Title: Survey
Post by: sweetpea202 on October 29, 2008, 11:40:30 PM
Post by: sweetpea202 on October 29, 2008, 11:40:30 PM
I need to survey some people for a school project. Anyone willing to share their opinions and help me out 
1. Occupation?
2. Marital Status?
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 0 1 2 3 4 5
b. Wealth 0 1 2 3 4 5
c. Marriage 0 1 2 3 4 5
d. Children 0 1 2 3 4 5
e. Religious Belief 0 1 2 3 4 5
f. Friends/Relationships 0 1 2 3 4 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0 1 2 3 4 5
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
1. Occupation?
2. Marital Status?
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 0 1 2 3 4 5
b. Wealth 0 1 2 3 4 5
c. Marriage 0 1 2 3 4 5
d. Children 0 1 2 3 4 5
e. Religious Belief 0 1 2 3 4 5
f. Friends/Relationships 0 1 2 3 4 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0 1 2 3 4 5
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Will on October 30, 2008, 12:30:18 AM
Post by: Will on October 30, 2008, 12:30:18 AM
1. Occupation? Upper management.
2. Marital Status? Single
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 3
c. Marriage 3
d. Children 4
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known? Happy, intelligent, pragmatic, imaginative, and peaceful
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction? Not including "happiness" as a priority.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life? Learning.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished? I figured out something new, I taught that something new, and my posterity will benefit from that something.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living? The greater good.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it? Rationalism, as it's the most honest way of living.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)? It's a matter of balancing good for self, good for family/friends, and good for society.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life? Our species isn't ready for what it already has, what can I do to help improve us?
12. Why do you think some people believe in God? Most are simply misguided, some are delusional.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God? Maturity and intellectual honesty.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists? Logic and reason.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles? The supernatural, by it's very definition, doesn't exist. Everything else has an explanation.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue? Abortion may be taking an innocent life, but forcing a woman to have a child she doesn't want is an even greater abuse of humanity.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?†Nothing. Some things are constructive, and some things destructive. Right and wrong are ways that some adults like to simplify the world. It's called a "false dichotomy".
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?†They reenter the food chain. When I die, my body will help microorganisms feed their family, and their waste will help to feed a beautiful tree. Maybe some day, that tree will make fruit, and maybe that fruit will feed a hungry animal or person. Life's a wonderful thing.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity? Helping others selflessly, tolerance, peace; things normally ignored by the faithful.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life? What is the next chapter of humanity?
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be? Imagine no religion.
2. Marital Status? Single
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 3
c. Marriage 3
d. Children 4
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known? Happy, intelligent, pragmatic, imaginative, and peaceful
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction? Not including "happiness" as a priority.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life? Learning.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished? I figured out something new, I taught that something new, and my posterity will benefit from that something.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living? The greater good.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it? Rationalism, as it's the most honest way of living.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)? It's a matter of balancing good for self, good for family/friends, and good for society.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life? Our species isn't ready for what it already has, what can I do to help improve us?
12. Why do you think some people believe in God? Most are simply misguided, some are delusional.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God? Maturity and intellectual honesty.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists? Logic and reason.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles? The supernatural, by it's very definition, doesn't exist. Everything else has an explanation.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue? Abortion may be taking an innocent life, but forcing a woman to have a child she doesn't want is an even greater abuse of humanity.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?†Nothing. Some things are constructive, and some things destructive. Right and wrong are ways that some adults like to simplify the world. It's called a "false dichotomy".
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?†They reenter the food chain. When I die, my body will help microorganisms feed their family, and their waste will help to feed a beautiful tree. Maybe some day, that tree will make fruit, and maybe that fruit will feed a hungry animal or person. Life's a wonderful thing.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity? Helping others selflessly, tolerance, peace; things normally ignored by the faithful.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life? What is the next chapter of humanity?
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be? Imagine no religion.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Whitney on October 30, 2008, 02:20:00 AM
Post by: Whitney on October 30, 2008, 02:20:00 AM
I need to learn to save when I write a long post...I had the whole thing answered but had been logged out by the time I hit submit. I'll re-write my response later.
edit: btw, what class is this survey for and do we get to see the final results/essay? We've had more than one person come through here before wanting help with class survey assignments who say they'll let us know how it goes and then never return.
edit: btw, what class is this survey for and do we get to see the final results/essay? We've had more than one person come through here before wanting help with class survey assignments who say they'll let us know how it goes and then never return.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: sweetpea202 on October 30, 2008, 02:37:58 AM
Post by: sweetpea202 on October 30, 2008, 02:37:58 AM
Thank you so much for your time and opinions. I appreciate the effort and thoroughness of your answers, especially in comparison to some of the other interviews. Its for my class Christian Life and Thought and I'm going to be writing a paper about the different worldviews of people I interview. The object is to listen and learn from these interviews without criticizing- the assignment says "this is a time for students to listen with respect and restraint - not to “hammer†the person with one’s own views." After I finish I'll try give a little summary of some interesting points and hopefully some of my classmates too. This isn't necessarily a poll (so I won't have statistics) but hope that it will shed a positive light on higher Christian education's attempt to teach students to approach viewpoints different from their own respectfully and with an open mind.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Will on October 30, 2008, 03:50:57 AM
Post by: Will on October 30, 2008, 03:50:57 AM
I hope I've been helpful.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: rlrose328 on October 30, 2008, 05:41:53 AM
Post by: rlrose328 on October 30, 2008, 05:41:53 AM
1. Occupation?
Student
2. Marital Status?
Married
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 4
b. Wealth 2
c. Marriage 3
d. Children 2
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 3
g. Lucky Breaks 0
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Responsible, Thoughtful, Competent, Intelligent, Talented, Friendly
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
I have not seen or heard anyone well-known describe their lives as without meaning or empty. Life can be unsatisfying at times (illness, death in family, unemployed, etc.) and I think we are ALL searching for something. Success is not required for happiness and maybe these people have found that whatever they have achieved is not nearly as rewarding as something else they passed up along the way.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Finishing school and getting a job.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
I hope to have brought happiness to those who know me, been a productive member of my family and community, and seen a grandchild born. :-) When I see what I want, I don't hesitate to try to obtain it if possible.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
What troubles me most is the state of our country and the way the religious treat those of us who don't believe. Today, I saw a commercial by a senator up for re-election who made a negative commercial about her opponent... by saying the woman went to a party at the home of someone associated with an atheist organization. Pushing fear of nonbelievers will get her ahead in her campaign and that's very sad to me. The economy bothers me. My son's lack of attention is troubling to me. But mostly, it's the religiosity of the USA and how repressive culture can ruin a country and its inhabitants.
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
I think the human animal is afraid of being alone and afraid of not knowing and afraid of dying. Belief in god fixes all of those. If there is a god always with us, watching over us, then we are not alone. If god's book tells us he created us and he cares, then we don't need to know the facts. And if we believe in said god, we will go to a better place when we die. It's like a comforting blanket to a child. I'm not saying that's wrong, necessarily... but when they use that comforting god to make the rest of us believe as well, that's wrong.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
I think there are those who don't need the security that belief automatically provides. They are satisfied with the answers that science provides, they can accept the facts and proof that reality affords. They prefer what can be seen and proven to that which is ethereal and unproven. It makes them feel in control of things.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
They have to read and search and think and, dare I say it, pray. The overwhelming majority of nonbelievers I know have read at least pieces of literature on all the major world religions and many of the minor religions as well. They need to at least read the bible... regardless of belief, it is an important part of world culture and it should be in every home library, read, understood. I don't think anyone really DECIDES that god doesn't exist. They REALIZE it.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
Nonsense. Coincidences and reasons which we can't immediately understand.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
Depending on when, it's eliminating a growth of cells or it's murder. And in deference to a woman's right to choose, I support it. I do not believe that a group of cells or an early fetus has rights.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
Thinking. You KNOW what's right and wrong. Your heart and mind tell you want you should and shouldn't do. And if you can't decide, ask me or your father and we'll help you decide.
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People die because eventually, life must end. If we all lived forever, the entire world would be in trouble with too many people and not enough land and food for them all. When we die, our brains stop working, our heart stops working, we stop breathing, and that's all. There's nothing to be afraid of, nothing at all. It's what naturally happens at the end of our life. That's why we have to make the most of our time here on earth, with our family and friends. (This is actually what we told her now 8yo son when he was 6. As far as we can tell, he's good with the concept.)
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
Believe the bible, believe your pastor, don't ask questions.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What does my son do in the bathroom for a half hour when he's showering? He's 8 for gosh sake!
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
That organized religion would disappear and people would live their lives without trying to influence law or other people with their mythology. Believe in god if you choose... but organized religion will be the death of this world.
Student
2. Marital Status?
Married
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 4
b. Wealth 2
c. Marriage 3
d. Children 2
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 3
g. Lucky Breaks 0
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Responsible, Thoughtful, Competent, Intelligent, Talented, Friendly
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
I have not seen or heard anyone well-known describe their lives as without meaning or empty. Life can be unsatisfying at times (illness, death in family, unemployed, etc.) and I think we are ALL searching for something. Success is not required for happiness and maybe these people have found that whatever they have achieved is not nearly as rewarding as something else they passed up along the way.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Finishing school and getting a job.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
I hope to have brought happiness to those who know me, been a productive member of my family and community, and seen a grandchild born. :-) When I see what I want, I don't hesitate to try to obtain it if possible.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
What troubles me most is the state of our country and the way the religious treat those of us who don't believe. Today, I saw a commercial by a senator up for re-election who made a negative commercial about her opponent... by saying the woman went to a party at the home of someone associated with an atheist organization. Pushing fear of nonbelievers will get her ahead in her campaign and that's very sad to me. The economy bothers me. My son's lack of attention is troubling to me. But mostly, it's the religiosity of the USA and how repressive culture can ruin a country and its inhabitants.
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
I think the human animal is afraid of being alone and afraid of not knowing and afraid of dying. Belief in god fixes all of those. If there is a god always with us, watching over us, then we are not alone. If god's book tells us he created us and he cares, then we don't need to know the facts. And if we believe in said god, we will go to a better place when we die. It's like a comforting blanket to a child. I'm not saying that's wrong, necessarily... but when they use that comforting god to make the rest of us believe as well, that's wrong.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
I think there are those who don't need the security that belief automatically provides. They are satisfied with the answers that science provides, they can accept the facts and proof that reality affords. They prefer what can be seen and proven to that which is ethereal and unproven. It makes them feel in control of things.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
They have to read and search and think and, dare I say it, pray. The overwhelming majority of nonbelievers I know have read at least pieces of literature on all the major world religions and many of the minor religions as well. They need to at least read the bible... regardless of belief, it is an important part of world culture and it should be in every home library, read, understood. I don't think anyone really DECIDES that god doesn't exist. They REALIZE it.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
Nonsense. Coincidences and reasons which we can't immediately understand.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
Depending on when, it's eliminating a growth of cells or it's murder. And in deference to a woman's right to choose, I support it. I do not believe that a group of cells or an early fetus has rights.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
Thinking. You KNOW what's right and wrong. Your heart and mind tell you want you should and shouldn't do. And if you can't decide, ask me or your father and we'll help you decide.
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People die because eventually, life must end. If we all lived forever, the entire world would be in trouble with too many people and not enough land and food for them all. When we die, our brains stop working, our heart stops working, we stop breathing, and that's all. There's nothing to be afraid of, nothing at all. It's what naturally happens at the end of our life. That's why we have to make the most of our time here on earth, with our family and friends. (This is actually what we told her now 8yo son when he was 6. As far as we can tell, he's good with the concept.)
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
Believe the bible, believe your pastor, don't ask questions.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What does my son do in the bathroom for a half hour when he's showering? He's 8 for gosh sake!
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
That organized religion would disappear and people would live their lives without trying to influence law or other people with their mythology. Believe in god if you choose... but organized religion will be the death of this world.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Will on October 30, 2008, 08:46:12 PM
Post by: Will on October 30, 2008, 08:46:12 PM
Rose is right, question number 5 seems a bit off. It's loaded, of course, but worse still it carries with it an inherent assumption; that success breeds unhappiness. It might be better if it referenced a source.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Whitney on October 31, 2008, 02:06:58 AM
Post by: Whitney on October 31, 2008, 02:06:58 AM
Quote1. Occupation?Architectural Intern
Quote2. Marital Status?Happily Married
Quote3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 3
c. Marriage 0
d. Children 0
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0
Quote4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?Smart, outgoing, confident
Quote5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?Being happy is not solely tied to a successful career. Humans are social beings and if you have to sacrifice your family/social life for a career you are very likely to feel like something is missing from your life.
Quote6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?Friends and Family followed by getting licensed as an architect.
Quote7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?Made the world a better place, designed/built my own house, and not be regretful of my life
Quote8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?World peace and/or environmental stability
Quote9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?I think the wiccan version of the golden rule would best describe it, it goes something like 'do as you will but don't harm others.' My justification is that there is no reason why we shouldn't be free to pursue our own version of happiness and the only way to protect individual happiness in a society is to agree not to impede on the happiness of others as best as we are able.
Quote10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?If there are choices I use logic to narrow them down as far as possible. If more than one choice seems sensible I go with what is most emotionally appealing.
Quote11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?Why do so many people hate each just because they have different beliefs/cultures?
Quote12. Why do you think some people believe in God?Many were raised to have that belief and never bothered to question it. Those that have thought about the concept of god see it as an answer to unanswerable questions. I think a lot of people have a problem with not knowing the answers.
Quote13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?Lack of evidence for a god.
Quote14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?I would hope that they would use the knowledge they have of the world and apply that to logical thought rather than just going with what they want to think is true.
Quote15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?Depending on what you mean by miracles...I'd say they are possible yet very improbable.
Quote16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?I don't think it makes sense to call a potential human innocent anymore than it would make sense to call a blood cell innocent. In order for the description of innocent to make sense the organism must have the capacity to not be innocent....ie, it must be in or have been in a state of consciousness. Fetuses prior to about 24-27 weeks do not have the neurological capacity to process higher thought and therefore are not yet conscious. By the time they are able to have conscious thought the pregnancy is into the third trimester...at time when abortion is a large majority of the time only performed for medical reasons.
Quote17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
Right is what helps others. Wrong is what hurts others. Everything else is neither right or wrong. If you are unsure if what you want to do is right or wrong, put yourself in the other person's place and think about how you would feel.
Quoteb. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People, like all living things, die because the way nature happens to be does not allow our bodies to continue regenerating forever. When you die the stuff that makes up your body is recycled into grass, flowers, trees to continue the cycle.
Quote18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?The idea that Jesus is the savior of mankind....probably about the only thing all the denominations can agree on.
Quote19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?I'd like to know how everything started or if it started at all...no secular or religious view offers a convincing possible full answer.
Quote20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?There are a lot of things that need to change. If I had to pick just one I'd want selfishness (not to be confused with concern for the self) to disappear...i think it is likely one of the root causes of everything else that causes harm.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Whitney on October 31, 2008, 02:19:22 AM
Post by: Whitney on October 31, 2008, 02:19:22 AM
Quote from: "rlrose328"19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What does my son do in the bathroom for a half hour when he's showering? He's 8 for gosh sake!
lol...maybe some of the guys can shed light on if boys of that age are 'exploring' already or not.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Asmodean on October 31, 2008, 02:57:12 AM
Post by: Asmodean on October 31, 2008, 02:57:12 AM
1. Occupation? Student.
2. Marital Status? Married to myself and loving it
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 4
c. Marriage 0
d. Children 0
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known? Intelligent, daring, loyal, trustworthy
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction? Having taken the wrong turn somewhere
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life? Getting back in good shape.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished? I lived the best I could; ...That's it.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living? For better standards of living.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it? Live the best you can. Why? Because if that's not good enough, nothing is.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)? Many times randomly, other times selfishly.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life? None - at the end of the day, I just don't care.
12. Why do you think some people believe in God? Hope and fear.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God? They can see through hope and fear and can accept reality for what it is.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists? By applying knowledge and rationally trying to explain the unexplained.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles? Depending on definition of "miracle", my view varies from miracles being absurd figments of some delusional imagination to plausible unexplained phenomena.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? Abortion is not killing innocent life. It's terminating a pregnancy. Period.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?†The society, mostly.
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?†People die of many different causes all leading to the cessation of vital organ functions. After they die, they decompose and complete the cycle by feeding other life forms.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity? This question is best addressed to Xians. I think their most essential belief is their belief in a deity and that it had a human-god hybrid for a son.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life? If you are not gonna tell me what the next week's lottery numbers will be, then none.
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be? Remove all religion.
2. Marital Status? Married to myself and loving it
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 4
c. Marriage 0
d. Children 0
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known? Intelligent, daring, loyal, trustworthy
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction? Having taken the wrong turn somewhere
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life? Getting back in good shape.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished? I lived the best I could; ...That's it.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living? For better standards of living.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it? Live the best you can. Why? Because if that's not good enough, nothing is.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)? Many times randomly, other times selfishly.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life? None - at the end of the day, I just don't care.
12. Why do you think some people believe in God? Hope and fear.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God? They can see through hope and fear and can accept reality for what it is.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists? By applying knowledge and rationally trying to explain the unexplained.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles? Depending on definition of "miracle", my view varies from miracles being absurd figments of some delusional imagination to plausible unexplained phenomena.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? Abortion is not killing innocent life. It's terminating a pregnancy. Period.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?†The society, mostly.
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?†People die of many different causes all leading to the cessation of vital organ functions. After they die, they decompose and complete the cycle by feeding other life forms.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity? This question is best addressed to Xians. I think their most essential belief is their belief in a deity and that it had a human-god hybrid for a son.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life? If you are not gonna tell me what the next week's lottery numbers will be, then none.
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be? Remove all religion.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: curiosityandthecat on October 31, 2008, 03:52:59 AM
Post by: curiosityandthecat on October 31, 2008, 03:52:59 AM
1. Occupation?
Librarian, photographer, editor and student.
2. Marital Status?
Long-term, committed relationship (tax man still says single, but I think there should be another option)
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 1
c. Marriage 2
d. Children 3
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 2
g. Lucky Breaks 1
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Connected, Machiavellian, intelligent, diligent, driven.
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
Post-modernism.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Finishing my thesis and learning Chinese.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
Not feeling unaccomplished, helped others reach their potential, known true love.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
That true love I mentioned, or my children.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
Live and let live. I don’t think that needs any justification, per se. People are people and should be treated as such, even if we disagree ideologically.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
I do what feels right. Millions of years of evolution gave me a gut reaction, and I try not to ignore it.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
I often wonder what the point is. I understand that life is for living and the happiness and love we experience is all we can really ask for, but, at the end of it all, we’re just meat, floating in an arbitrary, chaotic and cold universe. But, as Holly says, "Still, y'got t'laugh."
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
The short answer is fear. The long answer is too long for this survey. Essentially, people cling to religion because they either a) are afraid their lives would be meaningless and empty without it, or b) know no better. As they say, it’s not courage to accept it; it’s courage to deny it.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
They see the strings by which the marionette dances. One can, with a rather cursory and basic examination of history, easily see that gods are the invention of man (sic) and, after they were unneeded to explain lightning, fire and death, were kept around as a means of control. God isn’t part of the system; God is the system.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
See above. It’s dependent on that person’s willingness to lose everything, should they be wrong. Most people are uncomfortable with the idea. To grow up with God and come to terms with its nonexistence is to lose a nonexistent but very real part of oneself; to grow up without God and find it later in life is to stand at the edge of the abyss and admit defeat.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
How does one define miracle? Is the virgin Mary on a piece of toast considered a miracle? Is the window-washer falling 20 stories, landing on the pavement, and living considered a miracle? Is the survival of one passenger in a full, crashed Boeing 747 a miracle? Miracles are whatever we want them to be. Miracles are whatever we need them to be. I’ve seen David Copperfield fly over my head at a theatre in Ohio, but I didn’t get on my knees and weep.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
My view of abortion is this: it is not birth control, but a procedure performed in order to save a woman’s life (assuming the pregnancy was not a result of incest or rape). The view of the far right that says, essentially, “Love the fetus; hate the child†is insulting to both the mother and the child.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
“Something is right as much as it helps people; something is wrong as much as it hurts them. There are exceptions, and for those, as Mommy and I.â€
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
“People die for a number of reasons. Sometimes those reasons are good; sometimes they’re bad. Suffice to say, if it’s possible for someone to prevent the death of another, and they don’t, then that person is truly terrible. When we die, it’s like going to sleep, but without dreaming. It lasts forever. You don’t wake up. But it’s okay: it’s natural and it happens to everyone. It’s not something to be afraid of.â€
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
Belief that Jesus (or Joshua, if you will) is the son of God while also being God, and is your personal savior who will protect you and love you and take you to a wonderful place for eternity if you just believe in him. Also, that he’s a skinny White guy with long, brown hair who speaks English. Additionally, there seems to be a tendency to ignore critical, logical analysis of the religion.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
I would really like to know, above all else, why people don’t understand that educating our children is the single greatest priority we can have. I don’t mean that our children should all know trigonometry and that will fix world hunger; I mean that we teach our children to be critical thinkers, to be compassionate, to see people as people, not just numbers or skin colors.
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
I would give everyone a sense of humor so they can stop taking themselves so seriously, and make sure everyone understands that, while we do have a number of inalienable, human rights, not being offended isn’t one of them.
Librarian, photographer, editor and student.
2. Marital Status?
Long-term, committed relationship (tax man still says single, but I think there should be another option)
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 5
b. Wealth 1
c. Marriage 2
d. Children 3
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 2
g. Lucky Breaks 1
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Connected, Machiavellian, intelligent, diligent, driven.
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
Post-modernism.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Finishing my thesis and learning Chinese.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
Not feeling unaccomplished, helped others reach their potential, known true love.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
That true love I mentioned, or my children.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
Live and let live. I don’t think that needs any justification, per se. People are people and should be treated as such, even if we disagree ideologically.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
I do what feels right. Millions of years of evolution gave me a gut reaction, and I try not to ignore it.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
I often wonder what the point is. I understand that life is for living and the happiness and love we experience is all we can really ask for, but, at the end of it all, we’re just meat, floating in an arbitrary, chaotic and cold universe. But, as Holly says, "Still, y'got t'laugh."
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
The short answer is fear. The long answer is too long for this survey. Essentially, people cling to religion because they either a) are afraid their lives would be meaningless and empty without it, or b) know no better. As they say, it’s not courage to accept it; it’s courage to deny it.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
They see the strings by which the marionette dances. One can, with a rather cursory and basic examination of history, easily see that gods are the invention of man (sic) and, after they were unneeded to explain lightning, fire and death, were kept around as a means of control. God isn’t part of the system; God is the system.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
See above. It’s dependent on that person’s willingness to lose everything, should they be wrong. Most people are uncomfortable with the idea. To grow up with God and come to terms with its nonexistence is to lose a nonexistent but very real part of oneself; to grow up without God and find it later in life is to stand at the edge of the abyss and admit defeat.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
How does one define miracle? Is the virgin Mary on a piece of toast considered a miracle? Is the window-washer falling 20 stories, landing on the pavement, and living considered a miracle? Is the survival of one passenger in a full, crashed Boeing 747 a miracle? Miracles are whatever we want them to be. Miracles are whatever we need them to be. I’ve seen David Copperfield fly over my head at a theatre in Ohio, but I didn’t get on my knees and weep.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
My view of abortion is this: it is not birth control, but a procedure performed in order to save a woman’s life (assuming the pregnancy was not a result of incest or rape). The view of the far right that says, essentially, “Love the fetus; hate the child†is insulting to both the mother and the child.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
“Something is right as much as it helps people; something is wrong as much as it hurts them. There are exceptions, and for those, as Mommy and I.â€
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
“People die for a number of reasons. Sometimes those reasons are good; sometimes they’re bad. Suffice to say, if it’s possible for someone to prevent the death of another, and they don’t, then that person is truly terrible. When we die, it’s like going to sleep, but without dreaming. It lasts forever. You don’t wake up. But it’s okay: it’s natural and it happens to everyone. It’s not something to be afraid of.â€
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
Belief that Jesus (or Joshua, if you will) is the son of God while also being God, and is your personal savior who will protect you and love you and take you to a wonderful place for eternity if you just believe in him. Also, that he’s a skinny White guy with long, brown hair who speaks English. Additionally, there seems to be a tendency to ignore critical, logical analysis of the religion.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
I would really like to know, above all else, why people don’t understand that educating our children is the single greatest priority we can have. I don’t mean that our children should all know trigonometry and that will fix world hunger; I mean that we teach our children to be critical thinkers, to be compassionate, to see people as people, not just numbers or skin colors.
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
I would give everyone a sense of humor so they can stop taking themselves so seriously, and make sure everyone understands that, while we do have a number of inalienable, human rights, not being offended isn’t one of them.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: PipeBox on October 31, 2008, 05:51:47 AM
Post by: PipeBox on October 31, 2008, 05:51:47 AM
1. Occupation? Warehouse order filler
2. Marital Status? Unmarried
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 4
b. Wealth 3
c. Marriage 3
d. Children 3
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 3
g. Lucky Breaks 1
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Reserved, thoughtful, aware, deliberate, empathetic.
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
Who are these people? Ah, well, I can certainly say that out of all the rich and successful people, they obviously aren't all going to be happy. We could also interview all the Christians and atheists and find a few extremes, albeit there's a lot more of us. As for why they're unhappy, I'd have to suppose they don't know where to look for happiness. Maybe success isn't what they enjoy, maybe they need a hobby, something to enjoy that doesn't manifest itself purely as material wealth and a means to acquire it. Astronomy, for instance, isn't about how big the telescope is, it's about looking at the sky and trying to take as much of it in as you can or want.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Fun. That includes whatever is needed to maintain it. Videogames aren't much fun, for example, if the bank forecloses on your house, or if someone in your family is ill. But fun is the objective.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
I'd like to say I've made a difference in someone else's life, that I enjoyed myself, and that the world was better for my having been alive, even if on the smallest scale.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
The wellbeing of another who matters to me.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
Discard nothing to authority, unless what that authority demands is reasonable. This applies to all things, material and thought. Never drop a question because you are told not to ask it, and never discard an answer because it isn't what you were told or wanted to hear. Never give your material wealth to a cause without assessing whether it is worthy, because resources, including time, are finite, and we would do well to allocate those resources to worthy causes. The only things that must be preordained in your mind are the ones you have chosen to be preordained. My personal preordained truths are merely that my eyes, ears, sense of touch, taste, smell, and my reasoning do no deceive me, at least when I'm sober. As to basic senses, I accept these just as everyone else I perceive to exist must. If your sight, for example, lies to you outright, then not only have we never observed a fossil or built a working bubble chamber, we've never read the Bible or Koran, either. As to my reasoning and logic, it may not be anywhere near perfect, but that makes anyone else's I can personally debunk fall even shorter. When I am out-reasoned, I will update accordingly. I do not own a bubble chamber, and I don't know how to operate one, so I do take some things on trust, such as articles on subatomic particle decay. I will ask myself, however, if these things are consistent with everything I know, and I will check sources when they are available. I have never personally seen a fossil dug up, but I trust that if they weren't coming out of he ground someone would've cried foul by now, especially a creationist. I also admit that if global, total conspiracies exist, and are so perfectly constructed as to defy my reasoning, and the reasoning of all those who might disagree, then they are indistinguishable from reality and there's no point in me getting all uppity about things that appear to make sense. Outside that, strive for what is enjoyable so long as it doesn't harm others, or yourself (but that's a personal choice, far be it from me to attack two consenting adult males if both want to take on the greater population and proclaim themselves gay, which could have serious repercussions for them). This is general, I don't have the will to list off every bit of my personal philosophy, but you could even summarize it as "Be skeptical, think for yourself, have fun."
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
My career is currently out of necessity, so I don't have much to give you, it wasn't much of a choice. But I make decisions by weighing the likely outcomes to each choice, and selecting the choice that is most favorable.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
I don't really have anything my mind is stuck on about life, though I do wonder if being out of school and out of mathematics has let that part of my mind atrophy irreparably. I used to be good at math, and yesterday it took me on the order of three minutes to find the operators for (6 _ 2) _ 8 _ 9 _1 = 13. Very uncool, so I guess you might say my most troubling question is "can I do arithmetic?"
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
Some folks need or were raised to require a belief in a god. I wish I could say anyone could break away from that belief, but for some the need, or the fear of change, will always be too great. The idea that a benevolent superbeing is watching over us, and cares for us, and won't let us die is very comforting, but being comforting is not a requisite for being true. And it disturbs me to see evidence and reason cast aside without regard.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
Well, to be fair, there are a lot of reasons here, and many of them apply to #12 as well, but I'd rather only list them once. Some folks are atheists because they were raised not to, some have never given it a thought and just live the part, and some are doing it just to stand out, be rebellious, be different, or because they think it's cool. A few may even desire, as suggested again and again, to be free of the constraints of right and wrong and be able to do as they please without fear of reproach from a deity. The rest of us don't believe because there is insufficient evidence, because the concept of a god can't be made to work in the realm of philosophy, because it, in many cases, demands that we discard scientific fact, because we refuse to be sucked in by books that self-proclaim their own divinity while offering no evidence to back it, because we've seen what organized religion and unquestioning belief does to the world, and so on.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
This sounds like it should be an administrative decision, or as though it is entirely in one's head. "So, Mr. Box, I've got some papers that need your signature, you have a meeting at two, and how are you feeling on that whole 'god' thing today? Yes, no? They're ready to get started on construction and we can have a god in here by next Tuesday." I'll take your question to mean "How would someone figure out if God exists or not?" And the answer to that is to evaluate the evidence. God, in the sense of the Bible, either does or doesn't exist. There's no decision involved, it's a matter of critical thinking and realization.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
No such thing, at least in the supernatural sense. I've seen a lot of close calls and coincidences, but none of those were supernatural. A person surviving a car wreck isn't supernatural, nor is finding a good parking space, and neither is recovering from cancer when you've been given a 5% chance to live with treatment. Is it unlikely, sure, is it supernatural? No.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
It depends entirely on the timing. There is, of course, no definite point at which something becomes a human being, but I'd personally place it at the point at which pain can be demonstrated to be felt. I know this is currently at odds with abortion laws, but I also believe in a woman's right to choose, and that is what I presently support. I also believe in extensions to that "pain can be felt" deadline in extreme cases, such as rape, incest, or danger to the mother's life. I came to this point of view through extensive thought, discussion with friends, a bit of influence by my atheistic world view, and quite possibly exposure to a smattering of bumper sticker slogans. ;)
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People die when their bodies give out and can't be restored to living condition. That can happen in a lot of way, but normally old age sees the body's organs degrade until they can no longer maintain the functions needed to keep a person alive. When a person dies, their mind ceases to be. The mind is what the brain does, and when the brain dies the mind turns off. There is no awareness, no pain, no thoughts or memories. A person will never know they are dead, because then they would be alive. Death and the mind cannot coexist, if death is present the mind is not. That's why death doesn't hurt, because no one is conscious of it. Living forever would drive a person crazy, the brain isn't built for it, and there'd be too many people in the world for us to support with the small amount of natural resources we have. Death is a necessity in living, but it's nothing to be scared of.
I'm not a father yet, but I'd go with something close to that. If my kid looked distraught, I'd elaborate on the no pain, no worries, nothing to fear bits, but I'd not sugar coat it. Though I don't think there'd be much trouble, since he/she wouldn't have been taught to expect an afterlife. The hard part is understanding that death means nothing, not as in blackness, or absence of sight and sound, because we have no mental capacity to perceive such things. That's the part we have trouble with, death of the mind, because we can't imagine the absence of consciousness. Even a four year old can tell you that a dead animal can no longer eat or drink, or that a dead person can't get up and walk around. So, again, I don't anticipate too much trouble. But maybe I'll be a wreck and mess it up wonderfully, I can't be sure.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
Well, I'd like to say it embodies the apostle's creed, but for practical purposes it's "don't sin" where it's more a suggestion that no one catch you sinning, and where those in power decide what sin is. At some churches having a beer and smoking is a sin, in others it's what immediately follows the service. And both are equally sure the other is misinterpreting the Bible. It'd be one thing if Christians focused, and I mean focused, on having the knowledge of the Bible, examining it, talking to others about it, but it turns out there's far more concern for whether Billy is looking at dirty magazines than there is for testing Billy's knowledge of the good book and his opinions on how it relates to life. That stuff might be told to him, but his views and understanding will seldom, if ever, be asked of him. Eventually he'll be shy about giving them, and only give safe answers if they're ever needed. I suspect the lack of introspection is because if more people seriously examined the Bible, and thought more critically in general, then there'd be a lot fewer Christians. But this is only the impression I get from the southern U.S. So, Christianity's beliefs can be summed up as "read the Bible, we'll tell you what it means, the apologists and theologians will confirm it is true and tell you how to shut out examination of it, and keep an eye open for the sin of your neighbors, because they'll sure be watching you, and we'd like our congregation to stay in line. Also, God has fallen on hard times and could use some cash . . . "
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
Well, how bout one personal and one impersonal, in that order? You can pick whichever.
Why can't I find and get in good with a girl that likes to cuddle? :D
2. Marital Status? Unmarried
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 4
b. Wealth 3
c. Marriage 3
d. Children 3
e. Religious Belief 0
f. Friends/Relationships 3
g. Lucky Breaks 1
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Reserved, thoughtful, aware, deliberate, empathetic.
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
Who are these people? Ah, well, I can certainly say that out of all the rich and successful people, they obviously aren't all going to be happy. We could also interview all the Christians and atheists and find a few extremes, albeit there's a lot more of us. As for why they're unhappy, I'd have to suppose they don't know where to look for happiness. Maybe success isn't what they enjoy, maybe they need a hobby, something to enjoy that doesn't manifest itself purely as material wealth and a means to acquire it. Astronomy, for instance, isn't about how big the telescope is, it's about looking at the sky and trying to take as much of it in as you can or want.
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Fun. That includes whatever is needed to maintain it. Videogames aren't much fun, for example, if the bank forecloses on your house, or if someone in your family is ill. But fun is the objective.
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
I'd like to say I've made a difference in someone else's life, that I enjoyed myself, and that the world was better for my having been alive, even if on the smallest scale.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
The wellbeing of another who matters to me.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
Discard nothing to authority, unless what that authority demands is reasonable. This applies to all things, material and thought. Never drop a question because you are told not to ask it, and never discard an answer because it isn't what you were told or wanted to hear. Never give your material wealth to a cause without assessing whether it is worthy, because resources, including time, are finite, and we would do well to allocate those resources to worthy causes. The only things that must be preordained in your mind are the ones you have chosen to be preordained. My personal preordained truths are merely that my eyes, ears, sense of touch, taste, smell, and my reasoning do no deceive me, at least when I'm sober. As to basic senses, I accept these just as everyone else I perceive to exist must. If your sight, for example, lies to you outright, then not only have we never observed a fossil or built a working bubble chamber, we've never read the Bible or Koran, either. As to my reasoning and logic, it may not be anywhere near perfect, but that makes anyone else's I can personally debunk fall even shorter. When I am out-reasoned, I will update accordingly. I do not own a bubble chamber, and I don't know how to operate one, so I do take some things on trust, such as articles on subatomic particle decay. I will ask myself, however, if these things are consistent with everything I know, and I will check sources when they are available. I have never personally seen a fossil dug up, but I trust that if they weren't coming out of he ground someone would've cried foul by now, especially a creationist. I also admit that if global, total conspiracies exist, and are so perfectly constructed as to defy my reasoning, and the reasoning of all those who might disagree, then they are indistinguishable from reality and there's no point in me getting all uppity about things that appear to make sense. Outside that, strive for what is enjoyable so long as it doesn't harm others, or yourself (but that's a personal choice, far be it from me to attack two consenting adult males if both want to take on the greater population and proclaim themselves gay, which could have serious repercussions for them). This is general, I don't have the will to list off every bit of my personal philosophy, but you could even summarize it as "Be skeptical, think for yourself, have fun."
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
My career is currently out of necessity, so I don't have much to give you, it wasn't much of a choice. But I make decisions by weighing the likely outcomes to each choice, and selecting the choice that is most favorable.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
I don't really have anything my mind is stuck on about life, though I do wonder if being out of school and out of mathematics has let that part of my mind atrophy irreparably. I used to be good at math, and yesterday it took me on the order of three minutes to find the operators for (6 _ 2) _ 8 _ 9 _1 = 13. Very uncool, so I guess you might say my most troubling question is "can I do arithmetic?"
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
Some folks need or were raised to require a belief in a god. I wish I could say anyone could break away from that belief, but for some the need, or the fear of change, will always be too great. The idea that a benevolent superbeing is watching over us, and cares for us, and won't let us die is very comforting, but being comforting is not a requisite for being true. And it disturbs me to see evidence and reason cast aside without regard.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
Well, to be fair, there are a lot of reasons here, and many of them apply to #12 as well, but I'd rather only list them once. Some folks are atheists because they were raised not to, some have never given it a thought and just live the part, and some are doing it just to stand out, be rebellious, be different, or because they think it's cool. A few may even desire, as suggested again and again, to be free of the constraints of right and wrong and be able to do as they please without fear of reproach from a deity. The rest of us don't believe because there is insufficient evidence, because the concept of a god can't be made to work in the realm of philosophy, because it, in many cases, demands that we discard scientific fact, because we refuse to be sucked in by books that self-proclaim their own divinity while offering no evidence to back it, because we've seen what organized religion and unquestioning belief does to the world, and so on.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
This sounds like it should be an administrative decision, or as though it is entirely in one's head. "So, Mr. Box, I've got some papers that need your signature, you have a meeting at two, and how are you feeling on that whole 'god' thing today? Yes, no? They're ready to get started on construction and we can have a god in here by next Tuesday." I'll take your question to mean "How would someone figure out if God exists or not?" And the answer to that is to evaluate the evidence. God, in the sense of the Bible, either does or doesn't exist. There's no decision involved, it's a matter of critical thinking and realization.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
No such thing, at least in the supernatural sense. I've seen a lot of close calls and coincidences, but none of those were supernatural. A person surviving a car wreck isn't supernatural, nor is finding a good parking space, and neither is recovering from cancer when you've been given a 5% chance to live with treatment. Is it unlikely, sure, is it supernatural? No.
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
It depends entirely on the timing. There is, of course, no definite point at which something becomes a human being, but I'd personally place it at the point at which pain can be demonstrated to be felt. I know this is currently at odds with abortion laws, but I also believe in a woman's right to choose, and that is what I presently support. I also believe in extensions to that "pain can be felt" deadline in extreme cases, such as rape, incest, or danger to the mother's life. I came to this point of view through extensive thought, discussion with friends, a bit of influence by my atheistic world view, and quite possibly exposure to a smattering of bumper sticker slogans. ;)
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People die when their bodies give out and can't be restored to living condition. That can happen in a lot of way, but normally old age sees the body's organs degrade until they can no longer maintain the functions needed to keep a person alive. When a person dies, their mind ceases to be. The mind is what the brain does, and when the brain dies the mind turns off. There is no awareness, no pain, no thoughts or memories. A person will never know they are dead, because then they would be alive. Death and the mind cannot coexist, if death is present the mind is not. That's why death doesn't hurt, because no one is conscious of it. Living forever would drive a person crazy, the brain isn't built for it, and there'd be too many people in the world for us to support with the small amount of natural resources we have. Death is a necessity in living, but it's nothing to be scared of.
I'm not a father yet, but I'd go with something close to that. If my kid looked distraught, I'd elaborate on the no pain, no worries, nothing to fear bits, but I'd not sugar coat it. Though I don't think there'd be much trouble, since he/she wouldn't have been taught to expect an afterlife. The hard part is understanding that death means nothing, not as in blackness, or absence of sight and sound, because we have no mental capacity to perceive such things. That's the part we have trouble with, death of the mind, because we can't imagine the absence of consciousness. Even a four year old can tell you that a dead animal can no longer eat or drink, or that a dead person can't get up and walk around. So, again, I don't anticipate too much trouble. But maybe I'll be a wreck and mess it up wonderfully, I can't be sure.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
Well, I'd like to say it embodies the apostle's creed, but for practical purposes it's "don't sin" where it's more a suggestion that no one catch you sinning, and where those in power decide what sin is. At some churches having a beer and smoking is a sin, in others it's what immediately follows the service. And both are equally sure the other is misinterpreting the Bible. It'd be one thing if Christians focused, and I mean focused, on having the knowledge of the Bible, examining it, talking to others about it, but it turns out there's far more concern for whether Billy is looking at dirty magazines than there is for testing Billy's knowledge of the good book and his opinions on how it relates to life. That stuff might be told to him, but his views and understanding will seldom, if ever, be asked of him. Eventually he'll be shy about giving them, and only give safe answers if they're ever needed. I suspect the lack of introspection is because if more people seriously examined the Bible, and thought more critically in general, then there'd be a lot fewer Christians. But this is only the impression I get from the southern U.S. So, Christianity's beliefs can be summed up as "read the Bible, we'll tell you what it means, the apologists and theologians will confirm it is true and tell you how to shut out examination of it, and keep an eye open for the sin of your neighbors, because they'll sure be watching you, and we'd like our congregation to stay in line. Also, God has fallen on hard times and could use some cash . . . "
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
Well, how bout one personal and one impersonal, in that order? You can pick whichever.
Why can't I find and get in good with a girl that likes to cuddle? :D
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: wazzz on October 31, 2008, 09:22:35 AM
Post by: wazzz on October 31, 2008, 09:22:35 AM
1-Student ( college)+(teaching C++)
2-Dating
3-a.5
b=4
c=3
d=1
e=3
f=5
g=0
4-
Intelligent â€" Ambition â€"Well
5-As the Boss Said
Being happy is not solely tied to a successful career. Humans are social beings and if you have to sacrifice your family/social life for a career you are very likely to feel like something is missing from your life.
6-learning + Making new Friends
7-
teaching people c++ right(: , giving what i can to people ,had good life
8-World Education
9-live Today as if u’re going to die tomorrow
10-i think a lot before getting something done
11-why to respect the other when they treat u wrong ? there is always a place for forgiveness u knw
12-Cos they are afrid of the unkown
13-Never seen the Miracles of life which no evolution can make
14-Knowledge
15-it happens
16-i won’t do such a thing unless there is deformity with the baby but if i got pregnant one day i won’t do such a thing . i consider it a part of me and part of life
17-
a.All the human agreed about it but it’s relativity
eg: let’s imagine the world where torching is good thing and any one is pleased with it so relativity is the only answer
b- they die cos every thing has its end and what happened we’re being judged about what we have done or any one in life will do any bad thing we hants
18-The idea that Jesus is the savior of mankind....probably about the only thing all the denominations can agree on.
19- when it’s all started and why?
20-decrease the huge number of population
2-Dating
3-a.5
b=4
c=3
d=1
e=3
f=5
g=0
4-
Intelligent â€" Ambition â€"Well
5-As the Boss Said
Being happy is not solely tied to a successful career. Humans are social beings and if you have to sacrifice your family/social life for a career you are very likely to feel like something is missing from your life.
6-learning + Making new Friends
7-
teaching people c++ right(: , giving what i can to people ,had good life
8-World Education
9-live Today as if u’re going to die tomorrow
10-i think a lot before getting something done
11-why to respect the other when they treat u wrong ? there is always a place for forgiveness u knw
12-Cos they are afrid of the unkown
13-Never seen the Miracles of life which no evolution can make
14-Knowledge
15-it happens
16-i won’t do such a thing unless there is deformity with the baby but if i got pregnant one day i won’t do such a thing . i consider it a part of me and part of life
17-
a.All the human agreed about it but it’s relativity
eg: let’s imagine the world where torching is good thing and any one is pleased with it so relativity is the only answer
b- they die cos every thing has its end and what happened we’re being judged about what we have done or any one in life will do any bad thing we hants
18-The idea that Jesus is the savior of mankind....probably about the only thing all the denominations can agree on.
19- when it’s all started and why?
20-decrease the huge number of population
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Kyuuketsuki on October 31, 2008, 12:51:10 PM
Post by: Kyuuketsuki on October 31, 2008, 12:51:10 PM
I need to survey some people for a school project. Anyone willing to share their opinions and help me out
1. Occupation?
IT Professional
2. Marital Status?
Married
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 0 1 2 3 4 5
b. Wealth 0 1 2 3 4 5
c. Marriage (a stable relationship) 0 1 2 3 4 5
d. Children 0 1 2 3 4 5
e. Religious Belief 0 1 2 3 4 5
f. Friends/Relationships 0 1 2 3 4 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0 1 2 3 4 5
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Fortunate, resourceful
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
Money doesn’t solve all problems although it can certainly help
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
A happy, satisfied life primarily involving my family (wife & children)
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
That I have done my best to provide my children with the best tools/skills possible to succeed at whatever they want, that I played some small part in making the world a better place and that I have done the best I can without compromising my moral stance/conscience, that I have promoted science, reason and freethought.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
My family.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
Evaluate the world on the basis of the available evidence, be what you are despite what others tell you to be, be kind & considerate to others whenever possible, don’t start a fight but (if someone else does) make sure it is finished (not necessarily by violence), be aware of your rights, the rights of others and your responsibilities.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
Follow my heart (OK, I know it’s not my heart but it sounds good)
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
The health and happiness of my family and the apparent rise of religious fundamentalism.
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
Lack of education, the need for a “comfort blanketâ€, the need to believe they are special I suppose
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
For a start the complete and utter lack of any kind of validatable evidence as well as the laughably ludicrous idea of there being invisible men in the sky/ground, invisible places that invisible souls go to when death occurs.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
On the basis of the available evidence
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
Myth and unsubstantiated claim
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
Whilst I believe it is primarily a woman’s right to decide I also believe it is a brutal act against an innocent entity that should be avoided if at all “reasonableâ€. I do not believe it should be used as a form of birth control
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
â€That’s something you will, over time, learn to decide for yourself and I will do my level best to explain why I think some things are wrong and some things are right but above all I promise I will do my best be honest with you
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People die because they get old and their bodies don’t work as well as they should do any more so it’s important to look after yourself and live as long as you so you are happier/healthier and can enjoy life but also because other people (your family and friends) love you and don’t want you to die.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
• There is an invisible man in the sky (otherwise known as "God") that no one can see, test or in any other way, demonstrate! This "God" fellow is eternal & all-powerful ... he has apparently created the universe & everything within it (including the Earth) and he loves all of his creations especially humans (his "special creation") who were created "in his image".
• There exists a place called "Heaven" that cannot be seen, tested, or demonstrated ... it is a place of light, happiness, joy & pleasure and the place where "God" resides.
• There is an invisible man under the ground or in some hell dimension (otherwise known as "Satan") that no one can see, test or in any other way, demonstrate! "Satan", despite not being as powerful as "God" still exists and works his "evil" upon the world and will continue to do so until the final conflict known as "Armageddon". "Satan" was once God's most powerful angel known as "Lucifer" and was cast out from "Heaven" for some reason or other.
• There exists a place called "Hell" that cannot be seen, tested, or demonstrated ... it is the complete antithesis of "Heaven" i.e. a place of dark, misery, anguish & pain and is the place where "Satan" resides.
• All humans have "souls" that are their essential essence and that cannot be seen, tested or demonstrated! "Souls" cannot die and leave their human "hosts" when the physical component of a human ceases to function. It is "souls" that separate us from the beasts and raise us above them.
• "God" has published his will in a book known as "the bible" which is the story of various events concerning his actions & the actions of other characters acting for or against him and contains his primary commandments (typically referred to as "The Ten Commandments"). Not keeping "God's commandments" (obeying them) is referred to as a "sin" and those who do not do so are referred to as "sinners". None of the essential happenings within this book can be verified as being factual outside of some historical background events (and some of those are wrong).
• The souls of those who have "kept" "God's" "commandments" will find their way to "Heaven" and live with him for all eternity.
• The souls of those who have actively not "kept" "God's" "commandments" will find their way to "Hell" and will live there for all eternity.
• There may or may not be a "halfway-house" known as "Purgatory" where those who are either mild sinners or who have not heard "God's word" (the Bible) go.
• It is unclear whether there may or may not be future opportunities for those who exist in either "Hell" or "Purgatory" to transfer to Heaven because despite the apparently huge (well actually all) number of "Souls" that have gone to one of the three places non have returned (well except for some batty old nun a long time ago).
• At the very beginning of creation (or shortly thereafter) there was a wonderful place ("The Garden Of Eden") where the two original humans "Adam" & "Eve" lived. God gave Adam & Eve free will and (near enough) simultaneously created "The Tree Of Knowledge" that he said they couldn't touch ... with inevitable results!
• Because of Adam & Eve's tasting of the fruit of "The Tree Of Knowledge" we (the descendents of Adam & Eve) are now tainted with their sin known as "The Original Sin".
• About 2000 years ago someone, supposedly the "Son Of God", was sent down to earth in the form of a human (considered to be "the word made flesh") in order to absolve us from "The Original Sin" and "save" our souls usually involving a ritual with wet heads and empty words.
• This "Son Of God", quite apart from being born (against all other known instances in history) of a virgin subsequently dies on a cross & then resurrects again in order to take upon himself the "sins" of the world and thus provide us with the opportunity to go to "Heaven" which, tainted with "the original sin" (which none of us had actually committed anyway), we were denied.
• He (the "Son Of God") is here today and we only need to follow his lead (believe in him) to be saved and get our eternal reward in "Heaven".
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
I don’t specifically have any (implicitly deep meaning) questions about life … we’re here, let’s live! (or as The Mask says, “It's party time! P, A, R, T. Why? Because I gotta!â€
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
Stop & reverse the effects of pollution
Kyu
1. Occupation?
IT Professional
2. Marital Status?
Married
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 0 1 2 3 4 5
b. Wealth 0 1 2 3 4 5
c. Marriage (a stable relationship) 0 1 2 3 4 5
d. Children 0 1 2 3 4 5
e. Religious Belief 0 1 2 3 4 5
f. Friends/Relationships 0 1 2 3 4 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0 1 2 3 4 5
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Fortunate, resourceful
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
Money doesn’t solve all problems although it can certainly help
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
A happy, satisfied life primarily involving my family (wife & children)
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
That I have done my best to provide my children with the best tools/skills possible to succeed at whatever they want, that I played some small part in making the world a better place and that I have done the best I can without compromising my moral stance/conscience, that I have promoted science, reason and freethought.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
My family.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
Evaluate the world on the basis of the available evidence, be what you are despite what others tell you to be, be kind & considerate to others whenever possible, don’t start a fight but (if someone else does) make sure it is finished (not necessarily by violence), be aware of your rights, the rights of others and your responsibilities.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
Follow my heart (OK, I know it’s not my heart but it sounds good)
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
The health and happiness of my family and the apparent rise of religious fundamentalism.
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
Lack of education, the need for a “comfort blanketâ€, the need to believe they are special I suppose
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
For a start the complete and utter lack of any kind of validatable evidence as well as the laughably ludicrous idea of there being invisible men in the sky/ground, invisible places that invisible souls go to when death occurs.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
On the basis of the available evidence
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
Myth and unsubstantiated claim
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
Whilst I believe it is primarily a woman’s right to decide I also believe it is a brutal act against an innocent entity that should be avoided if at all “reasonableâ€. I do not believe it should be used as a form of birth control
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
â€That’s something you will, over time, learn to decide for yourself and I will do my level best to explain why I think some things are wrong and some things are right but above all I promise I will do my best be honest with you
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
People die because they get old and their bodies don’t work as well as they should do any more so it’s important to look after yourself and live as long as you so you are happier/healthier and can enjoy life but also because other people (your family and friends) love you and don’t want you to die.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
• There is an invisible man in the sky (otherwise known as "God") that no one can see, test or in any other way, demonstrate! This "God" fellow is eternal & all-powerful ... he has apparently created the universe & everything within it (including the Earth) and he loves all of his creations especially humans (his "special creation") who were created "in his image".
• There exists a place called "Heaven" that cannot be seen, tested, or demonstrated ... it is a place of light, happiness, joy & pleasure and the place where "God" resides.
• There is an invisible man under the ground or in some hell dimension (otherwise known as "Satan") that no one can see, test or in any other way, demonstrate! "Satan", despite not being as powerful as "God" still exists and works his "evil" upon the world and will continue to do so until the final conflict known as "Armageddon". "Satan" was once God's most powerful angel known as "Lucifer" and was cast out from "Heaven" for some reason or other.
• There exists a place called "Hell" that cannot be seen, tested, or demonstrated ... it is the complete antithesis of "Heaven" i.e. a place of dark, misery, anguish & pain and is the place where "Satan" resides.
• All humans have "souls" that are their essential essence and that cannot be seen, tested or demonstrated! "Souls" cannot die and leave their human "hosts" when the physical component of a human ceases to function. It is "souls" that separate us from the beasts and raise us above them.
• "God" has published his will in a book known as "the bible" which is the story of various events concerning his actions & the actions of other characters acting for or against him and contains his primary commandments (typically referred to as "The Ten Commandments"). Not keeping "God's commandments" (obeying them) is referred to as a "sin" and those who do not do so are referred to as "sinners". None of the essential happenings within this book can be verified as being factual outside of some historical background events (and some of those are wrong).
• The souls of those who have "kept" "God's" "commandments" will find their way to "Heaven" and live with him for all eternity.
• The souls of those who have actively not "kept" "God's" "commandments" will find their way to "Hell" and will live there for all eternity.
• There may or may not be a "halfway-house" known as "Purgatory" where those who are either mild sinners or who have not heard "God's word" (the Bible) go.
• It is unclear whether there may or may not be future opportunities for those who exist in either "Hell" or "Purgatory" to transfer to Heaven because despite the apparently huge (well actually all) number of "Souls" that have gone to one of the three places non have returned (well except for some batty old nun a long time ago).
• At the very beginning of creation (or shortly thereafter) there was a wonderful place ("The Garden Of Eden") where the two original humans "Adam" & "Eve" lived. God gave Adam & Eve free will and (near enough) simultaneously created "The Tree Of Knowledge" that he said they couldn't touch ... with inevitable results!
• Because of Adam & Eve's tasting of the fruit of "The Tree Of Knowledge" we (the descendents of Adam & Eve) are now tainted with their sin known as "The Original Sin".
• About 2000 years ago someone, supposedly the "Son Of God", was sent down to earth in the form of a human (considered to be "the word made flesh") in order to absolve us from "The Original Sin" and "save" our souls usually involving a ritual with wet heads and empty words.
• This "Son Of God", quite apart from being born (against all other known instances in history) of a virgin subsequently dies on a cross & then resurrects again in order to take upon himself the "sins" of the world and thus provide us with the opportunity to go to "Heaven" which, tainted with "the original sin" (which none of us had actually committed anyway), we were denied.
• He (the "Son Of God") is here today and we only need to follow his lead (believe in him) to be saved and get our eternal reward in "Heaven".
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
I don’t specifically have any (implicitly deep meaning) questions about life … we’re here, let’s live! (or as The Mask says, “It's party time! P, A, R, T. Why? Because I gotta!â€
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
Stop & reverse the effects of pollution
Kyu
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: karadan on October 31, 2008, 02:17:08 PM
Post by: karadan on October 31, 2008, 02:17:08 PM
1. Occupation?
IT support
2. Marital Status?
Single
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 5
b. Wealth 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 0
c. Marriage 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 1
d. Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 2
e. Religious Belief 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 0
f. Friends/Relationships 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 3
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Determined, self disciplined.
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
A misguided fixation with money
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Happiness
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
I was happy. I positively influenced people. People remember me with fondness.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
I'd do anything to help the people i love.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
To be happy at the expense of no one else.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
I never made decisions, i just floated along. I found i endured no stress that way. So, in essence, my job found me.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
Where the hell is the human race going?
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
because they gain comfort from it. The problem is, they haven't tried anything else, so are under the illusion it gives them comfort.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
Because they have found more rational means to find comfort without resorting to supersticion.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
If they are brought up to believe in god, or if they have a breakdown and religion finds them at a low ebb.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
Hogwash
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
It is just a collection of cells gaining complexity. If there is conciousness there, it certainly isn't in the form of rational thought... pain reflexes, maybe, but it is still part of the mother who should ultimately decide the fate of her own foetus.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
If you feel it is right then it is. If you feel it is wrong, then it is. All concious beings innately know the difference. It is whether you decide to ignore one and go with the other which shows your true self.
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
All things have a shelf life. That is why you have to live your life to the full because when you die, that's your chance gone. There is only oblivion after death.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
superstition and out-dated modes of thought.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What actually happens at the other end of a singularity and is the universe one giant Klein bottle?
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
I'd render religion inert.
IT support
2. Marital Status?
Single
3. On a scale of 0-5, how would you rate the following factors in contributing to a successful life? (0= unnecessary, 5=essential)
a. Education 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 5
b. Wealth 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 0
c. Marriage 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 1
d. Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 2
e. Religious Belief 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 0
f. Friends/Relationships 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 5
g. Lucky Breaks 0 1 2 3 4 5 - 3
4. What adjectives would you use to describe successful people you have known?
Determined, self disciplined.
5. Some nationally known people, highly successful in their occupation, when interviewed by the media, have described their lives as without meaning, searching, empty, and unsatisfying. To what do you attribute this apparent contradiction?
A misguided fixation with money
6. What presently is the highest priority in your life?
Happiness
7. At the end of your life what three things would you like to say that you have accomplished?
I was happy. I positively influenced people. People remember me with fondness.
8. Is there anything for which you would significantly sacrifice your personal standard of living?
I'd do anything to help the people i love.
9. If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of life (what you live by), what would you say, and how would you justify it?
To be happy at the expense of no one else.
10. How do you make decisions? For example: How did you decide upon your career? How did you decide to marry your spouse (if married)?
I never made decisions, i just floated along. I found i endured no stress that way. So, in essence, my job found me.
11. What questions trouble your mind most about life?
Where the hell is the human race going?
12. Why do you think some people believe in God?
because they gain comfort from it. The problem is, they haven't tried anything else, so are under the illusion it gives them comfort.
13. Why do you think some people do not believe in God?
Because they have found more rational means to find comfort without resorting to supersticion.
14. How would someone decide whether or not God exists?
If they are brought up to believe in god, or if they have a breakdown and religion finds them at a low ebb.
15. What do you think about the possibility of miracles?
Hogwash
16. In your opinion, do you think abortion is killing an innocent life? If it isn’t, what is it? How did you come to your view about this issue?
It is just a collection of cells gaining complexity. If there is conciousness there, it certainly isn't in the form of rational thought... pain reflexes, maybe, but it is still part of the mother who should ultimately decide the fate of her own foetus.
17. If your child asked you the following two questions, how would you respond?
a. “What makes something right, and what makes something wrong?â€
If you feel it is right then it is. If you feel it is wrong, then it is. All concious beings innately know the difference. It is whether you decide to ignore one and go with the other which shows your true self.
b. “Why do people die, and what happens to them when they die?â€
All things have a shelf life. That is why you have to live your life to the full because when you die, that's your chance gone. There is only oblivion after death.
18. What would you describe as the most essential beliefs of Christianity?
superstition and out-dated modes of thought.
19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What actually happens at the other end of a singularity and is the universe one giant Klein bottle?
20. If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be?
I'd render religion inert.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Asmodean on October 31, 2008, 05:39:12 PM
Post by: Asmodean on October 31, 2008, 05:39:12 PM
Quote from: "laetusatheos"I was... Or so I seem to remember.Quote from: "rlrose328"19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What does my son do in the bathroom for a half hour when he's showering? He's 8 for gosh sake!
lol...maybe some of the guys can shed light on if boys of that age are 'exploring' already or not.
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: rlrose328 on October 31, 2008, 05:46:43 PM
Post by: rlrose328 on October 31, 2008, 05:46:43 PM
Quote from: "Asmodean"Quote from: "laetusatheos"I was... Or so I seem to remember.Quote from: "rlrose328"19. What is the one question that you would like answered about life?
What does my son do in the bathroom for a half hour when he's showering? He's 8 for gosh sake!
lol...maybe some of the guys can shed light on if boys of that age are 'exploring' already or not.
Well... um... good to know... ?
Title: Re: Survey
Post by: Asmodean on October 31, 2008, 05:51:58 PM
Post by: Asmodean on October 31, 2008, 05:51:58 PM
Quote from: "rlrose328"Well... um... good to know... ?No big deal, that. If that is indeed what he does. Every self-respecting guy who has nothing else to have sex with marries his strongest hand eventually.