Except, obviously, we do need mythology.
Take, for example, the myth of the man made millennium, in which science enlightens us and technology liberates us to realise our potential. This mythical condition is no closer today than it ever was, but still the faithful proclaim the imminence of...
The Ottomans were in many ways fairly tolerant and enlightened, certainly by the standards of their time. I’m not sure the same could be said for any majority Muslim state now.
Christians and Jews had protected status under the Ottoman “Millet System” Christianity in the Ottoman Empire - Wikipedia but were required to pay additional taxes, and did not enjoy the same full rights of citizenship as Muslims.
Practice humility, keep the ego in check. When two minds meet, enlightenment may follow for both. When two egos clash, clarity is lost and one by one the lights go out.
The centuries under Ottoman rule was a relatively stable and harmonious era for the Middle East, but it’s not true that Christians and Jews had the same rights as Muslims.
Pretty sure AI is the devil’s work, but that doesn’t necessarily mean no good can ever come of it. Perhaps it’s all part of God’s plan, but all I see with digital technology in general, is humans becoming more and more alienated from nature and from each other.
After you’ve filled all those categories, is there anybody left? Other than the people you agree with that is, and what can you possibly learn from them?
Can’t be easy being Jewish anywhere in the world right now. I don’t suppose it ever was, tbh. Do you think the actions of the current Israeli government is making things better or worse for the Jewish diaspora? Genuine question…
The invasion of Iraq was a 'Special Military Operation'.
Up to that point, Iraq was NATO's proxy in the strategic containment of Iran. US foreign policy has seldom been so incoherent as it was then.
Yes, I think there’s some truth in this. Privilege and comfort eradicate the need to search for the spiritual comfort which only faith can provide.
There is a price to be paid for such an easy life though; deep down, the atheist surely recognises that he is incomplete, and his life is empty.
Where I come from, anyone whose family came over with William the Conqueror (1066) is descended from recent immigrants. Not even the Saxons were native. All human societies were formed by migrants, that's the point.
*Mohicans then.