Disrespecting Modernity

[Griff]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

Isn't the point that the monkey mind has always been there?

Sure but for most of human history there was a need to obsess for survival. Now when we obsess about stuff its often trivial. Quieting the mind helps us order our lives in the absence of a real threat of starvation etc...

[xoxoxoBruce]

Perhaps obsessing about stuff that's often trivial, is the result of setting personal goals too low?

[regular.joe]

Originally Posted by Griff

Sure but for most of human history there was a need to obsess for survival. Now when we obsess about stuff its often trivial. Quieting the mind helps us order our lives in the absence of a real threat of starvation etc...

Quieting the mind has been around a lot longer then modern convenience. Paying attention to right now, not to the fantasy world in our mind has it's advantages. Especially when we might be eaten, or attacked.

I believe a large problem with modern society is that we've come to believe that we are separate, apart from, and somehow above the world. Because of this we have no need to seek the spiritual. We live in a false sense of reality where the trivial is now important.

[Griff]

Thanks for the perspective .joe. You've been places where survival is in the front of the mind. That gives you a much clearer view. The obsessive stuff was good for finding roots and berries but lose sight of your surroundings and you're kitty chow.

Flint- Do you have any favorite authors in evolutionary psych? This line of thought is useful to me personally and professionally.

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by regular.joe

I believe a large problem with modern society is that we've come to believe that we are separate, apart from, and somehow above the world.

This I agree with.

Because of this we have no need to seek the spiritual. We live in a false sense of reality where the trivial is now important.

This I definitely don't.
The spiritual is a hangover from a superstitious past and doesn't aid us in any way apart from imposing random "rules" and the belief that something controls us and our actions. After all, if "everything happens for a reason" then we are not fully responsible for our actions. How can that possibly be a positive thing?

[regular.joe]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

This I agree with.

This I definitely don't.
The spiritual is a hangover from a superstitious past and doesn't aid us in any way apart from imposing random "rules" and the belief that something controls us and our actions. After all, if "everything happens for a reason" then we are not fully responsible for our actions. How can that possibly be a positive thing?

Sundae, I really am not into convincing others that my spiritual life is the way for them. All I can tell you is that it is very positive for me.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by regular.joe

Quieting the mind has been around a lot longer then modern convenience. Paying attention to right now, not to the fantasy world in our mind has it's advantages. Especially when we might be eaten, or attacked.

I believe a large problem with modern society is that we've come to believe that we are separate, apart from, and somehow above the world. Because of this we have no need to seek the spiritual. We live in a false sense of reality where the trivial is now important.

Truer words have not been spoken on this subject.