We live in a world of psychics, homeopathic remedies, zealotry, faith healers, superstition, and all manner of baseless beliefs. It's not just among our peers, but the people we're supposed to trust to guide and teach us. I'm exposed to it in near-lethal doses every day, and it's really starting to wear on me. It's nice to feel justifiably correct, but you have to admit, siding with statistical probability doesn't keep you warm at night.
I'd just like to know what thoughts help my fellow skeptics make it through the day in one piece.
2007-03-27 15:51:14 · 12 answers · asked by ? 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I just can't wait to see what is gonna happen next!
2007-03-27 16:00:21 · answer #1 · answered by BANANA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well,I try to keep myself balanced.I try to do everyday things I enjoy to keep my mind peaceful.I also enjoy the people around me.I'm a skeptic,but I think constant critical thinking is overrated.I laugh when people talk of the search of truth.We're all ignorant.We may as well enjoy it.This may sound a little cliche but it works for me,and I'm very skeptical of skepticism itself.
Everybody talks of a purposeful life...or a depressing nihilistic one,but nihilism doesn't have to be bad.Does anyone remember their childhood?We didn't have thoughts of any real philosophy.We just wanted to play...be with our family,etc.
Maybe we should become a little more playful in life and lose some of that adult seriousness.Life is absurd...just laugh.
2007-03-28 01:32:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be completely honest and not to should like a huge cliche, my faith in the Almighty keeps me going day by day. There have been many of a time where I have been at the edge of that proverbial cliff, but what keeps me from falling off is my faith in the fact that no one knows me like God (even more than I know myself), and with him, all things are possible, even a cleansed state of mind.
I am still not saying that it is easy, and though I do believe that some individuals do need to seek some degree of professional help (if not for a cure, for self-validation and comfort), I seem to draw strength and comfort from knowing that there's a loving Father in the heavens who knows my worth, aspirations, desires, and needs and will always give me the courage and fortitude to endure the harsh realities of life.
I've looked and I see that I have 2 low ratings - I just don't understand why so many people are against the idea of a love for someone greater than us - it's sad that people are that stubborn and, well, just plain DUMB.
2007-03-27 23:09:06 · answer #3 · answered by inquiring black beauty 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't even view this as skepticism. It's just having a functional critical thinking skill set. that's it. basic rationality.
What gets me through the day is simply doing what I can to discover the truth wherever it leads. just think: Socrates was executed for teaching the young to see through social lies. Nietzsche and Kierkegaard were ridiculed and outcast. surely we can stand some minor social discomfort in comparison! think how much closer contact you have with reality as a result of your thought process. isn't that what it's all about? Remember what Nietzsche advised: that being incorrect is cowardice because it means one lacks the courage for truth. have the courage to keep thinking critically!
2007-03-27 23:06:58 · answer #4 · answered by Kos Kesh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The thought that I hold a much more objectively true vision of the world than most, and am much more likely on a much clearer road to what I want than someone who purposely involves themselves with nonsensical mysticism or just ill logic, based on my personal knowledge and constantly reevaluated perspective, etc.
Basically, that I deserve a smart cookie, and others don't.
2007-03-28 00:10:47 · answer #5 · answered by thesuitmencometh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Knowing that I have beings at home that will comfort me for the time being once I walk through the door. Reminding myself that everybody needs something to believe in, however stupid, irrational, implausible, impossible, or immoral. (Immoral meaning against what will hurt one in the end. I.e. Believing in what isn't there, using what doesn't work, et cetera.)
It's not easy, but it works. Pets are my main source of comfort, and give me reason to keep going every day. (Blame the cat. She'd be put down if I died, (Or would starve to death/die in the elements/die in a catfight) because she won't let anybody but myself anywhere near her.)
2007-03-27 23:02:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Robert Heinlein wrote, "One man's religion is another man's belly laugh."
Sometimes, I get a sort of aerobic workout from having my blood boil in reaction to encountering some baseless belief.
And you're right, it isn't very warm and fuzzy to be skeptical. But you have to be true to yourself.
2007-03-27 22:57:55 · answer #7 · answered by raleigh_jazz_fan 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Marx Brothers movies ("you can't go wrong when you're a Marxist")
Seriously though (in a way) I do use humor to stay in one piece. These people you mentioned are so funny! Comedians don't... no... can't write the kind of material they provide. Hang onto your logic and enjoy the show.
2007-03-28 00:27:49 · answer #8 · answered by K 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Faith, which comes from reading, hearing and living God's Way in life. Knowing full well, this life is nothing, to the glories that shall be revealed, when the Lord Jesus Christ returns and reigns from Jerusalem!
2007-03-27 23:00:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
i just trust myself and try to stay consistant in my beliefs. but that doesnt mean that i dont listen to other people's opinion !
2007-03-27 23:05:36 · answer #10 · answered by Bruno S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋