The Quest for Harmony
Do we always need to fight?32 total reviews
Comment from nomi338
The biggest problem facing us as I see it, is the refusal to admit to ourself and possibly others that we have fallen for a sacm by someone who ws perhaps a bit more clever than us. Admit it and get on with your life. Instead we refuse to admit that we fell for a con and continue to support and hold up for favor the scammer. Nothing else makes any sense to me why those who knew Hitler was a nutcase, Donald Trump is a con artist. People who know it refuse to send him packing. Why? Because to do so is to admit that we fell for his con.
reply by the author on 28-Jun-2022
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The biggest problem facing us as I see it, is the refusal to admit to ourself and possibly others that we have fallen for a sacm by someone who ws perhaps a bit more clever than us. Admit it and get on with your life. Instead we refuse to admit that we fell for a con and continue to support and hold up for favor the scammer. Nothing else makes any sense to me why those who knew Hitler was a nutcase, Donald Trump is a con artist. People who know it refuse to send him packing. Why? Because to do so is to admit that we fell for his con.
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 28-Jun-2022
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I think you have a point there, yes. It frustrates me when his opponents attack him as being an idiot, because he clearly isn't and if you want to oppose somebody, you have to acknowledge their strengths.
Mike
Comment from karenina
What brilliant writing. Without debasing this group or that, without assuming the mantel of superiority, without chastising a particular culture or cause, you cut right to the heart of the matter.
I see very little evidence, these days, of folks saying, "I disagree with you, but I acknowledge your right to expound your opinion." Hardly.
As more and more stoke fires from afar, via the internet, we are less and less able to evaluate the information. Alternative facts? Is that the definition we give to anyone who doesn't agree with our (clearly well thought out and superior) view?
There is an excellent documentary on Netflix called: "Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet" I've just finished watching the six episodes and that leads me to agree with you.
It seems we are hard-wired to attack and defend. Peace requires complacency as much as cooperation. Humans don't do complacency well.
It's reading pieces like this that have me wishing we all had ONE seven-star review to give.
Alas, that too would be another debate ~ and we all know about debates!
Just take the six I am delighted to award you and add one.
This one's getting saved to my bookcase.
Intelligence and civility!
Karenina
reply by the author on 28-Jun-2022
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What brilliant writing. Without debasing this group or that, without assuming the mantel of superiority, without chastising a particular culture or cause, you cut right to the heart of the matter.
I see very little evidence, these days, of folks saying, "I disagree with you, but I acknowledge your right to expound your opinion." Hardly.
As more and more stoke fires from afar, via the internet, we are less and less able to evaluate the information. Alternative facts? Is that the definition we give to anyone who doesn't agree with our (clearly well thought out and superior) view?
There is an excellent documentary on Netflix called: "Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet" I've just finished watching the six episodes and that leads me to agree with you.
It seems we are hard-wired to attack and defend. Peace requires complacency as much as cooperation. Humans don't do complacency well.
It's reading pieces like this that have me wishing we all had ONE seven-star review to give.
Alas, that too would be another debate ~ and we all know about debates!
Just take the six I am delighted to award you and add one.
This one's getting saved to my bookcase.
Intelligence and civility!
Karenina
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 28-Jun-2022
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Thank you so much, my friend. I'll take and treasure that six, with grateful appreciation. This was formed from a few thought strands that have been floating around in my head recently. Yesterday morning, the stars aligned, as it were, and it was time to write it. I'll have to catch that documentary. I feel the anonymity of the internet has empowered people to drop the polite facade and go for broke - the problem with that is, one can get over excited and seriously overstate cases. Just like my wife might ask why I 'never' pick up a used towel, when in truth she means 'occasionally', so do online arguments spiral out of control. Mike is a polite guy, but Fleedleflump's free to be an a-hole, lol.
I'm so glad you liked my piece :-)
Mike
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Do watch that documentary series!
I hope I'm back to congratulate you on the win!
Super impressive!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Your contest entry fascinated me. I'm at my youngest son's right now, because he's having surgery tomorrow. A few minutes ago, we had a similar conversation. Him and I tend to disagree because of life experiences, I'm 68 and he's 29, but we can still respect each other's opinion. I keep hearing here in the US, there's a possibility of a Civil War. It seems 30 states are red and 20 are blue. The blue states are in power because those 20 have the largest population. I hope something happens where we can come to some sort of compromise. Your post is wonderfully written and very accurate. Good luck with the contest.
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Your contest entry fascinated me. I'm at my youngest son's right now, because he's having surgery tomorrow. A few minutes ago, we had a similar conversation. Him and I tend to disagree because of life experiences, I'm 68 and he's 29, but we can still respect each other's opinion. I keep hearing here in the US, there's a possibility of a Civil War. It seems 30 states are red and 20 are blue. The blue states are in power because those 20 have the largest population. I hope something happens where we can come to some sort of compromise. Your post is wonderfully written and very accurate. Good luck with the contest.
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thanks so much, Barbara :-). There's another Winston Churchill quote: 'Any man under thirty who is not a liberal has no heart, and any man over thirty who is not a conservative has no brains.'
I think we will always find divisions, the trick (as you rightly show) is to understand we don't have to build a wall along them!
It's horrifying to think that, in these supposedly enlightened times, a developed country can be so polarised, but it seems to be the way of the era!
Mike
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I am worried about the future of the US. Instead of finding common ground, it seems daily to go the opposite directions. I know of families who won't speak to each other because of their difference of opinions. How horrible.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I reckon the future is full of disharmony, disagreement and chaos as we humans can never agree on anything and this is human nature. We will swing from left to right whenever the mood takes us or we decide we want change. For me personally Brexit has been the most disruptive and damning thing in my life. My world has been turned upside down because of Brexit and I have lost thousands of pounds on the poor exchange rate from pounds to euros. We are just the minions at the behest of those in power and although there are elections, we have little say in what goes on after that, be careful what you wish for, a fine write and food for thought here, I could continue ranting but I reckon you have heard enough Mike, a fine write, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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I reckon the future is full of disharmony, disagreement and chaos as we humans can never agree on anything and this is human nature. We will swing from left to right whenever the mood takes us or we decide we want change. For me personally Brexit has been the most disruptive and damning thing in my life. My world has been turned upside down because of Brexit and I have lost thousands of pounds on the poor exchange rate from pounds to euros. We are just the minions at the behest of those in power and although there are elections, we have little say in what goes on after that, be careful what you wish for, a fine write and food for thought here, I could continue ranting but I reckon you have heard enough Mike, a fine write, love Dolly x
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thanks so much for sharing your response with me, Dolly :-). Back in 1993, when I was doing an A-Level in Government and Politics, the EEC (as it was at the time) and our membership of it was, as ever, being debated. I remember our teacher saying no sane governing party would ever hold a referendum about it, because despite us being better off in the community/union, the British public would vote to leave. Oh, how right he was!
My problem is, most of my beliefs and thoughts come from a broad spectrum of parties, and none of them (especially neither of the ones that can actually win) represent me. I can also say, working in government, election promises are a pretty stupid idea, because something inevitably happens to make some of them untenable.
I think we're all about platforms these days, and I don't think I want to stand on a platform, lol.
Mike
Comment from royowen
I've written about "opinions" and the adage that "everybody's entitled to their opinion," however, I disagree, the sources of information leading to these so-called stances is extremely suspicious, somehow I doubt if anyone, works something out for themselves. You're right, If one tries to understand how fascism came to be, we know it's based on spurious theory anyway, just a pragmatic means to an end. I've refused to have my will bombarded by theories that leak. I've noticed you seemingly approve of my Writing without a religious compass, you are a rare beast Mike, you accept an argument if it holds water, I've said repeatedly to folk, you must make your decisions based on the colluded information you receive, otherwise don't have an opinion. I've discovered we are all flawed, but we don't have to understand, just negotiate life as best we can. I refuse to have my thoughts be held captive, only by things that whatever is the absolute truth. Using, hopefully the brain, limited as it is, to protect myself and my family from solicitous invasion. Well done, Mike, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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I've written about "opinions" and the adage that "everybody's entitled to their opinion," however, I disagree, the sources of information leading to these so-called stances is extremely suspicious, somehow I doubt if anyone, works something out for themselves. You're right, If one tries to understand how fascism came to be, we know it's based on spurious theory anyway, just a pragmatic means to an end. I've refused to have my will bombarded by theories that leak. I've noticed you seemingly approve of my Writing without a religious compass, you are a rare beast Mike, you accept an argument if it holds water, I've said repeatedly to folk, you must make your decisions based on the colluded information you receive, otherwise don't have an opinion. I've discovered we are all flawed, but we don't have to understand, just negotiate life as best we can. I refuse to have my thoughts be held captive, only by things that whatever is the absolute truth. Using, hopefully the brain, limited as it is, to protect myself and my family from solicitous invasion. Well done, Mike, blessings Roy
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thanks so much, Roy :-). As you note, I'm completely non-religious, but that doesn't mean there's a fence in need of construction. I think people all find their own routes to the place in themselves where truth and peace exist, and whatever route that might be, it's all good.
Of course, some people love a fence they can argue about the placement of!
I think, as you say, some have a random thought or reaction and believe that constitutes a defensible position. Instead of considering or looking into things, they simply argue. And anyone who argues just for the sake of the argument is frankly an idiot!
I'm really happy you shared your response with me.
Mike
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Well done, even my brethren, and even though I had an encounter, Christianity is extremely paradoxical, full of ?apparent? contradictions, but if one rids oneself of the endless ritual and human interference, they can still construct a flawless theology. I had no denominational background, and still refuse it. It?s designed to subdue and drug the essence of belief, God dealing with a very flawed humanity.
Comment from Donna G. (aka Sam Duck)
This is a six star post for the following reasons: I agree with most of what you said. What I don't agree with doesn't have the likelihood of stealing my free will. It is very well written; a cogent argument for sanity and unity.
The first reason is not supposed to matter in reviewing, but you know it always does. I've always enjoyed a good debate, but what is happening these days goes beyond that. It seems that people who's morals and opinions I have respected before have lost all human decency and sense. I am capable of hearing evidence and changing my mind, but am becoming more and more cemented in my positions on pretty much everything.
Great opinion piece! I found an awkward sentence in there, but now I can't find it again and I'm in a hurry, so let's pretend I didn't. I always enjoy your writing. Keep it up!
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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This is a six star post for the following reasons: I agree with most of what you said. What I don't agree with doesn't have the likelihood of stealing my free will. It is very well written; a cogent argument for sanity and unity.
The first reason is not supposed to matter in reviewing, but you know it always does. I've always enjoyed a good debate, but what is happening these days goes beyond that. It seems that people who's morals and opinions I have respected before have lost all human decency and sense. I am capable of hearing evidence and changing my mind, but am becoming more and more cemented in my positions on pretty much everything.
Great opinion piece! I found an awkward sentence in there, but now I can't find it again and I'm in a hurry, so let's pretend I didn't. I always enjoy your writing. Keep it up!
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thanks so much, Donna - I really appreciate it :-). I'm always happy to debate things, but I've rarely ever known anyone change their mind (I used to say my only strong opinion was that people should have fewer strong opinions, but that was more because I thought it sounded clever than anything else, lol). The older I get, the more cemented I get myself (perhaps it's inevitable - the more life we see, the clearer things become). All I know is, things seem more opposite than ever, and folk are more interested in arguing these days than resolving.
I really appreciate your response (and happy to see you got your screen name changed successfully).
Mike
Comment from Jay Squires
I couldn't agree with you more. That means there are at least two of us. Do we comprise an oligarchy of certitude? Or shall we patiently wait for all to read this and arrive at a consensus of correctness? Meanwhile, partner-in-power, you've ably used our common language to codify the tenets of our position. And it smells so much better up here above the sweat and turmoil of the as yet slow-to-comprehend masses. We must be patient though. It takes time in their my-thou-and y'all milieu. But breath deep. We have time.
LOL, seriously, Mike your understanding of the various peaks where power resides, from the singular to the broad mesa of multiplicity, is admirable, and you've expressed it so well.
I only hope the judges take this to its bones before they decide. Thank you, my friend.
Jay
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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I couldn't agree with you more. That means there are at least two of us. Do we comprise an oligarchy of certitude? Or shall we patiently wait for all to read this and arrive at a consensus of correctness? Meanwhile, partner-in-power, you've ably used our common language to codify the tenets of our position. And it smells so much better up here above the sweat and turmoil of the as yet slow-to-comprehend masses. We must be patient though. It takes time in their my-thou-and y'all milieu. But breath deep. We have time.
LOL, seriously, Mike your understanding of the various peaks where power resides, from the singular to the broad mesa of multiplicity, is admirable, and you've expressed it so well.
I only hope the judges take this to its bones before they decide. Thank you, my friend.
Jay
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thanks so much, Jay :-). I'm not sure anyone can steer the ship because I don't think anyone ever built the rudder, and if they did, it would be incompatible with the controls. Still, it's interesting to delve into these thoughts ever not and then!
Mike
Comment from John Ciarmello
A thought-provoking piece, Mike. The world in the eyes of the masses revolves around competition and conflict. It's unfortunate to say but I believe the world would come to a disparate halt if harmony was ever achieved or world peace for that matter. We thrive on disputing one conflict at a time but ignore the domino effect that keeps the situation rolling, collecting the masses as it goes only to hit the brick wall at the bottom of the proverbial, political, social, and religious steps.
Now, the earth is beginning to fight back as well, and it has no conception of competition or conflict, but that's another subject. (or is it)?
At what juncture in history did we learn to simply resolve the ridiculous with ease and vigor and leave the key issues of our very survival to dangle above the lion's den.
"And to the republic for which it stands" (or does it fall)? I loved this! Sorry about the blabber, I love these pieces, especially if they are well written. Best JohnC
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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A thought-provoking piece, Mike. The world in the eyes of the masses revolves around competition and conflict. It's unfortunate to say but I believe the world would come to a disparate halt if harmony was ever achieved or world peace for that matter. We thrive on disputing one conflict at a time but ignore the domino effect that keeps the situation rolling, collecting the masses as it goes only to hit the brick wall at the bottom of the proverbial, political, social, and religious steps.
Now, the earth is beginning to fight back as well, and it has no conception of competition or conflict, but that's another subject. (or is it)?
At what juncture in history did we learn to simply resolve the ridiculous with ease and vigor and leave the key issues of our very survival to dangle above the lion's den.
"And to the republic for which it stands" (or does it fall)? I loved this! Sorry about the blabber, I love these pieces, especially if they are well written. Best JohnC
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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You blabber all you want, my friend. I loved reading your response. I agree 100% about the world - without conflict, we'd disappear into a maelstrom of indecision, our rights and over-thought justifications. So glad you liked it :-)
Mike
Comment from Tom Horonzy
I'll pay you a dollar to be my scholar on an address to Congress, I guess, though they will feign listening for their minds are already made up. That doesn't mean you're not brilliant, for I find you are, and tomorrow you'll be tarred for disagreeing with them. ;-)
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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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I'll pay you a dollar to be my scholar on an address to Congress, I guess, though they will feign listening for their minds are already made up. That doesn't mean you're not brilliant, for I find you are, and tomorrow you'll be tarred for disagreeing with them. ;-)
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Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thanks Tom :-). It's long been my view that nobody ever really changes their mind - a debate is just a way for people to wait their turn to spout rhetoric. The thoughts have been hovering for a while so it was time to catch them in nets and craft an article out of them!
Moke
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People no longer understand we are given one more orifice to listen with then to talk with. :-)
Comment from the13thpoet
Hello Fleedleflump a good day to you. I hope all is well with you. I enjoyed your Non-fiction contest entry it was well written, it asked important questions and made good points. I often write of harmony(peace and unity) myself. One can only hope. Good job and good luck in the contest.
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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Hello Fleedleflump a good day to you. I hope all is well with you. I enjoyed your Non-fiction contest entry it was well written, it asked important questions and made good points. I often write of harmony(peace and unity) myself. One can only hope. Good job and good luck in the contest.
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 27-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022
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Thank you, my friend. Who knows - perhaps one day it'll come to pass, but I suspect it's just not in us.
Mike