11.23.2005
I'm putting this up here b/c Stephanie is apparently too lazy to do it herself. So comment away...
Alright, I know this is trite, but I want to know what other people think. It's not likely that anyone will respond, but a response is appreciated.
=Are humans inherently good or inherently bad?=
Is at the core of every human the ability and inclination to do good or do bad? Is it by negative influences that people come to do bad things, or is it by a conscious choice that people do good things? Realize that when I say inherently bad, I am not necessarily referring to Original Sin which is more of an explanation for why people might be inherently bad.
What do you think?
Transcendentalists believed that people are inherently good. Some religions like Puritanism believed in Original Sin and that everyone was inherently good. Which is more likely? Or do you think that people are neither. In that case, do you believe that people are as a tabula rasa, or a blank slate and have no inborn conceptions?
My opinion:
I believe that people are inherently bad.
Look at small children and how they act before society teaches them things like manners. If they see a toy they want to play with, they will snatch it away from another child without any qualms. Due to mental limitations, they can see the world only from a single perspective--their own--and are thus severely self-centered. Only when a child grows older does he understand that his mother is also the mother of his brother and that he is not the only son of his mother. Even then, children and adults are still self-centered unless taught to think otherwise. Even as adults, people only see other people in relation to themselve's. Heck, even look at Lord of the Flies. When not bound by rules or society, people are capable of horrible things and not necessarily becuase they are taught them. Under harsh conditions, people will do anything to stay alive. It is instinct to fall back on doing what is easiest for one's self or what will most benefit one's self.
And, often times, what is easiest is not what is right. Thus, at the core of humans is the ability and inclination to do what is easiest and most beneficial, often at the expense of others and at the expense of society's rules. At the core of every human is the inclination and the ability to do the most despicible things if it makes him feel better.
At this point, however, my argument reaches an intersection with another question of what defines wrong or right? Yes, a mother would steal food to feed her child. Yes, she is stealing, but in this case, is it wrong? She is merely trying to sate a need. If one does not strongly believe in a particular religion, then they might be tempted to say that right and wrong are relative matters. As Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." If this is the case, then humans cannot be inherently good or inherently bad because good or bad cannot be truly defined. That leads to the idea that people might be a clean slate where nothing is inborn. This, of course, leads to the debate of nature vs. nurture which I would rather not get into because I don't really think one is stronger than the other.
I personally believe, however, that right and wrong are not truly relative. Even if one does not believe in God, there is a logic behind the ten commandments and obeying them generally brings good things. Do I believe in them rigidly so that there are no exceptions? Well, no. However, what I believe to be right and wrong is a completely seperate issue that would take too long to go into.
Basically, if left to their own devices, humans will do the wrong thing.
Basically, it takes a conscious decision and choice to do the right thing.
Basically, humans suck.
Alright, I know this is trite, but I want to know what other people think. It's not likely that anyone will respond, but a response is appreciated.
=Are humans inherently good or inherently bad?=
Is at the core of every human the ability and inclination to do good or do bad? Is it by negative influences that people come to do bad things, or is it by a conscious choice that people do good things? Realize that when I say inherently bad, I am not necessarily referring to Original Sin which is more of an explanation for why people might be inherently bad.
What do you think?
Transcendentalists believed that people are inherently good. Some religions like Puritanism believed in Original Sin and that everyone was inherently good. Which is more likely? Or do you think that people are neither. In that case, do you believe that people are as a tabula rasa, or a blank slate and have no inborn conceptions?
My opinion:
I believe that people are inherently bad.
Look at small children and how they act before society teaches them things like manners. If they see a toy they want to play with, they will snatch it away from another child without any qualms. Due to mental limitations, they can see the world only from a single perspective--their own--and are thus severely self-centered. Only when a child grows older does he understand that his mother is also the mother of his brother and that he is not the only son of his mother. Even then, children and adults are still self-centered unless taught to think otherwise. Even as adults, people only see other people in relation to themselve's. Heck, even look at Lord of the Flies. When not bound by rules or society, people are capable of horrible things and not necessarily becuase they are taught them. Under harsh conditions, people will do anything to stay alive. It is instinct to fall back on doing what is easiest for one's self or what will most benefit one's self.
And, often times, what is easiest is not what is right. Thus, at the core of humans is the ability and inclination to do what is easiest and most beneficial, often at the expense of others and at the expense of society's rules. At the core of every human is the inclination and the ability to do the most despicible things if it makes him feel better.
At this point, however, my argument reaches an intersection with another question of what defines wrong or right? Yes, a mother would steal food to feed her child. Yes, she is stealing, but in this case, is it wrong? She is merely trying to sate a need. If one does not strongly believe in a particular religion, then they might be tempted to say that right and wrong are relative matters. As Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." If this is the case, then humans cannot be inherently good or inherently bad because good or bad cannot be truly defined. That leads to the idea that people might be a clean slate where nothing is inborn. This, of course, leads to the debate of nature vs. nurture which I would rather not get into because I don't really think one is stronger than the other.
I personally believe, however, that right and wrong are not truly relative. Even if one does not believe in God, there is a logic behind the ten commandments and obeying them generally brings good things. Do I believe in them rigidly so that there are no exceptions? Well, no. However, what I believe to be right and wrong is a completely seperate issue that would take too long to go into.
Basically, if left to their own devices, humans will do the wrong thing.
Basically, it takes a conscious decision and choice to do the right thing.
Basically, humans suck.
10.22.2005
So I was going to update to stop this little blog from dying, but I have no idea what to say.
*crickets chirp*
Um. So. Post something. People. Please. Aaaanything. Tell me what you're going to be for Halloween, I don't care. Tell me what you think of telepathy, since I was rambling about it on my xanga. Tell me which HP slash couple you like better: R/S or H/D. And tell me why. Write me a fic. Or just a story. Surprise me.
Post!
*crickets chirp*
Um. So. Post something. People. Please. Aaaanything. Tell me what you're going to be for Halloween, I don't care. Tell me what you think of telepathy, since I was rambling about it on my xanga. Tell me which HP slash couple you like better: R/S or H/D. And tell me why. Write me a fic. Or just a story. Surprise me.
Post!
9.02.2005
I was brought to this train of thought by a fragment which is irrelevant to explain here. In any case, I concluded after my mental dialogue that it would be interesting if we had a school activity in which we created epithets for ourselves, and then HYPOTHETICALLY created them for our friends and peers, as well as our instructors. In any case, consider epithets that would best suit you. As I don't want anyone offended, please only create epithets for yourself. For those of you who don't know what an epithet is, this is the basic definition according to Meriam Webster:
n. a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing.
For instance, Catherine the Great, Frederick the Wise, Richard the Lionheart. Notice that all these figures except perhaps Richard appear in the AP Euro curriculum. Hurray! :)
n. a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing.
For instance, Catherine the Great, Frederick the Wise, Richard the Lionheart. Notice that all these figures except perhaps Richard appear in the AP Euro curriculum. Hurray! :)
8.23.2005
Right, well. It's the last day (night) of summer and we're all finishing our homework. So I'm calling for another memories post because I hereby declare that this was the best summer ever. (Don't forget you're still allowed to post on the school year post.) I still can't believe I'm going to be a junior in another day but there's really no time to ponder it. Post away.
getting wrapped in nostalgia
listening to music
looking at the picture on my desktop
best summer ever and
we none of us want it to end
(it would never stop being fun)
summer of good friends and good times
reality seems so cold in comparison but
tempus fugit
and there's always next year
(...yes, my poetry sucks. now go post.)
::edit: thought this belonged here::
getting wrapped in nostalgia
listening to music
looking at the picture on my desktop
best summer ever and
we none of us want it to end
(it would never stop being fun)
summer of good friends and good times
reality seems so cold in comparison but
tempus fugit
and there's always next year
(...yes, my poetry sucks. now go post.)
::edit: thought this belonged here::
7.28.2005
K. I get weird idead late at night. So I've got one for you...
Short story challenge. Write me one. I don't care what it's about. Just make sure it has this phrase in it: "I found a drowned rat. I named it Ophelia."
Jesse just got back. Gotta go.
Short story challenge. Write me one. I don't care what it's about. Just make sure it has this phrase in it: "I found a drowned rat. I named it Ophelia."
Jesse just got back. Gotta go.
7.11.2005
incubating eggs
I think Stephanie and I had just a little too much fun with those things.
Sorry I didn't get the other photos scanned right away. I'll make it up to you guys when I get back. Promise. Toodles and have a fun summer.
6.15.2005
palm of fire
From Relay for Life. wOOt.
Oh and by the way, just because there are 3 posts in front of it doesn't mean you have to stop posting your memories on the '04-'05 post.
6.10.2005
This is what happens when Zen is not here to bug about coming to California. *grins* Yes, it is a bit long. Deal.
crystalite104: she's not here
asev0: hmph. Why not?
crystalite104: you'll have to wait a while for a response...
crystalite104: i dunno
asev0: k
crystalite104: she hasn't said anything all night tho
asev0: blah,
asev0: h/o
crystalite104: ..i'm supposed to be walking the dog
crystalite104: i'll be back soon, k?
crystalite104: hopefully she'll have come back
crystalite104: ...never mind
crystalite104: i'm not walking the dog
asev0: back. Phone call.
crystalite104: ah
asev0: About volunteering at the hospital
asev0: though i did not volunteer
crystalite104: ...i see
asev0: my mom must've contacted them since it was mission
asev0: she works per diem there once a week now
asev0: i was completely unaware until now
crystalite104: oh
asev0: but i think i did a good job of sounding like i knew what was happening
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: maybe you could be in drama
asev0: anyway, the lady told me i should try getting onto saddleback hospitals waiting list for volunteers. Sounds good to me. ^_^
crystalite104:
asev0: psh
asev0: i can lie, and i suppose i could play certain roles, but i'm not extroverted enough
asev0: i'm a bit self conscious
asev0: and i'm not unrestrained like drama people
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: i'm not unrestrained
asev0: i can't go all out unless you pump me full of sugar
crystalite104: lol
asev0: when it comes to singing, dancing and throwing yourself at anything drama wants you to do, you are
crystalite104: ...
crystalite104: alright
crystalite104: i'm one of the least unrestrained, then
asev0: yesh
crystalite104: kathryn would be the most, as she is never hyper anymore
crystalite104: it's kind of funny, tho... i was actually a bit nervous before the presentation
crystalite104: borny was shocked
asev0: i'm sure he was
crystalite104: lol
asev0: i actually wasn't nervous
crystalite104: really?
crystalite104: go you
asev0: i'm able to block that sort of thing out when presenting
asev0: i knew what i was talking about
asev0: i rehearsed
asev0: i knew i picked good people and i knew the information i had was correct
asev0: i knew i could make the time limit
crystalite104: so did i... i think it's b/c i was talking as me, not someone else
asev0: so i had nothing to be nervous about
asev0: *grins*
crystalite104: it wasn't too bad tho
asev0: well, the trick to that is
crystalite104: i didn't do the valley girl thing tho
crystalite104: i should've
asev0: you merely have to act as someone who is a self-confident master of rhetoric
crystalite104: that would've been fun
crystalite104: ah
asev0: so you dont' have to necessarily be yourself
crystalite104: that makes sense
asev0: you are still acting (lying)
asev0: and it's in such a way that will aid you
asev0: public speaking is really deceiving your audience in many ways
crystalite104: ...true
asev0: making them think that what you say is the absolute truth
crystalite104: make ppl think you know what you're talking about
crystalite104:
asev0: making them think that you really do know about what you're speaking of
asev0: yes.
asev0: You make them think you're knowledgeable.
asev0: Make them feel as if you're prepared for anything that could be thrown your way regarding the matter
asev0: see, when i was up there talking about Jung and archetypes, i gave only the most simplistic explanation of archetypes
asev0: but i was able to convey that if they asked me more about it, i'd be able to tell them
asev0: which most people couldn't do about freud
asev0: so...public speaking isn't obviously just an act
asev0: you have to posses something to back it up (or you should)
crystalite104: indeed
asev0: but to get rid of nervousness, all one has to do is act as though they are not
asev0: and the rest will follow
asev0: just like if you smile even if you're not necessarily happy
asev0: you will begin to feel happy
asev0: simple psychology
asev0: s'all very interesting
asev0: you should take it senior year
crystalite104: i wil
crystalite104: l
crystalite104: i can't wait
crystalite104: lol
asev0: the thing about nervousness was...extrapolated from the idea that if you act a certain way, you will truly begin to feel that way
asev0: but it was still based off on an idea you cover
asev0: much fun.
asev0: but seriously--there's not point to taking the course if you can't take what you know and apply
asev0: apply it not just to textbook examples, but the world around you
crystalite104: *nod*
asev0: extrapolate and apply. Explain without the book telling you why.
asev0: Hm. I've been rambling. Apologies.
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: that's ok
crystalite104: ickle says hello
crystalite104: are you bringing a tent, then?
asev0: tell ickle in a loving, cuddly voice that i want to rip off his tail. He'll think you're being affectionate
asev0: indeed, i am
asev0: or i will try to. *grins*
crystalite104: you are cruel
asev0: if not, we know enough people to bunk in their tent if the necessity arises.
asev0: *snicker*
asev0: hey, it's true, though
asev0: they don't know what you're saying
asev0: all they know is that your voice SOUNDS loving and you're petting them
crystalite104: lol i know
crystalite104: it's funny
asev0: you could be explaining how you'd pluck every hair off their bodies individually and they'd never know
asev0: yes, it is
crystalite104: but i like to think ickle's smarter than that
asev0: same if you said i love you to a dog in the same voice you use to scold it
asev0: it's actually kind of hard to do that, strangely
crystalite104: yeah
asev0: say in an angry upset voice that you love something
asev0: i don't know why, but it's hard
asev0: i suppose it's because the word 'love' has such a strong, positive meaning...even extending to our unconscious...it's hard to say it in a scolding voice
crystalite104: *nod*
crystalite104: opposite connotation
crystalite104: s
asev0: because even though more than 60% of what we communicate is nonverbal
asev0: the significance of the word love can dictate and change how we interpret a tone of voice
asev0: or gestures
asev0: if someone said i love you while acting the same way they would if telling someone that they hated them
asev0: people wouldn't perceive it as hate
asev0: but as someone who loves and is frustrated about it
asev0: beaten by the idea of it
asev0: but it still would not be interpreted as hate by humans...
asev0: i wonder if animals recognize the word. Dogs recognize the word 'bad'
asev0: or do they just recognize the tone?
crystalite104: prbly the tone
asev0: *ponders* that'd be an interesting experiment, you know
crystalite104: yes...
asev0: see if they respond to the tone or the actual word
crystalite104: well henry knows the word walk
asev0: probably, in more intelligent dogs
crystalite104: and tennis ball
crystalite104: and dinner
asev0: we might see a higher correlation between the word and the response rather than just the tone and the response...
asev0: yes. No matter how you say it
crystalite104: he does not know the words "shut up you goddamn animal"
crystalite104: which is unfortunate
asev0: ....i see....
asev0: and don't swear
crystalite104: lol
asev0: it's very unbecoming.
crystalite104: lol
asev0: lol
crystalite104: "don't swear like your grandmother, julia. it's very unladylike."
asev0: haha. 'Tis true, though.
asev0: no wonder the world despises us
asev0: we take pride in being uncultured pigs
crystalite104: what, teenagers?
crystalite104: yes, we do
asev0: people take pride in cussing. They take pride in acting badass.
asev0: Whatever happened to refinement?>
asev0: Dignity?
asev0: Intellect?
crystalite104: it died
crystalite104: that's what
asev0: shit is just a filler word used by people who can't come up with better adjectives...
asev0: it's...laziness
asev0: it's illiterate, when you come down to it
asev0: think of how many different meanings 'shit' has depending on the context
crystalite104: as in, "this is teh shit?"
asev0: that proves that it might as well be another word like 'uh' or 'um'
asev0: yeah
asev0: or that is shit
asev0: or shit just as an exclamation
asev0: either of surprise, admiration, disgust, frustration, anger
asev0: so in the end, once again, we know what hte person means by their tone
asev0: we are dogs
crystalite104: ...
asev0: shit means nothing
crystalite104: woof
asev0: we only know what htey mean by tone
asev0: *sighs*
asev0: well i'm glad this entire discussion is lost upon you
crystalite104: it's actually rather interesting
asev0: w/e
crystalite104: although you're doing most of the talking
asev0: the point is, it doesn't matter to you at all
asev0: it doesn't mean anything to you
asev0: these are just words.
asev0: Words with some meaning.
asev0: Lots of meaning, and even truth.
crystalite104: ...
asev0: But in the end
asev0: it goes against what you do
asev0: and when it comes to changing oneself
asev0: that's just too hard for people to do
asev0: so they'll listen
asev0: be interesting
asev0: then forget it
crystalite104: i seem to recall you saying something very similar a very long time ago
asev0: or never really comprhend or apply it to their own life
asev0: that's because i've done this another time
asev0: It's not my fault people don't listen.
asev0: You dont have to listen. You could close this right now.
asev0: you realize that people have not written about what i have just spoken to you?
asev0: i'm synthesizing new information
asev0: you know, like what jung did? obviously not on such a great scale
asev0: but either way, it's still being wasted on people who'll never use it.
crystalite104: bully for you
asev0: what i'm talking to you about right now hasn't been written in textbooks
asev0: *smiles slightly*
asev0: right.
crystalite104: shame on us commoners who have no idea what you're talking about
asev0: i never said the word commoners and i never said you didn't comprehend
asev0: i siad you didn't want to. People don't want to listen
asev0: if they wanted to, they probably could understand
crystalite104: indeed
asev0: and the idea of classifying yourself as a commoner is pointless. It limits yourself even when you don't have to be limited that way
crystalite104: sarcasm, darling
asev0: thats like when a molestor says they molest kids b/c it's just their nature
asev0: people can change
asev0: or that's the belief that, in the end, drives liberalism
asev0: or the belief that should drive liberalism--that people, ideas, and situations can change
crystalite104: they just don't try, i assume?
asev0: ...except it kind of leaves otu the fact that they don't want to
asev0: it's too much work
asev0: it's too much work to bother not cussing. i cuss.
asev0: It's so easy to just put a 'fuck' in place of a real word.
asev0: no matter how easy jeung makes it sound, staying in shape as an adult is difficult
asev0: which is why obeseity is such a problem
asev0: change isn't easy
asev0: possible, but never easy...
asev0: that, by the way, is not an original thought...
crystalite104: lol
asev0: i'm going to post this on *L* and drive everyone crazy. Oh well...
crystalite104: copyright asev, 2005...
asev0: *grins slightly* indeed.
asev0: and less than .0001 percent of the world will probably read it
crystalite104: hundredth monkeys
crystalite104: ..
crystalite104: lol
asev0: maybe i'll post the second part to my explanation behind fate and free will, as well
asev0: perhaps
asev0: i posted the first part about life being like a road
asev0: you choose the path, but what happens on the path is fate
asev0: i talked about that part
asev0: but not the second part...
asev0: hm. Something to write about. But for a later time.
crystalite104: i s'pose
asev0: yesh. I want to get some sleep tonight
asev0: i suppose the second part could be condensed and i could write it tonight
crystalite104: that would be a good idea
asev0: btw: that is also something that's not written in textbooks
asev0: at least, not in any i've read
asev0: it sucks coming up with some new idea then reading it somewhere else
crystalite104: lol
asev0: well, it's nice knowing that you were right and having it confirmed
crystalite104: lol
asev0: but at the same time, you realize, well damn, not getting any credit for that one.
crystalite104: lol, not necessarily right, just someone thinks the same as you
crystalite104: or thought
asev0: true.
asev0: These are speculations
asev0: abstract thoughts can't necessarily be proven right or wrong by conventional means
asev0: though the way you can build up an idea
asev0: is by breaking down all opposing ones.
crystalite104: true...
asev0: So if every other speculation or theory about fate and free will were put forth and i were able to debunk all of them, but no one could debunk mine, then mine would be left standing as the ostensible truth.
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: all hail
asev0: ostensible truth b/c so many people accepted that earth was the center of the universe
asev0: ostensible truth b/c so many were convinced that the earth was flat
asev0: until someone came along and proved both wrong
asev0: time is a test of validity, i suppose.
crystalite104: indeed
crystalite104: hmm... i like this song
asev0: and if humans don't find the ultimate truth, then perhaps in death you would know. Unless you believe that death just a black state of not being
asev0: but otherwise...
asev0: you could think of death as you think of bearth
asev0: *birth
asev0: birth was an end to your time in the womb
crystalite104: the celts did
asev0: but the beginning to life as a being...
asev0: yeah
crystalite104: that's why they had wakes...
asev0: so you could think of death as an...awakening and a chance to learn more
asev0: of course, thoughts of what dreams may come can also be scary
asev0: especially if you do believe in some sort of life after death
crystalite104: quite...
asev0: because, from a christian point of view, most people are screwed.
crystalite104: i am
crystalite104: hurrah
asev0: even from a view of reincarnation, most people are doomed
asev0: maybe people like ideas of death being simple not-being
asev0: because it makes life simpler
crystalite104: but somewhat depressing
asev0: it makes it so they don't have to worry about necessarily doing what is 'right' b/c ther won't be any consequences after death
asev0: so, once again, laziness and an unwillingness to change can affect beliefs
asev0: depressing
crystalite104: yes
asev0: but it's so much easier to do what you want in life and not worry about going to hell
asev0: than belief in an afterlife and then trying your best to get into heaven
asev0: *believe
crystalite104: hard to live if you worry about going to hell, i think
crystalite104: i s'pose if there is one then i'm saying that b/c i'm going there
asev0: i suppose. But ethics are helpful in general. If you lie, you dig yourself into a deep hole of lies which leave you no where good. If you murder, that's obviously not good at all b/c of the consequences
crystalite104: well yes
asev0: eve doing things a 'christian way' can help avoid troubles on earth
asev0: regardless of an afterlife
asev0: *even
asev0: if you lead a life of altruism--something which christianity teaches
asev0: it generally leads to good or encourages it (life isn't just, so what becomes of it won't always be the most ideal situation, but it still encourages good)
asev0: so.
asev0: worrying about hell provide motivation for change
asev0: it provides motivation for doing the 'right' thing
asev0: the 'right thing' which, in most cases and almost undeniably holds truth in making life better for the most amount of people
crystalite104: ...you're not trying to convert me again, are you?
asev0: no, i'm not
crystalite104: just checking
asev0: i haven't brought God up once, have i?
crystalite104: no
asev0: i've kept 'right thing' in quotes
asev0: relative
crystalite104: lol
asev0: because they are relative who doesn't believe in a particular set of beliefs
crystalite104: yes...
asev0: *they are relative to a person who doesn't...
asev0: so i'm merely stating my ideas not from a viewpoint of God
asev0: or religion
asev0: or christianity
asev0: but from the view that good and having a solid idea of good with motivation to follow it is helpful
asev0: and i applied that idea to the fact that worrying about hell can be helpful
asev0: in that it provides motivation
asev0: and if one believed in hell, it'd be safe to assume they believed in God
asev0: and if they worried about hell, it'd thus be safe to assume that they worry about doing the right thing
crystalite104: i s'pose
asev0: therefore leading back to the view that having a solid idea of good with motivation to follow it is generally helpful in making life and the world in general a better place
asev0: with as much of an impact one person can have
asev0: which can be a lot if only there were many "one person's" who did this
asev0: hundredth monkey scenario and all that again...
crystalite104: only there aren't, generally speaking
asev0: there aren't what?
crystalite104: many "one persons"
asev0: it wouldn't seem so, would it?
asev0: there are many who profess to be christian or they profess to hold a certain religion
asev0: most religions have similar ideas when it come to right and wrong, excluding doctrines concerning which God to worship
asev0: but people who say they are this or that rarely actually follow what they say
asev0: Bush says he's a christian
crystalite104: verba non facta as opposed to facta non verba
asev0: yes
asev0: with his right hand, he's doing christian things. But with his left, he's slaughtering for money and power
crystalite104: joyous, isn't it?
asev0: hypocrisy kills me
crystalite104: oh i figured out what that grafitti said
asev0: go on
crystalite104: on the subject of bush lol
crystalite104: "free tibet" "eat shit" "fuck bush, his dad, mom, and fat retarded daughtere"
crystalite104: *daughters
asev0: *snickers* i see...
asev0: *is posting this conversation on *L* *
asev0: you don't mind, do you?
crystalite104: no
crystalite104: eloquence at its finest...
asev0: alright, then
asev0: pah.
asev0: Eloquence. RIght.
crystalite104: lol
asev0: Most like quasi-intelligent stumbling around in the dark for some semblance of truth while trying to sound knowledgeable.
asev0: k, i'm going to post what we have so far. And then i'm going to sleep.
crystalite104: you do that
crystalite104: she's not here
asev0: hmph. Why not?
crystalite104: you'll have to wait a while for a response...
crystalite104: i dunno
asev0: k
crystalite104: she hasn't said anything all night tho
asev0: blah,
asev0: h/o
crystalite104: ..i'm supposed to be walking the dog
crystalite104: i'll be back soon, k?
crystalite104: hopefully she'll have come back
crystalite104: ...never mind
crystalite104: i'm not walking the dog
asev0: back. Phone call.
crystalite104: ah
asev0: About volunteering at the hospital
asev0: though i did not volunteer
crystalite104: ...i see
asev0: my mom must've contacted them since it was mission
asev0: she works per diem there once a week now
asev0: i was completely unaware until now
crystalite104: oh
asev0: but i think i did a good job of sounding like i knew what was happening
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: maybe you could be in drama
asev0: anyway, the lady told me i should try getting onto saddleback hospitals waiting list for volunteers. Sounds good to me. ^_^
crystalite104:
asev0: psh
asev0: i can lie, and i suppose i could play certain roles, but i'm not extroverted enough
asev0: i'm a bit self conscious
asev0: and i'm not unrestrained like drama people
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: i'm not unrestrained
asev0: i can't go all out unless you pump me full of sugar
crystalite104: lol
asev0: when it comes to singing, dancing and throwing yourself at anything drama wants you to do, you are
crystalite104: ...
crystalite104: alright
crystalite104: i'm one of the least unrestrained, then
asev0: yesh
crystalite104: kathryn would be the most, as she is never hyper anymore
crystalite104: it's kind of funny, tho... i was actually a bit nervous before the presentation
crystalite104: borny was shocked
asev0: i'm sure he was
crystalite104: lol
asev0: i actually wasn't nervous
crystalite104: really?
crystalite104: go you
asev0: i'm able to block that sort of thing out when presenting
asev0: i knew what i was talking about
asev0: i rehearsed
asev0: i knew i picked good people and i knew the information i had was correct
asev0: i knew i could make the time limit
crystalite104: so did i... i think it's b/c i was talking as me, not someone else
asev0: so i had nothing to be nervous about
asev0: *grins*
crystalite104: it wasn't too bad tho
asev0: well, the trick to that is
crystalite104: i didn't do the valley girl thing tho
crystalite104: i should've
asev0: you merely have to act as someone who is a self-confident master of rhetoric
crystalite104: that would've been fun
crystalite104: ah
asev0: so you dont' have to necessarily be yourself
crystalite104: that makes sense
asev0: you are still acting (lying)
asev0: and it's in such a way that will aid you
asev0: public speaking is really deceiving your audience in many ways
crystalite104: ...true
asev0: making them think that what you say is the absolute truth
crystalite104: make ppl think you know what you're talking about
crystalite104:
asev0: making them think that you really do know about what you're speaking of
asev0: yes.
asev0: You make them think you're knowledgeable.
asev0: Make them feel as if you're prepared for anything that could be thrown your way regarding the matter
asev0: see, when i was up there talking about Jung and archetypes, i gave only the most simplistic explanation of archetypes
asev0: but i was able to convey that if they asked me more about it, i'd be able to tell them
asev0: which most people couldn't do about freud
asev0: so...public speaking isn't obviously just an act
asev0: you have to posses something to back it up (or you should)
crystalite104: indeed
asev0: but to get rid of nervousness, all one has to do is act as though they are not
asev0: and the rest will follow
asev0: just like if you smile even if you're not necessarily happy
asev0: you will begin to feel happy
asev0: simple psychology
asev0: s'all very interesting
asev0: you should take it senior year
crystalite104: i wil
crystalite104: l
crystalite104: i can't wait
crystalite104: lol
asev0: the thing about nervousness was...extrapolated from the idea that if you act a certain way, you will truly begin to feel that way
asev0: but it was still based off on an idea you cover
asev0: much fun.
asev0: but seriously--there's not point to taking the course if you can't take what you know and apply
asev0: apply it not just to textbook examples, but the world around you
crystalite104: *nod*
asev0: extrapolate and apply. Explain without the book telling you why.
asev0: Hm. I've been rambling. Apologies.
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: that's ok
crystalite104: ickle says hello
crystalite104: are you bringing a tent, then?
asev0: tell ickle in a loving, cuddly voice that i want to rip off his tail. He'll think you're being affectionate
asev0: indeed, i am
asev0: or i will try to. *grins*
crystalite104: you are cruel
asev0: if not, we know enough people to bunk in their tent if the necessity arises.
asev0: *snicker*
asev0: hey, it's true, though
asev0: they don't know what you're saying
asev0: all they know is that your voice SOUNDS loving and you're petting them
crystalite104: lol i know
crystalite104: it's funny
asev0: you could be explaining how you'd pluck every hair off their bodies individually and they'd never know
asev0: yes, it is
crystalite104: but i like to think ickle's smarter than that
asev0: same if you said i love you to a dog in the same voice you use to scold it
asev0: it's actually kind of hard to do that, strangely
crystalite104: yeah
asev0: say in an angry upset voice that you love something
asev0: i don't know why, but it's hard
asev0: i suppose it's because the word 'love' has such a strong, positive meaning...even extending to our unconscious...it's hard to say it in a scolding voice
crystalite104: *nod*
crystalite104: opposite connotation
crystalite104: s
asev0: because even though more than 60% of what we communicate is nonverbal
asev0: the significance of the word love can dictate and change how we interpret a tone of voice
asev0: or gestures
asev0: if someone said i love you while acting the same way they would if telling someone that they hated them
asev0: people wouldn't perceive it as hate
asev0: but as someone who loves and is frustrated about it
asev0: beaten by the idea of it
asev0: but it still would not be interpreted as hate by humans...
asev0: i wonder if animals recognize the word. Dogs recognize the word 'bad'
asev0: or do they just recognize the tone?
crystalite104: prbly the tone
asev0: *ponders* that'd be an interesting experiment, you know
crystalite104: yes...
asev0: see if they respond to the tone or the actual word
crystalite104: well henry knows the word walk
asev0: probably, in more intelligent dogs
crystalite104: and tennis ball
crystalite104: and dinner
asev0: we might see a higher correlation between the word and the response rather than just the tone and the response...
asev0: yes. No matter how you say it
crystalite104: he does not know the words "shut up you goddamn animal"
crystalite104: which is unfortunate
asev0: ....i see....
asev0: and don't swear
crystalite104: lol
asev0: it's very unbecoming.
crystalite104: lol
asev0: lol
crystalite104: "don't swear like your grandmother, julia. it's very unladylike."
asev0: haha. 'Tis true, though.
asev0: no wonder the world despises us
asev0: we take pride in being uncultured pigs
crystalite104: what, teenagers?
crystalite104: yes, we do
asev0: people take pride in cussing. They take pride in acting badass.
asev0: Whatever happened to refinement?>
asev0: Dignity?
asev0: Intellect?
crystalite104: it died
crystalite104: that's what
asev0: shit is just a filler word used by people who can't come up with better adjectives...
asev0: it's...laziness
asev0: it's illiterate, when you come down to it
asev0: think of how many different meanings 'shit' has depending on the context
crystalite104: as in, "this is teh shit?"
asev0: that proves that it might as well be another word like 'uh' or 'um'
asev0: yeah
asev0: or that is shit
asev0: or shit just as an exclamation
asev0: either of surprise, admiration, disgust, frustration, anger
asev0: so in the end, once again, we know what hte person means by their tone
asev0: we are dogs
crystalite104: ...
asev0: shit means nothing
crystalite104: woof
asev0: we only know what htey mean by tone
asev0: *sighs*
asev0: well i'm glad this entire discussion is lost upon you
crystalite104: it's actually rather interesting
asev0: w/e
crystalite104: although you're doing most of the talking
asev0: the point is, it doesn't matter to you at all
asev0: it doesn't mean anything to you
asev0: these are just words.
asev0: Words with some meaning.
asev0: Lots of meaning, and even truth.
crystalite104: ...
asev0: But in the end
asev0: it goes against what you do
asev0: and when it comes to changing oneself
asev0: that's just too hard for people to do
asev0: so they'll listen
asev0: be interesting
asev0: then forget it
crystalite104: i seem to recall you saying something very similar a very long time ago
asev0: or never really comprhend or apply it to their own life
asev0: that's because i've done this another time
asev0: It's not my fault people don't listen.
asev0: You dont have to listen. You could close this right now.
asev0: you realize that people have not written about what i have just spoken to you?
asev0: i'm synthesizing new information
asev0: you know, like what jung did? obviously not on such a great scale
asev0: but either way, it's still being wasted on people who'll never use it.
crystalite104: bully for you
asev0: what i'm talking to you about right now hasn't been written in textbooks
asev0: *smiles slightly*
asev0: right.
crystalite104: shame on us commoners who have no idea what you're talking about
asev0: i never said the word commoners and i never said you didn't comprehend
asev0: i siad you didn't want to. People don't want to listen
asev0: if they wanted to, they probably could understand
crystalite104: indeed
asev0: and the idea of classifying yourself as a commoner is pointless. It limits yourself even when you don't have to be limited that way
crystalite104: sarcasm, darling
asev0: thats like when a molestor says they molest kids b/c it's just their nature
asev0: people can change
asev0: or that's the belief that, in the end, drives liberalism
asev0: or the belief that should drive liberalism--that people, ideas, and situations can change
crystalite104: they just don't try, i assume?
asev0: ...except it kind of leaves otu the fact that they don't want to
asev0: it's too much work
asev0: it's too much work to bother not cussing. i cuss.
asev0: It's so easy to just put a 'fuck' in place of a real word.
asev0: no matter how easy jeung makes it sound, staying in shape as an adult is difficult
asev0: which is why obeseity is such a problem
asev0: change isn't easy
asev0: possible, but never easy...
asev0: that, by the way, is not an original thought...
crystalite104: lol
asev0: i'm going to post this on *L* and drive everyone crazy. Oh well...
crystalite104: copyright asev, 2005...
asev0: *grins slightly* indeed.
asev0: and less than .0001 percent of the world will probably read it
crystalite104: hundredth monkeys
crystalite104: ..
crystalite104: lol
asev0: maybe i'll post the second part to my explanation behind fate and free will, as well
asev0: perhaps
asev0: i posted the first part about life being like a road
asev0: you choose the path, but what happens on the path is fate
asev0: i talked about that part
asev0: but not the second part...
asev0: hm. Something to write about. But for a later time.
crystalite104: i s'pose
asev0: yesh. I want to get some sleep tonight
asev0: i suppose the second part could be condensed and i could write it tonight
crystalite104: that would be a good idea
asev0: btw: that is also something that's not written in textbooks
asev0: at least, not in any i've read
asev0: it sucks coming up with some new idea then reading it somewhere else
crystalite104: lol
asev0: well, it's nice knowing that you were right and having it confirmed
crystalite104: lol
asev0: but at the same time, you realize, well damn, not getting any credit for that one.
crystalite104: lol, not necessarily right, just someone thinks the same as you
crystalite104: or thought
asev0: true.
asev0: These are speculations
asev0: abstract thoughts can't necessarily be proven right or wrong by conventional means
asev0: though the way you can build up an idea
asev0: is by breaking down all opposing ones.
crystalite104: true...
asev0: So if every other speculation or theory about fate and free will were put forth and i were able to debunk all of them, but no one could debunk mine, then mine would be left standing as the ostensible truth.
crystalite104: lol
crystalite104: all hail
asev0: ostensible truth b/c so many people accepted that earth was the center of the universe
asev0: ostensible truth b/c so many were convinced that the earth was flat
asev0: until someone came along and proved both wrong
asev0: time is a test of validity, i suppose.
crystalite104: indeed
crystalite104: hmm... i like this song
asev0: and if humans don't find the ultimate truth, then perhaps in death you would know. Unless you believe that death just a black state of not being
asev0: but otherwise...
asev0: you could think of death as you think of bearth
asev0: *birth
asev0: birth was an end to your time in the womb
crystalite104: the celts did
asev0: but the beginning to life as a being...
asev0: yeah
crystalite104: that's why they had wakes...
asev0: so you could think of death as an...awakening and a chance to learn more
asev0: of course, thoughts of what dreams may come can also be scary
asev0: especially if you do believe in some sort of life after death
crystalite104: quite...
asev0: because, from a christian point of view, most people are screwed.
crystalite104: i am
crystalite104: hurrah
asev0: even from a view of reincarnation, most people are doomed
asev0: maybe people like ideas of death being simple not-being
asev0: because it makes life simpler
crystalite104: but somewhat depressing
asev0: it makes it so they don't have to worry about necessarily doing what is 'right' b/c ther won't be any consequences after death
asev0: so, once again, laziness and an unwillingness to change can affect beliefs
asev0: depressing
crystalite104: yes
asev0: but it's so much easier to do what you want in life and not worry about going to hell
asev0: than belief in an afterlife and then trying your best to get into heaven
asev0: *believe
crystalite104: hard to live if you worry about going to hell, i think
crystalite104: i s'pose if there is one then i'm saying that b/c i'm going there
asev0: i suppose. But ethics are helpful in general. If you lie, you dig yourself into a deep hole of lies which leave you no where good. If you murder, that's obviously not good at all b/c of the consequences
crystalite104: well yes
asev0: eve doing things a 'christian way' can help avoid troubles on earth
asev0: regardless of an afterlife
asev0: *even
asev0: if you lead a life of altruism--something which christianity teaches
asev0: it generally leads to good or encourages it (life isn't just, so what becomes of it won't always be the most ideal situation, but it still encourages good)
asev0: so.
asev0: worrying about hell provide motivation for change
asev0: it provides motivation for doing the 'right' thing
asev0: the 'right thing' which, in most cases and almost undeniably holds truth in making life better for the most amount of people
crystalite104: ...you're not trying to convert me again, are you?
asev0: no, i'm not
crystalite104: just checking
asev0: i haven't brought God up once, have i?
crystalite104: no
asev0: i've kept 'right thing' in quotes
asev0: relative
crystalite104: lol
asev0: because they are relative who doesn't believe in a particular set of beliefs
crystalite104: yes...
asev0: *they are relative to a person who doesn't...
asev0: so i'm merely stating my ideas not from a viewpoint of God
asev0: or religion
asev0: or christianity
asev0: but from the view that good and having a solid idea of good with motivation to follow it is helpful
asev0: and i applied that idea to the fact that worrying about hell can be helpful
asev0: in that it provides motivation
asev0: and if one believed in hell, it'd be safe to assume they believed in God
asev0: and if they worried about hell, it'd thus be safe to assume that they worry about doing the right thing
crystalite104: i s'pose
asev0: therefore leading back to the view that having a solid idea of good with motivation to follow it is generally helpful in making life and the world in general a better place
asev0: with as much of an impact one person can have
asev0: which can be a lot if only there were many "one person's" who did this
asev0: hundredth monkey scenario and all that again...
crystalite104: only there aren't, generally speaking
asev0: there aren't what?
crystalite104: many "one persons"
asev0: it wouldn't seem so, would it?
asev0: there are many who profess to be christian or they profess to hold a certain religion
asev0: most religions have similar ideas when it come to right and wrong, excluding doctrines concerning which God to worship
asev0: but people who say they are this or that rarely actually follow what they say
asev0: Bush says he's a christian
crystalite104: verba non facta as opposed to facta non verba
asev0: yes
asev0: with his right hand, he's doing christian things. But with his left, he's slaughtering for money and power
crystalite104: joyous, isn't it?
asev0: hypocrisy kills me
crystalite104: oh i figured out what that grafitti said
asev0: go on
crystalite104: on the subject of bush lol
crystalite104: "free tibet" "eat shit" "fuck bush, his dad, mom, and fat retarded daughtere"
crystalite104: *daughters
asev0: *snickers* i see...
asev0: *is posting this conversation on *L* *
asev0: you don't mind, do you?
crystalite104: no
crystalite104: eloquence at its finest...
asev0: alright, then
asev0: pah.
asev0: Eloquence. RIght.
crystalite104: lol
asev0: Most like quasi-intelligent stumbling around in the dark for some semblance of truth while trying to sound knowledgeable.
asev0: k, i'm going to post what we have so far. And then i'm going to sleep.
crystalite104: you do that
6.03.2005
Another photo. Yay. Taken at the New York Public Library. I had a little fun with the tint and I managed to stick it in my Euro project just because I felt like it. Note the pidgeon.
5.27.2005
Hey... is it too early to make and '04-'05 memories post?
...eh. Less than a month 'til school ends. I think not.
SO! You know what to do. Comment w/ your memories (good, bad, or otherwise) from the schoolyear and have fun reading everyone else's. And SHTUFF. Because we're all terrible nostalgics here. >.< And because this website is still not quite alive. ¬.¬
And yes, I will hunt you down if you don't contribute at least once. *evil grin*
Post away.
...eh. Less than a month 'til school ends. I think not.
SO! You know what to do. Comment w/ your memories (good, bad, or otherwise) from the schoolyear and have fun reading everyone else's. And SHTUFF. Because we're all terrible nostalgics here. >.< And because this website is still not quite alive. ¬.¬
And yes, I will hunt you down if you don't contribute at least once. *evil grin*
Post away.
4.30.2005
trippy hallway
Photo for y'all. Don't remember why I took it, but I kinda like it, so there we are. Anyhoos. I like the word trippy. And stuff. More to come, perhaps?
4.27.2005
4.24.2005
Well then... to revive this blog...
It reminds me of summer, at the moment. As does everything. Maybe I'm thinking of the memories post or the planing of our trips to Knott's, but it does. Or maybe I'm just thinking about it b/c Mom started talking about when we're going to Maine. Whatever it is, it makes me feel as though I can spend the whole night awake again without the threat of the AP test hanging over my head. I only wish...
Speaking of Maine, is anyone seriously interested in coming with me? Tell me now so I can figure something out; Mom wants to drive this year.
Computer usage, hm, Asev? From fanfiction to blogging to homework?
Whatever. I want it to be summer. And when it is summer, I want to do something big. Zen, get your Michiganian butt over here, won't you?
whozzawithme?
*falls over*
It reminds me of summer, at the moment. As does everything. Maybe I'm thinking of the memories post or the planing of our trips to Knott's, but it does. Or maybe I'm just thinking about it b/c Mom started talking about when we're going to Maine. Whatever it is, it makes me feel as though I can spend the whole night awake again without the threat of the AP test hanging over my head. I only wish...
Speaking of Maine, is anyone seriously interested in coming with me? Tell me now so I can figure something out; Mom wants to drive this year.
Computer usage, hm, Asev? From fanfiction to blogging to homework?
Whatever. I want it to be summer. And when it is summer, I want to do something big. Zen, get your Michiganian butt over here, won't you?
whozzawithme?
*falls over*
4.21.2005
No, this blog is not dead. Well, perhaps it was (my sincerest apologies), but I’m posting again. Besides, you people could have always posted in that time. *stares accusatively*
Ah. I see Jenna was here recently. Heh. Well, yes, this is Stephanie. Julia is here, too. Kelyn drops by every so often as well. As does Kelsie. You probably don’t know Tur or Zen, though, since they don’t live here…
Anyway…what to post?
Do I have something smart and witty to say? A new observation? A philosophical belief? Or even just a piece of writing? No, not really. If only the rest of you people would post on here.
Here: In an effort to help revive this blog, I ask that all of you write and post something. Anything. Pictures (that are interesting, please), poems, short stories, random daily observations, etc… As long as it makes us laugh or think, it’s fine. Post something you’ve already written, if you want. Let’s just get this place alive again.
What's there to say? Let your mind and soul flow free through your fingers. Let them flow into letters, into words, and into coherent thoughts.
Ah. And if you guys just want a general guiding theme on what to write, write about change. How things were, how they became what they are now. How you and your views have changed, or how the world has changed. Everything is changing. There’s a lot to say about that, so start writing.
Here, I’ll start this off with how my use of the computer has changed:
b e f o r e
The room has grown dark over the hours, except for the glow of the monitor. I don’t take note of this as I am in a different realm. I am in the story my mind is soaking up into the late hours of the night. I sit there reading while the rest of the world sleeps. Read, finish page, next page, read, finish page, next page… It’s automatic now. I am sucked into the story. I forget who Stephanie is and I am placed into the center of it all. I am placed into a world is interesting--I am not sitting, pathetically alone in a dark room. I have a life…within that story. So I read and read and read. It distracts my mind from everything else. Then finally when I can read no longer, I go pass out and sleep. This way, I’m too tired to stay up all night thinking like I usually do, and I’m too tired to dream. Then when I wake up, I’m so tired; I go through it like a mindless drone. Nothing is as real or alive as when I am sitting in front of that monitor. Glued to it. Because that is where I live. That is my life. And the hours tick by. My life slips through my hands. How long until I am I no longer?
As for an ‘after’, I’m not sure yet. It’ll take awhile to come up with that one. bleh. 6:18. I'm going to get eat breakfast (Yes, I am actually eating breakfast) and then get ready for school. I woke up at 5:30, forgetting I didnt' have zero period, but that's okay. It gave me time to visit and post. Right. Bye, all *waves*
Don't forget to write something and share it.
-asev
Ah. I see Jenna was here recently. Heh. Well, yes, this is Stephanie. Julia is here, too. Kelyn drops by every so often as well. As does Kelsie. You probably don’t know Tur or Zen, though, since they don’t live here…
Anyway…what to post?
Do I have something smart and witty to say? A new observation? A philosophical belief? Or even just a piece of writing? No, not really. If only the rest of you people would post on here.
Here: In an effort to help revive this blog, I ask that all of you write and post something. Anything. Pictures (that are interesting, please), poems, short stories, random daily observations, etc… As long as it makes us laugh or think, it’s fine. Post something you’ve already written, if you want. Let’s just get this place alive again.
What's there to say? Let your mind and soul flow free through your fingers. Let them flow into letters, into words, and into coherent thoughts.
Ah. And if you guys just want a general guiding theme on what to write, write about change. How things were, how they became what they are now. How you and your views have changed, or how the world has changed. Everything is changing. There’s a lot to say about that, so start writing.
Here, I’ll start this off with how my use of the computer has changed:
b e f o r e
The room has grown dark over the hours, except for the glow of the monitor. I don’t take note of this as I am in a different realm. I am in the story my mind is soaking up into the late hours of the night. I sit there reading while the rest of the world sleeps. Read, finish page, next page, read, finish page, next page… It’s automatic now. I am sucked into the story. I forget who Stephanie is and I am placed into the center of it all. I am placed into a world is interesting--I am not sitting, pathetically alone in a dark room. I have a life…within that story. So I read and read and read. It distracts my mind from everything else. Then finally when I can read no longer, I go pass out and sleep. This way, I’m too tired to stay up all night thinking like I usually do, and I’m too tired to dream. Then when I wake up, I’m so tired; I go through it like a mindless drone. Nothing is as real or alive as when I am sitting in front of that monitor. Glued to it. Because that is where I live. That is my life. And the hours tick by. My life slips through my hands. How long until I am I no longer?
As for an ‘after’, I’m not sure yet. It’ll take awhile to come up with that one. bleh. 6:18. I'm going to get eat breakfast (Yes, I am actually eating breakfast) and then get ready for school. I woke up at 5:30, forgetting I didnt' have zero period, but that's okay. It gave me time to visit and post. Right. Bye, all *waves*
Don't forget to write something and share it.
-asev
11.22.2004
"RUNNING OUT OF SPACE."
Radio silence is totally no fun, you guys.
(Look, my first post isn't even a post...^_^...)
Oh, btw: I, for one, welcome our new squirrel overlords.
*glances over shoulder and runs away*
Radio silence is totally no fun, you guys.
(Look, my first post isn't even a post...^_^...)
Oh, btw: I, for one, welcome our new squirrel overlords.
*glances over shoulder and runs away*
11.04.2004
Er, sorry, Tur. I haven't gotten around to commenting on your comment, have I? *sheepish grin*
I'm dying from homework, and when that isn't killing me, the thought of Bush winning again does. Shyeah.
On that note, would someone please tell me why Bush won?
Why?
And if that isn't possible, let's start a nice little rant going. I don't know about you guys, but how could over half of our country be so blind and stupid? Let's start listing all the reasons Bush shouldn't be in office. Quite futile in all reality, but perhaps it'll make us feel better. Perhaps (not really, but hey, ranting is fun).
This is quite simple and I know all of you have something to share. Why should Bush not have been re-elected?
Go. Post. Speak. RANT! Share stories. And whatnot. Predict the anarchy to come. Or what you hope will come (I believe it was Virginia who hoped Bush would be assassinated soon). Eh. On the other end of the spectrum, you can also rant about the downfall of our nation. Or something like that. *grins wrly* We've lost, but hey--Let's go down screaming to the rest of this nation about how wrong they were...
-Asev
I'm dying from homework, and when that isn't killing me, the thought of Bush winning again does. Shyeah.
On that note, would someone please tell me why Bush won?
Why?
And if that isn't possible, let's start a nice little rant going. I don't know about you guys, but how could over half of our country be so blind and stupid? Let's start listing all the reasons Bush shouldn't be in office. Quite futile in all reality, but perhaps it'll make us feel better. Perhaps (not really, but hey, ranting is fun).
This is quite simple and I know all of you have something to share. Why should Bush not have been re-elected?
Go. Post. Speak. RANT! Share stories. And whatnot. Predict the anarchy to come. Or what you hope will come (I believe it was Virginia who hoped Bush would be assassinated soon). Eh. On the other end of the spectrum, you can also rant about the downfall of our nation. Or something like that. *grins wrly* We've lost, but hey--Let's go down screaming to the rest of this nation about how wrong they were...
-Asev
ps-I will be QUITE disappointed if you people do not respond. Very. *glares*
10.15.2004
As I’m sure a few of you know, Mr. Butler has brought up a very interesting topic in class lately. This would be none other than the Nurture vs. Nature controversy that is all pervasive in psychology and life if one looks closely enough. On the surface is seems like a short and simple question, but it becomes quite complicated as people truly consider the implications and various cases that this could be applied to. Of course, many studies have been done on this—supporting both the nurture and the nature side of the spectrum. For example, twin studies show that nature has a strong role into our inborn personality, yet it is undeniable that where we grow up, our parents, and our personal experiences shape who we are. I think it’d be quite interesting to hear the sides of the people on this site. Whether you think it’s more nature or nurture. It’s been agreed on by the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but choose a side (don’t sit on the fence). Pick what you think holds more sway over who we are as a person and give some supporting evidence. Your own experience, perhaps, or a hypothetical situation.
Now, I realize that not all of you may be familiar with this, so I suppose I’ll go over what Nurture vs. Nature is (oops, should’ve gone over this first).
Well, it is obvious that a fundamental part of psychology is understanding. And part of understanding is seeing how someone has arrived at where they are. How did this person become the way they are? Why are they like this? What made them do this or choose this? Did that influence other things?
etc…
So, behind all these questions is the simple, yet infinite question of Nurture vs. Nature. Are our surroundings, environment, and outside influences the core factors that determine who we are (nurture) or are we born with a certain innate personality that never changes, no matter what we experience (nature)? Of course, these are the extreme views of both. I won’t give my opinion right now (though I’m sure most of you know it) because I want the chance for all of you to speak first. This truly is an interesting topic to ponder and I hope you people respond. A few things to get you started:
That’s just to get you thinking. Of course, you can comment on these things and use them to support your stance along with your own personal evidence. *nods* Okay…I think I’ll post this now. I’m sincerely sorry if I lost you or if I made this too complicated. I’m sure some else on this site could explain it to you if need be. But yeah. Post. Now. *glares* I will hunt you down if you don’t. Yesh. And torture you in a way particular to your personality. You know *grin*. I could strap you down and tape your eyes open while making you watch the animated version of Lord of the Rings over and over again. Or have the squirrels stalk you.
Thus, it is better to leave a comment. Many comments. Comment on comments other people have left. Debate, bring up new points, take a stand. I don’t expect you people to stay on one side of the fence, but try not to sit on it the entire time. Make arguments for both sides or perhaps you’ll point out something that the rest of us have failed to take note of. Right. I’m going to sleep. Or play Neverwinter Nights. I’ve started a druid at the beginning of the game. *grin* Well, then, bye all *waves*
-asev
Now, I realize that not all of you may be familiar with this, so I suppose I’ll go over what Nurture vs. Nature is (oops, should’ve gone over this first).
Well, it is obvious that a fundamental part of psychology is understanding. And part of understanding is seeing how someone has arrived at where they are. How did this person become the way they are? Why are they like this? What made them do this or choose this? Did that influence other things?
etc…
So, behind all these questions is the simple, yet infinite question of Nurture vs. Nature. Are our surroundings, environment, and outside influences the core factors that determine who we are (nurture) or are we born with a certain innate personality that never changes, no matter what we experience (nature)? Of course, these are the extreme views of both. I won’t give my opinion right now (though I’m sure most of you know it) because I want the chance for all of you to speak first. This truly is an interesting topic to ponder and I hope you people respond. A few things to get you started:
Are murderers born with a disposition that allow them or compel them to kill?
Or should we take into consideration that a good majority of them come from unstable households and a bad past?
--
In twin studies, there have been cases where twins separated at birth (through adoption) grow up with very similar lives. In fact, there has been one very interesting case that was documented. Two twins who never met happened marry and their wives had the same name. They eventually divorced their wives, and both twins remarried. Once again, their wives shared the same name. The twins each had two children—and they both named the children the same exact names. And, let us not forgot the dogs that both twins owned—incidentally named the same.
Strange, eh?
But then, when you take into account the idea of identical twins who were not separated at birth, their similar upbringing (parents, household, etc…) make them even more alike than most identical twins that were separated at birth.
--
Does one’s inborn personality determine where they go in life, or their social position they’re born into (parents, location, etc…) hold a stronger sway? Some inborn characteristics include:
- intelligence
- temperament: is the person shy, or loud? Calm or fussy? Reserved or temperamental?
- quirks or certain dispositions (ex: chances are you like the same foods as either or your mother or father or you enjoy certain hobbies like reading if your parents loved to read)
- and so on…
--
Overall, the idea of nurture encompasses the idea of whom our parents were, where we grew up, what happened in our families and friendships, etc…
But also, one must take into consideration the effect of nature. Someone born shy (yes, THIS has been proven in psychology—one’s temperament almost NEVER changes throughout their life and is usually based off what temperament their genetic parents had, not the people who raised them) is less likely to have friends or mike make choices that affect their experiences and situations.
Another point to remember is that people never come from an experience unaffected or in some negative cases, unscathed. BUT, there is, once again, another thing to keep in mind: If I went through a life altering experience, my reaction and choices in that situation are based off of my inborn personality ALONG with my past experiences. Thus, if you were to go through the same experience, the choices and reactions you had would be different than my own. Therefore, who you ended up to be at the end of the experience would differ than who I ended up as after going through that same exact event.
That’s just to get you thinking. Of course, you can comment on these things and use them to support your stance along with your own personal evidence. *nods* Okay…I think I’ll post this now. I’m sincerely sorry if I lost you or if I made this too complicated. I’m sure some else on this site could explain it to you if need be. But yeah. Post. Now. *glares* I will hunt you down if you don’t. Yesh. And torture you in a way particular to your personality. You know *grin*. I could strap you down and tape your eyes open while making you watch the animated version of Lord of the Rings over and over again. Or have the squirrels stalk you.
Thus, it is better to leave a comment. Many comments. Comment on comments other people have left. Debate, bring up new points, take a stand. I don’t expect you people to stay on one side of the fence, but try not to sit on it the entire time. Make arguments for both sides or perhaps you’ll point out something that the rest of us have failed to take note of. Right. I’m going to sleep. Or play Neverwinter Nights. I’ve started a druid at the beginning of the game. *grin* Well, then, bye all *waves*
-asev
10.02.2004
I suppose you can say one of Turin's recent posts on her blog has inspired me to write this post, but if memory serves me correctly, one of my very first posts on here was about death.
This...is kind of a follow up.
Turin's post talked about her views on death and why it's kind of stupid for people to be afraid of it. Now, I understand that your own religious beliefs (or lack thereof) will influence this, but what are your views?
Afraid of it? Not afraid? Indifferent? Are you trying not to think about it or are you always thinking about it...? Besides that, define what the concept of death is to you.
Is it the black oblivion of eternal sleep?
Is it the next step in a journey?
Is it the end in order for a new beginning (ex: reincarnation)?
Or do you see it as your door to eternal salvation?
Also...are you the kind of person who will have a lot of regrets as they lay on their death bed?
I don't suppose anyone would really want to go into detail on this part, but think about it. Perhaps you still have time to rectify it. If not in your own mind (because you wont' forgive yourself) but at least make it okay with the other person or something like that.
Most people don't think about what they'll be doing in the next month, five years, ten years, let alone what'll happen at death. Here's your chance...just write something. A little or a lot (though a lot is better).
Another thing you can talk about if you want to is what'll happen at your death. Preferences? I know Turin had a pretty cool idea about cremation. What do you want when you're dead. Possible will or items that you'd give to certain people? Or perhaps (as brought up in a previous post) your funeral music. What would it be?
So then. All I'm asking is:
-What are your thoughts on death? Like/not like/don't care?
-What do you think will happen after death? What is death?
-Regrets?
-Final preferences and will?
Yeah, okay. So this is a bit of a morbid post, but still. This site should make you think and I'm not sure it's been living up to that lately, but oh well. Hopefully you'll put some thought into this between doing homework and surviving AP Euro. *grin*
Oh, and so there isn't any doubt: Yes, I will hunt you down and kill you if you don't leave a comment.
^_^
*cough* Well, maybe not kill you, but you get the point.
-Asev
This...is kind of a follow up.
Turin's post talked about her views on death and why it's kind of stupid for people to be afraid of it. Now, I understand that your own religious beliefs (or lack thereof) will influence this, but what are your views?
Afraid of it? Not afraid? Indifferent? Are you trying not to think about it or are you always thinking about it...? Besides that, define what the concept of death is to you.
Is it the black oblivion of eternal sleep?
Is it the next step in a journey?
Is it the end in order for a new beginning (ex: reincarnation)?
Or do you see it as your door to eternal salvation?
Also...are you the kind of person who will have a lot of regrets as they lay on their death bed?
I don't suppose anyone would really want to go into detail on this part, but think about it. Perhaps you still have time to rectify it. If not in your own mind (because you wont' forgive yourself) but at least make it okay with the other person or something like that.
Most people don't think about what they'll be doing in the next month, five years, ten years, let alone what'll happen at death. Here's your chance...just write something. A little or a lot (though a lot is better).
Another thing you can talk about if you want to is what'll happen at your death. Preferences? I know Turin had a pretty cool idea about cremation. What do you want when you're dead. Possible will or items that you'd give to certain people? Or perhaps (as brought up in a previous post) your funeral music. What would it be?
So then. All I'm asking is:
-What are your thoughts on death? Like/not like/don't care?
-What do you think will happen after death? What is death?
-Regrets?
-Final preferences and will?
Yeah, okay. So this is a bit of a morbid post, but still. This site should make you think and I'm not sure it's been living up to that lately, but oh well. Hopefully you'll put some thought into this between doing homework and surviving AP Euro. *grin*
Oh, and so there isn't any doubt: Yes, I will hunt you down and kill you if you don't leave a comment.
^_^
*cough* Well, maybe not kill you, but you get the point.
-Asev
9.27.2004
...is it just me, or is everyone else out there dying from stress, too?
-Asev
-Asev
9.11.2004
*yawn* Before I forget....
Where were you on 9/11? When did you hear? What did you think? Sad? Angry? What do you think now? Yeah, I know we're all sick of hearing Bush (among others) use it to boost his image, but at the time it wasn't a political tool, it was a tragedy. We all felt _something_.
Comment, or not. Figured since it was the third anniversary I'd say something. My comments will be up tomorrow as I could go on a while and I want to sleep.
***If you leave a comment on
my site, your IP address is
recorded and I have access to it.
I don't touch or look at these
and have no intentions of doing
so. That is, of course, unless
one gives me reason to. As said
before, don't infringe on the
copyright laws and don't send
flames. Just thought I'd give
sufficient warning....
Where were you on 9/11? When did you hear? What did you think? Sad? Angry? What do you think now? Yeah, I know we're all sick of hearing Bush (among others) use it to boost his image, but at the time it wasn't a political tool, it was a tragedy. We all felt _something_.
Comment, or not. Figured since it was the third anniversary I'd say something. My comments will be up tomorrow as I could go on a while and I want to sleep.
