dimreepr

It seems to me, given the psychological damage most humans suffer when killing a fellow human, the death penalty not only punishes the perpetrator but also the person tasked with carrying out the sentence.

Contentment has almost nothing to do with money and everything to do with a lack of anger and resentment; the lack of these destructive emotions means the need to break moral convention is diminished to effectively zero; that may not make us moral but it does mean the reason for an immoral act is unnecessary and pointless. Of course money has its part to play, given the world in which we find ourselves, but it’s by no means essential to live; food is, water is and, depending on location, shelter is but money isn’t and has nothing to do with job status or cleanliness. A lazy irresponsible self indulged individual isn’t likely to be content or happy and may well be unethical, what’s your point?

An ill considered war may have the opposite effect.

The Dunning/Kruger effect has never been more eloquently demonstrated.

One often meets ones destiny on the path one chooses to avoid it; George W has the war, on terror, he chose to prosecute.

Couldn’t agree more; those that chase money/power do so with little thought of contentment and no understanding of value.

My worst nightmares usually involve a malevolent presence (unknown) and an inability to awaken; sometimes, and rather disturbingly, I do awaken only to find I’m still in the dream.

The truth, is, whatever happens to be the reason for the current epoch.

Your entire premise is based on the fact that the moon has been present throughout human history; that’s like saying ‘because the Earth has always had oceans; God must, therefore, be a fish’. Edit/ Cross posted.

“Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth because they don't want their illusions destroyed.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

Indeed, although I’d be happy to further explore the tangent should you care to post such a topic.

Do I really need a citation for an opinion? I'm grateful for your concern and apologise for my imprecise use of the written word that lead to you misunderstanding my point.

My lack of grammar doesn’t mean I lack insight, cleverness or intelligence means nothing without contentment. John you nailed it +1.

The loudest voice in the room is often the most listened to (due, in part, to the dunning/kruger effect); only education can counter that.

So which is cleverest? A Doctor with an IQ of 170 or a layman with an IQ of 170?

That doesn't answer either question.

Indeed but some take longer than others.

For me it was when I read Matthew 6:5-6: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men....when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret...." It seemed to utterly contradict everything the church stood for. It’s not so surprising the antipodes of science is questioned here.

And just how many failed hypothesis does science produce?

Religions, did start with the intention to explain our world; history has since shown that explanation to be false. I wonder if science, held to its current explanation, would be any different given such a large expanse of time?

In one respect science and religion is one and the same thing, in that, they both seek to explain the world around them. Sure science takes the high ground because it builds on evinced truth rather than believed truth. But does it really matter how a truth is discerned if it makes a better world?

It must be god; my need to relax in an artificially cold room drinking a hot beverage has nothing to do with AGW.

A hovercraft struggles with hills because of balance not speed, besides why would you want to go any faster than they do now? There not easy to control and the brakes are a little iffy.

The riots weren’t caused by this event, it was merely the hook; the riots were caused by a culmination of events and attitudes from both sides. Given the available evidence, I would side with zapatos, he was probably innocent and trying to do his job (which, maybe, was affected by fear). However I think it was handled badly (politically). In many cultures around the world officer Wilson would be expected to fall on his sword and if he wouldn’t he’d be thrown onto it. Unfair maybe but necessary, the second round of riots would have been averted, some trust in the police regained and a chance to avert future riots or worse. Then in time and in private officer Wilson could be suitably compensated. Hitting the situation head on, like this, just shows a complete lack of understanding or care from those in charge.

He’s not the messiah, he’s a very naughty boy; now piss off, whatever his name is.