tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59229902113892460522023-06-20T05:23:05.089-07:00Progeny of MenM. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922990211389246052.post-82100786937897392702013-04-24T09:49:00.000-07:002013-04-24T10:24:48.249-07:00Religious Understanding<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While striving for perfection, the
very first idea to recognize is that it will never be attained in its complete
form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason is that man cannot hope
to ever reach perfection because man is innately flawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death itself dictates imperfection, because a
perfect body would never die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus
physical bodies are not perfect, so the senses conveyed from the body cannot be
perfect either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The limited sense
perception restricts the understandings of man in areas that cannot be sensed
physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the senses inarguably
dictates the conducts of the human mind, the mind must also be thought of as
imperfect along with everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
human mind arguably is the center of the senses, tasked with interpreting the
physical pulses in the brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This places
the mind as being the center of imperfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore what cannot be physically sensed becomes increasingly hard for
man to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what flawed men
cannot sense is not indicative of false existences outside the current realm of
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proper manner in
which to become more ideal is to understand the limitations of man, in order to
understand what cannot be understood, thus becoming more perfect without ever
reaching full perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means to
witness what cannot be immediately witnessed, and to know what cannot be
currently known.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Death & Life After It<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Religious beliefs are centered on
the concepts of life and death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But any
individual who would be able to convey the exact nature of death, having gone
through death, and the happenings after death, if any, are unable to audibly or
physically message on this fact in a manner that would be undeniably understood
by those who have not yet gone through death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One undeniable fact regarding death that can be presently surmised without
testimony of those already dead is that it is a necessary life step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life relies on death, because without death,
life would not long survive as is currently witnessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine if birth never ceased in its current
rate, yet death did not come as it does to those who have been and will be born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A population’s demand for material resources
would exceed the supply on earth; therefore death would inevitably ensue,
regardless of its present nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Religion seeks to convey understanding of this life stage, and since no
person can adequately describe the exact nature regarding death, having not
gone through it, the religious beliefs seeking to convey this understanding
should not be disregarded entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Herein lies the potential benefit of religious teaching, not merely
beneficial to understanding death, but most especially life and its stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider this parable of the twins: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
upon a time, twin boys were conceived in the same womb. Weeks passed, and the
twins developed. As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy, “Isn’t it great
that we were conceived? Isn’t it great to be alive?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Together
the twins explored their world. When they found their mother’s cord that gave
them life, they sang for joy, “How great is our mother’s love that she shares
her own life with us!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
weeks stretched into months the twins noticed how much each was changing. “What
does it mean?” asked the one. “It means that our stay in this world is drawing
to an end,” said the other one. “But I don’t want to go,” said the one. “I want
to stay here always.” “We have no choice,” said the other. “But, maybe there is
life after birth!” “But how can there be?” responded the one. “We will shed our
life cord, and how is life possible without it?” “Besides, we have seen
evidence that others were here before us, and none of them have returned to
tell us that there is life after birth. No, this is the end.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
so the one fell into deep despair, saying: “If conception ends in birth, what
is the purpose of life in the womb? It’s meaningless! Maybe there is no mother
after all.” “But there has to be,” protested the other. “How else did we get
there? How do we remain alive?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Have
you ever seen our mother?” said the one. “Maybe she lives only in our minds.
Maybe we made her up because the idea made us feel good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
so the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and fear.
Finally, the moment of birth arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
the Twins had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and they cried.
For what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Unknown
Author<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While this parable is undoubtedly
favoring the existence of both a divine presence and life after death,
therefore giving it favor with religious beliefs, the dialogue between the
twins mirrors the struggles of understanding this topic. Perhaps another
example to consider is Plato’s Parable of the Cave, which can be read in
Plato’s Republic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The liberation of the
prisoner from the bondage of the cave, witnessing life outside the cave for the
first time, provides that prisoner with belief of that existence outside of the
cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can represent humanity’s
tendency to not understand what cannot be physically sensed and the
transitional existence of life after death that cannot be understood except by
those who made that transition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Concluding Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">An
ideal man may or may not adopt a particular religion as his spiritual belief
system or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, every man who
would be ideal will understand the benefits of such a belief system, permitted
that belief system does not incite violence against humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man cannot adopt any belief system
that fosters hatred and violence against others since such a man always must be
a fervent protector of the continuance of all life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
are beliefs that love the concept of divinity, as well as those that rebel
against the any concept of divinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just as there are beliefs that love the concept of humanity, and those
that despise humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man must
serve humanity, therefore he cannot adopt beliefs, whether religious in nature
or not, that are against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because an
ideal man realizes the rarity and value of life, as well as the collective lack
of power in man, so life shall be preserved by not being destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since man inherited the capacity to
understand this notion, man also inherited the responsibility that goes along
with it of preserving life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ once stated
in Luke 12:48 (NIV): “From everyone who has been given much, much will be
demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be
asked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
considering the limitations of man in both mind and body, one can also
recognize the flaws in everything devised by man in consequence, even in belief
systems and fields of study. Some may regard religion as a belief system
that is flawed because man himself composed the system. While this is
true of religion, and religion itself may be flawed, this cannot discredit the
belief system in its entirety, no more than one can discredit a tree for having
leaves. The scientific fields of study are also imperfect for the same
obvious reason; man who is limited by his own understanding devised it.
The telling factor in determining the flaws of scientific research is its
ongoing pursuit. For instance, much of science is based on theory, which
is in itself limited, and research requires constant updating because of its
faults. While these two inventions of man serve their own purpose,
religious beliefs system seek to understand the spiritual, while science looks
to examine the physical world, they are considered polar opposites of each
other by many. But this cannot be so, because one describes spirit over
matter while the other describes matter over spirit, they are in fact parallel
to each other. They are not opposites; man has made them opposite by
blindly trusting one over the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
specific reflection all together compliments intellectual pursuits previously
discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding concepts of
life and death, as well as life after death is to increase understanding of all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While religion seeks to convey understanding
of aspects harder for flawed men to comprehend, science also strives to
understand what else can be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
two fields are both tools in which to increase man’s understanding; to entirely
abandon either is to limit understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To further intellectual pursuits regarding a spiritual aspect of life,
which may or may not be connected to the conscious mind, interpreting the
lessons of both fields is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore a study in religious text is appropriate, regardless of one’s
preference in beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while
religious text has been arguably composed by man (some would disagree wholly to
this statement), an ideal man understands the limitations of that as well, but
nevertheless utilizes every tool to aid in further understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To tread beyond the confines of the dark cave
described by Plato, to consider questions beyond the capacity of flawed men, by
utilizing every tool available to man, is to become more ideal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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M. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922990211389246052.post-79051419141762536392013-04-10T17:22:00.001-07:002013-04-10T18:39:11.802-07:00The Intellect<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is the hope of the author that
these recollections and considerations would develop for a reader an idea of
what qualities a man should properly possess, so that he may develop for
himself the need for like qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are numerous qualities in which to explore, and doing so
systematically will hopefully solidify the belief that a man should work to
improve his personal possession of the studied qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although a list of qualities most preferable
cannot be easily made in order of importance, certain qualities can be
emphasized more heavily than others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not to admit more importance is placed on the heavily
emphasized, this is actually an admission that such over emphasis displays the
quality as more broad and therefore requires increased emphasis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quality to be considered at present is
intellectualism.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Take a brief moment to deliberate on
the two distinctly separate entities that compose man - body and mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assume character and spiritual aspects as
dwelling within the mind for this particular example for the sake of
simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mind is the governing
entity that governs all aspects of life for that individual, most especially
the body that seats that mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like
a just government, checks and balances need to be put into place to that entity
that governs to ensure proper order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Herein lies the increased emphasis on the improvement of mental
faculties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the mind is the catalyst
to all other possible improvements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Intellectualism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Intellectualism is quite simply the
on-going process of attaining wisdom and knowledge, the act of being well
informed on the true status of man’s position in the universe and hence be a
practicing intellect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of all qualities
to consider an ideal man possessing, intellectualism is uncommonly broad as
compared to other traits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This broadness
is in consequence to the seemingly never-ending nature of study that is
required of this quality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What is found is the mind is
incredibly pliable in its nature throughout the lifespan; therefore it must be
continually refreshed with learned material to remain in its most efficient
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only effective method to do
this is to introduce new material to foster both awareness and thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new material would ideally be of scholarly
value to be of most practical value, and should be challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As demonstrated by physical exercise, mental
exercise also requires one to increase performance standards in order to perceive
continued improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The most practical medium in which
to digest previously uncovered material is reading, particularly book
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The written word provides for
man a way in which information may be recorded so it is never lost and
physically created so it is never forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What reading does that other mediums such as television and radio does
not is the cultivation of brain activity that is needed to interpret the
written form into an understood idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Television and radio may indeed be engaging enough in their own rights,
yet they rely on one to be observant, rather than directly engaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why reading should be the primary
practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
regards to the selection of the proper material in which is best to engage in
study, effectively choosing to study topics deemed interesting by the
individual would be preferable, at least at the onset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The study of material considered as being
dull is not particularly useful to men who are beginning intellectual
study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is needed is a habit for
learning that can only be initiated through the study of interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One will notice an increased tendency to move
to material not previously considered interesting once a habit for learning has
been conceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this occurs, a
preference should be placed on selecting material absent from formal
educational studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would bridge
gaps in ones education, gaps created by institutions offering incomplete
curriculums.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Formal Education<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
students in much of the world, formal education exists in some form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is offered to children and its curriculum
is heavily influential to the growth of individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This influence makes considering these
institutions significant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing man
must realize is that these institutions of education and the curriculum’s
studied within them are created by man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Man is inherently flawed because his understanding is limited by his
imperfect senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore it is
logical to assume that institutions of formal education have been flawed since
inception as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crudely considered as
fruit from the poisonous tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding
this is crucial to intellectualism because a man aspiring to be a proper
intellectual will understand that a formal education can never be accepted as
sufficient to being intellectual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merely
being awarded a diploma or degree is not directly indicative of knowledge or lack
of knowledge; it is generally symbolic of curriculum and program completion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
current emphasis in formal education observed at the college level is on the
attainments of specific fields of study, termed “majors.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this works well in a professional stance,
it tends to leave one intellectually barren in other areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>General educational courses in current
programs are insufficient in covering what needs to be covered for a man’s
intellect to properly mature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In times
now passed, academic pursuits once enveloped a broader spectrum of study,
non-specific in its form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emphasis
was placed on classical study, matters of thought, and definitions of
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This provided students a firmer
stance in which to launch more specific study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Men today must take it upon themselves to bridge this gap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Concluding Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
men committed to the undertaking of becoming more ideal a man, much emphasis need
be heavily placed on intellectual pursuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A proper intellect is well informed on as many topics as can be
reasonably possible, but never mastering one in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A true practicing intellect cannot rightly
claim mastery to any particular field of study, because such an intellect would
recognize his never-ceasing role as student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Claiming mastery can be argued as similar to hindering the study of the
field claimed mastered, because a master could not learn more so he need not
study more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An intellectual of proper
form could never justify concluding studies in any field as such conclusion
hinders further understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Comprehension
of the inadequacies of present formal educational institutions invokes feelings
of urgency for men of today to revise the individual manner in which to attain
increased mental faculty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man
must rely not on instructors, teachers, or professors, none but only
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the mark of a true man,
one who takes it upon himself to not only improve intellectually, but to undertake
the task on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acting thus, a man
may not only uncover increased understanding for himself but also increased
understanding for humanity, which he will forever serve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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M. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922990211389246052.post-82400875280313357792013-04-03T15:20:00.001-07:002013-04-03T15:20:18.745-07:00To Be Humbled<!--StartFragment-->
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two
commonplace social maladies pervade modern society, personal feelings of
entitlement, as well as beliefs in ownership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To believe that anything is owed or owned to and by man will
consistently fall short to absolute truth because humanity is collectively
unworthy of making such claims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
origin of such claims can be found as rooted in the flaws of humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man only holds these ideas that provide
illusions of ownership and entitlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
study of these social maladies holds significant weight in overcoming their
recidivism on an individual level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
can be seen in society collectively are ideas of attainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A system has been developed so as to promote
distribution of property principled on fairness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This system, derived from the moneyed system,
works to establish that hard earners of money receive goods that are justly
deserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are benefits to this
system; one notable benefit is to work hard to bring into presence items wanted
or needed, which is fairness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with
the benefits come an incredible pitfall, greed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greedy men are slaves to their emotions and appetites, and immature
feelings of superiority, of entitlement, can create much cause for
unfairness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therein lies the flaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feelings of both entitlement and ownership,
derived from illusions, bring out the worst in humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man must recognize this and combat
this for himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entitlement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consider
things that man may claim entitlement to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A man may claim entitlement for certain benefits, or for services, for
money, for even food and air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
harsh reality is that man is entitled to nothing at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nature dictates that living beings must take
resources or suffer death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man of course
has never been an exception to this natural reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What man does to justify the resource grab is
to develop feelings of entitlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
belief that what is taken is owed, simply because the resources are needed to
sustain life and lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely a
person may indulge in what is not entitled, it’s the feelings of entitlement
that is the flaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Objects
or ideas that are man-made fall into the pit of entitlement even further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humanity initiated the illusion that value is
attached to money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the laws of
nature cannot affix value of one resource over another, only man does
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gold for instance is not
particularly valuable at all, only man makes it so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man’s continued pursuit in the attainment of
resources he gives value to gives rise to a perversion of an already diluted
illusion of entitlement. To grant access to a benefit, which gives benefit only
to those who attain it, who feel it’s their right to attain it to somehow
improve living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ownership<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
illusions of entitlement are synchronized with feelings of ownership in the
same manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It matters little what particular
belief system a man may hold, whether religious or not, a claim towards
ownership of anything is a bold move, one with no precedent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can a claim be wholly true if the Divine
created the universe, or nature provided the materials?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man simply cannot make the claim because man
is not as infinitely influential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mankind
has diluted itself to believe that its perceived superiority gives rise to
worthiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, mankind cannot
create; only manipulate what’s already been created long before the rise of
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, mankind will always be
innately unworthy in regards to ownership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
gives way to the notion that even the physical body a conscious being dwells in
is not owned by that being also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
could be believed the only object that a man truly possesses in his own body,
but even this does not reach the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The compelling factor in determining this is the physical makeup of the
body, like everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science
informs man that his body is made of natural elements, formed together in an
incredibly unique biological machine, not currently known to exist anywhere
else throughout the known universe outside of Earth’s species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This discovery validates for man that nature
alone provides the materials necessary to sustain this biological form,
therefore true bodily ownership rests with that which truly creates, rather
than man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To Be Humbled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
say that humanity is collectively unworthy of claiming any entitlements or
ownership is not akin to saying particular individuals are unworthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This idea only permeates the concept that mankind
is simply flawed collectively in this regard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although this outlook may outwardly appear negative towards progress, in
reality, it can have vast potential to individual progression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man, with no feelings of
entitlement, acknowledges what he uses in life, both to sustain life and
lifestyle, is borrowed from his environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such an acknowledgment constructs respect for fulfilling circumstances
that provide numerous opportunities to borrow plentiful resources.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also,
understanding that one cannot possibly hold absolute claim towards bodily
ownership enables an ideal man to treat the form in which his consciousness is
seated with as much respect as he gives the powerful force that provided the materials
for the form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This empowers man with a
new understanding of his current status and institutes a superior sense of
freedom from possessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering
the true position man has in this physical world as seen by the eye, felt by
the hand, keeps man’s feet planted firmly on the earth that rears him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man can recognize the flaws of
humanity, and work to resist such flaws in his own nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real manhood is to be modest, and to
genuinely remain so regardless of success or achievement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For haughty behavior will never reside in the
character of an ideal man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
M. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922990211389246052.post-65888624490038329622013-03-20T16:49:00.001-07:002013-03-20T16:49:23.705-07:00Regarding Truth & Deception<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A father
once told his son that society, as experienced today, is all smoke and
mirrors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That deception is everywhere,
what is seen is not what is real, and not many care to stand outside the circle
of smoke and mirrors to see the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This father’s instruction was so that the son may not commit to believe in
anything he cannot himself prove true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Harboring such a cynical notion may perhaps be too extreme for most, yet
it provides a potentially useful lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That lesson is awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Awareness that truth may not be what is considered true, and reality may
in fact be fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A man must
know what truth itself really is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider the happenings of what is within earshot at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one was to recite what just happened (or
didn’t happen) at a later time, the truth of what happened (or didn’t happen)
would be known by the person(s) present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If by telling of what happened to another person (who was not present in
the past moment) would result in a statement that was anything but what
occurred exactly, then truth was not conveyed in its fullest sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth, as many know, is what is real in its simplest sense. Of course man's perceptions of the natural world may present different natures regarding truth, the simplest sense of truth must first be observed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The loss of truth happens when a
person believes something happened that did not, or that something is that is
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can happen through deceptive
conversation (consider various forms of conversation), or this can happen
through misinterpretation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The former is
the main issue a man must face, the latter can be both innocent, despite the
fault in interpreting a fact, or deliberately deceptive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man who utilizes deception in conversation
or interpretation can never be an ideal man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is because an ideal man realizes deception as a means of corrupting
what is real, and the truth of that reality promotes the proper growth of
humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, promoting deceptive
methods eventually leads to the benefit of no one in the long run.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It can be said that certain types
of deception can be arguably beneficial in some fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may prove correct in extraordinary
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the mere act of
deception cannot promote any long-term benefits to the larger population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Misinformation demotes true progress and the
lack of true progress promotes a lack of true achievement, and subsequently a
lack of widespread happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a man
would find himself in a situation where deceptive acts would prove beneficial,
it would be best for that man to remain silent and mute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The eventual negative backlash of deceptive
acts will outweigh the immediate positive benefits had by it every time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The proper method for avoiding
being deceived is to listen to everything, yet admit only factual truths
provided by reliable evidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a
statement is not validated by evidence deemed reliable, it can hardly be
accepted as true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may end up
leaving a man with an incomplete picture of what is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But an ideal man would rather hold an
incomplete picture based on truth than a complete picture harboring
falsehood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man knows his
actions must benefit humanity to remain in his ideal state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore he accepts only truth, and resists
both being deceived and committing deception in every way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
Concluding
Thoughts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This topic could be argued further,
and perhaps more will be added later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However the same premise will always remain the same for a man wanting
to become more ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The imperfections
of the human mind, the pliable nature of weak faculties, may make the goals
towards reaching this ideal very difficult to attain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, a man must attempt to reach
this goal, if this goal is really what a man desires, to reach a more ideal
version of manhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth can help get men
where they want to go if they use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth
regarding limitations, and truth regarding what is possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth is man’s ally in all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must be known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
M. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922990211389246052.post-44864290890310166192013-03-13T12:32:00.001-07:002013-03-13T12:32:54.580-07:00Introductory Considerations<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It can be said that every proceeding
concept of an ideal man has fallen short of grasping the whole meaning of the
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two obvious reasons why
it is hard to convey what exactly an ideal man is: first the concept is very
broad, and second because the concept may lose traction when crossing cultural
lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This incarnation of the concept
will probably be no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Universal
ideas of what an archetypical man is may be studied, but still fall short when
matched with certain cultures that may not accept some or most of the
concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal here is to simply lay
ground to a universally specific concept, so any aspiring gentleman may look to
undertake the project himself by aspiring to become ideal, no matter his
background of individual perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before considering the individual
characteristics an ideal man may possess, knowing the importance of such study
must first lay the groundwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing
the reasons why will go a long way in providing motivation for men who
undertake this life project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
importance of such study rests in not the individual man, but on the collective
body of humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society and the world
can always use one more righteous inhabitant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A goal that is generally universal to every person is to live in
happiness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ensure the collective
happiness of people, individuals must work for the collective good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This task begins with men, who have always
been tasked with protective and provisionary duties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What makes this study even more
important is the age in which men now find themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Public principles of equality and freedom are
frequently addressed but are still never completely met in American society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could argue the reasons, but the issues
that have once plagued past times continue to plague this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To deny this would be to remain blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Collective change is needed, and it starts
with the individual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Before
proceeding further, let it be known that these writings address men, are
written by a man, who studies both humanity and nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But women may find some useful information
the same way a man might.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it be
known that these writings are in no way sexist – despite being gender
specific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writing is so in response
to the lack of manly qualities demonstrated by modern time and seeks to address
the issues by targeting a direct audience.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perspective<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
most powerful tool a man may wield is his brain and its capacity to
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The capacity to reason is quite
obviously a major factor in the rise of humanity as a dominant species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reason enables man to rise above his
primitive past, and elevates him to better circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the way in which society has
progressed, and that is how its growth must come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before considering what it takes to become
ideal, one must first adopt the added perspective that disciplined reasoning is
the key to personal growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short,
the process of becoming a version of the ideal man cannot adequately begin or
finish if the right perspective qualities are not adopted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
need not change perspective in order to adopt this idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since individuals are limited in their
perceptions of the world to only their own unique perspective, the proper thing
to do is to keep the individual perspective while adding to it with a new
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new idea should be the method
of disciplined reasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always
consider new data, but never commit to its adoption into individual perspective
without running it through reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow
reason to be the filter in which all things are to be run through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping an open mind, while remaining
skeptical, provides an added safeguard against defective thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the individuals may decide what is added
to their own unique perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Corruptibility</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
adding reasoned additions to an individual perspective, it’s important to consider
corruption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corruption of the mind is
why reason must be in place to filter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Corruption happens when the individual stops considering his own
thoughts but blindly adopts the ideas of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is perhaps easiest to think of this as
similar to how a good court judge considers his judgments without being
influenced by anything but written law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An ideal man would never allow his mind to become corrupted by someone
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ideal man would not even
corrupt himself with too much or too hard of thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
reasoning against corruption of the mind is quite simple, to guard against
biased or prejudicial ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
arguably no larger threat to reasoned thinking than a bias.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harboring a biased belief suggests emotions
(not reason) are at the helm of thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prejudicial beliefs are no different, because leaning to any particular
side of an argument by anything other than logic is detrimental to mental
purity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One may keep individual
perspective in-check, but its impossible to do so for others who may not be as
disciplined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One must constantly be aware
of outside influences on individual position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After understanding these first two
considerations, its necessary to close with a few notable points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, in order for a man to become a better
version of himself, he must truly want to be better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better, as in the sense of more righteous,
more correct in moral and ethical behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, a man need not change his personality (unless his personality is
geared towards the destructive ends of others) but merely mend his habits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This mending need not be sterile of
pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process towards becoming
more like an ideal man should provide satisfaction in knowing such improvement makes
a man more desirable to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others
should immediately appreciate the efforts of becoming a more valuable person to
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s most important to
remember that the pursuit of becoming more ideal a man should be motivated by
nothing other than the need to do well to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let that need fuel the progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
M. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922990211389246052.post-2996886874941759142013-03-12T12:43:00.000-07:002013-03-12T12:43:59.258-07:00The Inaugural Post<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
purpose of starting this blog is to rediscover classic virtues, particularly as
those virtues relate to masculinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There already exists countless blogs that seek to do the same, however
all seem to come short to fulfilling the encouragement of true
righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Explored will be the
concept of an ideal man: A man who values both wisdom and technical knowledge,
though preferring the former - A man who is utterly incorruptible by any and
all means, even from himself - A man who respects women, and does all in his
power to both protect and provide – A man who never ceases to attain a more
perfect version of himself, and makes himself, more than anything else, the
true project of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is all in response to a culture that is becoming increasingly hostile towards
traditional virtue, chivalric values, honorable traits, and morality in
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best defense against anything
and everything is a well-informed and well-directed mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author of this blog hopes to provide both
reflections to himself and to others who may feel the need for the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More to come…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
M. Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10391097253990708493noreply@blogger.com0