Douglas Whitmore
-
Why slowness in recognizing important change in radical Islam?
In December of 2007, the "author" of jihad, Sayed (or Sayyed) Imam Al-sharif, ie. Dr. Fadl, refuted the extremism and abuse Al-Quida and other Muslim-based terrorist groups leaders have 'misled' their follows too believe and execute. Too much of it based on earlier writings of his, as Dr. Fadl is considered one of al Qaeda's senior theologians.This has been attempted to be quieted by terrorist leaders, yet it is becoming more evident that Dr. Fadl's book (written while in Egyptian prison) and other common sense, faithful Islamic ideas are creating change at "street" level, affecting rec… Read More
May 24, 2008 | In
-
Glafna,The "Human Way" would be yet another gross generalization and probably why it is improbable to define. What makes up such a generalization is the "Individual Way." Just as you related our species to others, it is estimable that other species don't have as conspicuous a manner to identify "individuals," though this may be arguable based on observance of the instinctual hierarchy of many, i.e. meerkats (familiar example), apes, etc. All stems from individual effort and contribution, yet the majority of "group-ings" do not fully concentrate on nor e… Read More
May 5, 2008 | In
-
Re: What experts would you like to see on bigthink?
Neil Gaiman, an impressive humble human mind, not fearful of imagination and respectful of it's limitation.http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/Cool_Stuff/Essays/Essays_By_Neil/Where_do_you_get_your_ideas%3F Read More
April 29, 2008 | In
-
Re: What experts would you like to see on bigthink?
John Prine, common sense conceptualist, human behavior observer/listener, with an incredible talent for the lyric. http://www.johnprine.net/New Train© John Prine Full blown silence in an empty roomA former bride and a former groomA folding table and a folding chairA folded hand of poker thereAll new directions must go everywhereBig round people in a cool little squareYou can't cut it with a boat or a planeMan it's gonna take a new trainYou'll be leaving on a new trainFar away from this wo… Read More
April 29, 2008 | In
-
Re: What is happiness? This guy explains it well !!
Professor Gilbert,Wow! and thank you for taking the subject beyond the constraints humans impose upon their selves. Let's leave it at, I agree with you in totality.Whitman MooreConnecting-to-the-Value-of-Why 2005-2008 © Read More
April 28, 2008 | In
-
Re: Does the fear of death cause irrational belief?
Sciencesaves,You ask significant questions. Any irrational belief is borne out of fear and fear out of ignorance. Any human being would benefit from giving the questions you pose 'hard' & open-minded consideration, continuously throughout one's life span.I totally concur with your final query. We can, yet why don't we? Acceptance of our ignorance and/or just plain inability to 'know' is a first step, being humble enough to learn-without-end would support overcoming irrational fear and beliefs stemming from. Connecting-to-the-Value-of-Why 2005-2008© Read More
April 28, 2008 | In
-
Re: The Bleak Future of the Internet
Professor Zittrain,Thank you very much for bringing a respectful, clear explanation to the paradoxical nature of 'our' chosen 'internet.' Not in such a succinct manner have I indicated similar concerns and observations, even here on the bigthink plane. It appears difficult for so many to realize there are alternatives to 'internet' and the future of networking can and will change dramatically in the nearest of futures.Again, thank you for contributing so much more than regurgitated prattle! It confirms hope for a better communication process between humans at this stage of development.S… Read More
April 23, 2008 | In
-
Re: Should we rethink income tax?
A pay-as-you-spend sales tax on all purchasing, would be a sound regime replacement for "income tax." Why was it determined or remained acceptable to be "taxed" on one's earnings? There is common sense, logic and reason, with paying taxes on what is spent out of our earnings, leading to individuals and families being much more cognizant of "spending justification, rationale" and retaining truer independence with the handling of our financial situations. This approach could also prove to lessen the "need" or desire for entitlements or like expectations of how tax monies are spent by our … Read More
April 15, 2008 | In
-
Is the answer with overcoming the reliance on the financial industry in America?
Morning Edition, April 15, 2008 · Steve Inskeep talks to author Kevin Phillips about his new book, Bad Money. Phillips argues in the book that the U.S. economy is in danger because of its reliance on the financial industry. He also believes that Wall Street has steered the nation toward greater debt. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89642189As these are potentia… Read More
April 15, 2008 | In
-
Re: Can we now continue embryonic stem cell research?
sciencesaves,you've brought up a prime example for choice of ignorance that prevails with this subject and so many others. it's actually been a while now that stem cell research has demonstrated non-embryo related replication.There is a research university/hospital where I live that has lead with this for over eight years now. It's interesting that their researchers just keep their heads down and continue their work, under insightful protections, while the political and prejudicial machinations 'whirling' around them play out. That strikes me as a great example of reason and logic towar… Read More
April 12, 2008 | In
-
True faith/belief (in anything) is diluted by opinionated-ness, cleverness and pride, due to obvious lack of reason and logic. Why are choices towards accepting less than true faith/belief (in anything) prevalent then? Complacency?Connecting-to-the-Value-of-Why 2005-2008 © Read More
April 11, 2008 | In
-
Here's a subject....go, ahead, talk among your selves, I'll wait
Superconsciousness, emerging knowledge base, exploring and exposing the extraordinary abilities innate in every human being. http://www.superconsciousness.com/index.php Read More
April 11, 2008 | In
-
Re: Why do religious people thank a god for healing them?
sciencesaves, I generally steer away from judging others to be arrogant or anything else, but you are spot on with your assessment(s). "Thank god" is such a common phrase used, and unfortunate for this, when one realizes its' subjectiveness, yet when expressed with honest purpose, has potential importance. Of course, depending on one's faith. At other times, in the face of tragedy or experience "cracking you one across the face" you are right. Someone all of a sudden re-finds 'god' and is not cognizant in the moment of the people they are with who are or could be having a direct effec… Read More
April 9, 2008 | In
-
Re: Stupid Monkey....(creative, marketing production reference)
Azrael, Thanks for bringing some sense to answering such a question. sciencesaves is right as to predicting the future being best guess, what a great distraction from making the present moment the absolute most it can be! yay! What we evolve into, in the next instance of our existence is what is remarkable, if we bother to overcome our arrogance and pay attention.Thanks, guys, great to share with the progressive.Connecting-to-the-Value-of-Why 2005-2008 © Read More
April 9, 2008 | In
-
Re: Should ALL religious organizations be audited? If so, by who or what?
sciencesaves, I don't believe the time and energy expended towards such efforts would meet expectations (of course, nothing 'meets' an expectation). The only focus we can be assured of is, that of our own financial situation. Government, through taxation has a definite effect on any citizen's situation, or additional tariffs posed by various countries. We have limited choice in this matter, unfortunately.Religious organizations only have sway when the faithful agree that 'money' is the answer to anything spiritually related. Quite an odd thought, when you consider it. The faithful are m… Read More
April 9, 2008 | In
-
Is the "Pie" the quintessential food creation?
Is the 'pie' the quintessential food creation considering it's various combinations, forms and potential? Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This Pie –noun 1.a baked food having… Read More
April 8, 2008 | In
-
Why do humans choose complacency, affecting their individual evolution of capability, experience and knowledge, by accepting 'plateaus' of familiarity and justification?Connecting-to-the-Value-of-Why 2005-2008 © Read More
April 8, 2008 | In
-
Re: Re: What has been your experience of race in America?
Wycleft, you speak respectful, humble and secure, thank you for positioning the subject honestly. Growing up, I became aware of various 'races' and remember society and culture emphasized along with. This may have supported me to being more interested with the similarities over the differences. Learning about world geography and history I think I realized there was much more to know and nothing needful to remain ignorant about. Though I didn't have a significant amount of integrated interaction until my later teens, common sense supported me to not adopt the ignorance-laden fear I began… Read More
April 7, 2008 | In
-
Stone, Thank you for your humble and eloquently stated life experience. You prove(d) to be a human becoming while others surrounding you were not comfortable with overcoming their fears and the ignorance supporting such. Your individualism is admirable in so many ways.Even though I grew up near Malcolm X's and Whitney Young's birthplace, I was not old enough nor encouraged by my 'influencers' to pay close attention, while these civil rights advocates became known internationally. At the same time, I was fortunate to not be taught blatant prejudice and had an easier time than you did wit… Read More
April 7, 2008 | In
-
Re: Re: Are faith and reason compatible?
I also appreciate JezzNC's considerations towards this subject. As Jezz reminded, faith and reason are opposite ends of the scale, so the mid-point or balance could be humility-based, common sense as opposed to either extremity of the end-points.Connecting-to-the-Value-of-Why 2005-2008 © Read More
April 6, 2008 | In
Conceptualist/Author of "Connect-to-the-Value-of-Why" and the "Listening Blog" Copyright 2005-2008
We all have the innate ability to prevent conflict and increase understanding beyond our fathomable imagination.
It's not reserved to the few, not a gimmick, it simply has to do with starting anything at a true beginning as opposed to "part way in." We have the tendency to start from a forward-point based on OUR current level of knowledge, experience and desire.
I listen to and teach others how to; prevent vs. overcoming, how to proceed vs. being satisfied.
