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Release

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Everything posted by Release

  1. I too am envious of people brought up in rational families, it would have been nice to not of been presented with Santa Claus and God and silly philosophie like 'watch what you say: the devil has a way of making what you say NOT come true". My parents did they best they knew how at the time and I'm thankful for that, but over the past year I've become such the stark opposite of what my family believes I'd hate to see what they think of my new philosophies...lol. I recognised your signature and have read the book, "Think and Grow Rich". Like I said previously, the ideas that Napoleon Hill has in his books make tremendous sense to me. The fact that he went to the most successful people in his day and asked them how they obtained it seems like a very logical thing to do to understand what it takes for success. I've noticed in some other books I've read on success that they do imply this "innate" ability within a human being. I personally do not subscribe to that (even before finding Objectivism). I know for a fact that it does take hard work, but I also know it takes a certain mind frame. That mind frame is really what I was looking for, seeing how I've never really had any role models directly in my life of great success. Let me ask you something (or anyone else who wants to respond). I know what self-discipline means in a general context but I'm curious as to what it means to everyone else. What does self-discipline mean to you and how strict should it be to get things done in life? I appreciate the disclaimer, but I'm not a sensitive person in the least so I would never assume that.... Anyways, I know at this point in my life that hard work is going to be ahead of me and I'm looking forward to every challenge it brings. ~Michael
  2. You mean the "Book of Job" in the bible? Where God kills everyone of Job's family members and destroys his farms that he worked hard for and slaughtered all of his cattle and then gave him painful boils on his body (even though he was a devout follower of the 'Lord')? That book of Job? or am I missing something? Because if thats the book you are speaking of then I don't think you'll find much help on this website. Or perhaps you're asking about this: 'Book of Job' by Stephen Mitchell Either way, they both try to rationalize a strict God who will destroy every part of your life to 'strengthen your faith' for him. Great guy! ~Michael
  3. The phrase: "blood is thicker than water" implies that FAMILY should be loved no matter what...it's based in altruism and I don't believe that anymore. A friend of mine told me a long time ago (when some bad things were happening between me and a family member) that blood is NO thicker than water (to put a different spin on that phrase). He was a very rational man.... The concept of unconditional love reeks of altruism and negates logic ESPECIALLY in situations when family members do horrible things. ~Michael
  4. I'm thankful for his strategy...I hope he keeps up the great work. Like father like son: 1 Term! ~Michael
  5. I also have 3 invites....PM me if you want one!
  6. I myself play the guitar (well i'm quite the novice) and I can really relate with that. The music that I make is EXTREMELY unconventional, it is made on a computer with a couple of outboard instruments and it is mostly synthisized music. Thats what I love and thats what I make. So I can directly relate with the aspect of writing a song like re-arranging a plot of a story. Everything that I do is recorded into a sequencer and I am able to manipulate it and move it how I like, the aspect of a live performance isn't there (unless I want it to be there). The book on creativity that I spoke of earlier tackles the subject completely of Anxiety and the creative process. Dr. Maisel goes on further to add that anxiety is something that you CANNOT get away from in the creative process, you just have to learn how to use that anxiety appropriately. Kind of a creative use of anxiety. Dr. Maisel presents great rhetoric on how to kill your 'block' and how to create what you have the potential to create. I would deffinately recomend that book to ANYONE who does art. Once again, I thank you guys for your posts. And I will deffinately check out 'The Simplest Thing in the World'. ~Michael
  7. I wouldn't say there is much mysticism left in me...Its more of an inquisitive 'devils advocate' stance I'm taking to make more sense of Objectivism. I personally do not believe in god, nor do I believe in any blind faith or what eastern philosophy tells us (to disconect from the world). There may be small traces of mysticism still in me, but they are evaporating very quickly. That was my same conclusion after studying meditation. I personally do not feel that they 'have it right'. People who have been meditating for a long period of time are happy and are at peace, but the cost of that peace is a detachment from reality. It works for them and I can't say that it is completly evil for them to do such things. It just wasn't for me. Meditation though (in the NON spiritual sense) used for relaxation purposes and calming of the mind is a wonderful tool in my opinion, and I'll never discredit relaxation meditation. This I will have to agree with. I'm starting to learn what a work ethic is and how important to ones happiness productivity is. I will have to agree with you there. But I will have to say that there is quite a lot of inspiration that comes from those books....hell, look at my signature, that was quoted out of a Napoleon Hill book. That statement alone is one of the most empowering statements I've read (IMO). Life IS! That really is a fantastic way of putting it. Thanks for the responses guys! ~Michael
  8. Thank you Betsy for recomending that book, I'll pick it up later this week. And thank you Bowzer. That quote is exactly what I was looking for. It summed up a lot of questions on philosophy I had.
  9. Do you ever sleep Stephen? hah. Its 5am here...... I assumed as much about success as well, but I figure that there is a lot of great books out there, can't hurt getting a successful persons theories on success. ~Michael
  10. I myself have discovered that I was NEAR the right path, Objectivism has confirmed the path and placed me directly on it (from what I've gathered so far). That is the most concise, easy to understand breakdown as to why a human being needs a philosophy...I will be quoting that in the future (with of course, the proper credits). I thank you for your support and your kind words. I think my foundation in Objectivism has been set, but now its time for full internalization (which is well on its way) and application. I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions down the line. The only questions I really have on this subject now are internal and personal and require experience. This place does a really good job at answering my questions fast. I hate to see my threads go with only 6 replies...lol. Also, since this post kind of suggested what the path of success is, do any of you guys have any suggestions on some books about success? I've read Napoleon Hill but he always quotes the bible and seems to have a mystic outlook (although some of his philosophies on success are outstanding). Are there any authors out there that you could suggest that have spoken about success in an Objectivist connotation? ~Michael
  11. I've read a good portion of non-fiction on Objectivism, and I'm 'hooked'. It makes sense, everything seems logical, the philosophy itself has answered so many questions that other philosophies have given me and it all seems so simple now (life being all). I truely do feel that way after really taking in Objectivism. One book that I have not read yet is: "Philosophy: Who Needs It", which I think may answer my main questions from this thread. What I'm getting to now, is the nuts and bolts of why I started studying philosophy in the first place...whats the point? Now that may sound grim and bleak, but I can assure you, the thought is purely from curiousity and is harmless. But really, why is there so much zealous appreciation of Objectivism? Could it be considered a cure all for this world? Can it (if used properly) insure success to the individual subscribing to it? Personally, thats what I've gathered. Already in my life I've seen MAJOR changes (especially in the ethics field of my life) and I'm already reaping benefits IMO. What is everyone elses experience from the first time you opened Objectivist material all the way up till current activities? Has life been more pleasent, have you achieved goals you didn't think we're feasible before? Or is all this really for peace of mind? Hopefully my questions make sense to the rest of you guys, I'm just curious as to what lies next and what I'M going to get out of it. I want the best for my life, less pain, more happiness. I think thats what we all want...is Objectivism just clarity for life or can it (with the right application) be the reason why one succeeds? ~Michael
  12. I find your pettiness in pointing out someone's minor errors utterly ridiculous.
  13. I appreciate everyones help...I've found this great book by Erick Maisel called "Fearless Creating" and within the first 2 chapters I've already opened myself up tremendously. Thanks guys! ~Michael
  14. This is a great piece of work. I really enjoyed this (and it's still on rotation). How long have you been playing and what was your training? ~Michael
  15. I myself have witnessed this first hand. Let me first put into context the extent of my usage, for it can be assumed wrong. I smoke less than a bowl (a 'bowl' being the common dosage) of weed no more than 3-4 times a week. The effects of the marijuana typically stay in my system no more than 3 hours and then it's 'back to normal', I do this at the end of my day, after I'm done reading and typically before I go to bed. It is a 'wind down' thing for me mostly. This is how it's been over the past year. On occasion, when I have some time for my music I'll ritually smoke and enjoy writing my music. When times get tuff, I don't consider myself one who runs to evade the issue. This is me to my best knowledge as of now. On the other hand, there are people that I know who do exactly what you've described Nate_S...those people that I know have no motivation to succeed in life nor do they want to have the capacity to do so. They use marijuana as a crutch ALL the time rather than as a recreational thing. Am I justifying my marijuana use? No. I am clearly stating that I know the extent of damage marijuana can have on someones psychi. What has to happen for me now is that I need to pursue a path that will enable me to quit. Hopefully I can do it in a decent timeframe. I thank you guys for your help on this personal subject. With my new knowledge, I'm seeing things more clearly. ~Michael
  16. I plan on reading the book and I'm glad you suggested it. Seems like a very interesting read. I'm curious to discover where the fundamental flaws are and find the beneficial information you speak of. I've always been a student of psychology but never of philosophy. I've never really thought of philosophy as something that 'moves the masses' untill just recently. Now that I've read a good bit on Objectivism I've discovered how important philosophy is for a human being. Now I'm trying to integrate that knowledge into the knowledge of psychology that I have. I appreciate you breaking it down as you did, it was beneficial. When it comes to psychology is there a particular theory that follows the basis of Objectivism and rational ideas? I've always been skeptical of the science of psychology because I've seen how irrational therapists and doctors can prescribe irrational drugs and I've seen the useless prescriptions given to the wrong people countless times. Not only have I been misdiognosed in the past, my mother has been misdiognosed several times. That in itself would make anyone skeptical I'm sure. With that being said, I've picked up philosophy now and I'm trying to integrate this knowledge and understand how to structure ones life for personal succes. I believe that structure lies in your conscience and subconscience. To be honest with you, I think college may be in my future, because this has become pretty serious for me lately. I appreciate your help sir. ~Michael
  17. Stephen, I appreciate your blunt approach to this situation. No one has ever put it to me like that (in person or on a message board) and I have to say that I'm seriously considering speaking to a professional on the subject of my drug usage. I don't think that the marijuana is the main issue here though, I think that books like you suggested may be the answer, but I have a question about this Gestalt Psychology you speak of. I looked up the book and it seems very interesting, I'm pickin' it up later today, but I'm not familiar with Gestalt Psychology, and the way you said "I'm not in the habit of recomending approaches based on Gestalt Psychology" makes me wonder why. Also, this brings me to the question of Psychology and its differences from Philosophy (or it's connection). Is psychology something that can be 'fixed' by a correct philosophy and can it be 'fixed' by oneself or is it something that relies on a trained professional? I've seen a psychologist before and it was very beneficial at the time and it helped me work out a lot, but since then I've become a student of my mind so that I can understand the err's of my pshychi myself. I've personally never made a distinction between my psychology and my philosophies...perhaps I'm uneducated on the subject but I've always understood the mind as something that one can control with the correct discipline (a correct philosophy). I'm 23 now with no formal education (other than highschool diploma) and I've gone from being a devout christian to following Toltec Indian beleifs to even Buddhism...now a door has been opened to infinite understanding of myself and how I interact with people just from me subscribing to Objectivism. Perhaps I'm confused on the subject, but I am currently under the impression that a disciplined philosophy is all one needs to handle the issues of now, your past, and the future (which includes psychological issues). ~Michael
  18. I didn't mean beneficial in a 'strictly learning' manor, I meant it just like you said, to see Objectivism concretized in Novel form. I'm on my way out the door to pick up Fountain Head right now. Thanks Stephen. ~Michael
  19. I've read OPAR and the Esthetics section of the book mainly talks about literature and art but it doesn't touch base on music too often. I myself am a musician of sorts and I find it hard to finish material or find the 'inspiration' to start new material. When I do get 'hit' with the motivation to start a new project it ends up not turning out like I wanted halfway through and I end up stopping it (in hopes that I'll continue it at a later date). I've read tons of material on creativity online and everyone seems to sum it up in this 'mystical' way. Kind of like, "tap into your inner self in order to do it" and I don't grasp that, well not the way I think they implied it. I don't hear music in my head, I just see structure and form....I don't really 'feel' what I'm writing while I'm writing it, I just do it and what comes out is what comes out...After its done I can sit back and 'feel' it (so to speak). I'm having a problem with all this, the reason why is because at one point in time I couldn't think of anything better to do with my time than make music. I wrote a song a day, now I can barely get one a month, and even then it's not to the calibre of production I know I'm capable of. Anyone else had this sort of "writers block" of music or has anyone had any experience with anyone else on this subject? How does Objectivism answer these questions? ~Michael
  20. I just got done reading OPAR and I've been more intrigued to read The Fountain Head just because of the quotes and concepts that Dr. Piekoff pulled out of the book. Both of the books seem very intimidating in size and I was wondering which one would be a more beneficial read considering where I'm at in learning Objectivism. ~Michael
  21. Release

    Vices...

    I probably shouldn't of put it that way because I didn't mean it in a literal sense. I personally don't like the drugs because it made me different than what I was. I was on Topomax and Celexa and the only way I can describe my thought process was "blank". Nothing caught my attention like before...I had no drive for creativity, no sexual drive either. I felt that the pills were 'quick fixes' rather than the proper solution to the problem. Human beings have always dealt with some form of "anxiety" or "manic/depressive" state...and human beings have done great things, even those that are deemed "depressed, or manic". I thought it would be a better route to try to shake off this Manic state that I find myself in through a natural process. That process would entail reshaping my consciencesness to pick up on the slightest emotional change in my body and discover what the cause is. Most of the time, if I find some of my feelings and emotions irrational, I don't act on them, that is a big change from before (and that is why I was deemed "manic"). Like Objectivism describes, emotions are just emotions...and I've discovered that Emotions are the cause of these "illnesses" of the mind. ~Michael
  22. Release

    Vices...

    Thank you all for your comments. Like most of my conversations I play the devils advocate in order to find out some more answers. To Mr. Speicher, the conclusion that you came up with describing my use of marijuana as a 'quick fix' to a long term problem (so to speak) makes complete 100% sense to me and that is the answer I was leaning towards myself. The only problem is, I enjoy the Vices I have...I enjoy smoking cigs, drinking coffee and engaging in Marijuana usage. Untill the day when I personally see it damaging my life, I will not drop those. If I can find a rational self interest that is in my short term then I will deffinately stop...I know that man shouldn't ever plan for "short term" but I believe that it is necessary to keep us sane at some times (or at my young age). One day, I will break through the constructs that these vices have on me and I will find a clarity through not using any of these substances. Untill then I'll continue to read OPAR and further understand myself. Thanks! ~Michael
  23. Release

    Vices...

    This brings me to my next question. If I were to indulge in something like drugs and the benefits out weigh the negative consequences then it would be in my rational self interest to do so with moderation. For instance, if I were to listen to a song that I had composed while high on marijuana and because of my altered state I was able to change it in a way that when I publish it the song makes it big and I recieve monetary compensation. I know that would be an assumption to what MAY happen but it illustrates my point. As you can probably see, I'm having an internal conflict as to if Marijuana (or any minor drug use that I embark on) benefits me in some way. I personally see a benefit in my music and art...I don't get lazy and tired, I get energized and enthused (moreso than I would while not on marijuana.) So within the objectivist ethics, would this be considered destructive behavior or would it be considered rational self interest (in my case). Forgive me for getting as personal as I have recently, but I'm trying to sort out some things with this new philosophy that I'm subscribing to and I see it working...I just have some kinks to work out. ~Michael
  24. Release

    Vices...

    I know that I was speaking about recreational use in the initial post, but I was mainly lumping all 'reality changing' drugs in there. Marijuana is mainly not used in a medicinal manor, but it is a drug that can be used for several purposes (medicaly) but our healthcare system does not allow those prescriptions because of the 'war on drugs'. The fact that I may have a mental or physical addiction to pain killers is not the main reason I started this post. The main reason I started this post is because I was curious as to how Ayn Rand or Leonard Peikoff (or any other great objectivists) has viewed drugs in general. A prescribed pain killer can be used in a medical way or in a recreational way because it alters ones reality. Marijuana is the same (in my opinion). I understand that you (Mr. Speicher) are against the use of reality changing drugs used for recreational purposes but I'm curious to find out what Ayn Rand would think about it. A pain killer if prescribed by a reasonable doctor can be used in an unreasonable way by the person taking it. So, from an Objectivist perspective, there is no OVERALL morality to the use of drugs, but it is all pertaining to the individual and the context of their situation? Thanks guys! ~Michael
  25. Release

    Vices...

    I've gone through and read the other threads concerning nicotene and alchohol but they havn't answered my questions regarding marijuana and other 'reality-changing' drugs. I know that harder drugs are bad and I stay away from them. My dillema lies with what MisterSwig said...I was in a pretty bad car accident almost 2 years ago where I had ripped out my right shoulder, tearing the muscle underneath my scapula and severely damaging my tricep, bicep, and deltoid. The pain that I was in called for a large dosage of Tylox and Valium for 3 months. When my doctor pulled me off of them (after 3 months) he did it 'cold turkey' and I went through a severe withdrawl from my addiction and even to this day I find pain killers irresistable, not just because of the minor pain that I live with on a daily basis, but because of the feeling I get when I'm on such pain relievers, I feel more capable, not in pain and happier. I've spoken to other people who were addicted to pain killers and they share the same story as I do. It's almost as if I have no control over my pain killer usage when they are presented to me. 'Thankfully' I don't have insurance at this time or I would be on a regiment of Percocet and Somas...I personally feel that even though those drugs help me, I feel almost crippled by my previous addiction and I fear I will become reckless if I start down that downward spiral again. It's a hard trade off...take the painkillers because of my pain or don't take them in fear that I may become addicted again. It's been a constant struggle (and most of it has come out of fear: fear that I will have increased pain and fear that I will fall into addiction again). So I really want to know what would be the objectivist view on a situation like this. I have a lot to learn and I want to choose the correct path. Thanks guys....your views are invaluable to me in my early stage of understanding the application of Objectivism. ~Michael
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