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pax
 Posted:
Fri Apr 14, 2006 2:26 pm |
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People and other animals
Has anyone else noticed that philosophers often discuss other animals when they talk about man?
Aristotle, Plato, Rorty, they all seem to get into long discussions of other animals.
I often look at my dog Angelina and see much to learn from her. It's a lot of fun.
Also, when I see whales, they seem very wise. They have existed for a long time, and haven't destroyed the environment. I think they have a lot to teach us, too.
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
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| Calliope
Posted:
Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:54 am |
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Animal have been around longer than the rest of us human animals; maybe they know something we don't, and they're just hanging around hoping we will figure it out eventually.
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Joined: 04 Apr 2006
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| pax
Posted:
Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:12 am |
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Calliope, I think that is a distinct possibility! Whenever I go to the dog park, the dogs seem a less neurotic than the people.
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| Calliope
Posted:
Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:16 am |
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Much less yes...LOL
I always feel like my cats look at me with this face that say, "Don't you get it yet?"
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Joined: 04 Apr 2006
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| pax
Posted:
Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:19 am |
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That's true. It seems like they are more willing to just be what they are, and not get hung up with guilt, shame, political correctness, etc.
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| sapient53
Posted:
Sun May 14, 2006 9:42 am |
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Socratic Roundtable Now there's an intimidating title. 
Animals seem to be so much more wise and at peace then humans because they don't analyze their lives and purpose for being.
They just do their thing day after day not caring about what the other animals think or how they feel.
They don't create drama. They don't lie. They don't have self-esteem issues. They don't get themselves into debt. They don't constantly compare themselves to other animals. They don't band together to fight the other animals whose way of life displeases them.
If they're tired, they sleep. If they're hungry, they eat. If they want to have sex, they find the first available partner and get down to business. (LOL Ok, I'm not advocating we emulate them in that way)
They don't envy and I envy them for that.
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'Been lovely, but I have to scream now.
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
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| pax
Posted:
Sun May 14, 2006 1:48 pm |
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Hey sapient, those are great points. Except, I would say they can be very violent, and do band together sometimes to attack. But, they don't get all bummed out about it afterwards, as far as I can tell.
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| sapient53
Posted:
Sun May 14, 2006 9:42 pm |
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| pax wrote: | | Hey sapient, those are great points. Except, I would say they can be very violent, and do band together sometimes to attack. But, they don't get all bummed out about it afterwards, as far as I can tell. |
Very true but the reason for their attack is usually survival. Humans attack other humans for survival and ridiculous reasons such as holding different religious beliefs or wearing the "wrong" color. I think they have the right idea.
I've never seen a bunch of lions overcome with remorse after taking down a zebra or an orca in therapy over scarfing down too many penguins so I'm completely agreeing with your second point.
BTW - I'll take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy your posts. You have a great sense of humor, intelligence and an easygoing manner.
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'Been lovely, but I have to scream now.
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
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| pax
Posted:
Mon May 15, 2006 12:25 am |
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Hey, thanks, sapient, so do you. Some animals will kill the weakest in the pack, but I know what you mean. They don't kill over stuff like beliefs, as far as we know.
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