[quote=Profpat;35143]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Graybeard 
Obviously, with my beliefs, I should be totally selfish. Why not.
Indeed Greg, Why not?
A great question, have you explored the answer to it?
Best to you,
Pat |
Pat ... Not sure that I get your meaning. My statement wasn't really a question. Many people say that without 'christianity' we would all be criminals. Or if 'Marijuana' was made legal we'd all be pot heads, etc
In other words, if we are not good we will end up in hell, or punished in some other justifiable way. We cannot be trusted to make our own decisions so Gods word must guide us.
However, as I neither believe in God or the Devil, I have no fear of retribution for any evil act I perform. The fact that I happen to be as 'empathatic' as the next person doesn't really fit this standard stereotyped formula.
So therefore I am concluding that 'empathy' is an 'evolutionary natural selection' that is beneficial in ways not immediately apparent. As all evolutionary mutations or selections are 'selfish' by definition, it follows that all of our compassion, sympathy, caring are ultimately selfish at base.
We cast our bread upon the waters, and after many days (we hope) it will return to us.
So Pat as you asked, have I explored the question, I believe I have. Here is a poem from my blog, I think you will like it. (I have read many of your posts and this poem is about as spiritual as it gets for me)
Abou ben Adam
Abou ben Adam (may his tribe increase!)
awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight of his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
an angel, writing in a book of of gold.
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adam bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said:
"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head,
And, with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?"said Abou, "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still, and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again, with a great awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben adam's name led all the rest.
Leigh Hunt
There is a bit of ben Adhem in you Pat ... cool bananas ... greg