"What's the use of philosophy? It's not real"
A quote from a friend a few years ago.. and something I couldn't really answer back then. But here is my answer to you now.
Perspective. Everything is perspective. Emotion, heat, pain.. what are any of these elements if you cannot perceive them? Philosophy is everything.
So here's my train of thought these past few days... the concepts of failure and success. For all our lives, we have been drilled to the point of basing our actions and sense of worth over these 2 fundamental philosophical concepts. You can't see success or failure. You can't smell, taste, or touch it. They don't even exist, except in your mind. What is reality, other than how your mind paints the picture?
Why then, do we put such a contrasting light on 'success and failure' when they are philosophical terms (like good and evil) to exist solely in balance for one another? One must understand that life doesn't hold such absolutes. Everything is good... you must understand this.
Negative is 'good', for without it, positive wouldn't exist. 'FAILURE' is a label we give when something doesn't go the way WE want it to. It's not natural to have everything go according to how we planned. With so many people wanting the world to benefit themselves, is it any wonder why "life isn't fair"? How easy do you want it? You're not the sun.
Without failure, success would have no meaning. Everything is in balance, for a reason. Without sadness, you can't appreciate happiness. Without pain, you can't feel relief. Without hardship, you can't experience accomplishment. The power of negative serves a purpose, as does 'failure'.
One can learn much out of a failure, without which success won't be possible tomorrow. If a failure today allows you to learn how to achieve your dreams tomorrow, is it really a failure; or a lesson? Does the failure go from being 'bad' to being 'good'?
Therefore :
Failure is philosophical junkmail. There is only your goals, and the lessons you learn on the way. Failure is just a negative name we label 'lessons of life'. Aim to be life's student, and use the wisdom to reach your peak.
There is no reality except the one that filters through your perception. You have the power to manipulate the way reality works.
Use this to your advantage. When something negative happens, understand that it strengthens the positive. Find happiness within, and acceptance of the harmonic tendencies within life, and you'll find smiles will come alot easier.
You see what you expect to see.
Showing posts with label My mind's voice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My mind's voice. Show all posts
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
My view on religion.
Truth is nothing when belief is everything
The first time I encountered religion was in primary school.. grade 2 I believe. The school was separating us into different groups for scripture classes, and naturally they wanted to segregate us into groups based on our beliefs. We were all given a piece of paper with a list of choices of religions to choose from.
Now, consider that I had never even HEARD of religion before up till this point.. and that this seemed almost like a test, I was quite uneasy and lost. Looking at the list, my eyes scanned over the choices, and I ticked the box next to the name that seemed the easiest to say. Catholic.
And so I quite cluelessly began attending catholic scripture classes for the next few years, and I was remarkably one of the most diligent students in the classes. I began to thoroughly believe in god, and I found myself often blaming him for not doing my homework for me. I'd pray before dinner, I'd pray before I sleep. I liked god, although he was pretty shy in my eyes. One day he'd probably have enough confidence in himself to appear before me, and considering how much I prayed to him, I felt I deserved it. He was never more than a dream to me though.
When primary school was over, I began attending a high school which did not encourage any such religious classes. A majority of my highschool years were completely devoid of any religious influences, and by the time I graduated, I had all but developed a solid view of religion that would stay up with me to the current day. That view being :
Religion brings hope.
Religion brings unity.
Religion brings conflict.
Religion brings violence.
Religion brings death.
Religion has taught me that in this wonderful world, truth is nothing when belief is everything.
I guess it might be the way I look.. or the way I act? But to most who know me, it's well known fact that I attract evangelists like moths to a flame. Religious friends took me to church so often in an effort to rekindle my religious flame, that some eventually considered me a full christian, even though I still didn't believe in the Bible. But they offered free lunch.. so hey, I sing, I get to eat. I can live with that.
I attended church camps (in one particular church I argued with a pastor for hours on end about the legitimacy of the Bible) , sang proudly in church hymns, went to Bible study nights and participated tearfully and truthfully in confessions. I attended korean churches, chinese churches and english churches, and probably knew more verses than some of the devoted. I can quite confidently say I also lived more of a 'christian' life than many of my counterparts.
Yet, after all this, I cannot believe in Him. I have no reason to, when my father has done more for me than He could ever do. I believe in balance, I believe in nature, and I believe that if there is a God, 'He' is our world. In everything we do, everyone we meet; the way we live is our interaction with this natural god.
For more info on my philosophies click here.
The first time I encountered religion was in primary school.. grade 2 I believe. The school was separating us into different groups for scripture classes, and naturally they wanted to segregate us into groups based on our beliefs. We were all given a piece of paper with a list of choices of religions to choose from.
Now, consider that I had never even HEARD of religion before up till this point.. and that this seemed almost like a test, I was quite uneasy and lost. Looking at the list, my eyes scanned over the choices, and I ticked the box next to the name that seemed the easiest to say. Catholic.
And so I quite cluelessly began attending catholic scripture classes for the next few years, and I was remarkably one of the most diligent students in the classes. I began to thoroughly believe in god, and I found myself often blaming him for not doing my homework for me. I'd pray before dinner, I'd pray before I sleep. I liked god, although he was pretty shy in my eyes. One day he'd probably have enough confidence in himself to appear before me, and considering how much I prayed to him, I felt I deserved it. He was never more than a dream to me though.
When primary school was over, I began attending a high school which did not encourage any such religious classes. A majority of my highschool years were completely devoid of any religious influences, and by the time I graduated, I had all but developed a solid view of religion that would stay up with me to the current day. That view being :
Religion brings hope.
Religion brings unity.
Religion brings conflict.
Religion brings violence.
Religion brings death.
Religion has taught me that in this wonderful world, truth is nothing when belief is everything.
I guess it might be the way I look.. or the way I act? But to most who know me, it's well known fact that I attract evangelists like moths to a flame. Religious friends took me to church so often in an effort to rekindle my religious flame, that some eventually considered me a full christian, even though I still didn't believe in the Bible. But they offered free lunch.. so hey, I sing, I get to eat. I can live with that.
I attended church camps (in one particular church I argued with a pastor for hours on end about the legitimacy of the Bible) , sang proudly in church hymns, went to Bible study nights and participated tearfully and truthfully in confessions. I attended korean churches, chinese churches and english churches, and probably knew more verses than some of the devoted. I can quite confidently say I also lived more of a 'christian' life than many of my counterparts.
Yet, after all this, I cannot believe in Him. I have no reason to, when my father has done more for me than He could ever do. I believe in balance, I believe in nature, and I believe that if there is a God, 'He' is our world. In everything we do, everyone we meet; the way we live is our interaction with this natural god.
For more info on my philosophies click here.
Dangers of gaming.
What's your build?
Throughout this article, when I use the term ‘games’, I am exclusively referring to computer and console games. As for my opinion on other games involving physical exertion or the use of a board, I’m actually very supportive of their use. I also believe computer games CAN be beneficial, IF played in moderate amounts. Naturally, not every gamer is going to turn out to be a loony with no hope of a future. In any case, suffice to say I’m just an ex-hardcore gamer (10hours+ per day for years) who will speak to whomsoever will listen. This section, is my opinion, and an opinion I hope some others out there will share.
Gaming addiction can ruin you.
25 years ago, they had classic games that ran on the simplest of concepts; Pac-man, Tetris, or Space Invaders being prime examples. We all remember those good ol’harmless games right?
In modern day, we have games that can link thousands of people all over the world in alernate virtual universes (MMORPGs). Sounds like something from the matrix doesn't it? As technology improves, games are gradually and steadily growing in appeal with every generation. Also, our tolerance for the amount of violence or sexual content portrayed on screen is subtly slacking with each passing of a decade. Nobody can dispute this. Reality is in fashion, and soft-core fantasy just doesn't interest the new wave of mature-aged audiences.
One has to ask himself, if games have evolved this much over such a relatively short amount of time, what will games be like in another 20 years? The internet allows limitless multiplayer capabilities, and judging from the calibre of the mechandise available to us today, it won't be long till we have replicated a VR world which is an exact copy of 'reality'. Not unlike drugs. Not unlike the matrix. (Great movie by the way)
The ironic thing is that when we buy a game, it’s often for small children, who at their naïve sponge-age, should be the LAST audience we expose this material to. It’s easy as hell to pop them daily in front of a screen and leave games to raise our children as indoor zombies just so we can escape the parental grind, so it's understandable that most people are exposed to mind numbing entertainment at least some part during their lives.
Not to say that nothing is being done. However, it’s something we’re hardly taking seriously enough. Social, mental, financial, and physical degradation is inevitable for any ‘hardcore’ gamer, and the technological director of modern gaming is creating perfect environments for them to multiply. I'm confident one day we’re going to have to confront some sort of problem with the potential impact games can have on society.
Scoff if you will, but nobody understands an addiction like an addict. Unfortunately, history has shown humans tend to prefer treatment over prevention; and I can do nothing but speak and hope.
Throughout this article, when I use the term ‘games’, I am exclusively referring to computer and console games. As for my opinion on other games involving physical exertion or the use of a board, I’m actually very supportive of their use. I also believe computer games CAN be beneficial, IF played in moderate amounts. Naturally, not every gamer is going to turn out to be a loony with no hope of a future. In any case, suffice to say I’m just an ex-hardcore gamer (10hours+ per day for years) who will speak to whomsoever will listen. This section, is my opinion, and an opinion I hope some others out there will share.
Gaming addiction can ruin you.
25 years ago, they had classic games that ran on the simplest of concepts; Pac-man, Tetris, or Space Invaders being prime examples. We all remember those good ol’harmless games right?
In modern day, we have games that can link thousands of people all over the world in alernate virtual universes (MMORPGs). Sounds like something from the matrix doesn't it? As technology improves, games are gradually and steadily growing in appeal with every generation. Also, our tolerance for the amount of violence or sexual content portrayed on screen is subtly slacking with each passing of a decade. Nobody can dispute this. Reality is in fashion, and soft-core fantasy just doesn't interest the new wave of mature-aged audiences.
One has to ask himself, if games have evolved this much over such a relatively short amount of time, what will games be like in another 20 years? The internet allows limitless multiplayer capabilities, and judging from the calibre of the mechandise available to us today, it won't be long till we have replicated a VR world which is an exact copy of 'reality'. Not unlike drugs. Not unlike the matrix. (Great movie by the way)
The ironic thing is that when we buy a game, it’s often for small children, who at their naïve sponge-age, should be the LAST audience we expose this material to. It’s easy as hell to pop them daily in front of a screen and leave games to raise our children as indoor zombies just so we can escape the parental grind, so it's understandable that most people are exposed to mind numbing entertainment at least some part during their lives.
Not to say that nothing is being done. However, it’s something we’re hardly taking seriously enough. Social, mental, financial, and physical degradation is inevitable for any ‘hardcore’ gamer, and the technological director of modern gaming is creating perfect environments for them to multiply. I'm confident one day we’re going to have to confront some sort of problem with the potential impact games can have on society.
Scoff if you will, but nobody understands an addiction like an addict. Unfortunately, history has shown humans tend to prefer treatment over prevention; and I can do nothing but speak and hope.
My Philosophy
1 - There is no right or wrong.
Perceiving whether something is right or wrong is merely a fabrication of one's own opinion.
What may seem to be deemed as "good" or "justified" may seem to be "evil" to another. Good and evil, right and wrong, is all fictional.
The good you do today, may be used for evil tomorrow. And visa versa. This leads me onto my next philosophy..
2 - There are infinite paths in life. Be joyous for every step of the way.
The path you choose, is yours alone. And happiness, is not determined by what this path is, but how you recieve it.
You are unique. There are infinite choices in life. Daily, you decide whether to simply live or die.
Everything you do, is a choice you make. In life, we have too much to appreciate, to ponder on regrets. No path is more right than another.
Happiness is psychological. It's in your mind. Your attitude. Your aura. Understand yourself.. love yourself.. love everything around you.. love the path you've taken, and you've already achieved something that millionaires would spend their entire fortunes to get a glimpse of. Love of life.
Who's to say how the wind blows? We are simply but kites caught in a storm called life. Which brings me onto my next philosophy..
3 - The meaning of life is found within.
You are unique. Your soul is unique. Your meaning in life will be found, not from others, but from within yourself.
If you've ever seen a mother lose her child.. you see the meaning of life.
If you've ever seen a man fail to protect his family.. you see the meaning of life.
If you've ever lost your best friend.. you see the meaning of life.
If you've ever seen your best friend, your father, your mother, your own child, your mentor, your peer, your idol, or your god.. If you've ever seen them say "thank you for being here with me", you see the meaning of life.
Everyone, has their own meaning in life. Not everyone knows what it is. Some only realise what it is when they lose it.
"What is the meaning of an asteroid floating through space" ?
Which brings me onto my last philosophy..
4 - Balance love and hate.
This is life.
There is no right or wrong.
There is no good or evil.
But there is love and hate. We all feel it. We all know it. All emotions stem from these 2 'sides'. Some call 'love' the good side, and 'hate' the evil side. I call neither good nor evil. They are emotions of life. One is as necessary as the other, to keep the balance in the circle of life.
Consider this :
You see a man kill someone you love in front of you in cold blood.
Sometimes, one may be filled with revenge.. the emotion of anger.. a need for revenge.. a vendetta. We all know it. We all feel it. If you see someone hurting your family, or anyone dear to you, you want to hurt them back. You want them to feel the pain they inflicted upon the one whom you hold dear.
At this very moment, you feel alive. Like you've been given a purpose. Your strength grows, as does your conviction. Your senses spiral into a scope of hate to hurt another individual. This is life. The soul is on fire with hate fuelling it.
I have seen this rage before, many times... and it's powerful. However, as yin is to yang, everything has balance. And the only thing to counter this would be an overwhelming force of love i.e. The intention to protect.
Consider the above situation with a slight twist :
You see a man about to kill someone you love.
At this very moment, you feel very alive.. for a very different reason. The person you love is in danger. Every instinct, tells you to do everything in your power to protect this person. You would die to save them.
Hate is power. Love is power. An individual without either is lifeless.
Hate to love.
Love to love.
Love to hate.
Hate to hate.
It's just one circle of balance, as everything in this universe seems to be.
No wonder we always get boggled and confused. We're always moving forward, and end up where we started like hamsters on a wheel.
Perhaps we should just stop one day, smile, and smell the roses.
These philosophies are of my own opinion, and not on show for debate, but rather to let those who know me, know me just a little bit better. Whether you agree or not is entirely up to you.
Perceiving whether something is right or wrong is merely a fabrication of one's own opinion.
What may seem to be deemed as "good" or "justified" may seem to be "evil" to another. Good and evil, right and wrong, is all fictional.
The good you do today, may be used for evil tomorrow. And visa versa. This leads me onto my next philosophy..
2 - There are infinite paths in life. Be joyous for every step of the way.
The path you choose, is yours alone. And happiness, is not determined by what this path is, but how you recieve it.
You are unique. There are infinite choices in life. Daily, you decide whether to simply live or die.
Everything you do, is a choice you make. In life, we have too much to appreciate, to ponder on regrets. No path is more right than another.
Happiness is psychological. It's in your mind. Your attitude. Your aura. Understand yourself.. love yourself.. love everything around you.. love the path you've taken, and you've already achieved something that millionaires would spend their entire fortunes to get a glimpse of. Love of life.
Who's to say how the wind blows? We are simply but kites caught in a storm called life. Which brings me onto my next philosophy..
3 - The meaning of life is found within.
You are unique. Your soul is unique. Your meaning in life will be found, not from others, but from within yourself.
If you've ever seen a mother lose her child.. you see the meaning of life.
If you've ever seen a man fail to protect his family.. you see the meaning of life.
If you've ever lost your best friend.. you see the meaning of life.
If you've ever seen your best friend, your father, your mother, your own child, your mentor, your peer, your idol, or your god.. If you've ever seen them say "thank you for being here with me", you see the meaning of life.
Everyone, has their own meaning in life. Not everyone knows what it is. Some only realise what it is when they lose it.
"What is the meaning of an asteroid floating through space" ?
Which brings me onto my last philosophy..
4 - Balance love and hate.
This is life.
There is no right or wrong.
There is no good or evil.
But there is love and hate. We all feel it. We all know it. All emotions stem from these 2 'sides'. Some call 'love' the good side, and 'hate' the evil side. I call neither good nor evil. They are emotions of life. One is as necessary as the other, to keep the balance in the circle of life.
Consider this :
You see a man kill someone you love in front of you in cold blood.
Sometimes, one may be filled with revenge.. the emotion of anger.. a need for revenge.. a vendetta. We all know it. We all feel it. If you see someone hurting your family, or anyone dear to you, you want to hurt them back. You want them to feel the pain they inflicted upon the one whom you hold dear.
At this very moment, you feel alive. Like you've been given a purpose. Your strength grows, as does your conviction. Your senses spiral into a scope of hate to hurt another individual. This is life. The soul is on fire with hate fuelling it.
I have seen this rage before, many times... and it's powerful. However, as yin is to yang, everything has balance. And the only thing to counter this would be an overwhelming force of love i.e. The intention to protect.
Consider the above situation with a slight twist :
You see a man about to kill someone you love.
At this very moment, you feel very alive.. for a very different reason. The person you love is in danger. Every instinct, tells you to do everything in your power to protect this person. You would die to save them.
Hate is power. Love is power. An individual without either is lifeless.
Hate to love.
Love to love.
Love to hate.
Hate to hate.
It's just one circle of balance, as everything in this universe seems to be.
No wonder we always get boggled and confused. We're always moving forward, and end up where we started like hamsters on a wheel.
Perhaps we should just stop one day, smile, and smell the roses.
These philosophies are of my own opinion, and not on show for debate, but rather to let those who know me, know me just a little bit better. Whether you agree or not is entirely up to you.
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