Karen Armstrong: 2008 TED Prize wish: Charter for Compassio

i was lied toooo

"Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you."

-> This does not take into account ignorance and self destructive choice brought about by misunderstanding.

'what you put out is what you get back' is as I presently understand the actual reflective nature of interaction between beings expressed in physical reality.

I think that the doctor's oath, "Do no harm", is more effective and direct.

How do I deal with it? First I don't deny it. Then I remember the faults of the past and seek to grow and learn from them. What you're alluding to is ecclesiastical angelism. There's nothing to say that when you become a member of the Church or even a priest or bishop of the Church that you attain a superhuman ability to avoid sin and temptation. Power is a dangerous thing no matter where it comes from. How do you deal with corruption in secular society?

Corruption in secular society is dealt with as the general morality of people see fit. We tolerate certain levels of immorailty and selfishness, realizing that some people will always be corrupt, good natured people try to accomodate until it becomes too much. I think people actually need to be less tolerant, given the circumstances, toward those who are overly selfish. It doesn't help that we overpay actors, musicians and sport stars, and underpay doctors and teachers.

I agree with that totally.

It is difficult for people to give others their true value for what they contribute. For instance, janitors usually get near minimum wage, but what how well would we function without them. Would we have our best and brightest working cleaning floors. Those people should be valued more highly and those who play kids games for a living, or whose main goal in life is opulence at the expense of others should not be so well rewarded. But again, it's what is tolerated.

Or should I say, it's been dealt with, but never actually solved. As is the case with all religious paradoxes.

I would read it.

I'll send the links to you in a PM later tonight then.