Doubt.

This word came into my head today... and I started thinking of how mankind first came into contact with it. So, I dug out my dictionary... and its first definition is: A feeling of uncertainty; an undecided state of mind. Number 2, is an inclination to disbelieve. Number 3, an uncertain state of things. Number4, a lack of full proof or clear indication. The definition goes on to reflect the softening of the word, as our society has changed.

Why the need to clarify a word in such detail? As a writer of words I know that words very often go far beyond their initial meanings, and we can understand them on different levels. All we really need is the basic implication of a word in context with other words (sentence).

All we really need to be told is the first definition... a feeling of uncertainty. This is what doubt is. So, let's try and imagine how man first came into contact with doubt... and what he learned from it.

I believe that doubt didn't start out (like all IMPORTANT words) as a word. It would have started as a feeling. An incommunicable feeling in your gut that something just isn't right. At this period in mankinds history, this would have meant the difference between life and death.

Whenever you doubt something, do not hide it away in the pit of your stomach. Do not automatically think that this world is in such organisation that we are safe in our beds, or that the scientists know everything. When you doubt something, question it. As it could mean the difference between life and death.

I believe that if we vigorously search for the truth we will find it, and that we must make a stand for it. The time to make a stand for what we believe to be true would be now... maybe, before it's too late.

Yeah toke it up before the next big asteroid hits in 2015 and enjoy everyday as it comes without being riddled with doubt and fear

skunkushybrid said:

This word came into my head today... and I started thinking of how mankind first came into contact with it. So, I dug out my dictionary... and its first definition is: A feeling of uncertainty; an undecided state of mind. Number 2, is an inclination to disbelieve. Number 3, an uncertain state of things. Number4, a lack of full proof or clear indication. The definition goes on to reflect the softening of the word, as our society has changed.

Why the need to clarify a word in such detail? As a writer of words I know that words very often go far beyond their initial meanings, and we can understand them on different levels. All we really need is the basic implication of a word in context with other words (sentence).

All we really need to be told is the first definition... a feeling of uncertainty. This is what doubt is. So, let's try and imagine how man first came into contact with doubt... and what he learned from it.

I believe that doubt didn't start out (like all IMPORTANT words) as a word. It would have started as a feeling. An incommunicable feeling in your gut that something just isn't right. At this period in mankinds history, this would have meant the difference between life and death.

Whenever you doubt something, do not hide it away in the pit of your stomach. Do not automatically think that this world is in such organisation that we are safe in our beds, or that the scientists know everything. When you doubt something, question it. As it could mean the difference between life and death.

I believe that if we vigorously search for the truth we will find it, and that we must make a stand for it. The time to make a stand for what we believe to be true would be now... maybe, before it's too late.

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Well said, old friend.
My entire life has been in pursuit of the truth. Or at the very least, the closest approximation of truth where I can find it, both in the empirical and subjective sense.
So many people are afraid of confronting the world that they live in and questioning it. Doubt and fear rule, leading many to conform and consigning the search for truth to intellectuals and the truly motivated. But what are we here for, if not to search for true meaning? Or to give meaning to the things that improve the quality of life- spiritually, physically, and mentally? When we leave this world, the only thing we leave behind is the legacy of our lives to those whose lives we've touched. And if we tackle the bigger questions, and share our findings, our legacy lives on that much more, and touches many more lives.

The world remembers Sarte, Plato, Einstein, and Van Gogh. People remember great ideas and acts of creation such as art or literature. You don't need to be as well placed as Michelangelo to create something that touches many as deeply as the Sistine Chapel.

So many people I know are afraid to find out who they are. Or search out their personal spirituality, or explore philosophy. Many of them smoke because this blessed plant makes them worry less- it keeps the nagging feeling that they're not really "living life" at bay. For me, it's a chance to look at things in a different light, as it is with any altered state. With every passing year, the great thinkers bring us closer to empirical truth. But how much more interesting would this world be if all thinkers, great or not, dispelled fear by bringing certainty into their lives in a search for their own subjective truth.

As Frank Herbert said in the Dune series, in a prayer called the "Litany of Fear":

"Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear: I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn to the inner eye to see my path. When the fear has gone, there will be nothing; only -I- will remain."

Everytime we give into our fear, we give up choice, and the chance for improved happiness and the act of meaningful creation. We allow other to rule us, by fads and conformity. For some, this is a comfort zone, and to search, to face doubt, is to bring discomfort. Little do they know that by facing fear, moment to moment... You can eventually conquer it. Knoweldge is truly power.

~Ethno

Thankyou ethno'... and for the very well defined response.

Yes, we must all face fear. Within that is where you find the truth.

I could go on, but I feel I'd only be repeating what has already been said.

Dunno if it's because RIU is so large these days but I haven't seen you around much lately ethno'.

Change is constent, therfore doubt is constent, therefore fear is constant, therefore pain is constant, therefore relief is constent, therfore death is constent, therefore sadness is constent, therefore persute of happiness is constent, therefore work is constent, therefore reward is constent,

therefore change is constent, therfore doubt is constent, therefore fear is constant, therefore pain is constant, therefore relief is constent, therfore death is constent, therefore sadness is constent, therefore persute of happiness is constent, therefore work is constent, therefore reward is constent,

therefore change is constent, therfore doubt is constent, therefore fear is constant, therefore pain is constant, therefore relief is constent, therfore death is constent, therefore sadness is constent, therefore persute of happiness is constent, therefore work is constent, therefore reward is constent,

therefore change is constent, therfore doubt is constent, therefore fear is constant, therefore pain is constant, therefore relief is constent, therfore death is constent, therefore sadness is constent, therefore persute of happiness is constent, therefore work is constent, therefore reward is constent, therefore change is constent

therfore repitition is constent,

Change is constant, therefore doubt is constant?

How did you arrive at this?

He, who has learned to doubt and to ask questions where the norms forbid it, can never stop the habit. As such, every creative person is building bridges to those masses of people who are tied up helplessly by the pressures of peers and society. His is a step out and above the group. And however strong the creative person is enchained by conventions, he has unshackled himself on his way as a free and autonomous personality. As such, he may have cleared a new path for his group, his society and perhaps humankind in order to transform culture and
to create space for other free personalities who want to set new goals.

--Franz Oppenheimer (1864-1943)

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I am sometimes scared to question the norm, hopefully a habit I will get out of. I just feel stupid doing it as most ppl think its the way it is, and should stay

pandabear said:

well they say the only thing that is constant is change. so if things are always changing, then there is awlays uncertinty, or doubt

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Ah! Yes, I see it now. Still though, those doubts must be confronted.

skunkushybrid said:

Ah! Yes, I see it now. Still though, those doubts must be confronted.

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yes i like that attitude, i have always ran away from or procrastinated on dealing with any troubles or "issues".

so in order to survive change and win, you must confront all uncertanty and doubt on a regular basis due to its constant changing nature. then once you have gotten up to date in confronting everything current it will be much easyer to confront the new issues that wil be arising because you wont have a backlog of confrontations you need to take care of in your psyche.

if you dont do this then all your doubts and uncertainties that remain unconfronted will pile up making you a slave to your own mind and self.

Harkin said:

I am sometimes scared to question the norm, hopefully a habit I will get out of. I just feel stupid doing it as most ppl think its the way it is, and should stay

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I know what you mean, Harkin. Everyone feels that way to some extent at various points in their life. There is massive pressure to conform to the cultural norms that everyone else adheres to. It's like a tidal wave of pop culture and mediocrity that washes us all out to sea of conformity, and if you try to swim back against the tide, you raise eyebrows or even invite ridicule. But those who scoff are small-minded individuals- wrapped up in their own egos, though there is often little that is unique about them, or anything worth bragging about.

Don't get me wrong. Everyone has something to contribute in their lives, and I'm not making a value judgement on them as a human being. But most of these people are just content to exist in ignorance, and then die. Yes, they marry, and have children, but have they TRULY lived more than anyone else? A century later, will anyone really remember them, or will they be forgotten like the countless others that came before us? It's not necessary to make a mark on history. But we ultimately don't know what's beyond death, if anything. You might only have one chance at this thing we call "life". Isn't it worth it to try to make it count? Is it not worth it to explore yourself, the world around you, and truly make the most of this short and fragile existence?

Those who don't step outside the box are everywhere. They outnumber the free thinkers, the artists, and the brave people who take their lives into their own hands, going against the grain. But they're out there. Beyond your current circle of friends, find people who try to better themselves- and will encourage you to do the same. They're generally friendly, and well-adjusted. And among all of the people I know, of varying ideals and lifestyles, these are the people I would truly trust my life with. I have friends that I would consider decent friends, those who have never read a book and sit around watching reality shows on Vh1 and MTV while smoking a blunt and drinking until they pass out. And they're fun to hang out with, don't get me wrong. But my friends who I can debate philosophy with over a bowl of green, who create art or simply appreciate it, and desire to travel to the ends of the earth... Those are the people I would trust my life with- they understand the value of life, and they value mine as a result. I'm happier around them. I'm healthier. And they appreciate the little things. They've helped make me a better person.

Now, I wouldn't trade my other circle of friends for anything. And I do have to conform to their expectations to an extent in order to connect with them. But I've started a journey I'm not stopping, for anyone. I educate myself, and enjoy learning more than anything. And for the most part, they accept that. If they're truly your friends, they will. They might see me as different... but when I look back on my life many years from now, I'll know that I lived my life well, without regrets. It's worth it, Harkin. Sorry for the length, but when I saw what you said... I felt moved to say something. It was something that I felt long ago, and I felt trapped by the pressure of my peers. But seriously... Take a chance: visit a museum, try to cook a gourmet meal, take a painting class. But more importantly, find a friend or two who challenges your intellect. You'll be glad you did.

I know I am.

~Ethno

Hey Ethnobotanist. No worries about the length, I enjoy reading so I don't mind. I know what you are saying and it makes sense. Since moving to England I haven't really connected with anybody that has challenged me intellectually(except on the net), maybe thats why I read so much on the net to challenge myself and try new hobbies all the time.

I find I get frustrated with some people as they seem so shallow and hollow. Not saying it's the people in England, more like the people I meet. They just worry about trivial things and talk about what car they saw today, the price of a sandwich at their work and they go on and on about it, and I just sit there thinking that I wish they knew there was more to life than these small ideas. I must say my girlfriend is like that *bless her*, I wouldn't change her for the world though. Maybe it's a maturity thing and as we get older we ask more questions and challenge the norm, I feel I do that with myself sometimes but not towards other people if you what I mean. I just usually nod my head and go 'yes sir, you are right and I'm wrong' and it just seems easier that way.

Anyhoo enough babbling from me

pandabear said:

yes i like that attitude, i have always ran away from or procrastinated on dealing with any troubles or "issues".

so in order to survive change and win, you must confront all uncertanty and doubt on a regular basis due to its constant changing nature. then once you have gotten up to date in confronting everything current it will be much easyer to confront the new issues that wil be arising because you wont have a backlog of confrontations you need to take care of in your psyche.

if you dont do this then all your doubts and uncertainties that remain unconfronted will pile up making you a slave to your own mind and self.

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panda', you're cool as f**k.

I can connect with both ethno' and harkin on this... I don't have any friends that I can really talk to (just so happens I live in england, lol)... but they're ok, i know they're loyal, just as I am to them. I have been in situations where I have needed them, and they needed me... but when I talk about anything tangible, it goes over their heads. I went to my sisters house not long ago, 5 adults in a room... all they wanted to do was watch a soap opera. The only conversation I made that got a reaction was when I joked about the soap, even then it went too far and they started pulling faces. You can tell so much from watching a persons face.

I don't watch tv, even the news makes me feel sick... I can only watch certain movies. There's too much bullshit in the world, and I think I see it too clearly.

The rape of Iraq... afghanistan... the earth is literally dying. I don't think it's too late though. To defeat a system of rule you need an army. Together, that's exactly what we are.

skunkushybrid said:

The rape of Iraq... afghanistan... the earth is literally dying. I don't think it's too late though. To defeat a system of rule you need an army. Together, that's exactly what we are.

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Exactly. I couldn't agree more.

That "soap" wasn't by chance EastEnders, was it?

Oh, and Skunk... I was absent for a little while around finals, but I've been around. I think it's more that we just haven't run into each other. We should keep in touch more often; you seem like a very interesting individual.

~Ethno

Ethnobotanist said:

Exactly. I couldn't agree more.

That "soap" wasn't by chance EastEnders, was it?

Oh, and Skunk... I was absent for a little while around finals, but I've been around. I think it's more that we just haven't run into each other. We should keep in touch more often; you seem like a very interesting individual.

~Ethno

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Yes... lol. Actually the soap was Eastenders. I see that it's notoriety stretches far and wide.

Thanks ethno', I've always found that your posts run deep... and you have a way of making them understandable, an eloquence that I find myself often in awe of. No shit.

It'd be great to keep in touch more. Cheers buddy.