) does not only apply to fossil fuels. To obtain energy from a wind-mill for instance, one must spend energy to put together all the materials which will go into its construction, to construct it, install them, and maintain. In the US, solar with concentration (great mirros in the desert) have an ERoI of 1.6:1. Photovoltaic in Spain, around 2.5:1 (source : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259175194_EROI_of_Different_Fuels_and_the_Implications_for_Society). As for wind energy, at first glance it seems to have a more encouraging number of 18:1 (source : https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-9437-0). Unfortunately, these numbers do not take into account the intermittent character of this type of energy and the necessity to add a storage system or an thermo-electric powerplant. If you take that into account, the ERoI of wind-mills would plundge down to 3.8:1 (source : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235911322_Energy_intensities_EROIs_energy_returned_on_invested_and_energy_payback_times_of_electricity_generating_power_plants). Only hydroelectricity would offer a comfortable return located somewhere between 35:1 to 49:1. But, beyond the fact that this type of production seriously impacts natural habitats (source : https://www.vox.com/2014/10/28/7083487/the-world-is-building-thousands-of-new-dams-is-that-really-a-good-idea), a recent study showed that the 3700 projects currently underway or planned in the world would only increase the world production by 2% (from 16 to 18% source : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00027-014-0377-0)

To sum up, renewable energies do not have enough power to compensate for the decline in fossil fuels, et there aren't enough fossil fuels (nor minerals) to massively develop renewable energies in order to compensate for the announced decline in fossil fuels. [NB from Olivier : here, the numbers and references are not given because he is summarizing previous paragraphs. Which I can quote if you dare me ;) ;)] As Gail Tverberg, investor and specialist in the energy economy, sums it up, "we are being told that renewables will save us, but that's a lie. Wind power and solar photovoltaïc are as much part of our fossil-fuels-based system as any other source of electricity" (source : https://gailtheactuary.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/converging-crises-may-251.pdf, other papers from her : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gail_Tverberg).

The problem is that our modern societies need a minimal ERoI to provide all the services which are currently offered to their population (source : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26584295_What_is_the_Minimum_EROI_that_a_Sustainable_Society_Must_Have) The principle of energetic exploitation is grossly the following : we first allocate the energetic surplus which we have at our disposal to the tasks which are indispensible to our survival, for instance to food production, habitat construction and heating, clothes manufacturing, or sanitary systems for our cities. Then, we divide the remaining value to the functioning of justic systems, national security, defense, social security, health of education. Finally, if we have any surplus left, we use it for entertainment (tourism, cinema, etc.).

Today, the minimal ERoI needed to provide all these services has been estimated as lying in a range comprised between 12:1 and 13:1 (source : https://mahb.stanford.edu/library-item/energy-eroi-and-quality-of-life/).
In other words, it is a threshold under which we mustn ot venture, lest we must collectively decide - with all the difficulties which that implies - which services we will keep and the ones which we must renounce (source : https://www.institutmomentum.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/La-diminution-de-l%E2%80%99%C3%A9nergie-nette.pdf). With an average ERoI declining for fossil fuels [NB those are the numbers I quoted above, which were correct. The references are in previous paragraphs before this excerpt] and a ERoI which does not exceed 12:1 for the vast majority of renewables, we are getting dangerously close from that threshold." (pp. 54-55)

I'll stop here for now...

You can also check wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_return_on_investment#Application_to_various_technologies
D
on't fail to notice it says that "The values refer to the total energy output. The expense for storage power plants, seasonal reserves or conventional load balancing power plants is not taken into account." That is very significant.
When we see that for wind power, taking this stuff into account makes the ratio drop from 18:1 to 3.8:1, we can infer that the ratios here shown, which are high, would drop significantly under 12:1.
And even if we had solar cells over 12:1 (after all, hydroelectric have an EROI well over that) - all the other points about mineral depletions and manufacturing costs would still valid and not really change the general picture outlined in the section mentionned, pp. 43 to 57 of Servigne's book.

I recommend it, again. The individuals figures may be discussed but when you take everything together, it holds up.

Disclaimer : I have not read the 60 articles tim emoticon There is a limit to scientific scepticism, that is the purpose of peer-reviewed journals : to ensure we can trust (verus means, something we can trust) the quality of sourced material.

Ps : sorry for the professoral tone
Mike Smirnoff, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:52 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 11:52 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 77 Join Date: 2/6/20 Recent Posts
Will look through it and get back. This'd require a few days.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:40 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/15/20 10:40 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Mike Smirnoff:
No agenda. I don't have any money in solar or renewable energy.
And as an aside, I'm gonna ask you to prove that. With numbers please. *wink wink*
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 3:13 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 5/12/20 3:13 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier:
Papa Che Dusko:
I'm totally with you on this! I'm 45. A bit burned out with fighting for the biodiversity in this world that cares only about money. I'm a natural beekeeper. I try to create lots of wild native biodiversity on our little organic farm and local farmers hate me for it. They say "why are you letting those thistles spread seeds all over our fields, you ought to destroy them". They hate thistles and they hate dandelions. Both amazing pollen sources for pollinators. 

Here in Denmark they have already killed their Mother long ago with plows and poisons (our ground water now has pesticides too). Forests are less and less. As from 2016 we don't get any insects on the cars windshield glass! They are gone. So are Swallows.

Please don't let old farts like myself and Chris put you down with our "smart" comments! We had our chance to make a change and we blew it, like so many from our generation. We ought to shut up and listen to the young ones like you and that brave girl from Sweden , Greta. 

My son is now 4 years old and I will do my best to point him towards people like you and Greta and all those young ones who are just sick and tired of all these lies. 

One thing we can't do. We can not hate all those who are destroying our planets biodiversity, as we , meditators, well know the illusion this I-mind is! Most folks blindly believe they are this chattering mind. This mind that says "I want more, I need more, I need to protect myself, insure myself, build walls around myself, control nature, gain more, more". We can't hate them as they indeed are delusional from a Buddhist perspective. Once we see this mind fall off the wagon, how can I ever take it seriously? Most people lack this insight. 

Still, as they remain part of the Matrix, they are threat to the balance. What we need is more young people taking up another life style. Yes, even without the vaccines Chris. Do you fear death emoticon Do you desire a Covid Vaccine? I say to hell with it. 

Our planet is overpopulated with humans as is. Looking at today's politics no one wants to back of from consumerism. US the least. 

All we old farts can do is spread the Dhamma to those who lend their ear. And do it well. Last thing we are to do is lecture young folks like Olivier. We are to lend him our ear and give all the support as their fight will be a tough one. The beast we call Stock Market is their main enemy. Only way to sever its many heads is by utterly not supporting it. 

I salute you Olivier for you bravery. I also wish you to practice well so you can be of even more benefit to the many that come after us. 

Hi Papa Che ! 

Thank you for your niceness, though I'm not doing anything very brave to be honest ! It's kind of a minimum in my view ... But you're right, most people don't want...
I think generations should not fight each other either, and I don't feel like I'm in a position to lecture people on their behavior, but I do see that most people just can't help it for reasons which often makes it hard to hate them ^^ 

Although that is definitely an area of work : how to face all this toxic stuff and darkness with a bright perspective and compassion ? I find it difficult sometimes. The notion that, like you say, this could have been prevented pretty easily, can trigger some... contempt, or ill-will and such. Sure, this is true about anything, as soon as you start to look at what seems wrong about the world and people's behavior, but the magnitude of the current destruction of life in all its forms is just so comically disproportionate, nd its causes so pathetic... The balance between acceptance and enough revolt that serious action will be taken, is very tricky, I find... What do you reckon ?

Anyways, cheers my friend.
amen, Papa Che. This guy's got the conn, here.
Olivier
The balance between acceptance and enough revolt that serious action will be taken, is very tricky, I find... What do you reckon ?
i reckon that we need to take the leap here. I'm in. The real question now is to listen to the state of the art here, which is you. So, what do you reckon, mon ami.

love, tim
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Ricky Lee Nuthman, modified 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 3:45 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/27/20 3:45 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 92 Join Date: 4/22/18 Recent Posts
I'm totally with you on this! I'm 45. A bit burned out with fighting for the biodiversity in this world that cares only about money.

45 in a couple of months here as well. It seems the majority of those using this site were born somewhere between the mid 60s to 1980ish.

Perhaps DhO should be renamed to:

Generation X: Middle Aged - Still Angstful
shargrol, modified 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:04 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 6/29/20 1:04 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2326 Join Date: 2/8/16 Recent Posts
Ricky Lee Nuthman:


Generation X: Middle Aged - Still Angstful

Another good T-shirt! emoticon
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spatial, modified 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 9:52 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/7/20 9:52 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 614 Join Date: 5/20/18 Recent Posts
I used to think about other people "no, you're NOT happy...you've just constructed a world that prevents you from seeing it." And, I used to take comfort in the fact that I saw this and they didn't. It was like my secret weapon, that I felt I would be able to somehow fall back on, if shit ever hit the fan. Now, I'm worried that I won't even have that.
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 6:52 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 6:52 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Now, I'm worried that I won't even have that.

Spatial, my question to you would be -- "Does it matter?"
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spatial, modified 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 9:04 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 9:04 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 614 Join Date: 5/20/18 Recent Posts
Chris Marti:
Now, I'm worried that I won't even have that.

Spatial, my question to you would be -- "Does it matter?"


I told that story partially as a joke, and partially because there is something in me that does feel that way now and then. But at the moment, I'm not able to connect with it, so for now, I guess it doesn't matter emoticon
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 8:34 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/8/20 8:34 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2668 Join Date: 3/1/20 Recent Posts
spatial:
I used to think about other people "no, you're NOT happy...you've just constructed a world that prevents you from seeing it." And, I used to take comfort in the fact that I saw this and they didn't. It was like my secret weapon, that I felt I would be able to somehow fall back on, if shit ever hit the fan. Now, I'm worried that I won't even have that.

Yeps! You screwed! 


emoticon 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 8/21/20 10:40 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/21/20 10:40 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
A less than optimistic scientific opinion on climate change and the status of human beings:

https://futurism.com/the-byte/mit-professor-fear-imminent-human-extinction?ref=thefuturist

According to MIT mechanical engineer Asegun Henry, humans are running out of time to stop our own extinction.

The challenge comes down to physics: Almost all of our energy consumption involves generating or transferring heat. Coupled with the greenhouse gas emissions that come with that energy use, Henry warns that we are very near the point of no return that would send us on a path toward inevitable destruction of the climate and ourselves, according to a press release.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 8/21/20 4:38 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/21/20 4:38 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
This is what we practice for, am I right ?
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 8/21/20 6:20 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/21/20 6:20 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
Yeah, baby!
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 8/27/20 11:22 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/27/20 11:22 PM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
well, that's full circle, then. Acceptance, and patience. May we live in interesting times.
Tim Farrington, modified 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 2:05 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 2:05 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 2464 Join Date: 6/13/11 Recent Posts
Olivier, while i'm on this retrospective roll, I want to thank you for your contributions to this thread. I got as deep as I could into your research, and the deeper i went the more it seemed to me that denial is winning, across the board. It also seems to me that the likeliest scenario is a movement toward totalitarianism and authoritarianism politically, across the board. This is painfully evident in the US. A public crisis, with a good vague fear that affects everyone, is fertile ground for control, especially as the media succumb to vested interests and the facts become mythical and irrelevant. We saw it in the war on terror, and we are seeing it in the battle against the virus: scared people will obey the largest authoritative object with surprising readiness and abjectness. The technology we have now would terrify Orwell, properly, and its uses are much what he would have foreseen. So I'm back to the basics of Solzhenitsyn (especially The First Circle, his novel of a specialized mini-gulag, in which the fathomlessly black humor of the prisoners, called "zeks," is priceless and very educational and even inspiring). I'm also reading Havel's essays again, and studying how truth and culture was kept alive behind the iron curtain, in tiny groups of life-and-death trust in which the friends were telling each other the truth about their lives against the grain of a society enforcing "pragmatic" and ideological lies. This is a model that "worked," and the ground of the Velvet revolution(s) when the Soviet system finally crumpled under its own weight. What will happen when capitalism crumples under its own weight remains to be seen, but I'm thinking that in the meantime the process will take place largely under the firm grip of governments determined to keep up business as usual at all costs to the planet and the people. So thanks for inspiring such cheery thoughts, my friend.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 9:21 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 7:41 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
I agree with you. The part about reality becoming irrelevant is pretty striking. It is the Dream Time.

As they say, "Pandemics, wars, famines, are always how mass death happen."

Sorry guys :p

I started reading havel's essay and i thought two things, that what i've been doing with my life is right (not working for money but working on my culture) because i doubt it sometimes, and that, we would need to write  the same essay but for the context of our countries.

France, for me, what's going on here ? Well, i'm pretty sure tensions are gonna materialize as civil conflicts. Specifically, i feel that civil war here in france is likely within the decade to come.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 9:20 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 9:13 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
Wanted to add something I find interesting : i've recently heard some intellectuals who are old enough to remember the 30's (Chomsky, Edgar Morin) stress  how much current events remind them of this time. Edgar Morin puts it like this : perils are mounting, people are not paying attention - it is a time of "somnambulism". Remember the 30's ? those guys were partying like crazy and being all dadaist and surrealist, while everywhere around the hitlers and mussolinis where conjuring their dark clouds.
Olivier S, modified 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 9:18 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 8/28/20 9:17 AM

RE: Uncharted Territory

Posts: 871 Join Date: 4/27/19 Recent Posts
For me the best benefit of practice has been to be able to face stuff like this (even though it's still pretty removed from my actual daily life) and not freak out, nor become depressed. 
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Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 1/21/21 12:32 PM
Created 3 Years ago at 1/21/21 12:31 PM

Thread Split

Posts: 5104 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
The new thread can be found at https://www.dharmaoverground.org/discussion/-/message_boards/view_message/22089927.

I've ended the original "Uncharted Territory" topic and I'm starting a new one using the most recent 2021 posts. The old version is just to big to use efficiently now.

Thanks, ya'll, for playing along.

So let's get back to it.

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