Thursday, September 16, 2010

Free Will & Morality

Humanity is enslaved to the ideas of our forefathers. Every child is classically conditioned while growing up. They are taught what is right and wrong according to the concept of right and wrong possessed by their parents. What we think of as free will is in essence pre-programmed response to the world, to stimuli. But can we break free?

Humans can only exercise true free will by stepping out of their conditioning. By examining every part of ourselves, every belief, from a 3rd person perspective, and then rejecting or reaffirming. We must look at all competing beliefs and decide which are more rational, which is correct, which holds merit.

The basis then, of true morality is rejecting our parent's concept of right and wrong, realizing that right and wrong are not inherent concepts, and then from that blank slate, reaffirming morality piece by piece. Examine each concept, probe it, break it down and ask Why. Once you have built up your concept of morality from the ground, you can accept it, defend it, and live it; Not because it was conditioned into you as a child, but because you, the free person that you are, have examined and found it worth.

Know yourself entirely. Don't let the morality of the majority rule you. Where would the slaves of the Confederacy be if no one questioned morality? Where would gay rights be? Question what they tell you is right. Question what they say is wrong. And mostly, don't be afraid to disagree, to argue, to debate, to push forth your beliefs. Yet at the same time, don't be afraid to look at the beliefs of others. Don't be afraid to listen. If someone proves you wrong, be willing to open your mind, to be flexible. Never bury your head in the sand and refuse to listen or look at evidence. "I knows what I know, don't confuse me with the facts". <-- Don't be that person.

Know yourself, question, examine, and probe everything. Don't be afraid to argue, but more important, don't be afraid to listen. Know yourself, and be free.
 

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