Quote: (05-09-2013 03:17 AM)Homo_Sapien Wrote:
Highlighting the exceptional cases of what could only be described as extended tribal empathy does not show that the entire human species is 'good', or whatever the OP was pushing at here.
Not what I was pushing for at all. I think the initial post is quite clear about what I was getting at, which is that with all the negativity we soak up through the media we often forget that there are still people out there with common, and sometimes very uncommon, decency. And that sometimes a little reminder is in order.
You seem so set on your dark world view that you'd even negate any evidence that some people do give a shit. I find that alarming, but a part of me, when in a dark mood, feels like that sometimes too. This thread was meant to be a reminder that we're not all pieces of shit - a motivator when the negativity gets you down.
Nowhere did I imply all people are good. Though I would say all humans do have the capacity for good. And I would say that there are fare more decent people in this world than indecent - regardless of what you and the media would have us believe. Could you imagine what the world would really be like if the average trip to the grocery store or walk down your street reflected the reality you see painted across the evening news every night?
It would be sheer chaos. The fact that betrayal, cheating, violence, and otherwise barbaric acts are still so outlandish to us is evidence in itself that they are abnormal in our society.
Either way, it wasn't my intent to philosophize about all that all.
Quote:Quote:
Next time you see a video of someone showing incredible 'bravery and compassion' to save the life of a stranger, think about the millions of children and adults dying from easily preventable causes, the modern day enslavement of the North Korean people, the ongoing use of children as cannon fodder in those countries you've barely heard of...
...and humanity's collective decision to do nothing about it. Even when they have both the means and the time to do so.
Sure, let's ignore all the action that is taken to act against the world's challenges. If we can keep ourselves and others in a constant state of hopelessness by acting like no one out there cares or is trying, that ought to help things...
I agree there's a lot more we can do about these things. I hardly think dismissing every positive thing you see under that pretense is doing the world (or yourself) any favors though.
Quote:Quote:
So called humanists would rather argue with a religious nut-job on twitter than save and/or improve the lives of their fellow human beings.
And I would rather post on RooshVForum than spend the same effort helping others in need.
A blanket statement that pretends no one on this Earth is dedicating their life to good causes and that every single person out there spends their time on Twitter. Simply a figment of your imagination. There are plenty of time-wasting hypocrites rotting away on Twitter, but that hardly describes every person who espouses a good cause.
Quote:Quote:
I just don't put on a mask of selflessness or caring. I admit that I only think about myself and my immediate social circle most of the time. Just like every other animal on this planet.
Generally speaking, if they're not in the same tribe, nobody gives a shit.
I disagree. I personally do care about strangers and I typically do things to help people each and every day, sometimes in extremely small ways and sometimes in much bigger ways. When I see someone hurt or in danger, I always respond. Always. And I've even done so at my own risk.
I don't always help people I see in need (that are not in immediate physical danger) simply because I haven't the resources to do so and still take care of myself, but I do try to lend a hand when I can. I've helped people I didn't like or respect and thought of as enemies too...how tribal of me...
Many on this planet are far more selfless than I am in this regard, but the point is that people like us do exist, so apparently there are those that give a shit. Probably quite a few even on this forum, which I think we can all admit is a forum essentially focused on the self.
You've got a very negative worldview that isn't supported by what I see in the world around me, though I'm not sure where you spend your time, so perhaps your experience is different. At the end of the day, your problems sound personal more than anything else.
If Giovonny had a point worth making, it was a good one, but it wasn't the one you tried to mutate it into - it was the exact one he so clearly made. That people who don't see the good in the world around them everyday need to unplug themselves from the news and the Internet, get off their computer and get out into that world.
I've been doing that more often lately instead of spending so much time in RooshVforum, and that's why I haven't felt the need to post more videos. It's been a refreshing return to reality...
Beyond All Seas
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling