Paul,

Sorry I didn’t mention it but I agree totally with your other comment: “The sinister thing is that the concept of absolute truth finds its greatest purpose in giving gullible people some reason to adhere to the ideas 'purveyed' by charlatans and the like. “

That is exactly why I always preach against authority of any kind! I am of the opinion that everyone must think things out for themselves. If they don’t, than they are no different than the rest of the animal kingdom and we must depend on their inbred nature to be nonviolent. Which brings up another issue.

Stormcrow brought up this same issue elsewhere. I am afraid he is right that most of mankind will never be able to reason out appropriate behavior; however, I don’t think any of it is to be controlled by fear of punishment. Those who cause the problems seldom have any fear of punishment (religion or not). What must be done is that antisocial behavior has to be removed somehow (or very strictly controlled by alternate means).

But I am not here to solve the worlds problems!

Have fun -- Dick

• Yes, we agree exactly. - paulm - April 15, 2001 - 21:09 UTC