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The Mideast Question: how do you or did you cope with living
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Deicide



Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 1005
Location: Caput Imperii Americani

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

johnslat wrote:
Dear Deicide,

Not to be facetious, but just why do we HAVE TO? I haven't (that I'm aware of), and yet I don't consider my life a "failure."

Regards,
John


In the biological sense, it is. We are animals who are here to reproduce and whilst we may opt not to, we are in effect denying what we are meant to do. Have to is not part of it though more to the point, I do want kids on a personal level.
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johnslat



Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dear Deicide,


" . . . whilst we may opt not to, we are in effect denying what we are meant to do."

Meant to by whom? Mother Nature? Evolution? ANd just why should such "meant to's" mean anything to me?
Regards,
John
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007



Joined: 30 Oct 2006
Posts: 2684
Location: UK/Veteran of the Magic Kingdom

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Deicide wrote:
johnslat wrote:
Dear Deicide,

Just out of curiosity, why would you want to bring kids into a world you seem to see as pretty dismal?

Regards,
John


Only reason we are here is to reproduce; we are just animals after all. We need to propagate our DNA.

Well, a person who does not have a purpose in life, then he is a dummy, dysfunctional, not sociable, and then may be he is like 'animals' , only eating and sleeping until he dies! What a life for a miserable human being! Laughing
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littleoldlady



Joined: 06 Apr 2009
Posts: 286
Location: knitting heaven

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Deicide,

I can fully empathise with "circumstantial depression." You may be experiencing a mid-life crisis Crying or Very sad May I humbly suggest some time with an experience life coach ( I know a very good one in Sheffield who coaches on the phone) to help you untangle that very tight piece of string around you neck.

Instead of doing another MA as you suggested, what about investing in professional training - coaching, mentoring, NLP, counselling etc - make use of your communication skills and the fact that "you have been THERE"

Some of the best psychotherapists have had crises of their own.

Just a thought - please don't shoot me down. I'm too sensitive. Ain't that true NCTBA? Laughing Laughing Laughing
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Never Ceased To Be Amazed



Joined: 22 Oct 2004
Posts: 3500
Location: Shhh...don't talk to me...I'm playin' dead...

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes. Listen to the lady. She knows of what she speaks. This is not a therapy board, but in a sense it is. One must build their self-esteem, if one lacks such.

Life is life and one must learn to take the good with the bad. But one must also sense where the bad ends and the good begins.

Remember John's words about life after 40. I wouldn't know as I'm only 23... Laughing ...,but, there is light at the end of the tunnel. One must only continue to make the journey understanding that the light will, eventually, come within sight...

IMHO...

NCTBA

P.s.- When my wife and I were recently faced with lemons in our lives...within seconds we were churning out recipes of lemonade. Luckily for us, I was completely in the right, so lemonade recipe-making was put on the back burner. Those who view this and know of me will understand EXACTLY what I am speaking about.
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Deicide



Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 1005
Location: Caput Imperii Americani

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

johnslat wrote:
Dear Deicide,


" . . . whilst we may opt not to, we are in effect denying what we are meant to do."

Meant to by whom? Mother Nature? Evolution? ANd just why should such "meant to's" mean anything to me?
Regards,
John


In evolutionary terms of course.

It need not mean anything to you, that is your choice but in objective, evolutionary terms, we are here to propagate our DNA (unless of course you think that evolution is bogus... Confused )...

We are, after all, the fifth ape.
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Nabby Adams



Joined: 08 Feb 2008
Posts: 215

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

But evolution has no agency. There is no architect behind the scenes. To say we are here to reproduce, well you might as well say we are here to eat and drink. I think we are as much here to procreate as a headless chicken is here to run around. Children are a result of actions that we carry out due to our nature, but I wouldn't say that it is "why" we are here.

Evolution suggests a mechanical universe that is causual. A rock isn't here to "lie on the ground" it just is the result of past causes; and so are we.

So just enjoy yourself is what I say. And go to the ME if you think it will bring you more happiness.
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Deicide



Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 1005
Location: Caput Imperii Americani

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nabby Adams wrote:
But evolution has no agency. There is no architect behind the scenes. To say we are here to reproduce, well you might as well say we are here to eat and drink. I think we are as much here to procreate as a headless chicken is here to run around. Children are a result of actions that we carry out due to our nature, but I wouldn't say that it is "why" we are here.
Evolution suggests a mechanical universe that is causual. A rock isn't here to "lie on the ground" it just is the result of past causes; and so are we.

So just enjoy yourself is what I say. And go to the ME if you think it will bring you more happiness.


Ah, but therein lies the rub...'why' questions are almost invariably all fictive, invented questions raised by man. Because we have agency in our lives does not mean it exists in the greater universe, likewise reading anything within nature as purposive is a fallacy. This is the reason why 'why' questions seldom have satisfactory answers.
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Nabby Adams



Joined: 08 Feb 2008
Posts: 215

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Er, you were the one who stated that is why we are here!

Mind you, having an interest in these things doesn't help a teacher feel he is spending is time usefully teaching the past perfect. Smile
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Deicide



Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 1005
Location: Caput Imperii Americani

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nabby Adams wrote:
Er, you were the one who stated that is why we are here!

Mind you, having an interest in these things doesn't help a teacher feel he is spending is time usefully teaching the past perfect. Smile


No, I merely stated that within an evolutionary context, that is what we do on this earth.

That one above is an oxymoron by itself... Laughing
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johnslat



Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dear Deicide,

If you believe you live in a meaningless universe, you either impose your own meaning on your life or you accept the meaninglessness, push it to the back of your mind, and go on about your business.

Or you opt out - which would, of course, be meaningless, too.

Now what I'm about to quote is what some, maybe many, would undoubtedly consider schmaltzy; nevertheless, I like it:

"OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

There are times when we all need to "Man up" (or, to be PC "Woman up.")

"Then they brought a faggot, kindled with fire, and laid it down at Ridley's feet. To whom Latimer spoke in this manner: 'Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by God's grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out."

Regards,
John
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littleoldlady



Joined: 06 Apr 2009
Posts: 286
Location: knitting heaven

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

John
You are wonderful. You blow my mind Laughing Laughing Laughing

I wonder what's happened to VS. Has she disappeared into another universe searching for meaning? Laughing Laughing

My last two pennies worth on this subject close to my heart:-

For me life has meaning when I give to and do for others. Having children taught me courage and selflessness and stopped me being so introspective. . I would have worked for VSO had I not had them, thereby giving other children in the world whatever I could. You don't have to believe in God to do that.

Teaching has got to be one of the most worthwhile jobs on earth. Deicide, you are lucky to have the chance to shape young minds. Try and think of it that way.
Now the olddear will shut up. Embarassed
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Deicide



Joined: 29 Jul 2006
Posts: 1005
Location: Caput Imperii Americani

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

littleoldlady wrote:
John
You are wonderful. You blow my mind Laughing Laughing Laughing

I wonder what's happened to VS. Has she disappeared into another universe searching for meaning? Laughing Laughing

My last two pennies worth on this subject close to my heart:-

For me life has meaning when I give to and do for others. Having children taught me courage and selflessness and stopped me being so introspective. . I would have worked for VSO had I not had them, thereby giving other children in the world whatever I could. You don't have to believe in God to do that.

Teaching has got to be one of the most worthwhile jobs on earth. Deicide, you are lucky to have the chance to shape young minds. Try and think of it that way.
Now the olddear will shut up. Embarassed


BINGO!
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Never Ceased To Be Amazed



Joined: 22 Oct 2004
Posts: 3500
Location: Shhh...don't talk to me...I'm playin' dead...

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had the same question about VS and have received a reply...she's on the road again... I'm sure she'll be chiming in again soon...

NCTBA
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johnslat



Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

PostPosted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dear NCTBA,
She just chimed in on the Oman forum. Hmm, she must be heading south for the winter.
Hey, VS - if you're passing through Santa Fe, drop by. We're at a new address (our fourth in five years, but, it's to be hoped, our last.)
Let me know if I should PM you.
Regards,
John
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