Toadfish Monastery

Quote from: jjj on August 17, 2007, 07:29:00 AM
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The difference is determination and the skill is live 'genetic programming' and a talent is a 'readily, applicable product'. 

QuoteI often wonder what traits will be the best genetic ones for future survival.

Our ancestors worked hard to bestow us with great unique abilities and talents, which are the 'cream' of human evolution and so, can't be disadvantageous. Human evolution consistently endeavors to amend and progress and there's nothing wrong with that.

Ummm... I think you may share very common misconception about evolution.  Evolution does not have a purpose, it is simply the result of a long series of chance (although not entirely random) events that has lead us from there to here over a very long period of time.  Those species that survive are not better than those that die out, they simply are the ones that survive.  That is what is actually meant by the phrase "survival of the fittest" - what makes an particular species the fittest is that it survives, so the term is really a circular argument and although most people think they know what it means, they do not realise that the phrase is really pretty meaningless.  Also, unfortunately, some of the tools used to teach evolution such as the well known picture of a line of hominids from knuckle scraping ape like being leading up to glorious upright Homo sapiens are simply wrong in that they give the false idea of "progress" inevitably leading up to that paragon of animals - ourselves. 

Evolutionary theory can be rather tricky for the lay person and the degree to which it is misunderstood is very great indeed.  The idea of progress in evolution can be a particularly pernicious one,  especially because it appeals to our vanity that we are at the top of the heap.  INHO such ideas of "progress" are nearly always at best misguided and at worst downright dangerous.

 
"survival of the fittest"
Right, but I thought of evolution in a somewhat different context, yet you can add it as the true reason why evolution is progressing.
The idea of progress in evolution can be a particularly pernicious one,  especially because it appeals to our vanity that we are at the top of the heap.  INHO such ideas of "progress" are nearly always at best misguided and at worst downright dangerous.
For as long one sticks to the genuine evolutionary benefits and advantages of unique abilities, talents... I cannot see how this perception can be pernicious or perilous? Or else human life has no meaning at all! IMHO
So, where is the misconception? 
I have no qualms admitting that we are merely animals, but look what evolution has done to us! Are we not entitled to celebrate this achievement / the level of our unique abilities and talents? Are our birthdays the only thing to celebrate in our lives...? Forget it! 
 

Quote from: jjj on August 17, 2007, 08:15:03 AM
I have no qualms admitting that we are merely animals, but look what evolution has done to us! Are we not entitled to celebrate this achievement / the level of our unique abilities and talents? Are our birthdays the only thing to celebrate in our lives...? Forget it! 

You celebrate your genes, but homosexuals are "handicapped."  It doesn't bother you at all that people find that offensive does it.

 

QuoteYou celebrate your genes, but homosexuals are "handicapped."  It doesn't bother you at all that people find that offensive does it.

How come you always try to drag my statements down the ol' gurgler?  I mean we all should celebrate our existence; even those of us living with impairment or handicap. That's why we have Olympics for handicaps. It's, to pay them human dignity and respect. As long science is unable to help them they just have to learn to live with it and society should help them.  Hence, homosexuals are as much as anybody else entitled to celebrate their genes. Many of them are highly gifted. In Sydney most, if not all artistic leading roles, be it in theatrical or musical fields are occupied by them. I had a good look behind the scene and therefore well informed. We also have Mardi Gras... do I need to say more? Personally I have been mistaken, too. My act involves elegant (conducting style) hand, body gestures and so, it happened that I was kissed about 15 times in one go by a man... I'm allowed up to 3, because I'm immunized against Hepat. C So, please stop being offended, let's  and make up... OK?  Do you like more? Na, na... stop it... 
   

Quote from: jjj on August 17, 2007, 12:14:11 PM

QuoteYou celebrate your genes, but homosexuals are "handicapped."  It doesn't bother you at all that people find that offensive does it.

How come you always try to drag my statements down the ol' gurgler?

I am not dragging them to the "ol' gurgler."  That's were your "insight" comes from.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." - Alphonse Karr

Quote"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." - Alphonse Karr

Wise thought, that one and I trust you originated that one... or did you copy it from past philosophers ... I failed to peruse?   

It's a quote from Alphonse Karr. Alphonse Karr was a French novelist and humorist.

Yes... I saw the name, but hoped it was your creation, because I don't know your real name.
Let's discuss something more constructive...

Diversity is important and I never disputed it. It helps to open new horizons/ oportunitinies.

Quote from: jjj on August 17, 2007, 12:14:11 PM

QuoteYou celebrate your genes, but homosexuals are "handicapped."  It doesn't bother you at all that people find that offensive does it.

How come you always try to drag my statements down the ol' gurgler?  I mean we all should celebrate our existence; even those of us living with impairment or handicap. That's why we have Olympics for handicaps.

Are you saying that homosexuals ought to be relegated to the Special Olympics?

What would the events be?  Maybe a Drag Race? 

Quote from: MentalBlock996 on August 17, 2007, 03:49:48 PM
What would the events be?  Maybe a Drag Race? 

OK, NASTY temper tantrum ahead. You ALL HAVE BEEN WARNED.

AS the NON "cream of human evolution" or whatever that offensive phrase was, as a 'handicapped' person, I REALLY get frosted at the concept that my DIFFERENCES are such that I am LESS than others.

I'm moderately GENETICALLY handicapped in several ways. I'm also quite "genetically superior" (or whatever other bullshit phrase you want to use) in others.

WHO THE HELL GAVE ANYONE, ANYONE AT ALL, THE RIGHT TO JUDGE OR CONDEMN OR CATEGORIZE?? A functional human being is a functional human being, whatever 'handicap' or 'difference' that human being has to overcome. And that human being, no matter what "handicap" CAN be a fully realized, happy, fulfilled "contented" person.

My brain is wired up wrong, OK?? I have some "learning disabilities". I'm a gimp, too...bad scoliosis, getting worse, bad limp, damage that can't be fixed... Gee, where do I sign up for the frickin' Special Olympics?? Seems like all I need to be is gay and I could hit the "less than perfectly OK human" trifecta. (Nope, that one I can't do. Not interested.)

I'm...NOT a happy camper. I don't LIKE being condescended to OR insulted.

Don't worry... for we all love you! Have  from me, but now stop   

QuoteI don't LIKE being condescended to OR insulted.

I don't like it either. No problem with that, but the moment someone shows/ offers you compassion and you spit them in the face, saying: I don't like being condescended then that's your problem. One has to live with the body we have been given... and make the best out of it, remembering, that  some other people are even worse off. My dearest aunt, 'Tante Mieze' lived paralyzed from the hip down in a wheelchair and managed to laugh it off for 40 long years, till the age 98! Also, she lived alone in a flat and did all her household chores till the last day.
Did you notice that people of any minority group are strong on protesting for all the wrong reasons? Here in Australia it starts with Aborigines, members of pious organizations right through to Asians and homosexuals. Once I reached out to give an elderly lady a hand to get into the bus... as she yelled at me: Don't touch my bad arm you fool! I immediately let go and I rather close my eyes than to help her again. She saw that I tried to help her and could have easily pointed out which arm was bad. Lucky I didn't grab her head, because it seemed far worse then her arm!

I don't  .

I''m not the    kind.

This is more my style. It's called the smiting stick because of me.