I had time to make an intriguing, reflective, well-thought-out post about my view of some area of life. But noooo. I have homework. And nooo. I'm behind. Yeahh...I don't think the letters "fml" have ever gone through my head so many times as today...although I actually just discovered it like last week, so that's not saying much. But yea...I'll refraining from swearing because I don't agree with it.
>_> Save meeee.
-ThienAn
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Circuses
"
I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins,
Spot-light on me and I'm ready to break
I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same
"
I'm like a circus.
"Like" meaning similar to, not the same. If I had meant that I was the same as a circus, I would have said "I am a circus," not "I'm like a circus." But allow me to elaborate.
Dictionary.com: "a large public entertainment, typically presented in one or more very large tents or in an outdoor or indoor arena, featuring exhibitions of pageantry, feats of skill and daring, performing animals, etc., interspersed throughout with the slapstick antics of clowns."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/circus
Ignoring a few specifics, a few tweaks: "an average-sized entertainer, typically presented in one or more very large schools or in an outdoor or indoor classroom, featuring exhibitions of pageantry (of intelligence), feats of skill and homework, calculating animal, etc., interspersed throughout with the tiring antics of teachers and class."
Hey, my definition is longer o_o. Oops. But let's see. School is a place where you're almost constantly proving yourself - ideally, anyway. You're not necessarily proving yourself to people, just to the system. The first few weeks, you could spend buttering up your teachers I guess. But after that, what are you proving? They already know you're smart, so why are you still doing homework and studying for tests? I suppose you could say that you're now proving yourself to the college admissions officers, but seriously, who thinks about that until they're actually applying?
So, who are you proving yourself to? Why are you walking on a tightrope? Why are you jumping through rings of fire? Why are you dressed up like a weirdo? I think the key thing to realize here is that we're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you. Sure, I love learning too, but do I love doing work? Not usually. Do it if you like it, you know?
But really, is it just me, or is the only point - lasting point anyway - of high school to get into college?
Nah, I'm just messing. I like circuses, I mean school. Good stuff, when you don't have 6 APs, no studies, and extracurriculars after school every day there isn't an ice storm.
-ThienAn
I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins,
Spot-light on me and I'm ready to break
I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same
"
I'm like a circus.
"Like" meaning similar to, not the same. If I had meant that I was the same as a circus, I would have said "I am a circus," not "I'm like a circus." But allow me to elaborate.
Dictionary.com: "a large public entertainment, typically presented in one or more very large tents or in an outdoor or indoor arena, featuring exhibitions of pageantry, feats of skill and daring, performing animals, etc., interspersed throughout with the slapstick antics of clowns."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/circus
Ignoring a few specifics, a few tweaks: "an average-sized entertainer, typically presented in one or more very large schools or in an outdoor or indoor classroom, featuring exhibitions of pageantry (of intelligence), feats of skill and homework, calculating animal, etc., interspersed throughout with the tiring antics of teachers and class."
Hey, my definition is longer o_o. Oops. But let's see. School is a place where you're almost constantly proving yourself - ideally, anyway. You're not necessarily proving yourself to people, just to the system. The first few weeks, you could spend buttering up your teachers I guess. But after that, what are you proving? They already know you're smart, so why are you still doing homework and studying for tests? I suppose you could say that you're now proving yourself to the college admissions officers, but seriously, who thinks about that until they're actually applying?
So, who are you proving yourself to? Why are you walking on a tightrope? Why are you jumping through rings of fire? Why are you dressed up like a weirdo? I think the key thing to realize here is that we're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you. Sure, I love learning too, but do I love doing work? Not usually. Do it if you like it, you know?
But really, is it just me, or is the only point - lasting point anyway - of high school to get into college?
Nah, I'm just messing. I like circuses, I mean school. Good stuff, when you don't have 6 APs, no studies, and extracurriculars after school every day there isn't an ice storm.
-ThienAn
Sunday, January 18, 2009
On Love
"1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
-1 Corinthians 13
My favorite chapter in the Bible.
I'm procrastinating, so I figured I'd do something productive.
I think of love as something precious. There are only a few people that I love. Yet God commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Man. How is that possible? Sometimes people just get on my nerves. I mean, I'm not violent and I don't usually respond to all the annoying things I see, but it's not like I can go around loving just anyone. But it sounds like that's what I'm supposed to do.
There are people that I know I love, meaning I care about them, I feel close to them, I trust them. Obviously, I don't feel that way about everyone. So what does God mean when he asks us love everyone? I think it's a little more than being just courteous, but I doubt I can apply the definition above to everybody. You know?
On another note, I feel like I've figured out what "in love" means. To me, it's a combination of every other kind of love. When you're in love with someone, the verses above should apply... you should be patient, kind, forgiving, honest, and faithful to the person you love. You should also feel connected to that person, similar (but not the same) to the connection you would feel to your brother, or sister. And the person you love should be a close friend; maybe not your best friend, but still, at least a close friend. You should feel comfortable around that person - no, even more than comfortable: you should want to be around that person.
Speaking above love in a more romantic, and less responsible sense, a person in love should think [she] is the most beautiful thing that God ever created. Sure, other people might be hotter, or have nicer bodies (ugh, society), but when I call something or someone beautiful, I'm talking about more than looks. Beautiful for me factors in everything about that person, whether it be looks, beliefs, voice, or personality... it factors in the feelings that arise from seeing that thing or person.
It is definitely possible to "fall out of love." It's just that, some people fall in love over and over again. And that's what keeps the love relationship alive. Renewal. Being refreshed. That feeling from your first date - or your first kiss, or whatever - all over again. It's like...constant appreciation for what's there. I don't know. I'm just rambling now =].
I guess this is how God wants us to feel about Him...haha. Too bad God wasn't a really attractive girl with an amazing personality. It'd make things so much easier.
Yeah, I'm done. haha.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
-1 Corinthians 13
My favorite chapter in the Bible.
I'm procrastinating, so I figured I'd do something productive.
I think of love as something precious. There are only a few people that I love. Yet God commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Man. How is that possible? Sometimes people just get on my nerves. I mean, I'm not violent and I don't usually respond to all the annoying things I see, but it's not like I can go around loving just anyone. But it sounds like that's what I'm supposed to do.
There are people that I know I love, meaning I care about them, I feel close to them, I trust them. Obviously, I don't feel that way about everyone. So what does God mean when he asks us love everyone? I think it's a little more than being just courteous, but I doubt I can apply the definition above to everybody. You know?
On another note, I feel like I've figured out what "in love" means. To me, it's a combination of every other kind of love. When you're in love with someone, the verses above should apply... you should be patient, kind, forgiving, honest, and faithful to the person you love. You should also feel connected to that person, similar (but not the same) to the connection you would feel to your brother, or sister. And the person you love should be a close friend; maybe not your best friend, but still, at least a close friend. You should feel comfortable around that person - no, even more than comfortable: you should want to be around that person.
Speaking above love in a more romantic, and less responsible sense, a person in love should think [she] is the most beautiful thing that God ever created. Sure, other people might be hotter, or have nicer bodies (ugh, society), but when I call something or someone beautiful, I'm talking about more than looks. Beautiful for me factors in everything about that person, whether it be looks, beliefs, voice, or personality... it factors in the feelings that arise from seeing that thing or person.
It is definitely possible to "fall out of love." It's just that, some people fall in love over and over again. And that's what keeps the love relationship alive. Renewal. Being refreshed. That feeling from your first date - or your first kiss, or whatever - all over again. It's like...constant appreciation for what's there. I don't know. I'm just rambling now =].
I guess this is how God wants us to feel about Him...haha. Too bad God wasn't a really attractive girl with an amazing personality. It'd make things so much easier.
Yeah, I'm done. haha.
Friday, January 16, 2009
On Gossip Girl, and Freedom
So I realized that when I'm watching Gossip Girl, I really don't like being disturbed. Because if that happens, or if I have to take my thoughts away from GG for a moment, I miss some things, or have to pause the show (I watch it online). It doesn't really matter how important the disturbance is...just...don't disturb me. lol. Chances are I won't pay attention to you anyway :p.
Playing: Mirror - Barlow Girl
"Who are you to tell me that I'm less than what I should be, who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen to the list of things I should do, I won't try. I won't try."
Here in America, the people prize their freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press... Americans sure are proud of their freedoms and they don't hesitate to cite them, whether or not the situation is appropriate. Well, I don't actually care about America, or the freedoms that are granted in the Bill of Rights. I just felt like saying that.
Freedom of Thought. Freedom of Choice. Freedom of Action. These are all freedoms that every human being has from birth to death.
Nobody can control your thoughts. They might influence them, manipulate them, but nobody can control them. Your thoughts are your thoughts.
Everybody has a choice to do what they think is best. An interrogator might present you with an ultimatum, but really, there are several other options available to you; they just aren't all very reasonable, logical, or attractive. I laugh at the expression, "You give me no choice." Because really, they are saying, "I've chosen to do what I wanted to do originally, and now I have an excuse to do it." Which I find funny-they are only fooling themselves. But everyone has the freedom to choose what they will do, in every situation. You decide how you are going to act, you choose what your next step will be.
I am my own person. I have my own dreams. I know what I want. I know what's best for me. So who are you to tell me who am I, who I should be? In that regard, I will listen to only one person, and you certainly aren't Him. So leave me to my freedom.
Playing: Mirror - Barlow Girl
"Who are you to tell me that I'm less than what I should be, who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen to the list of things I should do, I won't try. I won't try."
Here in America, the people prize their freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press... Americans sure are proud of their freedoms and they don't hesitate to cite them, whether or not the situation is appropriate. Well, I don't actually care about America, or the freedoms that are granted in the Bill of Rights. I just felt like saying that.
Freedom of Thought. Freedom of Choice. Freedom of Action. These are all freedoms that every human being has from birth to death.
Nobody can control your thoughts. They might influence them, manipulate them, but nobody can control them. Your thoughts are your thoughts.
Everybody has a choice to do what they think is best. An interrogator might present you with an ultimatum, but really, there are several other options available to you; they just aren't all very reasonable, logical, or attractive. I laugh at the expression, "You give me no choice." Because really, they are saying, "I've chosen to do what I wanted to do originally, and now I have an excuse to do it." Which I find funny-they are only fooling themselves. But everyone has the freedom to choose what they will do, in every situation. You decide how you are going to act, you choose what your next step will be.
I am my own person. I have my own dreams. I know what I want. I know what's best for me. So who are you to tell me who am I, who I should be? In that regard, I will listen to only one person, and you certainly aren't Him. So leave me to my freedom.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Time
I wish I still had that poem. Maybe I do =O. Meh, can't find it atm.
"What is the time?" ...
Time really is strange. Or rather, my idea of time is strange. 10 years ago can feel like yesterday, but then a week ago can seem like an eternity ago. 3 hours can pass by like 10 minutes, but then 30 minutes can feel like a bad night's sleep, all of the time in the dream world, and then all that all over again. You know? It's not true that time flies by when you're having fun; time is just time. When you're thinking about the time, it will probably go by slowly. When you're not, well then who knows what time it is.
Lately, I wish I had more time. But wait - I have 168 hours a week. That's a whole lot. Take away some for sleep and school, and I have like, what 50 hours? That sounds like a lot doesn't it? But then you factor in homework, and then all of a sudden you have -20hours. E P I C F A I L. Yea, time is too precious; too much demand and too little supply.
"So much to do, so little time."
"What is the time?" ...
Time really is strange. Or rather, my idea of time is strange. 10 years ago can feel like yesterday, but then a week ago can seem like an eternity ago. 3 hours can pass by like 10 minutes, but then 30 minutes can feel like a bad night's sleep, all of the time in the dream world, and then all that all over again. You know? It's not true that time flies by when you're having fun; time is just time. When you're thinking about the time, it will probably go by slowly. When you're not, well then who knows what time it is.
Lately, I wish I had more time. But wait - I have 168 hours a week. That's a whole lot. Take away some for sleep and school, and I have like, what 50 hours? That sounds like a lot doesn't it? But then you factor in homework, and then all of a sudden you have -20hours. E P I C F A I L. Yea, time is too precious; too much demand and too little supply.
"So much to do, so little time."
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Dark Knight
I just watched The Dark Knight again. It was like combining my "The Dark Side" and "Lying" posts together. So interesting =D.
And let me say...the Joker is a brilliant, brilliant man.
Harvey Dent: The only morality in a cruel world is chance.
Who's to say that they are "proper," that their morals are "moral" at all. Why a murderer's definition of moral is just as good as a priest's, from a philosophical perspective. A criminal's morals might be "better" than a police officer's morals. Who's to say what's right and whats wrong?
You heard the man.
-ThienAn
And let me say...the Joker is a brilliant, brilliant man.
Harvey Dent: The only morality in a cruel world is chance.
Who's to say that they are "proper," that their morals are "moral" at all. Why a murderer's definition of moral is just as good as a priest's, from a philosophical perspective. A criminal's morals might be "better" than a police officer's morals. Who's to say what's right and whats wrong?
You heard the man.
-ThienAn
I've Lost
the will to do anything.
Maybe it's premature senioritis, although I would hardly attribute the cause to college. That would make little sense, considering I still have one more application to complete and at least a month until my first notification. No, it can't be senioritis.
Truly, I'm envious of those with no conscience, no foresight, and no minds. They can simply drop everything in order to do nothing, with no hesitation. They can play games all day and all night, sleep past noon, and feel absolutely no guilt when they walk into school on Monday with absolutely no work done. Alas, I find myself lacking the same lack of intelligence and so, condemn myself to a life of pain and suffering.
But I don't want to do work. I don't want to try hard. I want to be a lazy bum, and either live comfortably forever or die when I die. Curse the human conscience; it is a hindrance on several levels. Imagine it being an endless elevator: as time passes, it ascends another level, with no limit or end.
It feels as if I have lost the will to live,
I've run out of things to give:
My heart is gone, my brain is spent,
And don't even bother asking where my life went.
I'm trying my best, but still I fail,
So I'm stuck in the path of destruction, a heartless gale.
Why is this happening? Why is this so?
"Love never fails," well, I don't know.
Running around, making a fool of myself,
I'd give the world and all its wealth,
All for one, and one for me,
And that's all I want, can't you see?
I'm trying my best, but still I fail,
To uncover what to you has a veil.
Neither complex nor beyond reason,
It's something that persists for many a season.
Give it a chance, guard yourself not,
For with such a defense, how can a chance be got?
Fear it not, change your mind;
The way you're acting, I'd almost swear you were blind.
I'm wishing it were true,
I'm wishing it was you.
Ack! Here, my white flag, I surrender.
I just hope that when I'm gone, my life you'll remember.
-ThienAn
Maybe it's premature senioritis, although I would hardly attribute the cause to college. That would make little sense, considering I still have one more application to complete and at least a month until my first notification. No, it can't be senioritis.
Truly, I'm envious of those with no conscience, no foresight, and no minds. They can simply drop everything in order to do nothing, with no hesitation. They can play games all day and all night, sleep past noon, and feel absolutely no guilt when they walk into school on Monday with absolutely no work done. Alas, I find myself lacking the same lack of intelligence and so, condemn myself to a life of pain and suffering.
But I don't want to do work. I don't want to try hard. I want to be a lazy bum, and either live comfortably forever or die when I die. Curse the human conscience; it is a hindrance on several levels. Imagine it being an endless elevator: as time passes, it ascends another level, with no limit or end.
It feels as if I have lost the will to live,
I've run out of things to give:
My heart is gone, my brain is spent,
And don't even bother asking where my life went.
I'm trying my best, but still I fail,
So I'm stuck in the path of destruction, a heartless gale.
Why is this happening? Why is this so?
"Love never fails," well, I don't know.
Running around, making a fool of myself,
I'd give the world and all its wealth,
All for one, and one for me,
And that's all I want, can't you see?
I'm trying my best, but still I fail,
To uncover what to you has a veil.
Neither complex nor beyond reason,
It's something that persists for many a season.
Give it a chance, guard yourself not,
For with such a defense, how can a chance be got?
Fear it not, change your mind;
The way you're acting, I'd almost swear you were blind.
I'm wishing it were true,
I'm wishing it was you.
Ack! Here, my white flag, I surrender.
I just hope that when I'm gone, my life you'll remember.
-ThienAn
Friday, January 9, 2009
Mysteries
I don't get it. I just don't get it. And why do I feel like I'm the only one that sees it?
Well. Other people probably see it, they just don't say or do anything about it.
Oh well. I tried to be positive, but nope. Couldn't find much value in it.
Well. Other people probably see it, they just don't say or do anything about it.
Oh well. I tried to be positive, but nope. Couldn't find much value in it.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Christmas and New Years
Christmas was two weeks ago. New Years was one week ago. My Christmas tree is still up. The lights are still up. I think my mom's about to get rid of the presents (finally). And even with that extension, I haven't celebrated either Christmas or New Years yet.
How was your vacation? How was Christmas? How was New Years? Sorry if you've asked me that, but I don't think I've answered anyone honestly yet. The real answer would be too complex to explain in a casual meeting. Too depressing too. Well, on the bright side, I haven't lied about what I got for Christmas. That answer's pretty easy.
I guess I didn't have Christmas this year. I guess I didn't celebrate the New Year - although, why people celebrate the New Year is beyond me. It's a commercial prank, and time is relative, so my New Year could be January 26th, or October 10th, for all I care. No Christmas, and no New Years huh. What a shame. But who cares anyway.
I'm listening to Christmas music at the moment. It's not bad; then again, why would I listen to it if it was bad? But it just made me realize how depressing my Christmas.
How many people did I wish a Merry Christmas/Happy New Year? Probably two, maybe three. But unless you were me, you'd never realize that. People think I wished them Happy Holidays, but not really. I'm sneaky like that.
& here we are. A worthless post, with no purpose. Well. Except to blog, of course.
How was your vacation? How was Christmas? How was New Years? Sorry if you've asked me that, but I don't think I've answered anyone honestly yet. The real answer would be too complex to explain in a casual meeting. Too depressing too. Well, on the bright side, I haven't lied about what I got for Christmas. That answer's pretty easy.
I guess I didn't have Christmas this year. I guess I didn't celebrate the New Year - although, why people celebrate the New Year is beyond me. It's a commercial prank, and time is relative, so my New Year could be January 26th, or October 10th, for all I care. No Christmas, and no New Years huh. What a shame. But who cares anyway.
I'm listening to Christmas music at the moment. It's not bad; then again, why would I listen to it if it was bad? But it just made me realize how depressing my Christmas.
How many people did I wish a Merry Christmas/Happy New Year? Probably two, maybe three. But unless you were me, you'd never realize that. People think I wished them Happy Holidays, but not really. I'm sneaky like that.
& here we are. A worthless post, with no purpose. Well. Except to blog, of course.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Lying
In a recent discussion with my friend and colleague, the question was asked:"Is it ever morally right to lie?"
Meaning: Is lying always bad? Are there situations where it's acceptable to lie? Is honesty always the best policy? Do the ends justify the means? Should we kill a murderer, before he kills even more people? Should we sacrifice one person - slaughter, murder him - in order to secure happiness for the rest of the world? I hope you get the point.
The question is something that society has debated for many, many years. Obviously, it is a matter of opinion, and a matter of personal morals. Now, what I say from here is said a developing Christian and well, myself. Naturally, my opinion is simply my opinion.
Now, one of the Ten Commandments of the Bible is "'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." In other words, "Do not lie, tell falsehoods, deceive, etc."
First, to establish something: I believe that lies come in two main situations. 1) a serious situation. 2) a harmless situation.
To briefly, but fully address the latter: Is there such thing as a harmless lie? Well. Yes there is. When joking around, or when the other party knows you are lying and speaking in jest, then I believe that that lie is fairly harmless. I speak in general of course; there are certainly hurtful jokes out there that people were "just kidding" about. But do the harmless ones exist? I think so. And are they morally wrong? I don't think so because if it is understood that what you have said is not true, in jest, and for good fun, and it does not hurt anyone, then I think that that qualifies as morally acceptable.
I know I do it all the time, and sometimes, what I've done is not acceptable. But in general, I think it is. Should I change my habits? Probably - as I grow older and mature, I believe I will find less need to entertain myself in such a manner.
Now, the real question at hand: Is it okay to lie about something serious? The most common example, I think, is lying or not telling someone the truth in order to "protect" them and their feelings. Well, certainly, at first glance, the ends seem to justify the means, do they not? But wait - what happened to no lying? I think this calls for a close examination.
Honestly, who has not told a lie to "protect" someone? Who has not told a "half-truth" or a "white lie"? Very few I should think. I believe that the general consensus is that yes, it's okay to lie in such a situation. But, at least for me, the question becomes: are they doing this out of morals, or are they doing this out of their natural inclination to lie, and then justifying it as "protection"?
You see why I question the consensus? On one side, you have protecting the feelings of those you love. On the other side, you have honesty. Which do you choose?
Most would find the former more important, more substantial. And right now, I would agree.
But really, I would carefully examine my motives, what exactly I am saying as a lie, and what the possible/probably outcomes will be. You really have to examine the situation thoroughly before lying and considering it morally just.
I think a few key questions to ask yourself are:
1) Could the person actually handle the lie, and you're just convincing yourself that they need your protection?
2) How "moral" is your motive? Are you sure there no alterior motives? No personal, selfish motives?
3) What, as far you know, will be the end result of the lie? Will it ultimately benefit your relationship with that person? Or no?
If we were talking about a spouse, or a close relationship where trust is implied, I would think that honesty trumps protection. Certainly, I don't want to hurt their feelings. But I imagine my girlfriend would be extremely hurt if she found out that I had lied to her. Lies damage relationships, and destroy trusts that take a long time to build.
I believe that we, as people, should savor relationships. I say relationships in the broad sense - not necessarily sexual, but friends, families, acquaintances, strangers, etc. And from my Christian-influenced perspective, we should encourage the growth of those relationships.
Now, imagine that you are debating whether to lie to a friend about something that could cost you your friendship. When you lie to your friend, that "hurts" your relationship, because you are left guilty knowing that you lied to your friend. If your friend finds out that you lied, then it hurts the relationship even more. Nevertheless, by lying, you have "helped" the relationship, by preserving the friendship.
Is it selfish to want to preserve the friendship? I think so. Is that wrong, necessarily? I don't think so - we naturally want to build close relationships, and that is good.
It depends on the motive behind the lie, I think. If we lie purely to preserve the friendship, then that could possibly be morally acceptable. If we lie with some other agenda, however, I think it is almost certainly unacceptable. To me, such a lie is would be wrong, because you are being selfish in a bad sense, and inconsiderate of your friend.
Adding the part about preserving relationships back, the reason why the lie was "wrong" is because I question whether all relationships are meant to be. Of course, we should strive to always be cordial, helpful, friendly, etc., we should project a positive aura. But should we become close to everyone? I should hope not.
Returning to the "protecting someone's feelings" scenario, I think that this is extremely rare. It is a common situation, but it is rare that the liar's motive is pure, as I defined before. Most of these hidden truths involve yourself, correct? So when you lie, you are saving yourself some humiliation, trouble, consequences, or whatever may come up. That is selfish.
My conclusion? It really depends on the case, but I think that it is extremely rare to find a situation where someone's motives are purely selfless, and thus, it is morally acceptable to lie. But should the case arrive, I think that yes, the relationships are more important than being 100% honest.
Meaning: Is lying always bad? Are there situations where it's acceptable to lie? Is honesty always the best policy? Do the ends justify the means? Should we kill a murderer, before he kills even more people? Should we sacrifice one person - slaughter, murder him - in order to secure happiness for the rest of the world? I hope you get the point.
The question is something that society has debated for many, many years. Obviously, it is a matter of opinion, and a matter of personal morals. Now, what I say from here is said a developing Christian and well, myself. Naturally, my opinion is simply my opinion.
Now, one of the Ten Commandments of the Bible is "'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." In other words, "Do not lie, tell falsehoods, deceive, etc."
First, to establish something: I believe that lies come in two main situations. 1) a serious situation. 2) a harmless situation.
To briefly, but fully address the latter: Is there such thing as a harmless lie? Well. Yes there is. When joking around, or when the other party knows you are lying and speaking in jest, then I believe that that lie is fairly harmless. I speak in general of course; there are certainly hurtful jokes out there that people were "just kidding" about. But do the harmless ones exist? I think so. And are they morally wrong? I don't think so because if it is understood that what you have said is not true, in jest, and for good fun, and it does not hurt anyone, then I think that that qualifies as morally acceptable.
I know I do it all the time, and sometimes, what I've done is not acceptable. But in general, I think it is. Should I change my habits? Probably - as I grow older and mature, I believe I will find less need to entertain myself in such a manner.
Now, the real question at hand: Is it okay to lie about something serious? The most common example, I think, is lying or not telling someone the truth in order to "protect" them and their feelings. Well, certainly, at first glance, the ends seem to justify the means, do they not? But wait - what happened to no lying? I think this calls for a close examination.
Honestly, who has not told a lie to "protect" someone? Who has not told a "half-truth" or a "white lie"? Very few I should think. I believe that the general consensus is that yes, it's okay to lie in such a situation. But, at least for me, the question becomes: are they doing this out of morals, or are they doing this out of their natural inclination to lie, and then justifying it as "protection"?
You see why I question the consensus? On one side, you have protecting the feelings of those you love. On the other side, you have honesty. Which do you choose?
Most would find the former more important, more substantial. And right now, I would agree.
But really, I would carefully examine my motives, what exactly I am saying as a lie, and what the possible/probably outcomes will be. You really have to examine the situation thoroughly before lying and considering it morally just.
I think a few key questions to ask yourself are:
1) Could the person actually handle the lie, and you're just convincing yourself that they need your protection?
2) How "moral" is your motive? Are you sure there no alterior motives? No personal, selfish motives?
3) What, as far you know, will be the end result of the lie? Will it ultimately benefit your relationship with that person? Or no?
If we were talking about a spouse, or a close relationship where trust is implied, I would think that honesty trumps protection. Certainly, I don't want to hurt their feelings. But I imagine my girlfriend would be extremely hurt if she found out that I had lied to her. Lies damage relationships, and destroy trusts that take a long time to build.
I believe that we, as people, should savor relationships. I say relationships in the broad sense - not necessarily sexual, but friends, families, acquaintances, strangers, etc. And from my Christian-influenced perspective, we should encourage the growth of those relationships.
Now, imagine that you are debating whether to lie to a friend about something that could cost you your friendship. When you lie to your friend, that "hurts" your relationship, because you are left guilty knowing that you lied to your friend. If your friend finds out that you lied, then it hurts the relationship even more. Nevertheless, by lying, you have "helped" the relationship, by preserving the friendship.
Is it selfish to want to preserve the friendship? I think so. Is that wrong, necessarily? I don't think so - we naturally want to build close relationships, and that is good.
It depends on the motive behind the lie, I think. If we lie purely to preserve the friendship, then that could possibly be morally acceptable. If we lie with some other agenda, however, I think it is almost certainly unacceptable. To me, such a lie is would be wrong, because you are being selfish in a bad sense, and inconsiderate of your friend.
Adding the part about preserving relationships back, the reason why the lie was "wrong" is because I question whether all relationships are meant to be. Of course, we should strive to always be cordial, helpful, friendly, etc., we should project a positive aura. But should we become close to everyone? I should hope not.
Returning to the "protecting someone's feelings" scenario, I think that this is extremely rare. It is a common situation, but it is rare that the liar's motive is pure, as I defined before. Most of these hidden truths involve yourself, correct? So when you lie, you are saving yourself some humiliation, trouble, consequences, or whatever may come up. That is selfish.
My conclusion? It really depends on the case, but I think that it is extremely rare to find a situation where someone's motives are purely selfless, and thus, it is morally acceptable to lie. But should the case arrive, I think that yes, the relationships are more important than being 100% honest.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Dark Side
http://xkcd.com/320/
A good idea...with a funny exchange under it =)
----------
Today, I join the Dark Side.
Today, I stop going along for the ride.
Today, you mean nothing to me,
Because today, I am all I see.
Joining the Dark Side. I've always wanted to be a Sith, because they are cooler (although Yoda/green lightsaber > Sith/red lightsaber) but given the chance, would I? Well, knowing me, probably. "With great power comes great responsibility." Great power = the Force. Society's definition of responsible would probably = Doing good, ie. being a Jedi. So, in the eyes of society, I wouldn't be responsible with my power. Oh well.
Well, let's address the pros and cons.
Pros: 1) You get to do whatever you want. 2) It's easier to get stronger, faster. 3) Dual red lightsabers (Darth Maul) is pretty hot. Not to mention it would be deadly. 4) Darth is a sick title. Much better than Master. 5) You get to do whatever you want.
Cons: 1) You're evil. Eh, not too bad right? 2) You never achieve "true harmony" with the Force. So, in a sense, you're "weaker" than the ultimate Jedi, and don't go to Force heaven 3) Yoda's Green lightsaber looks cooler than red. Too bad you can't dual it like Maul. 4) People hate you and you're hunted by the good guys. Meh. 5) There's only supposed to be two Sith at a time. hmm. My wife would be my apprentice/partner? Good enough.
I don't know about you, but that "whatever you want" clause is pretty tempting. You wanna kill the fat kid who pisses you off? Sure, go ahead. Wanna cause some chaos for absolutely no reason? Sure, go ahead. Angry with the world/your life? Go wreak some havoc. You know where to find me.
Is being a Sith against morals? Hmm...well...yes. And that's probably the biggest drawback. I mean, on the one hand, I'm raised with all these morals that I would feel guilty about forsaking. But on the other hand, there's all this power and freedom... everyone wants power; and freedom is what every teenager wants. So the lure of the Dark Side is amazingly strong and seems to be the best choice.
Logically, my mind tells me that joining the Dark Side would be a bad choice. But my feelings tell me to do it. Which makes sense. I mean, my logic is basing itself on morals, and my feelings, well, are my feelings. So you see, it's sort of having the Angel v. Devil on the shoulder bit, each one pulling you in opposite directions; the Angel, of course, is all pompous and high and mighty, while the Devil, though perhaps less cleaned-up, presents the more attractive case. Really, the Devil is a better salesmen, but he's hurt by his bad reputation.
So why am I spending my life in school, when I should be looking for the secrets of the Force? So much time wasted! Stupid reality.
A good idea...with a funny exchange under it =)
----------
Today, I join the Dark Side.
Today, I stop going along for the ride.
Today, you mean nothing to me,
Because today, I am all I see.
Joining the Dark Side. I've always wanted to be a Sith, because they are cooler (although Yoda/green lightsaber > Sith/red lightsaber) but given the chance, would I? Well, knowing me, probably. "With great power comes great responsibility." Great power = the Force. Society's definition of responsible would probably = Doing good, ie. being a Jedi. So, in the eyes of society, I wouldn't be responsible with my power. Oh well.
Well, let's address the pros and cons.
Pros: 1) You get to do whatever you want. 2) It's easier to get stronger, faster. 3) Dual red lightsabers (Darth Maul) is pretty hot. Not to mention it would be deadly. 4) Darth is a sick title. Much better than Master. 5) You get to do whatever you want.
Cons: 1) You're evil. Eh, not too bad right? 2) You never achieve "true harmony" with the Force. So, in a sense, you're "weaker" than the ultimate Jedi, and don't go to Force heaven 3) Yoda's Green lightsaber looks cooler than red. Too bad you can't dual it like Maul. 4) People hate you and you're hunted by the good guys. Meh. 5) There's only supposed to be two Sith at a time. hmm. My wife would be my apprentice/partner? Good enough.
I don't know about you, but that "whatever you want" clause is pretty tempting. You wanna kill the fat kid who pisses you off? Sure, go ahead. Wanna cause some chaos for absolutely no reason? Sure, go ahead. Angry with the world/your life? Go wreak some havoc. You know where to find me.
Is being a Sith against morals? Hmm...well...yes. And that's probably the biggest drawback. I mean, on the one hand, I'm raised with all these morals that I would feel guilty about forsaking. But on the other hand, there's all this power and freedom... everyone wants power; and freedom is what every teenager wants. So the lure of the Dark Side is amazingly strong and seems to be the best choice.
Logically, my mind tells me that joining the Dark Side would be a bad choice. But my feelings tell me to do it. Which makes sense. I mean, my logic is basing itself on morals, and my feelings, well, are my feelings. So you see, it's sort of having the Angel v. Devil on the shoulder bit, each one pulling you in opposite directions; the Angel, of course, is all pompous and high and mighty, while the Devil, though perhaps less cleaned-up, presents the more attractive case. Really, the Devil is a better salesmen, but he's hurt by his bad reputation.
So why am I spending my life in school, when I should be looking for the secrets of the Force? So much time wasted! Stupid reality.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Existentialism
http://xkcd.com/220/
If the meaning of my life will have no meaning in the future, then the meaning of my life, essentially, is nothing. So my life doesn't mean anything.
And if my life has no meaning, then the meaning of my life obviously has no meaning. And so the cycle follows, and makes sense.
Which makes me wonder, is this true? Could my life have no meaning? What am I doing? What am I living for? Religion aside for a moment, is it not true that everything I own, everything I have made, everything I am...is it not true that everything will become nothing to me?
What use does a dead man have for millions of dollars? What use does a dead man have for fame? for influencing others? Their lives have no meaning as well (though they might disagree). So why seek to leave a name in a world that has no meaning? So seek material possessions that you will have no use for when you are dead? Why do anything, really, when everything, in the end, will be gone?
I guess a valid conclusion from this would be to "live for the moment." You do what's good for now, because when you're dead, nothing will matter. So might as well have your fun while you can right?
Thinking religiously, our selfish purpose would be to secure our place in heaven. That would mean obeying, following, and loving God. Which is cool with me because God makes good things happen (which is not to say bad things don't happen). So really our purpose in life...is defined by our religion, by our beliefs.
Which makes me wonder what atheists are thinking. Sure the idea of an supernatural being might be wacky, but what have you got to lose? What are you doing? What's your life going to be when you're dead? Will YOU care about thinking when you're dead? Of course not, you'll be dead! I guess rational atheists live for the moment and don't want to be held up by moral standards and religious commandments. Eh, I can see that. Fun is fun. And I would love to live for fun, but as you grow up, don't you get the feeling that life is about more than fun? Unless, of course, you don't get that feeling, and you figure your life will mean nothing in the next century anyways.
Why do we love our families? Why do you help out our friends? Why do we want to "leave our legacy" in this world? If there's no afterlife, it won't matter to us when we're dead. So are we doing it because it matters to us now? I guess that's an OK reason.
Who knows. Why do we get educated? Unless you're going to preserve my brain or give me the fountain of youth it will be gone in a hundred years anyway. Sure, maybe I'll further some area, or change some kid's life. But why bother? That kid's a goner too.
And so the cycle continues...and probably will until the end of human existence. We all do things that are relatively unimportant and insignificant... meh. I'm cool with that, I guess.
-ThienAn
If the meaning of my life will have no meaning in the future, then the meaning of my life, essentially, is nothing. So my life doesn't mean anything.
And if my life has no meaning, then the meaning of my life obviously has no meaning. And so the cycle follows, and makes sense.
Which makes me wonder, is this true? Could my life have no meaning? What am I doing? What am I living for? Religion aside for a moment, is it not true that everything I own, everything I have made, everything I am...is it not true that everything will become nothing to me?
What use does a dead man have for millions of dollars? What use does a dead man have for fame? for influencing others? Their lives have no meaning as well (though they might disagree). So why seek to leave a name in a world that has no meaning? So seek material possessions that you will have no use for when you are dead? Why do anything, really, when everything, in the end, will be gone?
I guess a valid conclusion from this would be to "live for the moment." You do what's good for now, because when you're dead, nothing will matter. So might as well have your fun while you can right?
Thinking religiously, our selfish purpose would be to secure our place in heaven. That would mean obeying, following, and loving God. Which is cool with me because God makes good things happen (which is not to say bad things don't happen). So really our purpose in life...is defined by our religion, by our beliefs.
Which makes me wonder what atheists are thinking. Sure the idea of an supernatural being might be wacky, but what have you got to lose? What are you doing? What's your life going to be when you're dead? Will YOU care about thinking when you're dead? Of course not, you'll be dead! I guess rational atheists live for the moment and don't want to be held up by moral standards and religious commandments. Eh, I can see that. Fun is fun. And I would love to live for fun, but as you grow up, don't you get the feeling that life is about more than fun? Unless, of course, you don't get that feeling, and you figure your life will mean nothing in the next century anyways.
Why do we love our families? Why do you help out our friends? Why do we want to "leave our legacy" in this world? If there's no afterlife, it won't matter to us when we're dead. So are we doing it because it matters to us now? I guess that's an OK reason.
Who knows. Why do we get educated? Unless you're going to preserve my brain or give me the fountain of youth it will be gone in a hundred years anyway. Sure, maybe I'll further some area, or change some kid's life. But why bother? That kid's a goner too.
And so the cycle continues...and probably will until the end of human existence. We all do things that are relatively unimportant and insignificant... meh. I'm cool with that, I guess.
-ThienAn
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