Re: Joy of this, Joy of that

On 07/12/2024 18:45, rbowman wrote:

On Sat, 7 Dec 2024 13:22:06 +0000, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
 

Well the concept that no world exists is called Idealism.  It's all in
the mind. Mine  alone [solipsism],  Gods [monism], or some other
arrangement. It explains everything but predicts nothing. Like Islam.
Inshallah. If it is Gods Will. Great, But not very *helpful*.

 I like the Epicurean approach, which was probably a concession to the
times. The Gods exist on a planet somewhere but don't give a damn about
humans.

Yes.
Humans became aware that Great Forces  existed, capable of wiping out civilisations on a whim.  Disease, famine, war - all these struck with no discernible reason. It must be some bastards of Gods who were clearly not nice kind people at all.  No matter how many offerings you left for them.
The concept of a god who actually gave a shit was relatively late to the game, and proved extremely helpful in getting barbarians to play nice with each other and submit to Roman overlords "you will all get your rewards in heaven:  Don't expect any now".
We just muddle through. Until we don't.
We bemoan the fact that so many people are so stupid, and fail to envision the utter chaos that would ensue  if they were not.
--
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.