Orthogonal,
Like you, I would've laughed. I find the idea of a giant flaming chicken funny. You say that this makes me uncompassionate, that I am not considering the person inside that flaming chicken suit. That is exactly the point we disagree on. You see, you are right. I'm not considering the person inside the suit. I'm thinking only about the visual image of a giant flaming chicken. That is what I find funny. It isn't the idea of that poor girl inside being burned alive, and I'm fairly sure it wasn't for you either. When I think about the girl, I feel bad for her. When it comes to our friend, I laugh because he happens to look like a cartoon character and I find the similarity amusing. I doubt you could find anything funny that i could find a reason for someone to get upset over.
Now, with that being said, let's look at the true nature of your 'compassion'.
orthogonal said:
Mephura, you’re perfectly free to laugh at someone’s birth defect. You’re also free to pick your nose or sniff your armpits in public.
A birth defect? The guy has a large forehead and you label it a birth defect? I see a guy that bares a resemblance to a cartoon character, but is nevertheless, a normal human being. You see someone that is defected, subhuman. Is that the nature of your compassion? To judge anyone that doesn't conform to your narrow view of what is 'normal' as defected? Look at your own words, and speak to me about the nature of your heart.
Why the implied insult? Because I find the picture comparison funny, I am suddenly the type of individual that would pick his nose, etc in public? Is that the view you have of those that disagree with you; Rude, crude individuals with little or no social skills?
No wonder your 'compassion' is so free flowing. You view the rest of the world, or more precisely those that don't share your views and general appearance, as being deformed, ignorant, stupid, uncouth, and miscreants. You look at society as being less than you are and thus worthy of your pity and compassion.
There’s no argument that I could possibly give to make you feel compassion for another person.
And there is your arogance showing again. You presume I don't feel compassion for others. Why? Because I laughed at something I found humorous. Perhaps if I removed all the joy and laughter from my life I might be virtuous in your eyes?
Have you ever wondered about the Christian Commandment that we should love each other? It’s ridiculous.
Actually, it isn't ridiculous in the least. (This from a guy that doesn't buy the religion or the book in the least) The quote is "Thou shalt love thy neighbor like thyself." Those last two words are why you find it ridiculous. How can you love anyone else as you do yourself when you start off by reducing them to less than you? The idea is to view those around you as equals to yourself and treat them as such. Love them as you love yourself.
Simple really.
Love is an emotion; a feeling. How could anyone be commanded to love (to feel)? You could no more order me to feel happy at my mother’s funeral than I could order you to feel compassion for the guy with the extended forehead.
Interesting. First you 'suggest' that we change what we find funny, then you tell us that we can't control what we feel.
But the reason why I can’t explain why you shouldn’t laugh at someone’s physical deformity is the same reason why it’s useless for you to tell me to “lighten up.” It feels unworthy for me to laugh at another man’s misfortune. What’s more, I’m not at all sorry for feeling this way.
Again with the deformity talk. The man has a large forhead, not a tenticle growing out of it. You presume the man is unfortunate why? Because of how he looks? What you have said is that this guy looks different than what you would consider normal, therefore he must have a birth defect and a horible life, so we should pity him. Honestly, don't you think you are being the least bit judgemental?
You like quotes. What is that biblical one about judging?
Goethe wrote:
”Du gleichst dem geist den du degreifst.”
“You resemble the thoughts that you conceive.”
If that is true, you have my sympathies.
This brings me to your question why I sprinkle quotes throughout my posts. I read a great deal. Strangers have told me that they know me as the guy who always has a book in his hand. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. I read mostly mathematics, philosophy and physics. What’s more, I take notes when I read.
...
Since everything I write is written primarily for myself, you can think of my quotes as little mental prompts, or notes in the margins of my writing. Another reason I include quotes is that I want to pay homage to the source of an idea.
You read and learn so much, but find the simplist bible verse ridiculous and beyond comprehension? I will admit, though, that that is one of the bestdefenses I have heard for the habit. I will leave my personal feelings on it for another time.