[Maguru]

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

And what is wrong with judgement? Judgement is discernment, and discernment is wisdom. I may not be putting it nicely, but I would point out that you are judging me here, and you don't seem to have a problem with that. Is a double standard appropriate, in this case? Look: I am not even saying it is inappropriate.

Micheal, I asked you a question regarding your opinions.........

Originally Posted by Micheal

the problem is people continuing to fail to take responsibility for their lives,
I consider it an artifact of sheer laziness and willful ignorance.

Take these people and put them on the great, hypothetical Desert Island. Give them no science or technology, but provide easily accessible food and water, with minimal danger. You will still get existential angst, unless they decide to stop whining and come up with their own raison d'etre.

I agree you aren't putting it nicely.

And you say my view is divisive. Divisive between whom, I ask you? Do you believe I am elitist, in seeing that I have made progress where others have not? In that sense, I am, because I believe it to be true. Not everyone is equal, and some people are educated, strong of will, great of character, where others are not. No, those of us who have made the next ledge up the mountain will continue to look upwards. And some of us will take our rope and lower it down, and brace ourselves as the rest follow.

Equality is based on humanity, not education and social status. We are equal but some like to think they are better. Aren't we just different?

I haven't actually given your character much thought. I was just addressing the issues but you seem to have taken it personally.

I have been suicidal myself. I'd say I bring more first-hand knowledge to this issue than most others. I am still suicidal; I have simply chosen to get something done before I allow myself the luxury of death. The death-wish is less strong these days, because I intently focus on life in its myriad forms. I hope to die by a bullet, because I have an irrational belief that it will be an assassination, and that will mean I was worth assassinating. So I continue climbing up the mountain, grabbing a rope when I trust the Spaniard not to drop it, jamming my fists into the cracks when I do not. It is not enjoyable, but it is necessary to achieve what I want to achieve. When I suffer, I bear the suffering. And when I find joy, I bask in its brief light. This is life. It is a suicide mission, but in the words of Steel Brightblade, we will sing the hero songs ourselves.

So no. I am not speaking from the ivory tower either.

Maybe not but everyone isn't like you. Everyone hasn't got your strengths. Not everyone can handle the intense pain. Not everyone knows how to take responsibility for themselves. Many are alone without support. Not everyone can be heroes. Not everyone is smart either.

So no. I have no pity or sympathy for those who have "existential angst" and then decide it's all these Cthulu-esque terrors of science and technology imprinting their mark on the experience of our lives. If you want to be inconsequential, then go ahead. Don't whine about having no meaning in your life, though. If you want meaning, go and make it. Take responsibility. Be a smart person, develop yourself personally, grow up, and be consequential.

I am sorry you experience suicidal tendencies and I believe it has been and still is, very difficult for you. I'm happy to give you the opportunity to vent and express yourself. I do have sympathy, pity and compassion for you and for others and for myself. The pit of despair is pretty inhospitable. I wish you well.