NationStates Jolt Archive

So is there anything about politics or philosophy etc... (not current affairs or historical events because there's a trillion things that we know is happening/has happened but wish it weren't the case) that you agree is the case but wish it wasn't or at the very least unhappy with the idea?

Things that I reluctantly accept is this:

Determinism: although I find the very notion that free will is merely an illusion completely incomprehensible and counter-intuitive as well as not a particularly nice idea in general, all logic seems to suggest that the universe and our actions is determined, at least to some extent, if not completely.

Nihilism: It's obvious why I'd rather this wasn't the case.

There are others but I can't remember them right now... so NSG, anything you reluctantly believe?

I reluctantly believe in government actions in general. You know most, if not all actions taken by governments are not in the interest of the average joe.

I reluctantly concede that on one occasion the Parliament Act has done good.

i dont accept or reject any philosophy. they dont mean anything to me really.

i have come to accept that the possession of guns is so important to some americans that it is unfair to force them to become criminals in order to keep them.

it doesnt make any sense to me, but i accept that it is real.

That gun ownership is an Atheist god given right.

So is there anything about politics or philosophy etc... (not current affairs or historical events because there's a trillion things that we know is happening/has happened but wish it weren't the case) that you agree is the case but wish it wasn't or at the very least unhappy with the idea?

Things that I reluctantly accept is this:

Determinism: although I find the very notion that free will is merely an illusion completely incomprehensible and counter-intuitive as well as not a particularly nice idea in general, all logic seems to suggest that the universe and our actions is determined, at least to some extent, if not completely.

Nihilism: It's obvious why I'd rather this wasn't the case.

There are others but I can't remember them right now... so NSG, anything you reluctantly believe?

I do sort have the same issue with determinism. Nihillism, however, I freely and happily embrace.

Nihillism, however, I freely and happily embrace.

But don't you find it a little... bleak.

But don't you find it a little... bleak.

Or liberating perhaps?


back on topic - I very reluctantly accept that I am going to die. Now that's bleak.

I wish I could prove free will. I wish I could believe with perfect faith in God, Heaven, and an eventual age of peace and justice.

With most things, though, when I am persuaded to change my mind my emotions follow eventually.

back on topic - I very reluctantly accept that I am going to die. Now that's bleak.

But if you were theistic and not nihilistic, it wouldn't be bleak.

That gun ownership is an Atheist god given right.

I know I'd be pretty reluctant about accepting something that was self-contradictory.

I wish I could prove free will.

Does this mean you believe in free will but can't articulate an argument for it, or that you don't believe in free will at all?

I know I'd be pretty reluctant about accepting something that was self-contradictory.

Yep. Athiest god is a hard SOB to get to show himself, but he's there.

But don't you find it a little... bleak.

Nope... liberating. :tongue:

No objective purpose or truth does not, however, in any way stop one from assigning truths and purposes to things according to whatever arbitrary standard he may be inclined to use though... So basically it makes little practical difference, while on the positive side, it gives one a disinterested tolerance towards all - which isn't a bad thing in most, if not all, of those arbitrary cosmologies/ethical systems etc.

The US has so many tens of millions of guns that trying to take the bastards away would be futile. *sigh*

The US has so many tens of millions of guns that trying to take the bastards away would be futile. *sigh*

*clings to my guns*

If guns were banned, you'd be facing an all out revolution. And you'll be kiddin' your self if you think I won't be marching right there along side them.

But if you were theistic and not nihilistic, it wouldn't be bleak.

Sorry, let me rephrase that: I reluctantly accept that all constructs of and reasons for an afterlife seem incoherent, and therefore I reluctantly accept oblivion.

I know that doesn't completely obviate your point, but it's a bit clearer than "oh Noez!!1! I haz tEh m0rTal1ty!"

Also, theism on it's own does not guarantee an afterlife, an afterlife where your consciousness continues in a recognisable way, or a comfortable way.

PS, I never said I was a nihilist.

PPS however technically I suppose you never said that I was - sorry

*clings to my guns*

If guns were banned, you'd be facing an all out revolution. And you'll be kiddin' your self if you think I won't be marching right there along side them.
Yes, I'm quite aware.

What I don't like about guns in the US is really that they give the general public some kind of feeling that they have the power to change the government. Guess what, you don't.

If you start shooting down your executive, and maybe legislative bodies, you are setting a precedent that is going to be a problem in future years for any government. It will make it paranoid. You do not want this in the slightest, and this is why the idea that having guns gives the general public power over the state is a poor one.

(not that I want to turn this into a gun control debate).

I reluctantly accept being a poor teenager who works at a fast food joint.

I also reluctantly accept my proletarian background. For now.

Gravity...that shit keeps me weighted to the ground, Damn Newton, lol...

Gravity...that shit keeps me weighted to the ground, Damn Newton, lol...
i have come to accept (reluctantly) that even if newton had never developed his theory of gravity, i would still not be able to drift off into the air.

I reluctantly accept that I am stuck in a human body. :(

i have come to accept (reluctantly) that even if newton had never developed his theory of gravity, i would still not be able to drift off into the air.

Shun the Nonbeliever...SHUN!!!:p

people are arseholes who will take it upon themselves to kick you in the teeth when your a bloody mess on the ground, this is why I recognize that anarchy in the UK would have lynching in a fortnight

The green party will never be mainstream. never ever

we will never be rid of Tony Blair

other things:

I reluctantly accept that the Panda/Koala bear and most other animals are shite to the level that if we ever cloned dinosaurs we would probabaly kill ourselves with the disappointment

*clings to my guns*

If guns were banned, you'd be facing an all out revolution. And you'll be kiddin' your self if you think I won't be marching right there along side them.

but thats treason! *waits for the two bizarre USian ideals to collide*

I don't really reluctantly accept anything I personally follow. I happily accept the following beliefs.
-Optimism
-Realism (Kissinger and Waltz for the win)
-Cultural Relativism (does that actually count as a belief?)
-Liberalism
-Utilitarianism
-Capitalism

Things that I tend to reluctantly accept are what other people believe:
-People can be stupid, obnoxious, or just plain ignorant.
-I'll never be able to liberalise my Christian-Conservative mom
-I'll never get people to understand separation of church and state (the woes of a liberal in the Bible Belt)
-The existance of conservatives (okay, that was a joke...partially)
-World Peace and Brotherhood will never happen.
-There will always be some kind of conflict between people

Determinism: although I find the very notion that free will is merely an illusion completely incomprehensible and counter-intuitive as well as not a particularly nice idea in general, all logic seems to suggest that the universe and our actions is determined, at least to some extent, if not completely.
Doesn't quantum mechanics, chaos theory and the like give you hope?

It now seems the strict laws of a deterministic cause-and-effect don't apply in all areas of the universe. Thus determinism, at least to some extent, is neutered.

but thats treason! *waits for the two bizarre American ideals to collide*

Fix'd
But...

*head asplodes*

What I don't like about guns in the US is really that they give the general public some kind of feeling that they have the power to change the government. Guess what, you don't.


Given the 'right' circumstances, that probably won't stop people from trying. However, since there's no power without control, it's only logical to assume that the government will do whatever is necessary in order to restore order. When a mob with guns declares revolution, the proper answer usually is a retaliatory strike with superior firepower. I'm pretty certain NRA members don't have weapons such as mobile artillery and attack helicopters.

Remember, in a functioning nation the state has the monopoly of violence. You may not like it, but it beats living in countries such as Somalia.

I have come to believe and accept that when it comes to elective office the people best and most qualified to hold the office will not run for office because they don't see the need to have to put up with all the shit that goes along with running a campaign and as a result we will never have better than mediocre and we will typically have bad and horrible when it comes to our elected officials.

I reluctantly accept Jack Black.

I reluctantly accept Gravity. That bitch has been screwing me over since day 1.

I reluctantly accept that the Westboro Baptist Church is not an elaborate hoax.

I reluctantly accept that Something (I will not call it god or in any way anthropomorphise it) started everything.

I reluctantly accept that the Westboro Baptist Church is not an elaborate hoax.

Did you see their latest "George Carlin is in Hell" video rant? It is like watching a train collision. :p

I reluctantly accept that Something (I will not call it god or in any way anthropomorphise it) started everything.

Interesting, why would you be reluctant to this belief?

Interesting, why would you be reluctant to this belief?

For the same reason I am. It opens the door to the believers and other kooks, who hold it up as a proof of "god". The difference between a "god" and a first cause is slim, but quite strong.

I reluctantly accept the lack of any supernatural existence, including an afterlife.

I reluctantly accept that our current systems of liberal democracy, despite their many flaws, are the best government we have yet developed.

I reluctantly accept the need for death.

Does this mean you believe in free will but can't articulate an argument for it, or that you don't believe in free will at all?

I think we have strong reasons to believe in free will and strong reasons to believe in determinism... and also that the two are necessarily incompatible. I don't think either can be proven.

In practice, of course, I believe in free will. But so does everyone.

I reluctantly accept Taco Bell tacos.

I reluctantly accept Taco Bell tacos.I would gratefully accept your reluctantly accepted Taco bell tacos. :D

I reluctantly accept that government is needed for a stable society, and that you need minimum wage to keep people from getting screwed over.

I reluctantly accept that I am stuck in a human body. :(

I'm not. Mine has an eject button.:wink: All hail King Pug the VII!!! *Escapes, yapping and shooting laser beams out of his eyes*

but thats treason! *waits for the two bizarre USian ideals to collide*
That's what they said about the American Revolution. *sagely nod*

I reluctantly accept Jack Black.
You disgust me :p

You disgust me :p

I can't help it. I saw 'Kung Fu Panda'. In my defense, I find his acting best when I can't actually see him. :p

I can't help it. I saw 'Kung Fu Panda'. In my defense, I find his acting best when I can't actually see him. :p

I feel sorry for you. *pats LG on the back*

I can't help it. I saw 'Kung Fu Panda'. In my defense, I find his acting best when I can't actually see him. :p
Aye, fair play.

I reluctantly accept that Shia LeBeouf has successfully become a legitimate actor.

That Will Ferrell will continue to make movies and the people will inexplicable find them amusing, thus continuing the circle.

I refuse to believe people watch Reality TV

I reluctantly accept that baseball curses exist and have existed and will exist.

(Though the Cubs curse will be broken this year! Mark my words!)

I reluctantly accept that baseball curses exist and have existed and will exist.

(Though the Cubs curse will be broken this year! Mark my words!)

Damn skippy!

*worships at Fukudome's feet*

I reluctantly accept that Cubs fans are masochists.

I reluctantly accept that when people say "acceptance" and "respect" they usually mean "tolerance".

I accept at times I must compromise and/or be patient. The ideal of course would be to do what I want, how I want, when I want. Gimme.

I'm not. Mine has an eject button.:wink: All hail King Pug the VII!!! *Escapes, yapping and shooting laser beams out of his eyes*

...I reluctantly accept that my body has no such button...

I reluctantly accept that Andaras does not have a sense of humor.

I reluctantly accept that when people say "acceptance" and "respect" they usually mean "tolerance".

Tolerance is really all you can reasonably expect from people, though. I don't know, it seems like the big "struggle for acceptance" is just cloaking a "desperate need for approval".

I reluctantly acknowledge that a small minority will continue to use the ungainly and retarded-looking term 'USian' instead the cognomen of 'American' that is already widely used and widely understood.

And apropos of that, I have a sneaky suspicion that the people who say things like 'people from S. America are Americans, too, you know' are the same people who said 'the 21st century doesn't start until 2001 because there wasn't a Year 0.'

I reluctantly accept that a bunch of Chuck Norris fans retold the Truths about Lord Tothe as if they were Chuck Norris Facts.

I reluctantly accept Andrew Lloyd Webber being classed as a composer.

Nihilism: It's obvious why I'd rather this wasn't the case.

*converts to absurdism with magical stick of conversion*

I reluctantly accept that not everyone shares an interest in philosophy. :(

I reluctantly accept that Andaras does not have a sense of humor.

I reluctantly accept that most people do not have a sense of humour.

I reluctantly accept that government is needed for a stable society, and that you need minimum wage to keep people from getting screwed over.

:fluffle:

*converts to absurdism with magical stick of conversion*

I reluctantly accept that not everyone shares an interest in philosophy. :(

I happily accept that your post made complete sense :fluffle:

...I reluctantly accept that my body has no such button...

You shoulda got the premium version.:D

I wish I had the premium version...

I also reluctantly concede that some people just don't like me...Giving them laxatives didn't help my case :p

I reluctantly accept that the Westboro Baptist Church is not an elaborate hoax.

I reluctantly concede that you are completely right :(


Things that I tend to reluctantly accept are what other people believe:
-People can be stupid, obnoxious, or just plain ignorant.
-I'll never be able to liberalise my Christian-Conservative mom
-I'll never get people to understand separation of church and state (the woes of a liberal in the Bible Belt)
-The existence of conservatives (okay, that was a joke...partially)
-World Peace and Brotherhood will never happen.
-There will always be some kind of conflict between people

Interesting idea of yours for a way to list things... admitting that other people believe things you dont like. A variant on the theme:

- The vast majority of the population will rather believe lies about what others will do for them than look for something better.
- That most people believe being religious and Christian automatically makes you good and being religious and Muslim automatically makes you bad.
- That most people will always think Abraham was "a good guy", even he even existed in the first place.
- That people would rather destroy than build.
- That the "proletariat" are a bunch of uncultured, unread, uncivilized, bad mannered, bad spoken, badly dressed, mostly illiterate chavs, and that each day I care less and less for them.


we will never be rid of Tony Blair


No, I won't believe it!!! :eek:

I reluctantly accept that people will not believe that you can have some conservative views without necessarily being a conservative: that you can have some liberal views without necessarily being a liberal.

I very reluctantly accept that this country will never have affordable health care for all.

I reluctantly accept that people will reproduce in spite of world overpopulation.
I reluctantly accept that people won't accept that the sole way of reducing gas prices significantly is to use less of it until all other options are exhausted.

I reluctantly accept that not all people are reasonable.

I reluctantly accept that UB exists.

I reluctantly accept cash donations and valid credit card numbers. *nod*

I reluctantly accept that 0.9999... = 1.

I don't like it, but there it is. :(

I reluctantly accept that 0.9999... = 1.

I don't like it, but there it is. :(

And pi=3

I reluctantly accept that LG is not President of the Universe.

I reluctantly accept that LG is not President of the Universe.

An interesting quote: "The Devil's greatest accomplishment was convincing the world he didn't exist." -Jim Carroll.

Of course, this is in no way relevant.

;)

I reluctantly accept cash donations and valid credit card numbers. *nod*

*reluctantly accepts that LG may have pwned my claim that Chuck Norris facts are re-written Lord Tothe facts*

a fiate acompli is a fiate acompli. that doesn't mean i believe IN it, only that i cannot excape accepting that it a thing that has happened or does exist.

i think most, or at least many, aspects of the dominant culture fall into that catigory. the level of thoughtlessness that people accept in themselves, ignorant of, indefferent to, or tolerating because they expect or hope to get something out of it, that creates markets and incentives for the brutality and tyranny, not of any majority, but of economic intrests indefferent to their real effects on real people, places and things, and again people accepting the idea of putting this first because they either expect to get something out of it, or are convinced what they think they are comfortable with couldn't exist without doing so, all of that falls into this catigory of things that it would not be my first choice to have exist.

borders, fences, building codes and keep out signs also go on that list, and the degree the automobile is depended upon as a primary means of transportation and consiquent inadaquacies of viable alternatives, i think that hits most of the big ones. along with encompassing pretty much what motivates the reast of it, like problems with the environment and human suffering, even their more proximate causes, begin primarily with those cultural aspects.

=^^=
.../\...

That the problems black people have today are entirely the fault of black people today.

It is easy to be indignant towards richer people and people who are successful, but it is uncomfortable to be indignant towards the downtrodden and those you feel sympathy and compassion for.

Nevertheless, it is true, and the solution to the problems with black america can only be solved by black americans choosing different priorities and working very hard to advance themselves.

I reluctantly accept that OMAC will make more "improvements"... :(

An interesting quote: "The Devil's greatest accomplishment was convincing the world he didn't exist." -Jim Carroll.

Of course, this is in no way relevant.

;)
well thank God for that, oh wait a minute...

I was wondering LG, seeing as you share the same name as a large company, do you make TVs?
was reminded by that smiley, which is the trademark of LG Godamn they're everywhere, lawyers, mobile phones, electronics company.

Maybe they made me.

<.<

>.>

:eek:

as a marketing tool?
surely not....but the pies....the the....nachos and mud, they're all true right?
another thing i'm confused by while i'm here, it says you're online at the moment. but below it says only 1 member and 2 guests viewing, so how...how do they work?
is this a jolt trait passing on or what?

I reluctantly concede that you are completely right :(



Interesting idea of yours for a way to list things... admitting that other people believe things you dont like. A variant on the theme:

- The vast majority of the population will rather believe lies about what others will do for them than look for something better.
- That most people believe being religious and Christian automatically makes you good and being religious and Muslim automatically makes you bad.
- That most people will always think Abraham was "a good guy", even he even existed in the first place.
- That people would rather destroy than build.
- That the "proletariat" are a bunch of uncultured, unread, uncivilized, bad mannered, bad spoken, badly dressed, mostly illiterate chavs, and that each day I care less and less for them.



No, I won't believe it!!! :eek:


We will get rid of Blair some day. And when you said the parliament act had been put to good use, what did you mean? Not the Hunting Ban I hope

We will get rid of Blair some day. And when you said the parliament act had been put to good use, what did you mean? Not the Hunting Ban I hope

Well, it's true that no one lives forever... It's just a matter of being patient I guess...

Actually I was thinking of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2000