12-26-2014, 08:49 AM
So if one's "desired response" is to change someone's mind about something, or just get them in a cooperative mood, then belligerently hitting them over the head with what one believes to be the truth (even if it really is the truth) buys you absolutely nothing. You've just pushed that person in a box
I've been reading a lot of E O Wilson the last month, he's the father of sociobiology. Here's a quote from his most recent book, The Meaning of Human Existence that may expand on what punafish said above:
In America, for example, it is possible in most places to openly debate different views on religious spirituality - including the nature and even the existence of God, providing it is in the context of theology and philosophy. But it is forbidden to question closely, if at all, the creation myth - the faith - of another person or group. To disparage anything in someone else's sacred creation myth is "religious bigotry." It is taken as the equivalent of a personal threat.
I've been reading a lot of E O Wilson the last month, he's the father of sociobiology. Here's a quote from his most recent book, The Meaning of Human Existence that may expand on what punafish said above:
In America, for example, it is possible in most places to openly debate different views on religious spirituality - including the nature and even the existence of God, providing it is in the context of theology and philosophy. But it is forbidden to question closely, if at all, the creation myth - the faith - of another person or group. To disparage anything in someone else's sacred creation myth is "religious bigotry." It is taken as the equivalent of a personal threat.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves