What's on your mind today?

[The Magic Pudding..]

Another one on the radio on awakening.

The evil Israelis have bombed some people's home.
Dad's dead, five year old,, blah got blown onto to the neighbors roof, he's OK
That's a bit of one of his sisters over there, the rest of her and his other four sisters are...
Mum thanks god that she's still got young blah.

[Tank]

It's just beyond comprehension how people can behave like this towards each other. Humanity has died in the Middle East.

[Asmodean]

Yeah, they regularly run them tear-jerkers in our national media as well.

Sure, it serves its purpose in putting names and faces on the darker realities of war - if any other kind is even a thing. It offers very little in terms of viabole solutions, however. People also tend to opine a whole lot on what, as you put it, evil Israel ought to do, commit to, etc, but barely a word of what the Palestinians should do in return.

"Oh look, people are dying in this here hospice! Isn't that tragic?!" Sure. Then what? Is there, as in this case, a solution to death?

[Icarus]

Hooray ! It is Cinco de Mayo day.  Tacos and tequila time...... and damn those French invaders.

[billy rubin]

lots of places have cancelled their cinco de mayo celebrations because they feared ICE would come by and start arresting people.

my county seat kept theirs going, and closed the road through the middle of town to accommodate the crowds. here's how many people showed up:

[The Magic Pudding..]

Another one on the radio on awakening.

The evil Israelis have bombed some people's home.
Dad's dead, five year old,, blah got blown onto to the neighbors roof, he's OK
That's a bit of one of his sisters over there, the rest of her and his other four sisters are...
Mum thanks god that she's still got young blah.

It's just beyond comprehension how people can behave like this towards each other. Humanity has died in the Middle East.

I can understand the behaviour, humans killing humans of another group is almost normal.
I'm mostly inured to the middle east goings on.
Thanking God for not killing one child after he took the other five and her spouse, still shake my head at that.

Yeah, they regularly run them tear-jerkers in our national media as well.

Sure, it serves its purpose in putting names and faces on the darker realities of war - if any other kind is even a thing. It offers very little in terms of viabole solutions, however. People also tend to opine a whole lot on what, as you put it, evil Israel ought to do, commit to, etc, but barely a word of what the Palestinians should do in return.

"Oh look, people are dying in this here hospice! Isn't that tragic?!" Sure. Then what? Is there, as in this case, a solution to death?

The answer is to kill some innocent people thousands of miles away in the country that has given you shelter because they're not doing what you want.

[Asmodean]

Hooray ! It is Cinco de Mayo day.  Tacos and tequila time...... and damn those French invaders.

The fifth of mayonnaise..?

...Oh! Mexican victory day. We have the WW2 one on the... 8th, I think? It's a regular work day though, which is kinda' nice because that mayonnaise month is rather short on those.

The answer is to kill some innocent people thousands of miles away in the country that has given you shelter because they're not doing what you want.

That's the answer to a different question, I think, but yeah... It can be.

[Bunzabar]

The Mystrikal Manifesto V

Audio Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tawUYh3LBmcJGirEl0FXf6moBTtONtuH/view?usp=sharing

Mystrikism is a rational, integrative philosophical ethos that offers a naturalistic, evidence-based alternative to traditional religions. It establishes a principled identity anchored in critical thought, scientific inquiry, naturalised "spirituality", and measurable ethics that maximise well-being and minimise suffering.

Like other superstitions, the god proposition lacks scientific verification, not due to a failure of inquiry but simply because no justifiable scientific evidence has yet to be found. Moreover, it remains unfalsifiable, placing it outside the realm of testable claims, not even qualifying as a hypothesis.

As a logical result, our agnosticism naturally leads us to non-theism, not out of rigid denial, but simply because we don't know, so we don't believe. This logic is strictly followed, especially due to the potential paradigm-shifting and life-changing nature of the god(s) postulation.

Many forms of atheism, most notably strong atheism, take an outright and active stance against theistic claims, often closing the door to further discussion and creating a sense of finality. Non-theism allows for greater humility and continued inquiry, maintaining provisional disbelief in god(s) without insisting on an absolutely definitive position. In this way, we stay grounded in reality while continuing to explore the nature of existence.

Mystriks commit themselves to the following core ideas:

🐌

Section 1 - Purpose

The ultimate aim of Mystrikism is to empower and facilitate intelligent beings in exploring the mysteries of the universe, appreciating its beauty and complexity, and continuously expanding our knowledge and wisdom. This quest is defined by our dogged pursuit of understanding ourselves and others, nature's web of life, and the intricate workings of the laws of the universe. Every new fact we unveil rewards us with fresh beauty and the joy of discovery.

To this end, all of the Union's remaining principles, while intrinsically invaluable in their own right, first serve to forge a resilient philosophical foundation and promote a culture of peace, trust, and collaboration. This ensures the best conditions to explore, discover, and evolve.

🐌

Section 2 - Acceptance

We recognise that human imperfection is inevitable and instructive. By accepting our inherent fallibility and embracing a mindset of continual growth, we view blunders not as failures but as opportunities for improvement.

Rather than demanding perfection as the goal, we see it as the right direction, where our best efforts to improve are most important. We understand that growth comes from learning from our missteps. This mindset fuels personal evolution and governs all our other values, reinforcing that progress is our true objective rather than flawless achievement.

🐌

Section 3 - Kindness

We see kindness not as a fleeting emotion but as a practical strategy for enhancing well-being and reducing suffering across all life and nature's ecosystems. Our approach draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, showing that compassion and empathy do more than ease individual distress, they lay the groundwork for cooperation, social harmony, and resilient communities.

By integrating ethical practices into everyday life, we transform acts of compassion into powerful agents of societal progress. Each compassionate gesture and act of kindness contributes to the greater good and encourages mutual support and reciprocal goodwill, reinforcing a happier, healthier, and more interconnected world.

🐌

Section 4 - Justice

Justice is not merely a complement to kindness but its indispensable exception, safeguarding compassion so it is neither exploited nor rendered ineffectual. Whereas kindness inspires conduct that supports well-being, justice provides the means for addressing harm when reasoned persuasion proves inadequate. It involves identifying intentional or recklessly harmful actions that cause suffering, and the deliberate dissemination of corrosive deception designed to erode rationality and social trust, holding parties accountable and restoring balance.

Anchored in empirical evidence and reasoned analysis, we assess not only the severity of each transgression but also the scale and intent. We then prescribe proportionate remedies, whether argument, censure, corrective measures, and, as a last resort, the calibrated use of force in the protection of the vulnerable and personal self-defence, or, in the gravest circumstances, righteous, protective war. Finally, we continually refine our responses as situations evolve, ensuring that our actions remain calibrated with evolving evidence and ethical reasoning.

🐌

Section 5 - Honesty

Mystriks acknowledge the limits of human knowledge, perception, memory, subjectivity, partiality, and cognition. They rely on the Integrated Principles of Science (IPS), led by the scientific method, to compensate for these flaws in our attempt to comprehend reality.

This empirical and logical system is the most reliable and, ultimately, the only honest approach for uncovering the current best approximation of truth. The following points are the essential elements of the IPS:

   • Part A - The Scientific Method - Including observation, question, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion, peer review and replication.
 
   • Part B - Critical Thinking - Including scepticism, analysis, logic, open-mindedness, and the qualification of evidence. (See next)
 
   • Part C - Rules of Evidence - R.O.V.R.R.T.E.L.F evidence - Reliable, objective, verified, reproducible, relevant, trustworthy, empirical, logical and falsifiable evidence.
 
   • Part D - Blended Modes of Reasoning - Including abductive, inductive and ultimately deductive reasoning.
 
   • Part E - Analytical Philosophy - Including conceptual analysis, philosophical logic, and epistemology.

   • Part F - Logical Fallacies - Logical fallacies are common errors in reasoning that weaken arguments and distract from the core issues.

By embracing critical analysis over conjecture and thoughtful inquiry over unfounded beliefs, we cultivate an environment where intellectual growth thrives on our readiness to question assumptions and, when necessary, refine or replace our conclusions.

A Mystrik openly admits when something is unknown to them, and even when knowledge is attained, it is always considered provisional and incomplete. We lean into the intellectual discomfort of uncertainty and doubt.

🐌

Section 6 - Naturalism

The Union of Mystriks is built on naturalism, celebrating the universe's intricate beauty and complexity without needing any supernatural add-ons. With no compelling evidence for otherworldly forces, we embrace a reality founded solely on natural elements, leaving no room for magical interpretations.

We insist that every claim must first be falsifiable and then verified before it comes close to earning the provisional badge of belief. Unlike supernaturalism, naturalism has a rock-solid track record when it comes to predictions. Every phenomenon in the universe follows natural laws, and with scientific inquiry, we're steadily peeling back the layers to reveal these laws one discovery at a time.

🐌

Section 7 - Humility

We deeply respect the dynamically infinite unknown, embracing it as our secular "higher power." This concept challenges us to let go of comfortable certainties and welcome an ever-expanding realm of mystery. Instead of treating the unknown as a void to be filled with speculative fears or supernatural ideas, we recognise it as a vast, indifferent facet of reality that humbles our pride, tempers our self-importance, and offers essential perspective.

Our reverence for the unknown isn't about worship or glorification. It isn't a personal deity but simply a label for that which remains mysterious, devoid of mind, agency, personality, or any divine or supernatural traits. Acknowledging the sheer cosmic enormity of what we neither know, comprehend, nor even imagine, we're inspired to venture further, unravel the hidden fabric of existence, and continuously refine our understanding.

🐌

Section 8 - Inspiration

We celebrate the inherent beauty and complexity of the natural world, the awe-inspiring canvas that surrounds us in every sunrise, every delicate dewdrop, and every whisper of the wind. For a Mystrik, those transformative moments of wonder that transcend the ordinary are reinterpreted as naturalised "spiritual" experiences, utterly free of supernatural connotations. Rather than invoking the paranormal, we see awe as a profound, deeply personal catalyst that can reshape a willing consciousness.

Aweism, as it is known, is rooted in the tangible and observable, whether it be the sublime grandeur of an epic scene or the intricate perfection of nature's tiniest details. We affirm our commitment to life by pausing, savouring, and cherishing these moments.

🐌

These principles form the foundation of the Union of Mystriks and its ethos. Mystrikism is a commitment to compassionate reason, rational ethics, the pursuit of awe, and the eternal search for answers. It embraces growth over perfection, doubt over certainty, and wonder over complacency. We do not claim final answers, only the journey of discovery.

[Icarus]

^ That was a really long post. I may read all of it in a day or two.

[billy rubin]

ill stick to riding motorcycles.

[Recusant]

[spoiler=Spammy Screed]The Mystrikal Manifesto V

Audio Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tawUYh3LBmcJGirEl0FXf6moBTtONtuH/view?usp=sharing

Mystrikism is a rational, integrative philosophical ethos that offers a naturalistic, evidence-based alternative to traditional religions. It establishes a principled identity anchored in critical thought, scientific inquiry, naturalised "spirituality", and measurable ethics that maximise well-being and minimise suffering.

Like other superstitions, the god proposition lacks scientific verification, not due to a failure of inquiry but simply because no justifiable scientific evidence has yet to be found. Moreover, it remains unfalsifiable, placing it outside the realm of testable claims, not even qualifying as a hypothesis.

As a logical result, our agnosticism naturally leads us to non-theism, not out of rigid denial, but simply because we don't know, so we don't believe. This logic is strictly followed, especially due to the potential paradigm-shifting and life-changing nature of the god(s) postulation.

Many forms of atheism, most notably strong atheism, take an outright and active stance against theistic claims, often closing the door to further discussion and creating a sense of finality. Non-theism allows for greater humility and continued inquiry, maintaining provisional disbelief in god(s) without insisting on an absolutely definitive position. In this way, we stay grounded in reality while continuing to explore the nature of existence.

Mystriks commit themselves to the following core ideas:

🐌

Section 1 - Purpose

The ultimate aim of Mystrikism is to empower and facilitate intelligent beings in exploring the mysteries of the universe, appreciating its beauty and complexity, and continuously expanding our knowledge and wisdom. This quest is defined by our dogged pursuit of understanding ourselves and others, nature's web of life, and the intricate workings of the laws of the universe. Every new fact we unveil rewards us with fresh beauty and the joy of discovery.

To this end, all of the Union's remaining principles, while intrinsically invaluable in their own right, first serve to forge a resilient philosophical foundation and promote a culture of peace, trust, and collaboration. This ensures the best conditions to explore, discover, and evolve.

🐌

Section 2 - Acceptance

We recognise that human imperfection is inevitable and instructive. By accepting our inherent fallibility and embracing a mindset of continual growth, we view blunders not as failures but as opportunities for improvement.

Rather than demanding perfection as the goal, we see it as the right direction, where our best efforts to improve are most important. We understand that growth comes from learning from our missteps. This mindset fuels personal evolution and governs all our other values, reinforcing that progress is our true objective rather than flawless achievement.

🐌

Section 3 - Kindness

We see kindness not as a fleeting emotion but as a practical strategy for enhancing well-being and reducing suffering across all life and nature's ecosystems. Our approach draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, showing that compassion and empathy do more than ease individual distress, they lay the groundwork for cooperation, social harmony, and resilient communities.

By integrating ethical practices into everyday life, we transform acts of compassion into powerful agents of societal progress. Each compassionate gesture and act of kindness contributes to the greater good and encourages mutual support and reciprocal goodwill, reinforcing a happier, healthier, and more interconnected world.

🐌

Section 4 - Justice

Justice is not merely a complement to kindness but its indispensable exception, safeguarding compassion so it is neither exploited nor rendered ineffectual. Whereas kindness inspires conduct that supports well-being, justice provides the means for addressing harm when reasoned persuasion proves inadequate. It involves identifying intentional or recklessly harmful actions that cause suffering, and the deliberate dissemination of corrosive deception designed to erode rationality and social trust, holding parties accountable and restoring balance.

Anchored in empirical evidence and reasoned analysis, we assess not only the severity of each transgression but also the scale and intent. We then prescribe proportionate remedies, whether argument, censure, corrective measures, and, as a last resort, the calibrated use of force in the protection of the vulnerable and personal self-defence, or, in the gravest circumstances, righteous, protective war. Finally, we continually refine our responses as situations evolve, ensuring that our actions remain calibrated with evolving evidence and ethical reasoning.

🐌

Section 5 - Honesty

Mystriks acknowledge the limits of human knowledge, perception, memory, subjectivity, partiality, and cognition. They rely on the Integrated Principles of Science (IPS), led by the scientific method, to compensate for these flaws in our attempt to comprehend reality.

This empirical and logical system is the most reliable and, ultimately, the only honest approach for uncovering the current best approximation of truth. The following points are the essential elements of the IPS:

    • Part A - The Scientific Method - Including observation, question, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion, peer review and replication.
 
    • Part B - Critical Thinking - Including scepticism, analysis, logic, open-mindedness, and the qualification of evidence. (See next)
 
    • Part C - Rules of Evidence - R.O.V.R.R.T.E.L.F evidence - Reliable, objective, verified, reproducible, relevant, trustworthy, empirical, logical and falsifiable evidence.
 
    • Part D - Blended Modes of Reasoning - Including abductive, inductive and ultimately deductive reasoning.
 
    • Part E - Analytical Philosophy - Including conceptual analysis, philosophical logic, and epistemology.

    • Part F - Logical Fallacies - Logical fallacies are common errors in reasoning that weaken arguments and distract from the core issues.

By embracing critical analysis over conjecture and thoughtful inquiry over unfounded beliefs, we cultivate an environment where intellectual growth thrives on our readiness to question assumptions and, when necessary, refine or replace our conclusions.

A Mystrik openly admits when something is unknown to them, and even when knowledge is attained, it is always considered provisional and incomplete. We lean into the intellectual discomfort of uncertainty and doubt.

🐌

Section 6 - Naturalism

The Union of Mystriks is built on naturalism, celebrating the universe's intricate beauty and complexity without needing any supernatural add-ons. With no compelling evidence for otherworldly forces, we embrace a reality founded solely on natural elements, leaving no room for magical interpretations.

We insist that every claim must first be falsifiable and then verified before it comes close to earning the provisional badge of belief. Unlike supernaturalism, naturalism has a rock-solid track record when it comes to predictions. Every phenomenon in the universe follows natural laws, and with scientific inquiry, we're steadily peeling back the layers to reveal these laws one discovery at a time.

🐌

Section 7 - Humility

We deeply respect the dynamically infinite unknown, embracing it as our secular "higher power." This concept challenges us to let go of comfortable certainties and welcome an ever-expanding realm of mystery. Instead of treating the unknown as a void to be filled with speculative fears or supernatural ideas, we recognise it as a vast, indifferent facet of reality that humbles our pride, tempers our self-importance, and offers essential perspective.

Our reverence for the unknown isn't about worship or glorification. It isn't a personal deity but simply a label for that which remains mysterious, devoid of mind, agency, personality, or any divine or supernatural traits. Acknowledging the sheer cosmic enormity of what we neither know, comprehend, nor even imagine, we're inspired to venture further, unravel the hidden fabric of existence, and continuously refine our understanding.

🐌

Section 8 - Inspiration

We celebrate the inherent beauty and complexity of the natural world, the awe-inspiring canvas that surrounds us in every sunrise, every delicate dewdrop, and every whisper of the wind. For a Mystrik, those transformative moments of wonder that transcend the ordinary are reinterpreted as naturalised "spiritual" experiences, utterly free of supernatural connotations. Rather than invoking the paranormal, we see awe as a profound, deeply personal catalyst that can reshape a willing consciousness.

Aweism, as it is known, is rooted in the tangible and observable, whether it be the sublime grandeur of an epic scene or the intricate perfection of nature's tiniest details. We affirm our commitment to life by pausing, savouring, and cherishing these moments.

🐌

These principles form the foundation of the Union of Mystriks and its ethos. Mystrikism is a commitment to compassionate reason, rational ethics, the pursuit of awe, and the eternal search for answers. It embraces growth over perfection, doubt over certainty, and wonder over complacency. We do not claim final answers, only the journey of discovery. [/spoiler]

The policy here is to boot a post like the above. (First post by an account which is essentially an advertisement.) Of course that policy was created when this site had a lot more traffic. Nonetheless I consider it spam. Does "Bunzabar" even exist or is it some bot created by an enterprising "Mystrik"? No telling, because there is no human touch to the post. Not even a cursory attempt at introducing themself.

It's as if a door to door salesperson just strolled through the front door ("Well you had unlocked it!") and immediately went into their pitch without so much as a "Hello, friends." Or sent their disconcerting sales-bot to do it.  It's rude and altogether presumptuous. Not a positive indication for the ethos of "Mystrikism."

It's most likely nothing but a point-scoring drive-by. "Hey, I posted 12 wall-of-text manifestoes on 12 different discussion boards!" We'll see if "Bunzabar" bothers to return, and if they have anything to say for themself other than "Join our amazing group and share our deep insights." I'm inclined to share a few well-considered expressions of skepticism to be honest, but why bother. A stance of wary equanimity will be sufficient for the moment.

[The Magic Pudding..]

^ That was a really long post. I may read all of it in a day or two.

I wouldn't bother, life's too short.

[Dark Lightning]

Looks like someone filed the serial number off of the Church of Satan's handbook and is trying to pedal it online.

[The Magic Pudding..]

Is Google search shit enough yet that a meaningful many will look elsewhere?

[Dark Lightning]

I saw somewhere that there is a command one can add to their search to sidestep the AI. It's pretty annoying too, that when looking up a word's definition, all kinds of business names crap shows up