Thursday, September 12, 2013

On the Cosmos



Today we discussed the question of God's existence.  Is there an uncaused cause?  If all things in our known universe are caused, is there such a thing that had not been?

If there is an uncaused cause, an almighty force that began everything but was not begun, is this great Source of power intelligent?

If the source is intelligent, is it necessarily a being with personality--  with morals and Goodness?  Or is the great, intelligent source an evil thing?

And if the source is an evil thing, how could an evil God create as much Goodness as there appears to be in the world?  For as much evil as there is, there is certainly Goodness-- and if there is Goodness, how  could an evil creator produce such?  

The same question stands: how could an all Good God produce evil?

Or is this an arbitrary God?  

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues


Franklin's 13 Virtues
1. Temperance-  Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2.  Silence-  Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling converation.
3.  Order -  Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4.  Resolution-  Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5.  Frugality  -  Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing
6.  Industry  -  Lose no time; be always employed in something useful;  cut off all unnecessary actions.
7.  Sincerity -  Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8.  Justice -  Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9.  Moderation -  Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10.  Cleanlilness -  Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

11.  Tranquility  -  Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12.  Chastity  -  Rarely use venery (sex) but for health or offspring, never to dullness (or excess), never to
                           the point of weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13.  Humility  -  Imitate Jesus and Socrates.