[MD] False Messiah

[Peter Corteen]

Hi Scott,

in answer to your questions: 'What about the claim that inorganic static
patterns are static patterns of value? Or the Buddhist faith in the
possibility of Enlightenment? Do you reject these as well?'

No problem with the first, sticks and stones definitely have value; re the
second I have had many light bulb moments, and I'd even say some minor
satoris - a guy once asked me what is the sound of one hand clapping and I
spontaneously but lightly slapped him across the face since he was younger
than me and his question was a little impertinent.  How the solutions to
problems arise in the mind has always fascinated me and I know that
relaxation helps. I know something of the value of sitting.  But  you mean
enlightenment as 'complete and perfect sanity, or awareness of the true
nature of the universe'  then my answer has to be no - I don't  think that
is possible. Scott though, when you sit do you wish for enlightenment or do
you attempt some movements of thought or awareness? If the first I'd say
that kind of wishful thinking won't get you much but the second is well
worth while.

After I said 'we know nothing of the source (or even if there is one)' you
said 'In that case you should reject the MOQ, since we know nothing about
electrons experiencing value, right?' Wrong we do know some things about
electrons through scientific instruments but we can't see far enough to say
we know about any postulated source, and linking back to the enlightenment
question I think that state of maximal information will always be beyond us.
You followed with 'one must make some assumptions, or the only alternative
is nihilism'; Ham called me that too but I won't be labelled - I'm not
without value or morals, I am discriminating. When you say 'assumptions' you
are thinking back to faith; an assumption is like a trial idea born from
intelligence and then you have to wait  for  time to reveal the quality of
your assumption. Sure, I make assumptions but I don't think that his the
same as having faith. Years ago I used to bargain with God; if I was really
in need I would implore him to deliver and promise that upon delivery I
would then have the ground upon which to attempt something else in return,
this mental activity was laden with very strong emotion. I've given that up
now - it was just wishful thinking; now my approach is to thoroughly go
through the preparations necessary, go through all the right motions if you
will, and then wait and see.

I can''t respond clearly to what you said about quantum physics and
neo-Darwinism; if you can expand a little more maybe I will be able to
reply.

You said that 'faith poses a greater challenge to one's thinking precisely
because what one has faith in is a mystery' and 'I'm not sure if it matters
just what one has faith in, as long as one has it'. I can't relate to that
at all. I like mystery though because there is a challenge to see through it
whereas a lot of believers seem to be limited at that point precisely by
faith and their thinking stops. Scott, I still think that faith is neither
necessary nor desirable.

Peter