All in the same boat

One thing we all have. An ability or abilities to strive for a goal that compliments those gifts we have. From the small to the great, it doesn't matter. I think both believers and none-believers have abilities and desires and gifts that they can go for. Having goals seems to be a needed part of the human condition. Evo or creo, or whatever you are.I'm not one for sharing religion, or making my own god, but I think that we can all make the most of our time on earth, and I see purpose in every person, while on earth, regardless of ideology.Just thought I'd reveal this thought for once instead of giving you a babble-fest. "babble fest", I stole that from moose.

I don't disagree with the message here, but it bears mentioning that all free-living organisms engage in goal-oriented behaviors (feeding, mating, escape, etc.). It is very biological and not linked speficially to the human condition, but rather to natural selection acting on behavior in all organisms. As humans, we just have more complex goals.

Fair enough if that's what you think.I just think that we have been provided with the brains and tools to follow certain talents etc, and that this is a thing both ideologies share. Having goals can keep people going. If you have none, it can feel nihilistic to many.What exactly is a cow's purposes? Sure, to live, exist, raise it's young etc. Just like us. Agreed.I'm not against a cow's endeavours, I just live in a world where they are considered as food, and my bible explains they are food because of human sin.Is it fair to say you think of humans as just another animal?This message has been edited by mike the wiz, 06-17-2005 12:05 PM

Are you implying that humans also have a purpose beyond this? Does that mean you're a vegan? Biologically, yes.

Ofcourse I see humans as having a purpose beyond that, I'm a Christian. You know, Christ came to save us and give us the kingdom of God etc.(?)I eat cow meat, yes. I talk of the pre-fall conditions.Ofcourse, I feel I would ignore the evidence if I thought I was just the same as the other animals.

I view humans as 'any other animal' in the sense that I believe we all evolved under the same set of evolutionary forces. But obviously there are ways in which we are now quite distinct from our animal brethren on the planet. For you, I would guess one distinction might be the sense of purpose you attribute to your life, a purpose you probably deem to be 'higher' than any goal-driven behavior in animals. Fair enough. We have evolved 'self-consciousness' to a much higher level than any animal and are capable of introspection. We are also capable of preserving and communicating information and ideas, enabling our species to evolve culturally and ideologically as well as biologically. This is certainly unique from all other animals. But I would draw the line at any inference that we did not evolve under the same set of rules as those affecting other animals, or that we somehow have a divine purpose that sets us apart from animals.

And a fine thought it is, Mike. It was nice to read this from you. I know you've been through some personal struggles and it pleases me to see you take a moment to express this (just to be clear, I'm referring to the original post). It's a sweet sentiment; for all our differences, there are some things we cannot help but have in common. I hope all is going well for you.

What are your goals Mike, and have you done anything positive about achieving them?Brian.

Thanks Tony the rant baba.yehay.Yeah, I know people don't get me much, but I'm confident Tony is reading my logical attempts to atleast think in order to convince.

Back? Heh, I never left!You know me. I'm always around, I just don't post much. And when I do I ... never ... shut ... up! Just look at the recent convo in the Mind's Eye thread. And if you do, feel free to add your own perspective, of course, and rank your mental "senses," if you wish. Thinking is good.Also, don't be afraid to simply ask questions. Together, these make for a great combination; ask questions... think... ask more questions... think some more. You'd be surprised how much you can learn this way. I for one have learned a lot using the "Question > Think > Repeat" method.Hmm... I wonder if anyone has a patent on that.