Cyprus-Forum.com

[Michalism]

Survival and Happiness seem to be the two main goals of the living world on planet earth. We humans (can’t talk about animals and plants  ) do not seem to be doing extremely well on either of them lately. Consequently we might want to consider changing something! A precondition to effect change is to first realize that one is needed. Once the realization sinks in then someone or some people need to decide how they will attempt to course correct.

A critical question that relates to this is : who exactly should feel responsible to steer the world in the right direction? Should we look for an answer at the individual level, should we look for communities, countries, nations, International Organizations to step up to the plate and bring happiness and fulfillment to the world? As usual the answer of difficult philosophical questions with two extreme options probably lies somewhere in the middle. A top-down approach should meet a bottom-up approach and thus include everyone on the planet. The attempt of this article will be to examine everyone’s potential (groups and individuals) to support the drive for positive change. In doing this we need to create a way to measure progress. Progress can be defined in financial terms and in achievements of the people as individuals or as members of a larger group such as a country.

Check out the rest on my blog:
http://cyprusissue.blogspot.com/

[Oracle]

Survival and Happiness seem to be the two main goals of the living world on planet earth.

Hello Michalism.

The two main goals of every species on Earth are Survival and Reproduction. Happiness does not enter into it. Contentment may be a by-product as a reward for fulfilling those two drives.

[Michalism]

You are right. I will agree to reproduction being goal number 3! Happiness is different than simple contentment in my humble opinion. It has to do with spirituality. The survival of our body and reproduction are closer the material world than the spiritual one.

[Oracle]

You are right. I will agree to reproduction being goal number 3! Happiness is different than simple contentment in my humble opinion. It has to do with spirituality. The survival of our body and reproduction are closer the material world than the spiritual one.

No actually! Some would argue Reproduction is Goal Number ONE! Many species give up "Survival" in order to reproduce first and foremost (e.g. Salmon dying after spawning).

Spirituality is a Human invention and has very little to do with Fundamental goals, even in Humans let alone any other species.

Are you after a holistic approach, a universal happiness theory for all life on Earth, or just Humans?

[Michalism]

interesting perspective...I think I will enjoy debating with you. In my opinion there can only be a holistic view. I would be interested in your opinion about the rest of the article that I have published on my blog.

[alexISS]

Spirituality is a Human invention and has very little to do with Fundamental goals, even in Humans let alone any other species.

But didn't spirituality first emerge when humans realized the inevitability of death? Isn't belief in eternal life therefore linked to our survival instinct?

[Oracle]

Spirituality is a Human invention and has very little to do with Fundamental goals, even in Humans let alone any other species.

But didn't spirituality first emerge when humans realized the inevitability of death? Isn't belief in eternal life therefore linked to our survival instinct?

In as much as a belief in an after-life diminishes our survival instinct. Evidenced in the willingness to suffer a painful death by the early Christian Martyrs at the hands of the Romans ( and latter-day suicide bombers).

[alexISS]

Spirituality is a Human invention and has very little to do with Fundamental goals, even in Humans let alone any other species.

But didn't spirituality first emerge when humans realized the inevitability of death? Isn't belief in eternal life therefore linked to our survival instinct?

In as much as a belief in an after-life diminishes our survival instinct. Evidenced in the willingness to suffer a painful death by the early Christian Martyrs at the hands of the Romans ( and latter-day suicide bombers).

For many people, especially in third world countries, their belief in an after-life is the only force that drives them through their hardships and suffering. As for the martyrs/suicide bombers, they are the exception that proves the rule

[Michalism]

Great perspectives. My belief is that this life should be viewed as a spiritual school and it is to our interest to live as long as possible in order to evolve spiritually. The key elements of spirituality are love and forgiveness. Those humans who choose to die in order to get to an after-life sooner are just delaying their spiritual evolution.

[repulsewarrior]

talking of gens, Engels concluded that our Humanity stems from our realisation that there exists a Law of Entropy: thus, where we came from is where we return. this planet and ourselves are dying from the moment we materialise, and our 'living' should be should be filled with acts accordingly (toward this death), in preperation for the (infinate) life which exists in an eternity beyond the scope of the world (or Universe) we know.

to love, and to give freely of our love is the realisation that it itself is a gift which is infinite, rather than a possesion with which we have control. 'the way' as in the message of christ, and the belief of animists that rocks and other things have a soul (or vibrations) are examples of this thinking where we add to a harmony that is this oneness, overcoming fear within ourselves through the betterment we can create through our own conversions.

welcome Michalism, btw.