See Randomness

[dr_tectonic]

This is a short but very good essay.

http://www.paulgraham.com/randomness.html

One of the things that studying the geosciences will give you is a surfeit of perspective. Letting go of your ego enough to recognize that it's not all about you, that most of the universe is just stuff happening, can feel threatening at first. But once you get used to it, it's strangely comforting. There's so much less malice out there than it seems when you perceive bad things as directed attacks. No. Most of the time, it's just stuff happening that you're on the wrong side of...

Comments

[ocschwar.livejournal.com]

Oh, come on. The human tendency to insert teleology into everything is so ingrained, there must be a reason for it.

[goddessdster.livejournal.com]

I like that for the soundbite aspect of it in relating to not taking things personally, but I have to say I don't see anything wrong with seeking a purpose in existence. Humans have always striven to reach beyond the randomness of life, and will always look outward for answers to the unanswerable.

Also, quoting Richard Dawkins is not a way to get on my good side. Not because he's an atheist, but because he denies the necessity of fancy and imagination for happiness.

[dr-tectonic.livejournal.com]

I absolutely agree with you about seeking for purpose. I think that what goes with intentionally seeing randomness is the realization that purpose isn't something we should expect to just be given to us, that we may need to actively search for it -- or maybe even to construct it ourselves.

(I have more thoughts on purpose, but they would require an excess of philosophical blather to express, so not today...)

Yeah, Dawkins is a twat. He one of those people that makes me say "Um, even though I may agree with some of the things you're saying, I really wish you'd stop arguing in favor of them. You're making me look bad by association."

[goddessdster.livejournal.com]

Luckily I am not one who sees one member of a group to represent all members. Otherwise I would hate all humanity.

I would love to read your thoughts on purpose, and possibly discuss them with you. But the philosophical blather is unfortunately required, so whenever you're ready, I'm there.