Author Topic: Faith in Science  (Read 43446 times)

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Nation of One

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Re: Faith in Science
« Reply #30 on: June 06, 2018, 10:18:40 am »
Greetings.

I read the passage I could not help but think of the abolitionist, John Brown, who was sentenced to death by hanging by the State.   I will not go into detail but will just say that he advocated armed insurrection as the only way to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. 

I also could not help but recall the strong feelings of indignation, disgust, and outrage Schopenhauer felt in connection with what he called "the Slave States."  He referred to the slave-owners who went to church every Sunday as "devils in human form."

Now, having recalled all this, I will point out, with no disrespect to Schopenhauer intended, that Arthur did not have this trait which he describes, and John did have this trait.

I, myself, do not have the trait.  When I was a young man, I was conscious of social injustice and the reality of severe oppression, but as I became more aware of the immensity of the systemic power structure, I realized that the best one can do in this life in order to preserve their own mental health and keep their own ass out of the hot seat, is to lay low and, as cowardly as this sounds, mind one's own business.

I do not wish to tangle with the forces of evil.

I, much like Schopenhauer, prefer to vent my frustrations with words, and, unlike John Brown, I am no soldier nor a warrior who takes up arms against "the State" or any other abstract notion.

I know your question was not about me or whether or not I have this trait, but you wanted to know how Raul or I felt about such a man that had this trait, where he felt compelled to enforce some kind of eternal justice when exacting such a punishment would be considered criminal since the offender is the very entity which defines legality.    Case in point, chattel slavery was "legal" in the United States and John Brown's advocating a call to arms to abolish the practice was "illegal".

I do not wish to go deeply into this matter since it leads to all kinds of debates about "God's Laws" versus "Man's Laws".

All I know is that by definition (in Physics), a Law is that which cannot be broken.  If it can be broken, it was not a Law in the first place.

I wish I had more to say on this, but I am afraid, while I do acknowledge John Brown as a heroic and noble character, there are many others who murder thinking they are dishing out "eternal justice," who are simply programmed robots brainwashed in some military camp unleashing energy from sexual repression.

It's all too fuucked up to make any definitive statements about the traits of those who are obsessed with vengeance against oppressors. 

I'm afraid I am just a "little man" who studies math in the corner of a room.   I am no such hero; but, come to think of it, neither was Arthur Schopenhauer, for that matter.  Again, I certainly do not intend to disrespect Schopenhauer, nor do I suggest he could have done anything other than lament (from Germany) over the terrible injustices against humanity which were taking place across the oceans in "the New World".
Things They Will Never Tell YouArthur Schopenhauer has been the most radical and defiant of all troublemakers.

Gorticide @ Nothing that is so, is so DOT edu

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