Political Discussions for "Adults"

Anteater · 04-21-2020, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

What I don't like about it is that America is just the current face of humanity's failure to be anything more than scurrying, insect-like pragmatism with the illusion of representing some greater, ephemeral, indescribable, but ultimately bull**** ideal covering up nihilism. And yet you try to put a brighter face on it because human psychology requires you to put a brighter face on it so you can continue to believe in human moral progress and keep on keepin' on. It would have been true in any age and it's also true now.

At least admit that humanity has no destiny and therefore there is no reason to believe in anything. At least it wouldn't be cloying.

It's less an ideal and more like an instinct. People instinctively seek out purpose (based on their interests) in the same way they instinctively pull their hand away from a fire to not get burned. Nihilism strikes me as a counterbalance of sorts, but not really an answer. Nietzsche is about as useless as the King James Bible as far as meaningful revelations are concerned.

The problem isn't the idea of destiny or purpose for the human race. It's that we don't have enough information one way or another to determine if that's the truth. Just look at all the contradictory things that pop up the further we look into quantum physics, black holes, etc. We don't even understand the fundamentals of things we can theoretically see and touch right here.

Whether or not you continue moving forward in some way in your life is just a matter of want. It's not that you can't play Ninja Gaiden without getting killed, it's just not easy to do so.

The way I see it, I could have been born as anything or anyone. It was pure luck of the draw that I happened to be born as a complex organism like a human being. But consciousness brings despair when you don't have a clear sense of self and you see every obstacle as an insurmountable burden.

I don't fundamentally disagree with you about America TBH. The "American Dream" as was originally defined is easier to obtain in other parts of the world depending on your circumstances here in 2020 and beyond. That's why I wouldn't have a problem getting rid of my citizenship if push came to shove. It just doesn't mean much to me personally, and there's plenty of opportunity in other places.