Peace and harmony amongst all of mankind

Originally posted by dj2becker
Well to give you the benefit of the doubt, it certainly seems that you have no desire for truth. 😉

The only desire I currently have is for you never to speak to me again, I will not be replying to you again.

Originally posted by Starrman
The only desire I currently have is for you never to speak to me again, I will not be replying to you again.

It's not surprising, since you don't seem to desire to know the truth. 😀

PS: You remind me of the times when I was two years old and when I used to sulk like that. You certainly need to grow up.

Originally posted by Starrman
I disagree with both the premise that greatness is born of understanding and with that of the desire for truth bringing about the best in man. I am not even happy agreeing that man even has a desire for truth.

What is greatness if not a demonstration of newfound understanding?

You don't see man as naturally inquisitive?

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
Yes it is. Think about it a while.

Only if survival is egotistical. I think that is stretching the definition of the word "egotistical" somewhat.

Originally posted by scottishinnz
Only if survival is egotistical. I think that is stretching the definition of the word "egotistical" somewhat.

This may just be a case of semantics. You said "egotistical" in your post. However within the context of our discussion I assumed you meant "egoistic". If you meant "egotistical", I'm at a loss as to your point.

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
What is greatness if not a demonstration of newfound understanding?

You don't see man as naturally inquisitive?

I don;t see the link between understanding and greatness at all, perhaps you'd like to explain it.

Man is certainly inquisitive, in fact I believe our normative state is such. This does not necessarily equate to a search for truth.

Originally posted by Starrman
I don;t see the link between understanding and greatness at all, perhaps you'd like to explain it.

Man is certainly inquisitive, in fact I believe our normative state is such. This does not necessarily equate to a search for truth.

Perhaps you need to define 'greatness'. Maybe your definition is different than mine.

If not a search for truth, then what?

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
Perhaps you need to define 'greatness'. Maybe your definition is different than mine.

If not a search for truth, then what?

Greatness is merely exceeding the established norm in a positive way.

When you say truth you are establishing the question as propositional in nature. But it seems to me there are a great many questions which have no answer in truth: aesthetical or relative judgements for example.

Questions do not always have answers and even if they do, they do not always have ones with truth values.

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
This may just be a case of semantics. You said "egotistical" in your post. However within the context of our discussion I assumed you meant "egoistic". If you meant "egotistical", I'm at a loss as to your point.

They have similar meaning. I'll use egoistic in the future if you prefer though.

Originally posted by Starrman
Greatness is merely exceeding the established norm in a positive way.

When you say truth you are establishing the question as propositional in nature. But it seems to me there are a great many questions which have no answer in truth: aesthetical or relative judgements for example.

Questions do not always have answers and even if they do, they do not always have ones with truth values.

Sorry but I see nothing 'great' about exceeding the established norm.

You have a pretty narrow definition for "truth" there.

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
Sorry but I see nothing 'great' about exceeding the established norm.

You have a pretty narrow definition for "truth" there.

So where are your definitions then?

Originally posted by scottishinnz
They have similar meaning. I'll use egoistic in the future if you prefer though.

Getting back on topic: Yes, I see fighting over food and water as being self-centered.

Originally posted by Starrman
So where are your definitions then?

Greatness would be exceptionally outstanding. In my mind, at the very least it would demonstrate exceptional understanding if not newfound understanding. Bonus for a quantum leap in understanding.

Truth would involve the ultimate reality and not just true / false propositions.

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
Greatness would be exceptionally outstanding. In my mind, at the very least it would demonstrate exceptional understanding if not newfound understanding. Bonus for a quantum leap in understanding.

Truth would involve the ultimate reality and not just true / false propositions.

I still can't see how understanding and greatness are linked and I think your definition of truth is bizarre, what is ultimate reality exactly? I don't even understand such a term. Could you elucidate?

Originally posted by Starrman
I still can't see how understanding and greatness are linked and I think your definition of truth is bizarre, what is ultimate reality exactly? I don't even understand such a term. Could you elucidate?

Are you just messing with me?

Take any work of art or music that you consider 'great' and explain what makes it great.