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| Posted By: Simon Posted On: Oct 7, 2005 Views: 951 | The popular quest No doubt prompted by family bereavements and reflections about our own mortality, over recent months I have embarked on a "quest" to put some key questions straight in my head - particularly a) the God/religious thing and b) put my life into a context I am happy with. I am finding these 2 threads are becoming increasingly intertwined as I've journied through the perceptions of god(s) to the Creation (incorporating TBBT etc),existence and quantum mechanics etc. I am gradually concluding that perhaps man is not equipped at this stage of his evolution to be able to understand either the big or small picture - in the same way that a rodent never could. Although currently consumed with the need to know and learn more I have to ask - are we, as a species, cursed to be able to ask the questions but never likely to realise the "truth" (in the non-religious sense)? Religion would provide a convenient medication for this torment but that feels like sticking your head in a bucket. Anyone have a copy of the answerbook? |
| Posted By: Keith Mayes Posted On: Oct 7, 2005 Views: 950 | RE: The popular quest Well, the answerbook can sometimes be found in the bottom of a bottle of whisky. Sometimes it can be found by simply accepting the fact that things are what they are and they do not require an explanation because there just isn't one. Keith |
| Posted By: simon Posted On: Oct 8, 2005 Views: 947 | RE: The popular quest Good answer Keith - though whiskey & I haven't got on since my distant college days! Do you really believe that there isn't an answer because by its nature there CAN'T be one, or that you believe that without an off-the-shelf or DIY fix or taking the best interpretations of great minds (including future ones) - we aren't capable of closing it off to general satisfaction? I like your approach to the issues covered on your site - ie. stripping out the clutter to address what's left. On this basis, in a way I think there are answers - then I just need to decide what the question should be. Can I stomach a whiskey yet, perhaps? S |
| Posted By: Keith Mayes Posted On: Oct 8, 2005 Views: 943 | RE: The popular quest The thing is Simon that if we ask the question 'What is the answer to life, the universe and everything?" who are we asking? That, in a sentence, is the nub of the problem as I see it. |
| Posted By: simon Posted On: Oct 9, 2005 Views: 938 | RE: The popular quest well....personally I'm tasking myself to ask the questions and try to answer them. In the end the result is for my personal need and though I do greatly value the opinions of others, I don't feel I can/should delegate the responsibility on to others - as, although there is often much in common, there are vast varieties in personal needs/agendas to satisfy. I am enjoying the tussle of exploring "the question behind the question" and trying to discipline myself to threads which might move me forward rather than just being a convenient concept to accept or explore.The fact that this subject traverses a variety of disciplines (none of which I have any formal training in)also adds a healthy chunk of substance to the challenge.But in the end I am clear that whatever I finally settle for (presupposing there is a finality to this quest - prior to my finality, that is!) I have conceded that it doesn't HAVE to be based on proven fact - just convincing enough for me. |
| Posted By: Keith Mayes Posted On: Oct 9, 2005 Views: 936 | RE: The popular quest Okay, fair enough. It is interesting to consider though that a fact is only an opinion that seems to make sense and adequately describes the phenomenon that is being observed. It is not proof that it is correct. Your belief may differ from mine, and we could both be wrong because the 'known facts' are wrong! Such is life. |
| Posted By: Simon Posted On: Oct 10, 2005 Views: 932 | RE: The popular quest Yes, and how often great opinions never reach the surface or are drowned out by the louder (but ill-informed)voices so that they are never shared? No answer to that one! Cheers Keith - I'll let you know if I chance upon anything enlightening "en route". Simon |
| Posted By: Alyssa Posted On: Sep 19, 2006 Views: 864 | RE: The popular quest The answer to life is to set your mind on present time, never think of the past, for the past is gone. and never think of the future, for the future's always there. ^That's just what one of the many Buddha's said. I believe there's not really an answer to life. I sort of believe we're like machines. We work occasionally and then sometimes we stop working. Science has always amazed me. I love it with sort of a passion. But, The BBT happened, in my mind it did atleast. Or perhaps we've always been here just never realized it. bleh, just a thought. |
| Posted By: Simon Posted On: Sep 25, 2006 Views: 860 | RE: The popular quest Thanks for the comment but unfortunately the Buddha's suggestion won't work for me as I'm working hard at putting things into a context - which involves looking at past, present, here, near and far. I can agree entirely with your passion for science (that I can get my head around) but particularly re. the big picture. So many things seem so trivial when you think of the overall layout. I'm much further on my journey but still a long way to go (enjoying every minute!) Cheers |