I have been watching many of your videos lately & found all of them incredibley self-reflective due to relevance especially videos such as this & I won't say this video convinced me, but it more like nudged me over the threshold that is putting thought into action.
My first donation is coming your way, thank you for the videos. I was searching for ages on youtube for insightful like-minded video content to be, well a positive influence on my life seeing as I've had none growing up. ...
@twistedfool420 I've been reasonably informed for the past year or two & felt the requirement to have a secondary opinion sort of, in order to take the next step for myself which is putting my desires & thoughts to action. Which hopefully will achieve me this happiness that I've been urning for, not just momentary satisfaction.
You are a powerful , inspirational teacher that has gotten my complete attention !
One question comes to mind : Is the concept of morality something that can be universally recognized and practiced - Or would one persons' morality , be another persons' Immorality ?
Maybe you cover this in other videos - I'll enjoy fulfilling myself with the wealth of information you so eloquently provide !
If you're at 70% - man , I can't imagine 100% - the light would be blinding - will need sun glasses !
The respect I have for you for putting up these kinds of videos on Youtube is really indescribable. You're a huge inspiration and role model. It's such an inspiration to watch and listen to a video about rational principles, virtues, and values from someone who seems to exemplify the role of the true philosopher. You're great. Please don't stop!
So thank you for this amazing lecture. I have been hearing alot of advice from alot of different people as well with the same message that you give. I feel this is the reason me and so many others are not happy today!
Thank you good sir. I have been talking about my truths and the truth in the world for so very long, and I have done my part in not supporting as much as I can in regards to the food I eat and the places I shop and taxes that I don't pay...but I still feel like I should move on from the atmosphere that I have been stuck in for so very long and the people I hang out with. They all know the truth but are not willing to put their knowledge into action. It's pure insanity.
It is very difficult. I have just one good friend who I agree with on every level, and was panicking that I'd loose the friendship when I introduced them to the idea of anarchy and FDR. Fortunately, that decision to suppress my fear of rejection turned out for the best. Now we feel isolated and old together! ;-)
Just keep probing people with the ideas and virtues you hold dear. The ones who listen to you are probably keepers!
How do you find these people that don't support this evil system? I try to live by a philosophy that the more I listen to you , it sounds fairly similar, but you say you surround yourself with people who don't support this evil system and I'm wondering where did you find them? I'm finding I'm isolated because I don't support this system. Hopefully this doesn't sound crazy, cause sometimes I feel it. Just wondering what you have to say about it. Thanks.
You talk about intervening between a parent and a child.
Would you want someone to do that to you?
I wouldn't want someone to tell me what was right and wrong with my child or intervene with the way I raised them.
I think that is shaky ground to get on.
My opinion on how to save the world is some people shouldn't have kids. period.
I have seen parents be real dicks to there kids. Its like the parents are placing the blame of the kid being born on the kid, when its the parents fault.
if you see a parent abusing a child at least if you say something in defense of the child, the child has a witness, and knows there is someone who feels their pain and confirms that what the parent is doing is wrong. As Alice Miller believes, a child who has been abused can only grow to confront the pain and fear they felt as children, which will lead to happiness, if they have a witness to help them at some point. It is quite important in that respect that enlightened witnesses speak out.
Have you ever been right, and you know your right, its on something simple, and yet you have a person argue with you that your wrong? And there so determined to prove you wrong that you get tired of arguing with them, yet you have this funny feeling the rest of the day?
I guess where I am going with that, is even though I know there is a better way to raise your kid. I don't want to be told "Fuck off" by a parent. o.o'
I guess the way I see it, is that if I as an adult am scared of a person who might give me some verbal abuse, but that i can walk away from at any moment, so scared that it stunts me in my efforts to say anything to the abuser, then I can only just begin to imagine how scared that child must feel, who is stuck with the abuser all the time and is totally powerless against him/her.
Trying to change the parent isnt what I focus on, but being an empathetic witness for the child.
Because right and wrong seem to be only subjective values, not objective realities. They are intellectual constructs, useful ones, but not universal ones.
So when you tie the actions of the state with your own personal sense of right and wrong you will alienate the people whose sense of right and wrong are tied to the state (most people)
Besides, talking about things in terms of right and wrong would be inaccurate if morality is indeed subjective.
Thanks. I don't really think stefbot is ignorant, he's obviously thoroughly educated.
But I think that's he has codified and internalized what he's learned. If he ever ends up tie-ing his emotional well-being to his intellectual models, he could become a dogmatist.
My main free book is "Poison for the Heart" (google it). There are free podcasts at "The reasoning show", my youtube videos are at "MenoftheInfinite", and there is a forum at "Genius forum". Thanks for asking.
Powerful indeed. This stuff should be labelled with a radiocativity symbol. Almost wish I hadn't watched it because there is no neutralizing agent to cancel understanding. Thanks Stef.
I know that surrounding yourself with people who share your morals and philosophy might be a great thing. However, would you not have entrapped yourself within a soft and fluffy shell. Maybe coming into contact with those who disgust us on a regular basis, or those who annoy us, is living in an authentic reality, feeling pain and uncomformity and therefore, truly living and hence growing spiritually? {exhales deeply}.
Well actually what was great about The Watchmen was now flawed and immoral the superheroes were. If there's a message to take from that movie it's "You really can't rely on powerful people to make the world virtuous.". And people who do evil because it's a really smart way to achieve goals aren't that smart.
I bet the people who went to see Watchmen were surprised...most of the "superheroes" in the film are definitely not virtuous, which is a good thing I think. Compared to most comics/movies, it's a far more realistic depiction of what superheroes would be like if they actually existed.
Dam right Im doing it!!! but always take time to stop and admire the beautie of the earth its self,and in tail leads me to thinking the company I keep... that there are no more irrational or non moral friends left....wow!! Just a wonderful hand full of lovely people in my life. I am truly happy with that!!! wicked vid Stefan
Thank you for your myriad solutions, however I was actually asking a specific question as I was interested in Stef's position on this issue, not so much as how to treat war veterans.
Specifically I am curious as to whether Stef thinks war veterans should be treated with disdain as ex-hitmen/murderers and held accountable for their support of the state and crime against humanity, or if he instead looks upon them as ignorant or unwilling victims that should be treated with compassion and pity.
"Specifically I am curious as to whether Stef thinks war veterans should be treated with disdain" I obviously cannot speak for Stef, but I suspect he would say that if you choose to interact with them, do so with all empathy, curiousity, and honestly, etc. What they desperately need is to have someone tell them the truth and not continue lying to them as most people do. Whether or not they accept that is another thing altogether but it's what their soul needs.
Yes, I didn't mean we should all run up and kick the disabled vets we see. lol Its just one of those lovely dilemmas - I personally give veterans a lot of respect, especially the injured, as I realize like myself they were lied too and deceived by their government.
Paradoxically, as adamant as Stef is about patriotism and supporting the armed forces, I wondered what his response would be. I have such wretched feeling and disdain for our government - who are the real victims and who is culpable?
This has been one of the hardest lessons of all to learn.
As much as philosophy is about how we think, it's that and more about how we act -- how we CHOOSE to act.
VICE is virtue in word, but not in deed.
If love is the involuntary response to virtue, and virtue is only virtue in action, then hate must be the involuntary response to the hypocrisy of virtue in word alone.
As all things begin with the self, then self-hatred is the first hatred of vice.
I honestly think there's a difference between disrespect and disagreeing. I might disagree with one of my friends on his point of view of religion, but I will still respect him and maintain the friendship, because I enjoy it.
Respect is one of my values and stopping a friendship because someone disagrees on one of my opinions would be to go against my own principles (and acting against my philosophy).
The points presented in this video seem very hard to achieve. For example, I don't have one friend who shares ALL of my values and ideas. Yes, some of them are anarchists but are also religious. Where do you cut the line ? And how did you manage to achieve this ultimate level of similarities between people ?
The truth is that if you live your virtues and follow your ethics it will thin that crowd out on its own.
I began to put my ethics and values into effect at a near 95% rate about a decade ago and almost immediately those that could not handle the intense clarity of reflection (that being reflecting not what they wanted from me, but the truth at all costs) they remove themselves.
I, honestly had to do little myself to make those decisions. When you carry the light it will dispel the shadows.
Stefbot too be honest, I disagree with you on a few things. I think you are putting down alot of people who don't agree with your philosophy. Generally, people don't look at the government as we all do, but more so as just the government. Most people enjoy being very kind however still support the government, most likely because they simply see the government on a profesional level and themselves on a personal level. I don't see the problem with having friends I disagree with.
"I don't see the problem with having friends I disagree with. " How about having friends who think that if you don't give your money to the state you should be kidnapped and thrown into jail, and shot and killed if you resist? How about having people in your life who agree that you should you reason and evidence to determine things, rather than irrationality. I think that is more along the lines of what he was talking about.
Alcoholics have a saying that goes: "Walk the walk if you are going to talk the talk."
Which means, obviously, put your money where your mouth is - otherwise you are just another second-hander, or bullshit artist.
Never actually practicing what you preach - sort of like Born Again Christians. Everyone of them I've ever met was an adulterating, histrionic sociopath. lol I guess the convenience of forgiving oneself.
Would you encourage me to "live my truth"? Even though I am a Christian? I absolutely agree that the value of your philosophy or religion lies in its application to your life. the bible says that out of the heart(mind) flows all of the actions of our lives. if we say we believe something and it is not born out in our actions we are simply deluded about what we believe. You can always tell what someone believes by what they actually do.
That one is easy. First of all, I would imagine Stef would encourage you to live your truth - otherwise you are just being a hypocrite, aren't you? The entire point of this video.
I think you have a fundamental issue as I see you wrote "your philosophy or religion" (it would appear you don't understand that philosophy is the antithesis of religion, the exact opposite. They could not exist as one and the same (that is the logical fallacy of mythology).
What things are included in wisdom or... what things are not included in wisdom?
It is you that do not understand philosophy, philosophy is everything: science, economics, logic, politics, anthropology, psychology, medicine, mathematics, etc. and theology.
philosophy is in a word: Worldview. How do we see the world and apprehend the truth therein. Religion and theology are an avenue of philosophy not an antithesis, philosophy's opposite is nothingness.
However that is exactly the sort of twisted logic I would expect from someone that believes in mythology.
"Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, truth, beauty, law, justice, validity, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing these questions (such as mysticism or mythology) by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on reasoned argument."
"beauty" "critical, generally systematic" ... uhhh..
This is the inconsistency in your exclusion of theology, you allow beauty, even though beauty cannot be looked at critically and systematically. at least theology can.
you confuse philosophy with one of its constituent disciplines: logic.
you are a hypocrite, you don't live by your philosophy.
LOL - Wow, you are able to glean all that from 2 posts...you are quite the adversary aren't you.
I think that with a little more education in the field you might see how you fully exposed your own inadequacies and deficiencies in this arena. I think Stef even has a video on the subject.
However, it isn't worth you getting all flustered - I find your tantrum not only amusing but quite telling as well.
Keep up the good work Christian and best of luck. lol
It's unbelievable how much you can learn about someone by pointing out the violence of statism. I learned that I have had good taste in my closest friends, as those who I felt were good people tended to agree with me, if cautiously at first. But I have lost SO many acquaintances, even some very intelligent ones, even some "pacifists" who I thought would have related to what I was saying. If you are an ethical person, living ethics will reveal your true friends. I've found it totally worthwhile.
I remember seeing a father hitting his little girl in the middle of the street in a foreign country. My girlfriend (who is from said country) told me not to intervene, as it was normal and that the man was legally entitled to hit his child.
I was really angry but decided not to act, it still comes back to bother me on around a weekly basis.
Sorry for this partly off-topic comment, your example just struck a nerve.
Twice. Once in a parking lot. Parent angrily forcing child (looked about 4) into car. Me, (Light heartedly) "Hey, your probably having a bad day but those little guys break pretty easy." Explosion "MIND YOUR OWND DAMN BUSINESS...etc" Similar incident in a department store. If there's is immediate danger to their health I'd still speak up but maybe there's another way to handle it.
FYI: What you're doing here Stef is very admirable and stimulating (and doesn't require batteries:)
:) I fell like you went offtopic with the whole government thing. I'm pretty sure the viewers want something more straightforward relating to how they could achieve happiness.
I've already considered the most likely outcome of intervening in child abuse. They will simply say "Don't tell me how to raise my child!!" and then I can't do anything. Maybe if the kid is paying attention he will hear my arguments and realize this isn't normal, but then again, how likely is it that he will trust a random stranger? I know it's right to intervene, but what good will it do?
Please please change it to Reason + Virtue = happiness. Reason = Virtue = Happiness implies that Reason = Virtue <-- false.
For logical connectors, "Reason AND Virtue IMPLIES Happiness". And Happiness Implies Reason AND Virtue (well not technically since there's the counter example of chemical induced happiness without any virtue or reason)
I think Stef's argument is that you don't actually believe rationality unless you act on it. Because if you can see why something is reasonable, but you don't act on it, then you aren't being reasonable.
But I might be wrong... Your's was a good comment anyway, it got me thinking.
if you have drawn up the blueprint to a tree house for your children but do not assemble it. What then is the value of the tree house to your children? . he is not stating that reason= virtue, but provides the formula in which to achieve happiness. there is still effort involved in solving the equation. He stresses the fact that virtue is something you have to make a concious effort to act upon.
Yea I agree with what he says outside of virtue = reason. The problem is only in syntax, Virtue = Reason is equivalent, in your scenario, to saying "IF you've drawn up a blueprint for a tree house, THEN you've necessarily assembled the tree house". and "IF you've assembled a tree house, THEN you originally had a blueprint."
.. and also. It would be cool if you did a video about the situation in Iran. Dont know if there's alot to say that isnt obvious, but It would be nice to hear youre thoughts.
I have been watching many of your videos lately & found all of them incredibley self-reflective due to relevance especially videos such as this & I won't say this video convinced me, but it more like nudged me over the threshold that is putting thought into action.
My first donation is coming your way, thank you for the videos. I was searching for ages on youtube for insightful like-minded video content to be, well a positive influence on my life seeing as I've had none growing up. ...
twistedfool420 2 months ago
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twistedfool420 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@twistedfool420 I've been reasonably informed for the past year or two & felt the requirement to have a secondary opinion sort of, in order to take the next step for myself which is putting my desires & thoughts to action. Which hopefully will achieve me this happiness that I've been urning for, not just momentary satisfaction.
twistedfool420 2 months ago
about surrounding yourself with virtues people. what if the pro slavery pro enslavement persons are say your family?
landloper1986 4 months ago in playlist Meer video's van stefbot
Closing the gap of cognitive dissonance is imperative to happiness.
Pomaori 6 months ago
Where is the movie review "V for Vendetta" mentioned in the clip? I can't find it in your channel list.
stevieosaurus 8 months ago
@stevieosaurus
try looking for a podcast
cheers
hqkobalt 6 months ago
Comment removed
OneMove33 1 year ago
Hey, hey don't look at me! I donated dinero.
drew335533 1 year ago
You are a powerful , inspirational teacher that has gotten my complete attention !
One question comes to mind : Is the concept of morality something that can be universally recognized and practiced - Or would one persons' morality , be another persons' Immorality ?
Maybe you cover this in other videos - I'll enjoy fulfilling myself with the wealth of information you so eloquently provide !
If you're at 70% - man , I can't imagine 100% - the light would be blinding - will need sun glasses !
rolynstone48 2 years ago
Question: suppose this is not your cousin, but rather, your mother or father who has deeply immoral views?
nurbSoldier 2 years ago
The respect I have for you for putting up these kinds of videos on Youtube is really indescribable. You're a huge inspiration and role model. It's such an inspiration to watch and listen to a video about rational principles, virtues, and values from someone who seems to exemplify the role of the true philosopher. You're great. Please don't stop!
queensNY2185 2 years ago
So thank you for this amazing lecture. I have been hearing alot of advice from alot of different people as well with the same message that you give. I feel this is the reason me and so many others are not happy today!
rickiedee 2 years ago
Thank you good sir. I have been talking about my truths and the truth in the world for so very long, and I have done my part in not supporting as much as I can in regards to the food I eat and the places I shop and taxes that I don't pay...but I still feel like I should move on from the atmosphere that I have been stuck in for so very long and the people I hang out with. They all know the truth but are not willing to put their knowledge into action. It's pure insanity.
rickiedee 2 years ago
It is very difficult. I have just one good friend who I agree with on every level, and was panicking that I'd loose the friendship when I introduced them to the idea of anarchy and FDR. Fortunately, that decision to suppress my fear of rejection turned out for the best. Now we feel isolated and old together! ;-)
Just keep probing people with the ideas and virtues you hold dear. The ones who listen to you are probably keepers!
You also have the intangible internet community!
corruptiblelogistics 2 years ago
How do you find these people that don't support this evil system? I try to live by a philosophy that the more I listen to you , it sounds fairly similar, but you say you surround yourself with people who don't support this evil system and I'm wondering where did you find them? I'm finding I'm isolated because I don't support this system. Hopefully this doesn't sound crazy, cause sometimes I feel it. Just wondering what you have to say about it. Thanks.
ChoasTheory2000 2 years ago
@9:21
You talk about intervening between a parent and a child.
Would you want someone to do that to you?
I wouldn't want someone to tell me what was right and wrong with my child or intervene with the way I raised them.
I think that is shaky ground to get on.
My opinion on how to save the world is some people shouldn't have kids. period.
I have seen parents be real dicks to there kids. Its like the parents are placing the blame of the kid being born on the kid, when its the parents fault.
MRSketch09 2 years ago
if you see a parent abusing a child at least if you say something in defense of the child, the child has a witness, and knows there is someone who feels their pain and confirms that what the parent is doing is wrong. As Alice Miller believes, a child who has been abused can only grow to confront the pain and fear they felt as children, which will lead to happiness, if they have a witness to help them at some point. It is quite important in that respect that enlightened witnesses speak out.
candburd 2 years ago
@candburd
Have you ever been right, and you know your right, its on something simple, and yet you have a person argue with you that your wrong? And there so determined to prove you wrong that you get tired of arguing with them, yet you have this funny feeling the rest of the day?
I guess where I am going with that, is even though I know there is a better way to raise your kid. I don't want to be told "Fuck off" by a parent. o.o'
MRSketch09 2 years ago
@MRSketch
I guess the way I see it, is that if I as an adult am scared of a person who might give me some verbal abuse, but that i can walk away from at any moment, so scared that it stunts me in my efforts to say anything to the abuser, then I can only just begin to imagine how scared that child must feel, who is stuck with the abuser all the time and is totally powerless against him/her.
Trying to change the parent isnt what I focus on, but being an empathetic witness for the child.
candburd 2 years ago
I have never seen a child "abused."
But you have made a good point in what you have said, never thought of it that way.
MRSketch09 2 years ago
what is better to you, money or wisdom?
ltlegenda 2 years ago
why does it have to be one or the other?
stefbot 2 years ago 3
@Stefbot
"Why does it have to be one or the other?"
I agree.
MRSketch09 2 years ago
@stefbot oh yeah.. that is a false dilemma right?
sniped101 1 year ago
Also, real wisdom can help obtain money
RogueSwordThesco 2 years ago
I am frustrated by the absolutist way that you talk about morality and good and evil.
Jcolinsol 2 years ago
why do you think that is?
stefbot 2 years ago
Because right and wrong seem to be only subjective values, not objective realities. They are intellectual constructs, useful ones, but not universal ones.
So when you tie the actions of the state with your own personal sense of right and wrong you will alienate the people whose sense of right and wrong are tied to the state (most people)
Besides, talking about things in terms of right and wrong would be inaccurate if morality is indeed subjective.
Jcolinsol 2 years ago
You could well be right, you might want to have a listen to my free book on ethics, available on my website...
stefbot 2 years ago
yes i agree with Jcolinsol .. it is pure absolutist talk .. which is nothing more then a hidden form of ignorance
yourboycal 2 years ago
Thanks. I don't really think stefbot is ignorant, he's obviously thoroughly educated.
But I think that's he has codified and internalized what he's learned. If he ever ends up tie-ing his emotional well-being to his intellectual models, he could become a dogmatist.
Jcolinsol 2 years ago
what do you say to people who can't donate? I am a student who is severely broke. :(
nkosmach 2 years ago
I appreciate that, I was a broke student myself as well, perhaps you can do a little something to promote the show..?
stefbot 2 years ago
Hey Stefan, I've decided to keep my donation to you as your donation to me. :-)
KevinSolway 2 years ago
Excellent, can you tell me what you free books and videos are?
stefbot 2 years ago
My main free book is "Poison for the Heart" (google it). There are free podcasts at "The reasoning show", my youtube videos are at "MenoftheInfinite", and there is a forum at "Genius forum". Thanks for asking.
KevinSolway 2 years ago
Powerful indeed. This stuff should be labelled with a radiocativity symbol. Almost wish I hadn't watched it because there is no neutralizing agent to cancel understanding. Thanks Stef.
gottogochild 2 years ago
Is it possible to go from 1% virtue to 0% virtue?
OpineTime 2 years ago
you can go negative too
stefbot 2 years ago
I know that surrounding yourself with people who share your morals and philosophy might be a great thing. However, would you not have entrapped yourself within a soft and fluffy shell. Maybe coming into contact with those who disgust us on a regular basis, or those who annoy us, is living in an authentic reality, feeling pain and uncomformity and therefore, truly living and hence growing spiritually? {exhales deeply}.
CelticReject 2 years ago
To me, that seems like asking people with the flu to sneeze on you...
stefbot 2 years ago
lol. Perhaps.
CelticReject 2 years ago
Well actually what was great about The Watchmen was now flawed and immoral the superheroes were. If there's a message to take from that movie it's "You really can't rely on powerful people to make the world virtuous.". And people who do evil because it's a really smart way to achieve goals aren't that smart.
newperve 2 years ago
steph that was very, very insightful
martinkline 2 years ago
I bet the people who went to see Watchmen were surprised...most of the "superheroes" in the film are definitely not virtuous, which is a good thing I think. Compared to most comics/movies, it's a far more realistic depiction of what superheroes would be like if they actually existed.
kvan1917 2 years ago
I want a vaguely gay sidekick! No but seriously great series, keep it up!
Leonin88 2 years ago
Yes, I thought that was quite witty - as well as the hot elf chic reference. lol
Back to being a self beater (and not in the fun way). ;)
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
Stef, you are the Jimi Hendrix of philosophy. By that, I mean you are so prolific. Great talks man.
reason285 2 years ago
Dam right Im doing it!!! but always take time to stop and admire the beautie of the earth its self,and in tail leads me to thinking the company I keep... that there are no more irrational or non moral friends left....wow!! Just a wonderful hand full of lovely people in my life. I am truly happy with that!!! wicked vid Stefan
crapalator 2 years ago
You raise a very good question I was contemplating myself today as I drove home.
Could you share your thoughts on the following question:
When we see a disabled veteran should we a) Think of them as an ex-thug and murderer, or b) As a victim to show compassion and sympathy?
At which point does the individual loose culpability in the face of brainwashing? As I'm sure all veterans believed they were serving a noble cause.
What say you to this Stef?
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago 2
There are other ways to see the situation.
c) Treat them with compassion and sympathy by not giving them money which might perpetuate their dependency on handouts.
d) Ignore them and mind your own business. Respect their free choices and live your own life.
e) Give them ALL of your money and trade places with them in order to truly understand their position.
f) Get out of the car and try to persuade them to get cleaned up and get a job etc.
g) Offer them a job and a place to stay.
f) etc.
freesk8 2 years ago
Thank you for your myriad solutions, however I was actually asking a specific question as I was interested in Stef's position on this issue, not so much as how to treat war veterans.
Specifically I am curious as to whether Stef thinks war veterans should be treated with disdain as ex-hitmen/murderers and held accountable for their support of the state and crime against humanity, or if he instead looks upon them as ignorant or unwilling victims that should be treated with compassion and pity.
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
"Specifically I am curious as to whether Stef thinks war veterans should be treated with disdain" I obviously cannot speak for Stef, but I suspect he would say that if you choose to interact with them, do so with all empathy, curiousity, and honestly, etc. What they desperately need is to have someone tell them the truth and not continue lying to them as most people do. Whether or not they accept that is another thing altogether but it's what their soul needs.
sumadartsan 2 years ago
sumad's answer is good. I also can't speak for stefbot, though he has said he can't answer all the comments he gets.
So many veterans joined at a very early age; 17 or 19.
They may have learned later that what they did was inadvisable at best and immoral at worst.
I think that's the key point. Did they realize they had made a mistake, or do they still think that what they did was good?
If they see the inherent violence in their actions, and regret those, then I'd be nice to 'em!
freesk8 2 years ago
Yes, I didn't mean we should all run up and kick the disabled vets we see. lol Its just one of those lovely dilemmas - I personally give veterans a lot of respect, especially the injured, as I realize like myself they were lied too and deceived by their government.
Paradoxically, as adamant as Stef is about patriotism and supporting the armed forces, I wondered what his response would be. I have such wretched feeling and disdain for our government - who are the real victims and who is culpable?
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
Oh, and thanks for this series. It's another home-run.
FreeSelfProject 2 years ago
This has been one of the hardest lessons of all to learn.
As much as philosophy is about how we think, it's that and more about how we act -- how we CHOOSE to act.
VICE is virtue in word, but not in deed.
If love is the involuntary response to virtue, and virtue is only virtue in action, then hate must be the involuntary response to the hypocrisy of virtue in word alone.
As all things begin with the self, then self-hatred is the first hatred of vice.
FreeSelfProject 2 years ago
I couldn't help but laugh at 3:14
but on a serious level great job.
langbay2005 2 years ago
I instantly understood what he meant and lol'd.
The best part is the tone of his voice.
Anon1696 2 years ago
I honestly think there's a difference between disrespect and disagreeing. I might disagree with one of my friends on his point of view of religion, but I will still respect him and maintain the friendship, because I enjoy it.
Respect is one of my values and stopping a friendship because someone disagrees on one of my opinions would be to go against my own principles (and acting against my philosophy).
quakergamer 2 years ago
The points presented in this video seem very hard to achieve. For example, I don't have one friend who shares ALL of my values and ideas. Yes, some of them are anarchists but are also religious. Where do you cut the line ? And how did you manage to achieve this ultimate level of similarities between people ?
quakergamer 2 years ago
The truth is that if you live your virtues and follow your ethics it will thin that crowd out on its own.
I began to put my ethics and values into effect at a near 95% rate about a decade ago and almost immediately those that could not handle the intense clarity of reflection (that being reflecting not what they wanted from me, but the truth at all costs) they remove themselves.
I, honestly had to do little myself to make those decisions. When you carry the light it will dispel the shadows.
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
I'd love to see Stef get some play to a wider audience. I'd bet with a little effort, his followers could get him on with Glenn Beck.
captainameridawg 2 years ago
Stefbot too be honest, I disagree with you on a few things. I think you are putting down alot of people who don't agree with your philosophy. Generally, people don't look at the government as we all do, but more so as just the government. Most people enjoy being very kind however still support the government, most likely because they simply see the government on a profesional level and themselves on a personal level. I don't see the problem with having friends I disagree with.
drew335533 2 years ago 2
"I don't see the problem with having friends I disagree with. " How about having friends who think that if you don't give your money to the state you should be kidnapped and thrown into jail, and shot and killed if you resist? How about having people in your life who agree that you should you reason and evidence to determine things, rather than irrationality. I think that is more along the lines of what he was talking about.
sumadartsan 2 years ago
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drew335533 2 years ago
He already discussed that issue. Check his other videos.
D3mi4n 2 years ago
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drew335533 2 years ago
I don't understand how people expect to have serious conversations within youtube comments. That seems like an exercise in futility.
odigity 2 years ago
Well said!
RickyCisco 2 years ago
Alcoholics have a saying that goes: "Walk the walk if you are going to talk the talk."
Which means, obviously, put your money where your mouth is - otherwise you are just another second-hander, or bullshit artist.
Never actually practicing what you preach - sort of like Born Again Christians. Everyone of them I've ever met was an adulterating, histrionic sociopath. lol I guess the convenience of forgiving oneself.
The proof is in the pudding.
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
Would you encourage me to "live my truth"? Even though I am a Christian? I absolutely agree that the value of your philosophy or religion lies in its application to your life. the bible says that out of the heart(mind) flows all of the actions of our lives. if we say we believe something and it is not born out in our actions we are simply deluded about what we believe. You can always tell what someone believes by what they actually do.
nathanjonessr 2 years ago
That one is easy. First of all, I would imagine Stef would encourage you to live your truth - otherwise you are just being a hypocrite, aren't you? The entire point of this video.
I think you have a fundamental issue as I see you wrote "your philosophy or religion" (it would appear you don't understand that philosophy is the antithesis of religion, the exact opposite. They could not exist as one and the same (that is the logical fallacy of mythology).
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
Philosophy= love of wisdom
What things are included in wisdom or... what things are not included in wisdom?
It is you that do not understand philosophy, philosophy is everything: science, economics, logic, politics, anthropology, psychology, medicine, mathematics, etc. and theology.
philosophy is in a word: Worldview. How do we see the world and apprehend the truth therein. Religion and theology are an avenue of philosophy not an antithesis, philosophy's opposite is nothingness.
nathanjonessr 2 years ago
If you say so.
However that is exactly the sort of twisted logic I would expect from someone that believes in mythology.
"Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, truth, beauty, law, justice, validity, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing these questions (such as mysticism or mythology) by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on reasoned argument."
Wikipedia it.
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
"beauty" "critical, generally systematic" ... uhhh..
This is the inconsistency in your exclusion of theology, you allow beauty, even though beauty cannot be looked at critically and systematically. at least theology can.
you confuse philosophy with one of its constituent disciplines: logic.
you are a hypocrite, you don't live by your philosophy.
nathanjonessr 2 years ago
LOL - Wow, you are able to glean all that from 2 posts...you are quite the adversary aren't you.
I think that with a little more education in the field you might see how you fully exposed your own inadequacies and deficiencies in this arena. I think Stef even has a video on the subject.
However, it isn't worth you getting all flustered - I find your tantrum not only amusing but quite telling as well.
Keep up the good work Christian and best of luck. lol
PsyogiBottoms 2 years ago
It's unbelievable how much you can learn about someone by pointing out the violence of statism. I learned that I have had good taste in my closest friends, as those who I felt were good people tended to agree with me, if cautiously at first. But I have lost SO many acquaintances, even some very intelligent ones, even some "pacifists" who I thought would have related to what I was saying. If you are an ethical person, living ethics will reveal your true friends. I've found it totally worthwhile.
Stargazer5781 2 years ago
I remember seeing a father hitting his little girl in the middle of the street in a foreign country. My girlfriend (who is from said country) told me not to intervene, as it was normal and that the man was legally entitled to hit his child.
I was really angry but decided not to act, it still comes back to bother me on around a weekly basis.
Sorry for this partly off-topic comment, your example just struck a nerve.
MigDanskeren 2 years ago
I don't think that it's off-topic at all, thank you so much for sharing!
stefbot 2 years ago
In my experience, intervening really sets the parents off. I often wonder if the child then pays for it at home.
DCLugi 2 years ago 3
can you tell us a little more about your experience?
stefbot 2 years ago
Twice. Once in a parking lot. Parent angrily forcing child (looked about 4) into car. Me, (Light heartedly) "Hey, your probably having a bad day but those little guys break pretty easy." Explosion "MIND YOUR OWND DAMN BUSINESS...etc" Similar incident in a department store. If there's is immediate danger to their health I'd still speak up but maybe there's another way to handle it.
FYI: What you're doing here Stef is very admirable and stimulating (and doesn't require batteries:)
DCLugi 2 years ago
:) I fell like you went offtopic with the whole government thing. I'm pretty sure the viewers want something more straightforward relating to how they could achieve happiness.
Ashkoren 2 years ago
I've already considered the most likely outcome of intervening in child abuse. They will simply say "Don't tell me how to raise my child!!" and then I can't do anything. Maybe if the kid is paying attention he will hear my arguments and realize this isn't normal, but then again, how likely is it that he will trust a random stranger? I know it's right to intervene, but what good will it do?
TheStig000 2 years ago
so you dont have a single statist friend?
cmon, thats too muchl.
our closest peopel should match oru virtues, but not our acquantances.
and besides, most statists are deluded and brainwashed. and wouldnt honestly want to support it. its not like theyre evil, theyre just abused.
its not the same.
DeeperBlueX16 2 years ago
Sympathy for the brainwashed? Sympathy for the unintentional?
A virtue or not a virtue?
newexperiment 2 years ago
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Gorevet 2 years ago
Please please change it to Reason + Virtue = happiness. Reason = Virtue = Happiness implies that Reason = Virtue <-- false.
For logical connectors, "Reason AND Virtue IMPLIES Happiness". And Happiness Implies Reason AND Virtue (well not technically since there's the counter example of chemical induced happiness without any virtue or reason)
newexperiment 2 years ago 2
I think Stef's argument is that you don't actually believe rationality unless you act on it. Because if you can see why something is reasonable, but you don't act on it, then you aren't being reasonable.
But I might be wrong... Your's was a good comment anyway, it got me thinking.
SpykerSpeed 2 years ago
I'd be content to think of it, which I think is what Stef means, as
Knowledge + Virtue = Reason = Happiness.
or
Knowledge AND Virtue IMPLIES Reason IMPLIES Happiness.
With corollaries
Knowledge AND Not-virtue Implies Not-Happiness
Falsehoods AND Virtue IMPLIES Not Happiness.
Happiness AND Not-Virtue IMPLIES Falsehoods
Happiness AND Falsehoods IMPLIES Not-Virtue
In fact, I think I like that a lot.
newexperiment 2 years ago
I figured Stef means Reason leads to Virtue which then leads to Happiness.
Besides if Reason + Virtue = Happiness then Happiness - Virtue = Reason, which makes no sense.
captainyoinksac 2 years ago
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newexperiment 2 years ago
I think he means reason => Virtue => Happiness
MigDanskeren 2 years ago
That would work for me,
newexperiment 2 years ago
if you have drawn up the blueprint to a tree house for your children but do not assemble it. What then is the value of the tree house to your children? . he is not stating that reason= virtue, but provides the formula in which to achieve happiness. there is still effort involved in solving the equation. He stresses the fact that virtue is something you have to make a concious effort to act upon.
doesnthave1yet 2 years ago
Yea I agree with what he says outside of virtue = reason. The problem is only in syntax, Virtue = Reason is equivalent, in your scenario, to saying "IF you've drawn up a blueprint for a tree house, THEN you've necessarily assembled the tree house". and "IF you've assembled a tree house, THEN you originally had a blueprint."
newexperiment 2 years ago
.. and also. It would be cool if you did a video about the situation in Iran. Dont know if there's alot to say that isnt obvious, but It would be nice to hear youre thoughts.
nitarna 2 years ago
Ive been looking forward to this. Thanks stef! :)
nitarna 2 years ago