Roger Morrison wrote:Hi Schmo, you said:
... As I mentioned in another thread, I don't think the world is either good or evil, nor is it tending one way or another. It just is. The only thing that changes is our perception, and the outlook on the way the world is says more about the observer than it does the world.
In this are you viewing the "world" as a Celestial Body? If so, I agree, as you say, "...it just is." OTOH if you are referring to "world" as a populated Globe, I suggest it is as humans have made it, with all of its goods and bads, we are to be credited or discredited for the "world's" state of being. Which of course "is" but is in a state of flux, meaning the state "is" changes with "perceptions"--as you say--moving humanity forward, or impeeding human progress...
From God(s)-believing brutes out of the cave to God-questioners, we look back on a trail of atrocities and injustice that demonstrates, and directs, our behavioral change. Always with resistance. Yet, ever so slowly creeping into quality unimagined by our ancestors. This to the credit of intelligence and science, with little help from traditional, institutionalized religion that held the reins of human leadership since the cave... So here we are, better than ever, improving by every mistake we make... Sorry to intrude :-)
Roger
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With Schmo, I agree regarding our “perception” of
the world. For those with access to the best in comfort, information, satisfaction, and anything else which contributes to “perception,”
the world is often perceived as better or getting better. For people with a disease that is a death sentence (treatment is unavailable, ineffective), they wish they were living in a time when a cure/treatment was available. Surely, for those living at the margin of starvation and who are malnourished,
the world gives them only pain and suffering for as long as they last.
We who have access to computers also have access to thousands of
things in addition to that computer. Most of us who communicate through this medium are not living at the margin of death. Of course that recognizes that some people with
computers have just learned they are fatally ill or are quite elderly and know life is about over. Even so, “perception” is critical, as you have observed.
With Roger, there is challenge to his observation: “I suggest it is as humans have made it, with all of its goods and bads, we are to be credited or discredited for the ‘world's’ state of being.”
The
world is substantially what it was when humans evolved. To be sure, we have altered it and will continue to do that. Given the time-frame for humans vs. the time frame for the dinosaur, we humans have been here a very short time. The dinosaur did not bring about its own extinction.
It’s a large study.
That said, I agree with this: “From God(s)-believing brutes out of the cave to God-questioners, we look back on a trail of atrocities and injustice that demonstrates, and directs, our behavioral change. Always with resistance. Yet, ever so slowly creeping into quality unimagined by our ancestors. This to the credit of intelligence and science, with little help from traditional, institutionalized religion that held the reins of human leadership since the cave... So here we are, better than ever, improving by every mistake we make... Sorry to intrude :-)”
Well stated, Roger!
Certainly medical science has made us (or can make us) more healthy and extend our lives generally. Other sciences have informed us about the planet and now something about
this planet’s place in a universe of billions and billions of suns. We feel
better when we feel informed.
JAK