- There is more food than there are people in the world, yet there are starving people.
- Money is the base cause of most of the world's problems.
Weak, inappropriate arguments covering most major issues in society today:
- "It's been happening for thousands of years"
- "I can't do anything about it"
- "It's a necessary part of the diet" (unless referring to water, or some kind of medical condition, there are always substitutes)
Those who exemplify human selfishness and greed:
- "I enjoy it too much" (with regards to meat eating and hunting)
Then there are those who exploit others who can't do any better, or don't have the knowledge.
Which group is worse?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Earthlings
We are all earthlings.
As earthlings our collective goal is ultimately survival; survival for the individual and for the group.
As humans, we have (unjustifiably) divided ourselves from the rest of the animal population. For humans, it’s no longer about survival ... it’s about being the best; having the best; even at the expense of those people and other animals who are still solely grasping for survival.
Watch this movie. It will ruin any shred of the pleasant ignorance or denial that so many people have conveniently held on to. We all live in reality though; and this, unfortunately, is reality.
This clip is only a few minutes long. I watched the entire 1.5 hour movie, and I encourage you to as well.
As earthlings our collective goal is ultimately survival; survival for the individual and for the group.
As humans, we have (unjustifiably) divided ourselves from the rest of the animal population. For humans, it’s no longer about survival ... it’s about being the best; having the best; even at the expense of those people and other animals who are still solely grasping for survival.
Watch this movie. It will ruin any shred of the pleasant ignorance or denial that so many people have conveniently held on to. We all live in reality though; and this, unfortunately, is reality.
This clip is only a few minutes long. I watched the entire 1.5 hour movie, and I encourage you to as well.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Power of Perspectives
It’s a powerful feeling to believe in something strongly; so strongly that you cannot be swayed by anyone who believes differently or may try to convince you that you’re wrong.
It’s a powerful sort of epiphany when one realises why another may have such a strong belief in something that you may not believe in yourself; it is possible to understand why someone has a different belief to you, even though you still may not share that belief.
Maybe people should stop concentrating – or at least concentrate less – on the more trivial, materialistic things in life, and concentrate more on contributing for a better world, or work on their passion; although these may be interconnected. More often than not it seems one’s strengths come in the form of what they are passionate about; when they abide by their own beliefs and values.
A person might see the world for what it really is; they may desire – crave – change. An overwhelmingly strong sense of compassion and determination is what may drive them to reach their full potential and achieve this wish.
My point is that as people learn more about the nature and origin of other peoples’ beliefs, their views of the world may change. By this, I do not mean what they believe (although this can change as well, but for my point, they do not change), but they may develop a deeper, more complex understanding of the world, its elements and issues, and why different people think the way they do.
Personally, I believe that everyone could potentially share the same beliefs; what is lacking, or restricting this unity, is simply (or not so simply) different education, lack of education, cultural origin and other factors perhaps out of the control of many individuals.
What I’d want, in an ideal world, would be for all those with the opportunity and knowledge to contribute their skills to assisting others less fortunate (although perhaps not less happy in ways), and building a happier, healthier world; and to realise that the economy is not a significant attribute to this ‘happiness’ or ‘health’.
It’s a powerful sort of epiphany when one realises why another may have such a strong belief in something that you may not believe in yourself; it is possible to understand why someone has a different belief to you, even though you still may not share that belief.
Maybe people should stop concentrating – or at least concentrate less – on the more trivial, materialistic things in life, and concentrate more on contributing for a better world, or work on their passion; although these may be interconnected. More often than not it seems one’s strengths come in the form of what they are passionate about; when they abide by their own beliefs and values.
A person might see the world for what it really is; they may desire – crave – change. An overwhelmingly strong sense of compassion and determination is what may drive them to reach their full potential and achieve this wish.
My point is that as people learn more about the nature and origin of other peoples’ beliefs, their views of the world may change. By this, I do not mean what they believe (although this can change as well, but for my point, they do not change), but they may develop a deeper, more complex understanding of the world, its elements and issues, and why different people think the way they do.
Personally, I believe that everyone could potentially share the same beliefs; what is lacking, or restricting this unity, is simply (or not so simply) different education, lack of education, cultural origin and other factors perhaps out of the control of many individuals.
What I’d want, in an ideal world, would be for all those with the opportunity and knowledge to contribute their skills to assisting others less fortunate (although perhaps not less happy in ways), and building a happier, healthier world; and to realise that the economy is not a significant attribute to this ‘happiness’ or ‘health’.
Monday, January 3, 2011
A Mind Power Revelation
We see the world as we want to see it. What we see with our eyes is simply an illusion; what a specific part of our brain interprets, and presents to us, from the photons it receives. (For more information about the power of perception, check out this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqnEGu8VF8Y ...the rest of this post will probably make more sense if you view this, though it's not essential)
"You attract to you the predominant thoughts that you're holding in your awareness, whether those thoughts are conscious or unconscious." - Michael Bernard Beckwith
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think." - Rhonda Byrne, The Secret
If we accept for the present, and for this reading, that reality is an illusion and what we see, hear, taste, feel and smell is an interpretation by our brain, then it makes perfect sense that what we think will be reflected again in our reality. For instance, if we dislike a certain food on first tasting it, from then on whenever we see that food we will perceive the image of something negative. Our values, beliefs and previous experiences determine how we interpret what we see in reality.
Unfortunately, as human nature renders us generally fearful of the unknown, rejection and failure, we are somewhat programmed to perceive many objects and situations fearfully, consequently causing us to shy away from reaching our full potentials.
Why, then, is it so difficult for people to change their ways of thinking? Is it simply that, as we fear so many things that could impact us negatively, it is easier to concentrate on these things to prepare ourselves or to avoid disappointment? The problem with this is, while the bigger disappointments *may* be avoided, negative thoughts will eventually accumulate and could have worse affects.
The most important point here is, our thoughts are what we become.
"You attract to you the predominant thoughts that you're holding in your awareness, whether those thoughts are conscious or unconscious." - Michael Bernard Beckwith
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think." - Rhonda Byrne, The Secret
If we accept for the present, and for this reading, that reality is an illusion and what we see, hear, taste, feel and smell is an interpretation by our brain, then it makes perfect sense that what we think will be reflected again in our reality. For instance, if we dislike a certain food on first tasting it, from then on whenever we see that food we will perceive the image of something negative. Our values, beliefs and previous experiences determine how we interpret what we see in reality.
Unfortunately, as human nature renders us generally fearful of the unknown, rejection and failure, we are somewhat programmed to perceive many objects and situations fearfully, consequently causing us to shy away from reaching our full potentials.
Why, then, is it so difficult for people to change their ways of thinking? Is it simply that, as we fear so many things that could impact us negatively, it is easier to concentrate on these things to prepare ourselves or to avoid disappointment? The problem with this is, while the bigger disappointments *may* be avoided, negative thoughts will eventually accumulate and could have worse affects.
The most important point here is, our thoughts are what we become.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The world for richer or poorer
Since I've just finished uni and am free from study for a while, I've taken the opportunity to finally start reading through a pile of books that has been steadily growing over the year. I started writing an entry last week after watching My Sister's Keeper and being intrigued by the questions it gave rise to; what does it mean to be alive, to have rights and be in control of one's physical self? What risk is there in intentionally 'planning' a human genetically in any way? Would these particular people start to represent a new class of human? If humanity, or the planet, should be hit by some sort of epidemic or natural disaster, would it be possible - would we go to such lengths - as to 'create' people capable of surviving such conditions to repopulate the earth afterwards?
So many questions - yet it all still leads to the idea that perhaps people are gambling their luck a little too much.
And today, I finished reading 'I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced'. I highly recommend this book; an inspiring true story that provides a great insight into Yemeni culture and the oppression of women.
It all leads to a simple question for me though (and this is definitely wishful thinking.) As so many people say, you should finish one assignment before moving onto the next. How different would the world be if, instead of delving into every new possible technology we can get our hands on, we take time to ensure the world is operating as it should be before introducing even more pieces to the puzzle.
Let me finish with this:
Pretend that the world had never invented currency; communities existed through bartering, and everyone was able to get what they needed through simple trading of goods and services.
Think of the issues that wouldn't exist (or at least to a much lesser extent) if money wasn't involved.
How does money really effect the world?
So many questions - yet it all still leads to the idea that perhaps people are gambling their luck a little too much.
And today, I finished reading 'I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced'. I highly recommend this book; an inspiring true story that provides a great insight into Yemeni culture and the oppression of women.
It all leads to a simple question for me though (and this is definitely wishful thinking.) As so many people say, you should finish one assignment before moving onto the next. How different would the world be if, instead of delving into every new possible technology we can get our hands on, we take time to ensure the world is operating as it should be before introducing even more pieces to the puzzle.
Let me finish with this:
Pretend that the world had never invented currency; communities existed through bartering, and everyone was able to get what they needed through simple trading of goods and services.
Think of the issues that wouldn't exist (or at least to a much lesser extent) if money wasn't involved.
How does money really effect the world?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Bee Victorious
Aerodynamically, it should be impossible for bees to fly.
This was, in actual fact, the belief until a more recent scientific study seeking to explain how the apparently impossible flight of bees occurs every day. (For more information on this study please visit http://media.caltech.edu/press_releases/12772)
Bees are responsible for pollination. Without bees, plants would find it much more difficult to reproduce.
The importance of bees:
Bee pollination of crops, something that most farmers rely heavily on, is responsible for as much as 30% of the US food supply. That doesn’t even consider what they mean for the rest of the world...
Just to raise the point even higher, here’s a list of the crops etc that require pollination from bees entirely or at least partially: Alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, Apple, apricot, avocado, berry, cherry, citrus, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, prune, Almond, cashew, chestnut, coconut, macadamia, cotton, flax, rape, safflower, soybeans, sunflower, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collard, cucumber, dill, eggplant, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lima beans, mustard, onion, parsley, pepper, pumpkin, radish, rutabaga, squash, turnip, beans, cantaloupe, cucumbers, muckmelon, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, eggplant, lima beans, peppers. (and yes, some of these I haven’t even heard of...)
....To think this is all carried out by a small, rather fragile looking group (rather large in number, although decreasing) of insects.
Even scarier, to think that the majority of the credit for the diversity and health of the biosphere goes to a creature which, apparently, should find it impossible to even travel to carry out the job...
So when it comes down to it, it’d be fair to say our lives are based on something which shouldn’t be possible. Pretty amazing, huh?
What’s the point of my telling you this? It’s not about existence, not about survival; it’s about dreams. As Mary Kay Ash once said;
“Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.”
What led me to think about all this? The fact that recently I’ve discovered how awesome bees are, combined with my thoughts, and a brief discussion today, about people achieving their dreams, and how, funnily enough, bees indirectly enable this.
The power of thought and mind is such a huge thing when it comes to facing the challenges between people and their dreams. Unfortunately, unlike the unknowing bees, knowledge brings with it the power of disbelief; we are each our own worst critic, and our disbelief in ourself is the biggest obstacle we have to overcome.
This is an awesome quote as well;
“Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.”
If people didn’t have dreams; goals; a vision; what would be the point of life? It is the people who have followed their passions and chased their dreams who have, in the past, made the biggest differences in the world, however big or small those dreams have been.
Take inspiration from the bee; ignore anyone or anything that says your dream is unattainable.
This was, in actual fact, the belief until a more recent scientific study seeking to explain how the apparently impossible flight of bees occurs every day. (For more information on this study please visit http://media.caltech.edu/press_releases/12772)
Bees are responsible for pollination. Without bees, plants would find it much more difficult to reproduce.
The importance of bees:
Bee pollination of crops, something that most farmers rely heavily on, is responsible for as much as 30% of the US food supply. That doesn’t even consider what they mean for the rest of the world...
Just to raise the point even higher, here’s a list of the crops etc that require pollination from bees entirely or at least partially: Alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, Apple, apricot, avocado, berry, cherry, citrus, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, prune, Almond, cashew, chestnut, coconut, macadamia, cotton, flax, rape, safflower, soybeans, sunflower, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collard, cucumber, dill, eggplant, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lima beans, mustard, onion, parsley, pepper, pumpkin, radish, rutabaga, squash, turnip, beans, cantaloupe, cucumbers, muckmelon, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, eggplant, lima beans, peppers. (and yes, some of these I haven’t even heard of...)
....To think this is all carried out by a small, rather fragile looking group (rather large in number, although decreasing) of insects.
Even scarier, to think that the majority of the credit for the diversity and health of the biosphere goes to a creature which, apparently, should find it impossible to even travel to carry out the job...
So when it comes down to it, it’d be fair to say our lives are based on something which shouldn’t be possible. Pretty amazing, huh?
What’s the point of my telling you this? It’s not about existence, not about survival; it’s about dreams. As Mary Kay Ash once said;
“Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.”
What led me to think about all this? The fact that recently I’ve discovered how awesome bees are, combined with my thoughts, and a brief discussion today, about people achieving their dreams, and how, funnily enough, bees indirectly enable this.
The power of thought and mind is such a huge thing when it comes to facing the challenges between people and their dreams. Unfortunately, unlike the unknowing bees, knowledge brings with it the power of disbelief; we are each our own worst critic, and our disbelief in ourself is the biggest obstacle we have to overcome.
This is an awesome quote as well;
“Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.”
If people didn’t have dreams; goals; a vision; what would be the point of life? It is the people who have followed their passions and chased their dreams who have, in the past, made the biggest differences in the world, however big or small those dreams have been.
Take inspiration from the bee; ignore anyone or anything that says your dream is unattainable.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Procrastinating between right and wrong
Who is wrong and who is right?
Who is bad and who is good?
Is it not more important to follow our own beliefs and values – and defend these – instead of criticising another nation for what we believe they are doing wrong?
By this, I am definitely not suggesting I believe that rituals pertaining to various cultural traditions are always acceptable (especially those involving cruelty to animals); far from it, in fact. What I am saying is that rather than determinedly targeting other societies for their ‘wrongdoings’, people should consider what is going on in their own society and evaluate whether they are truly abiding by their own beliefs and values ... or being complete hypocrites.
Society is full of individuals with one thing in common – desire constantly prevails over belief.
I was thinking today about all the stories in which good prevails over evil ... the protagonists ultimately defeating any bad guys. In stories, of course, there is generally a well established good and bad side (although again, this is culture targeted and therefore good and bad is only a perception). This led me to consider what is going on around the world at present; various disputes, different allegations, and different levels of reward and punishment being allocated to those individuals deemed worthy or guilty enough for them.
Perhaps war / international debate is a global-scale form of procrastination for each nation to clean their own territory’s ... or perhaps it is more a defence / denial mechanism. Is it easier to place blame for different issues on another state or nation? In this case, I ask: who is wrong and who is right?
Who is bad and who is good?
Is it not more important to follow our own beliefs and values – and defend these – instead of criticising another nation for what we believe they are doing wrong?
By this, I am definitely not suggesting I believe that rituals pertaining to various cultural traditions are always acceptable (especially those involving cruelty to animals); far from it, in fact. What I am saying is that rather than determinedly targeting other societies for their ‘wrongdoings’, people should consider what is going on in their own society and evaluate whether they are truly abiding by their own beliefs and values ... or being complete hypocrites.
Society is full of individuals with one thing in common – desire constantly prevails over belief.
I was thinking today about all the stories in which good prevails over evil ... the protagonists ultimately defeating any bad guys. In stories, of course, there is generally a well established good and bad side (although again, this is culture targeted and therefore good and bad is only a perception). This led me to consider what is going on around the world at present; various disputes, different allegations, and different levels of reward and punishment being allocated to those individuals deemed worthy or guilty enough for them.
Perhaps war / international debate is a global-scale form of procrastination for each nation to clean their own territory’s ... or perhaps it is more a defence / denial mechanism. Is it easier to place blame for different issues on another state or nation? In this case, I ask: who is wrong and who is right?
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