(Sep 23, 2016 06:52 PM)Syne Wrote: Or you can assume the oppose extreme, as you seem to have done here. It is a false dilemma that the only alternative to some quantum mysticism is total determinism. Thoughts being only signals in the brain does not explain how brains can rewire themselves through conscious choices in studies that prove neural plasticity.
Who said anything about determinism? We know that thoughts are signals but that doesn’t mean that we can’t change. Our experiences and perceptions can alter the way in which we perceive. There’s still hope for you yet.
(Sep 23, 2016 10:01 PM)scheherazade Wrote: To contemplate that there could actually be no reason to strive for survival when circumstances are exceedingly difficult was almost unthinkable.
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun."
Death is not an experience, but life is. Death is not a mystery, but life is.
There are no Gods before me and no Gods after me. I am life, and there is none else.
scheherazade Wrote:"Be pious toward all the gods" therefore seems prudent, at least in the company of others. Besides, it allows more occasions for sharing in ceremonial feasting at regular intervals.
There is nothing but life. It is a feast. Enjoy your portion.
I love this line.
Septimus: "When we have found all the mysteries and lost all of the meaning; we will be alone, on an empty shore."
Thomasina: "Then we will dance."