Monday, June 29, 2020

863: Myths....

We need a narrative to control the masses. Religion is probably the most widespread narrative, that works and what many are willing to believe.

        

How did belief in an Almighty God come about? A God who is also angry with people's sins? Scientists (including Brian Hare) have only recently come up with a fascinating explanation. 


I mentioned earlier that Homo Sapiens has unique eyes. People can follow each other's eyes because we have the white of the eyes around our iris. 

  

Thanks to that white of the eye, we can read each other's minds better, which is crucial for building mutual trust. 

  

Everything changed when we started living together in large groups of thousands of strangers. 

  

People literally lost sight of each other, because in a group of a thousand or ten thousand people you cannot have eye contact with everyone. 

  

And so distrust began to grow again. More and more people feared that others were parasitizing the community, a view that is still popular.  

   

As a starter you have the belief that man is bad by nature and as a consequence you can observe

  

that many aspects of our social life, rules and institutions take distrust as their starting point.


Rulers therefore needed someone to keep an eye on the masses. Someone who heard and saw everything. An All-Seeing Eye.  A God. 

  

It is no coincidence that the new gods became vengeful types. God became a Super Guard, spying on everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

  

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.," we read in Matthew 10 verse 30. The Lord even reads your thoughts. 

  

From now on there was someone who observed from heaven, checked and if necessary intervened firmly. 

   

Myths and the rulers achieved with myths what no other species had ever succeeded to achieve. Myths helped us collaborate on a massive scale with millions of strangers.


The myths gave no absolute power to the rulers. Time and again the people succeeded in overthrowing them. We call it revolution.

   

But after the French revolution (1789) you got Napoleon, after the Russian Revolution (1917) you got Lenin and Stalin. The "Arabic Spring" wasn't a success either.

   

Then some European societies succeeded in debunking the myths. Their weapon was THE RATIO. This happened not so long ago.

   

The Age of Enlightenment (1715 – 1789) was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th centuries.

  

It became the cradle of what we now know as science and democracy, the beginning of a whole new story.

   

However, that story will continue in the first week of September. Now it is time to enjoy a well deserved summer break.

   

If you want to hear my opinion, again we had a wonderful time together and I thank you all for that.

   

Thank you for your attention again and see you in September....





Main Sources:
MacMillan The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2nd edition
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 1995
 http://plato.stanford.edu/contents.htm
Rutger Bregman, "De meeste mensen deugen",, 2019

  

The Discussion


[13:18] If you want to hear my opinion, again we had a wonderful time together and I thank you all for that.

[13:18] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥

[13:18] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): very much

[13:18] Thank you for your attention again and see you in September....

[13:18] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): every week is enjoyable

[13:18] herman Bergson: Thank you Gemma :-)

[13:18] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): thanks Herman, I look forward to it!

[13:18] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): wish i could make it more

[13:18] herman Bergson: Thnx JAck

[13:18] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): Dankjewel Herman

[13:19] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): maybe in September

[13:19] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): het is elke keer een feestje

[13:19] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): shall see my hours

[13:19] herman Bergson: Thank you Beertje

[13:19] herman Bergson: There is the blog of course, but this is more cosy, I'd say :-)

[13:20] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): i hope that by that time things will prove more that people are good

[13:20] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): at this point some idiots make me questioning

[13:20] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): yes, I always look forward to you lecture

[13:20] herman Bergson: Yes...it's going to be exciting times on the road to September....

[13:20] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): oh heavens

[13:20] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): we will have plenty to talk about by then, I'm sure

[13:20] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): that's very soon Gemma

[13:21] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): loads more corona here in some states

[13:21] herman Bergson: I am afraid so too, Jack

[13:21] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): dummies wont wear masks

[13:21] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): not all of it good, I expect

[13:21] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): in some places

[13:21] herman Bergson: Just look at the corona statistics of the US....

[13:21] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): and that is where the numbers are rising

[13:21] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): in my corner of Canada though, it's been 16 days since the last corona case

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): where jack?

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): west?

[13:22] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): Nova Scotia

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ahha

[13:22] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): east coast

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): wow

[13:22] herman Bergson: In my town it has been since May 15

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): well that is spread out a lot

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): in ct has been very very slow opening doing well

[13:22] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): but still cases

[13:23] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): and deaths

[13:23]  Łîly Łŭsŧ (Lily11223355 Resident): In NZ we were 24 days free but then opened the borders to returning NZ citizens, we currently have a handful of new cases now

[13:23] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): oh dear

[13:23] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): i heard that Lily

[13:23] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Texas is nuts

[13:23] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): florida too

[13:23] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): some parts

[13:23] herman Bergson: Europe wants to ban US incoming travelers

[13:23] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): i don't blame them

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): them

[13:24] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): cases are skyrocketing in some places there

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): hope they do

[13:24] herman Bergson: A number of security people of Trump have been infected in Tulsa

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): and our glorious leader wont wear a mask

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): right

[13:24] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): he won't wear one...in public

[13:24] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): I keep hoping he gets it !!!!!!!!

[13:24] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): so people can see him

[13:25] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): truely

[13:25] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): it's all about optics

[13:25] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): sigh

[13:25] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): like he is so handsome

[13:25] herman Bergson: I must admit, Gemma, that thought crossed my mind too

[13:25] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): yes yes

[13:25] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): but he is the healthiest president ever

[13:26] herman Bergson: lol

[13:26] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): he won't get corona

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): so he says

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): you all have one of these right?

[13:26] herman Bergson: We really need a vacation ^_^

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): yep

[13:26] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): yes herman

[13:26] bergfrau Apfelbaum: lol Gemma

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): you do have one right ?

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): i can pass them

[13:26] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): yes

[13:26] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): and you can pass them

[13:27] oola Neruda: i do not have one....

[13:27] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): it is sometimes a stress reliever

[13:28] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): lol, thank you Beertje

[13:28] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): anyone else?

[13:28] herman Bergson: What is the name of the object?

[13:28] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): trump

[13:28] oola Neruda: i cannot find it

[13:29]  Łîly Łŭsŧ (Lily11223355 Resident): Trump anti stress

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): yes

[13:29] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): lol

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): all have one now?

[13:29]  Łîly Łŭsŧ (Lily11223355 Resident): too funny, wtg :)

[13:29] oola Neruda: thank you, Gemma

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ywyw

[13:29] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): wish they had such a doll at the campaign

[13:29] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): people get so creative, heh

[13:29]  Łîly Łŭsŧ (Lily11223355 Resident): gracias Gemma yes

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:29] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): yes

[13:30] herman Bergson: I must admit it is not exactly philosophical, but whatever...:-)

[13:30] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): a whole stadion when he speaks

[13:30] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): i got that in 17

[13:30] oola Neruda: s m i l e sssss

[13:30] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): make it philosophical!!!!!!!!!

[13:30] herman Bergson: There is one interesting issue to observe....

[13:30] herman Bergson: In Europe they invented democracy.....

[13:31] herman Bergson: spreading the power....

[13:31] herman Bergson: but when this get an hierarchical structure.....the shameless will  grab the power....

[13:31] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): I heard that Putin is president for life, can Trump change the law too like Putin did?

[13:32] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): not in my life time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[13:32] herman Bergson: Decent politicians feel shame for some actions...so they don't do it....

[13:32] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): no

[13:32] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): he may try

[13:32] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): but nope

[13:32] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): I won't be surprised if he tries

[13:32] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): me either

[13:32] herman Bergson: The shameless don't....and that is what you see in the US with the couple Trump / Barr

[13:32] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): but I think it will fail...I think

[13:32] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): yes

[13:33] herman Bergson: utterly shameless regarding the rule of law

[13:33] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): Barr has all but abandoned the rule of law

[13:33] oola Neruda: yesssss

[13:33] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): that's why Roger Stone got off so easily

[13:33] Jax (cdncntryjack Resident) ist offline.

[13:33] herman Bergson: unbelievable

[13:34] herman Bergson: shameless behavior....

[13:34] oola Neruda: yes

[13:34] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): yes he has

[13:34] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): disgraceful

[13:34] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): even one of the prosecutors  who walked away from admitted recently he was pressured to go easy because he was Trump's friend

[13:34] herman Bergson: I think many Americans will feel ashamed about it.....

[13:35] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): oh i do

[13:35] oola Neruda: yes

[13:35] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): all but his base

[13:35] herman Bergson: Yes, Jack, but that is a minority

[13:35] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): ahhhhhhh

[13:35] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): the photo ops with the bible was a hit to his hardcore supporters

[13:38] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ok i need to get to greeting

[13:39] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥

[13:39] herman Bergson: I hope to see you all again in good health in September

[13:39] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥

[13:39] Jack Lust (JackLust Resident): same to you herman, and everyone.  take care and have a good summer!

[13:39] bergfrau Apfelbaum: Thanks Herman for the hard work! The lectures are so interesting! And thanks to the class. It's so nice and fun with all of you!!!!

[13:39] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): shall see you then if not before

[13:39] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): hope to go golfing with bergie

[13:40] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): i will miss you all during the break!

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): this summer !!

[13:40] herman Bergson: It is 30 C here these days!

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): nice

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): here too

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Uconn has big cuts to the budget

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): herman

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): big issues

[13:40] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): tomorrow 32 C..and then  21....aAHHHHHH NICE

[13:40] bergfrau Apfelbaum: have a nice summer !! and please, stay healthy!

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): due to corona

[13:40] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): sigh

[13:41] herman Bergson: You all have a nice summer!

[13:41] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): bye for now

[13:41] oola Neruda: only the best wishes to all of you

[13:41]  Łîly Łŭsŧ (Lily11223355 Resident): Take good care all and thanks :)

[13:41] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): Have a very nice summer, fijne vakantie!

[13:41] herman Bergson: to you too oola ^_^

[13:41] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate) hat die Region verlassen.

[13:41] oola Neruda: thank you

[13:41] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): Lily have a nice winter:)

[13:42]  Łîly Łŭsŧ (Lily11223355 Resident): thanks, i think, laughs :)

[13:42] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont):

[13:42] herman Bergson: Cooll Beertje :-)

[13:42] herman Bergson: Smartest girl in town ^_^

[13:42] .: Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont): lol :)))))


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