Explore Truth - Latest Comments

Re: Radical Honesty: A Genius Idea Or Just Crazy

veron — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:56:09 -0000

Hi Nicholas,
Appreciate the comment. I think you make some great points, which is exactly why I am intrigued by this subject. My hunch is that honesty can coexist with a degree of tact, and an ability to listen. I hope to challenge/test the stereotype that true honesty has to be rude.

Now I know honesty to be disruptive at times, but I hope to explore if the truth is told in its entirety(expressing the genuine intention of the truth-teller...both the good, & the bad) then maybe something refreshing can emerge.

We'll see...Again...Great to have your voice on the subject.

Re: Radical Honesty: A Genius Idea Or Just Crazy

M.H. Nicholas — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:49:18 -0000

Veron, I have enjoyed your writeup and thank you for the link. Obviously I have a different take on the matter, viewing radical truth-tellers as people who aren't necessarily expert in their statements, not wanting to listen and learn as much as speak, but I don't find it an effective business, negotiating, interrogation or group tactic. It is often found in abrasive and less-than-effective business people. As has been so often cited, the most effective people are often the ones who listen the most. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoy the discourse and look forward to learning of your conclusions. Mark (M.H.) Nicholas - www.icomefirst.com

Re: A Myth Is Not A Lie?

Connie Schultz — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 02:55:58 -0000

Whoa. I needed some time for this...

I don't think that anyone can state that there is a universal moral theme, divinely intended for mankind, and prove themselves correct. I think it is an entirely different thing to put forth the idea that there is an observable monomyth that seeks to convey a particular message and form the hypothesis that its existence is due to some innate universal moral theme. In that case, I'm not sure why someone would do it without some sort of statistical analysis (unless of course they wanted you to hear their claim and look for your own confirmation)... If the objective is not to prove the truth of the monomyth but rather the existence of it, it should be fairly straightforward. Of course, I'm only considering the term monomyth a pattern or theme of events or situations contained within all myths, not the truth the myth supposedly contains (which I understand your reference to universal moral theme to represent so please correct me if I'm wrong).

As far as the evidence we can or cannot point to in order to discern the value or existence of the universal moral theme supposedly contained within the monomyth, which would allow us to grasp the truth... To give us something to live by...

One of my favorite quotes: "Those who meekly obey laws and rules imposed from the outside - including religious laws - are not moral human beings. The fulfillment of an imposed law is morally neutral. The truly educated make their own wills serve the higher call of justice, empathy and reason." ~ Chris Hedges

And another: "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become universal law." ~ Immanuel Kant

When I consider the idea of a monomyth, I tend to think of it in the sense of a process of discovery in which a person is constantly being enriched. So I guess in some sense my belief is that the process itself (the monomyth) could be said to be the evidence of that universal moral theme... the process of being aware and active during the journey to what we "know for sure".

As for that hierarchy of moral themes... I don't know. I think action/living begins with an intrinsic desire and intention, therefore, any endeavor to live morally has to be subjective/experiential in order to be real/meaningful. Since it is our journey that provides us the experience and meaning, any hierarchy might just be up to us as individuals to discover. Maybe that's as "universal" as it gets...

I'm not sure I addressed your questions with this response but... Well... Anyway, I love this whole idea of a monomyth because it is, for me, a kind of confirmation of a suspicion that I had for a long time. I'm equally curious about it (without the benefit of exposure to the same materials for the sake of discussion) so I can't wait to read this months book and dig into the subject some more.

Re: A Myth Is Not A Lie?

veron — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:30:51 -0000

I appreciate your reply Connie!!!! I needed some reinforcements on this one. Definitely some off the cuff thinking on my part.

I agree with you...I'm not suggesting any be thrown away.
My question was how then do we determine what this "universal moral theme" should be? (Which you touched on in your last paragraph.)

What does the landscape of mythology truly represent? I'm speaking as one who is just beginning to sense this idea of a grand narrative/monomyth.

How can one claim, without some sort of statistical analysis or...ahh...something.....that there is a monomyth that follows some sort of universal moral theme, and that this reveals some innate, or God/universal message for mankind...? And are there other themes in mythology that some may choose to guide them? It's the hierarch of moral themes that I'm mulling over...Is this a purely subjective thing? Or can we point to some evidence...wether external, internal/instinctive...that says...here is the universal theme...live this.

Re: Discovering The Hero In You

veron — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:07:15 -0000

Thanks @Tony Teegarden I've checked out Robert McKee's work, and I'll definitely be looking into his work some more. Thank you for mentioning this!! Great timing!

Re: A Myth Is Not A Lie?

Connie Schultz — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:12:10 -0000

I don't know that you can have a hierarchy of mythology... When you have a metaphor you are pointing to a truth and the tool with which you are pointing is not the point. If something contains the truth via metaphor then there is little use in attaching yourself to a metaphor that was only a vehicle for bringing you to that truth. I think the only measure of the value of a metaphor is the way in which it conveys the message and there are likely to be numerous ways.

For example if I said, "I am a butterfly" you may determine that I am feeling beautiful, and carefree...feeling sunny and peaceful. Unless, of course, a butterfly conjures images of pinned wings to presentation boards or something like that; in which case that metaphor wouldn't work for you. To convey the ideas of beautiful, carefree, sunny, and peaceful, I'd have to try something else. Can we afford to throw any away?

I don't think so. I personally shy away from any hierarchy and try to find value in them all. Then again, there may be some in existence which are actually intended to be detrimental... In that case I suppose we do need some universal moral theme to guide us. I found one in the most ironic place some years ago, in the very often vilified Wiccan religion: "An ye harm none, do what ye will."

Re: Discovering The Hero In You

Tony Teegarden — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:09:28 -0000

Good break down. I too just finished the Alchemist about 2 months ago and have since started listening to Robert McKee's work. (Amazing screen writer and overall hammer when it comes to story and screen writing critique) Story is so important and understanding not only the breakdown of movies but our own journey in our own story of life.

Re: Do I give a Sh**?

Solmaz83 — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 01:41:35 -0000

I'm not a christian ...I was born a muslim 'n I used to luv my religion untill I noticed all the injustice in my country (IRAN) all the cruelty that happens under the name of ISLAM 'n religion ... while reading ur post I smiled but I couldn't hold back my tears ... this is something that I see everyday in my own country ..while the government is arresting women cause they don't follow the dressing code that they suggest and "ISLAM" suggests there are hundreds of kids under 10 begging for money and sleeping on the street and GOD knows what other horrbile things are happening to them ... so I DON'T GIVE A CRAP TO RELIGION.... VIVA HUMANITY!

Re: 110 Books That Will Change Your Life

veron — Sun, 15 May 2011 02:00:56 -0000

I really appreciate your two suggestions. i will be adding to my list. I reviewed them both, and they sound very interesting!

Re: 110 Books That Will Change Your Life

Agdrews — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:56:03 -0000

You left off two of my favorites.
The Little Prince
The Prophet

Re: 110 Books That Will Change Your Life

Dieter Kahl — Wed, 11 May 2011 04:30:04 -0000

The Shack. Read it, love it. It's against the industry of religion, but is for spirituality. It's the new testament in a nut shell. A warm, comforting, nut shell. Fiction novel though. The themes are true none-the-less.

Re: Is A Bad Job Worse Than No Job?

David Gambino — Sat, 07 May 2011 18:08:44 -0000

oh there has to be ,tho the system that we live in is so misguide it that the opportunities offered to individuals are not fair and in certain places there is just none do to lacked of education, people its self are turning into corporate America, were we have trained individuals into financial machines. money paper thin money- is not about providing a service as much anymore and how would that service would provide a positive change in our community benefiting the ones that live, work and provide for it. we become followers ,modern day slaves all just for a dollar and when our system is run by greed instead of positive changes all that comes down the chain in society would be misguided opportunities of greed that would lead some for more and more and leave others just to work for simple survival.

Re: Is A Bad Job Worse Than No Job?

veron — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:29:55 -0000

Hi @gambino You have to endure a "mind rape" in order to enjoy the beach, a good book, and some nice food? There's gotta be a way to turn that around! All the best on that! Thanks for your thoughts.

Re: Is A Bad Job Worse Than No Job?

gambino — Fri, 06 May 2011 11:59:18 -0000

I feel mind rape in my job but I must work to pay for little things I enjoy - and IM not even that materialistic- Im talking about the beach a good book nice food I must work 50 hours out the week to enjoy 15

Re: 110 Books That Will Change Your Life

veron — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:48:45 -0000

Hi Lisa!
Yes, I must say, CS Lewis has played a huge role in helping me wrap my mind around so many things. Mere Christianity in particular.

Re: 110 Books That Will Change Your Life

Lisa Colon DeLay — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:41:55 -0000

What a great list.

this is SUCH a hard question for me to answer. I'd have to take a few hours to do right by it.

CS Lewis is right at the top for me. I love N T Wright. Some fiction has been very powerful to me... where to begin....

May you be blessed this Easter Wkd.

Re: Is A Bad Job Worse Than No Job?

veron — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:46:24 -0000

Thanks for your comment C Colon!
I'll try to remember to use the word idiot in my post more often!

Re: Is A Bad Job Worse Than No Job?

C Colon — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:43:39 -0000

I think you already know how I feel about this one! I'm diggin' the HighExistence article too! Sometimes we need to hear it in much stronger words. Being called an idiot can take you places :)

Re: 13 Websites That Will Make You Smarter

veron — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:19:38 -0000

Hmmm...How could I forget about good old itunes? :-> Thanks for adding that one Scott.

Re: 13 Websites That Will Make You Smarter

ttownscott — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:48:13 -0000

I listen (or rather watch) TED and Itunes University (mostly Stanford lectures) podcasts. This is a great list. I was only familiar with about half of the sites.

Re: Women Seeking Men Who Read

ttownscott — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:28:05 -0000

I've seen the 2007 NPR article that only 20% of men read fiction. I think it's a big leap to go from that to men don't read. I read some fiction, and it's fun but I read a lot for work. Before my layoff in 2009 I read a lot of business strategy and marketing books. Since my layoff I have a somewhat different career and read a lot of technology books. Reading fiction just won't keep me competitive in the job market. Regarding book clubs, for the most part, once I have read a book I may discuss it one on one with someone, but I don't want to schedule time and another commute to then spend two hours discussing a book I finished a month ago with other people who haven't even finished it yet.
Scott

Re: Women Seeking Men Who Read

Rayne — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:30:12 -0000

Apparently the men are out there *writing* the books we read instead of reading them. http://www.guardian.co.uk/b...

Re: Bag of Spirit

veron — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:26:44 -0000

Great post...

Re: Why I Half Believe In God

JenniferL — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 11:33:24 -0000

God is a skin job?

Re: Are You Afraid Of Doubt?

veron — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:14:18 -0000

Wow Alisha...I just read your post on this subject. I promise I had no idea you wrote this earlier. ;-> I can VERY much relate to some aspects of your faith journey, and the conversations you've had with Christians.

By the nature of what I share on Explore Truth, I have gotten a few cautionary comments on how to be quiet when it comes to critically examining what we believe truth to be. Like having someone question, or really, truly wrestle with questions of God, religion, life, was a cardinal sin!

That's why I appreciate some of what Peter Rollins asserts. Believing in so many ways is easy to do...but doubting...constructively...can be the hardest thing for people...but often the most needed. All in the name of developing a truer, real experience, in wherever truths journey brings you.

Thanks for sharing your post!!