From simple observations, I've come to the conclusions that we aren't as developed and superior as we would like to find ourselves. Such illusional character traits can be very distracting regarding said advancement. Dangerous.

I agree.

I suggest that it is (ultimately) because of ego.

I also suggest that individual ego is vital to our survival as a species.

"Such illusional character traits can be very distracting regarding said advancement. Dangerous."

There's some sort of paradox there when looking at your statements and mine together.

In order to advance (even evolve), we must first ensure we survive. The instrument of survival is ego, yet ego is a handicap to advancement.

Surely the instrument of advancment is ego, if ego is vital to our survival?!?

The placing of one's self before others often leads to short term gains for the individual but seldom benefits society.

As a Christian I thought you'd have come up with that one yourself Tigger.

I was asking the question based on Harcourt's contribution. I know that the abandonment of the self, the love of God and the following of his precepts is the way forward but most people don't give a shit about that, so the cultivation of the 'id' is the world's current way forward.

I was asking the question based on Harcourt's contribution. I know that the abandonment of the self, the love of God and the following of his precepts is the way forward but most people don't give a shit about that, so the cultivation of the 'id' is the world's current way forward.

How did that double post happen? Is it me loving to hear my self twice?

I was asking the question based on Harcourt's contribution. I know that the abandonment of the self, the love of God and the following of his precepts is the way forward but most people don't give a shit about that, so the cultivation of the 'id' is the world's current way forward.

Id and ego together.

Surely the instrument of advancment is ego, if ego is vital to our survival?!?

Yes, but as per the OP, our ego gets in the way of advancement.

Scea put it succinctly: "The placing of one's self before others often leads to short term gains for the individual but seldom benefits society"

We tend to do what is best for ourself and to hel_l with everyone else. Self comes first, then society.

i remember reading this in regards to universal laws.

Even though it is EASIER to live in a world of harmony, there are less opportunities for growth in a world of harmony. In a world of perfect harmony, one is never challenged. One never need confront those inner demons. You can only begin to discover what kind of a person you are in a world of contrast that pushes your buttons from time to time. In other words, harmonious agreement cannot lead to growth.

i remember reading this in regards to universal laws.

Even though it is EASIER to live in a world of harmony, there are less opportunities for growth in a world of harmony. In a world of perfect harmony, one is never challenged. One never need confront those inner demons. You can only begin to discover what kind of a person you are in a world of contrast that pushes your buttons from time to time. In other words, harmonious agreement cannot lead to growth.

good post.

So regarding advancement, harmony is an impediment.

Maybe you and I should get out the gloves again....we'll all advance better.

I was asking the question based on Harcourt's contribution. I know that the abandonment of the self, the love of God and the following of his precepts is the way forward but most people don't give a shit about that, so the cultivation of the 'id' is the world's current way forward.

You are aware that such concepts of 'self' and 'ego' are not Occidental originals, but borrowed from wiser civilisations.

I was asking the question based on Harcourt's contribution. I know that the abandonment of the self, the love of God and the following of his precepts is the way forward but most people don't give a shit about that, so the cultivation of the 'id' is the world's current way forward.

You are aware that such concepts of 'self' and 'ego' are not Occidental originals, but borrowed from wiser civilisations.

I'm not aware...and I'm not sure if it is important to be aware.

Interesting nonetheless....will you expand?

Are there really such expectations as defined absolutes and standards?? According to whom.....?? Nothing is ever the same twice, as every situation and stimulus is different than the next. It's all chaotic.

Sorry, that went over my head.

Chaos theory, Lyapunov exponents, Topological mixing...

Study an Anosov diffeomorphism and it all falls into place.

Chaos theory, Lyapunov exponents, Topological mixing...

Study an Anosov diffeomorphism and it all falls into place.

Ahhhh, when you put it like that.

Did you ever see the movie "A Beautiful Mind"?

....or, if one really wants to be dazzled, check out Alfred Korzybski's work!!!

Chaos theory, Lyapunov exponents, Topological mixing...

Study an Anosov diffeomorphism and it all falls into place.

Sure, we could apply our scientific inventions and fabrique to such models - and we do. But consider that such universal principles exist whether we examine or study them to death, and than claim ownership. It is what it is.

Are we showing off our superior intellects here? If so I'll give up now, I did finish high school but that was 45 years ago.

Chaos theory, Lyapunov exponents, Topological mixing...

Study an Anosov diffeomorphism and it all falls into place.

Sure, we could apply our scientific inventions and fabrique to such models - and we do. But consider that such universal principles exist whether we examine or study them to death, and than claim ownership. It is what it is.

Seen as this is in OTB I'd better not say 'I is what I am!'

"I yam what I yam".

Popeye.

Are we showing off our superior intellects here? If so I'll give up now, I did finish high school but that was 45 years ago.

I'm a humble being.