The Dumb Earthers

If you poke around enough you may be shocked to discover that a large number of people around the world believe that the Earth is flat. They have what they call "evidence" to prove their position (although, as in most cases of extreme cognitive dissonance gone askew, they choose to ignore the mountains of relevant evidence in favor of their custom made arguments that are designed to fit their desired model/outcome).

So how is it that people with enough brain cells to tie shoes and turn door knobs can be so easily swayed to believe something that is so profoundly untrue?

The answer: Cognitive Dissonance!

The brain defends its view of reality (understanding of the world around) by creating reality tunnels that fit the desired model. The end result is already achieved and only specific information is allowed in to support that ideal. Any other information is dismissed, modified, or explained away as a conspiracy or a delusion. When within the trap the mind truly experiences the false information and outcome as real. Then the brain must defend this reality by creating a justification as to why anything that conflicts with it is wrong.

Psychology expert Kendra Cherry describes Cognitive Dissonance this way:

"What Is Cognitive Dissonance? Psychologist Leon Festinger proposed a theory of cognitive dissonance centered on how people try to reach internal consistency. He suggested that people have an inner need to ensure that their beliefs and behaviors are consistent. Inconsistent or conflicting beliefs leads to disharmony, which people strive to avoid."

A common argument offered to the sane world by the Dumb Earthers is that their belief has evidence and the "belief" that the Earth is a globe is only based on conspiratorial lies given to us by NASA, and that the Earth being a globe is merely a "belief" based on what we have been told. Well, actually, they are stating exactly the problem with their argument, I suppose that is some subconscious projection.
They seem to think that this is a "belief vs belief" scenario and they urge us to "do the research". Well the research has been done and is exhaustive, and EVERY SINGLE POSITION they offer to support the flat Earth idea has been logically debunked. Science has taken an open position to understand reality, whereas the Dumb Earthers have taken a closed position and select their evidence to fit the closed position.
I do not believe the Earth is a globe, I UNDERSTAND that the Earth is a globe. There's a big difference.

With access to information available at the present time (2016) there should not be a single person on Earth who believes the Earth is flat, but there are many who do. That's because our psychological flaws and deficiencies will carry on far beyond our ability to control or correct them.

I will admit that while it is easy to understand that the Earth is a globe, it is not always easy for the weak-minded to understand the functions of their mind or to understand the what/why/how of beliefs.

“The church says the earth is flat; but I have seen its shadow on the moon, and I have more confidence even in a shadow than in the church.”
― Ferdinand Magellan

Don't accidently walk of the edge, my friends!

Morning Meditation

   

The morning is a great time to practice meditation, especially for people new to meditation or out of practice. The mind is closer to the state of freedom in the morning. Later in the day can be a difficult time to get the mind from frantic to calm. The bridge is shorter in the morning.
Here is an idea for morning meditation practice:

1. The first suggestion is important: Do not wake up to an alarm clock. I know this isn't possible for everybody, but perhaps it would be a good idea to redesign life, if possible, to allow the body to wake up gently. Recent research (and ancient wisdom) suggests that waking up to an alarm clock is bad for physical and mental health. Don't worry about what to do today or what's wrong with the world today. You can be a raging beast later this afternoon. For now just take things slowly.

2. The next suggestion is to practice meditation before brushing your teeth, washing your face, taking a shower, or drinking coffee. Drinking room temperature water is ok.

3. For the actual practice...

• Laying: Upon waking up, take it easy. Remain in bed and breathe. Begin your meditation right here. The mind is already calm and ready. Spend at least five minutes feeling life. You might fall asleep again here. That's ok. Start a new morning again when you wake up.
• Sitting: Next slowly get out of bed and sit at the bed corner. Continue breathing. Sit at the edge of the bed with eyes closed and a straight spine. Do this for five minutes and then slowly stand. There's no need to rush. The world isn't going anywhere.
• Standing: Finally, stand at the window or outside and absorb the scenery of the morning while taking in slow deeper natural breaths. Spend as long as you like here. The world around is coming alive and you are part of it. You may see things you normally miss and experience those things as they are rather than what they are. Move as slowly as the morning sun-god. If the gods can move so slow, then surely we mortals can too. There's actually nowhere to be but here. Don't be fooled into thinking otherwise.

Now you can begin the day with a pace set by your morning meditation. Brush teeth, drink more water, have coffee or tea, some food, take a walk, and if you must go to work, do so slowly.

“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.”
― Henry David Thoreau

Not All Opinions Are Equal (Some Are Wrong!)

Not All Opinions Are Equal

There’s a strange notion making the rounds that everyone has an opinion that should be heard and tolerated/accepted.

But there is a difference between having different opinions and having a wrong opinion. Some opinions do not deserve a voice at the table. 

Opinions are important, especially differing opinions. Various minds coming together with different ideas can lead to progress and greater ideas. In fact we can see throughout history what atrocities have occurred when like minds get together to form a majority. And we have seen positive advances in society, technology, and culture when people of various ideas put their minds together.

Some opinions are facts. Some are good theories and hypotheses. Some opinions are useful and hold merit. Some do not. Please note that a wrong opinion is not one that is simply disagreed with because it does not match another. A differing opinion is not always a wrong opinion. I am not suggesting moral relativism here. There can be varying degree of perceived "right" and "wrong" or "more right" and "more wrong". We see a great many people getting offended over nonsense that differs with their nonsense. They are appalled at things they find different and choose to be offended. This is usually a mix of entitlement, political correctness, certitude, and a defensiveness of their belief.

But there is also a such thing as WRONG opinions…

An example:

Suppose we are sitting at a table having a group discussion about human sexuality. There would be many different ideas and beliefs presented about the subject based on the particular experiences and moralities of the people in the discussion.

Now a particular person interjects that his belief is that adults should be permitted to have sex with children. This person does not only have a different belief than everyone else at the table, he also has a WRONG belief. In no way can pedophilia be justified as a legitimate opinion. Rightfully so, the guy is removed from the table with a kick to the face and then some.

Another example:

A discussion is taking place about the Jewish culture; the foods, language, and customs. Suddenly a high strung guy with a silly little moustache stands up and proclaims that Jews are inferior and should be sent away to their deaths. Adolf does not have a mere difference of opinion with the gathering, he has a WRONG opinion that he is presenting. Appropriately he is removed from the table with a kick to the face and then some.

And another example:

The discussion of American national policy is happening at our table. The person with the least brain cells, a psychologically deficient dickwad, say that we need to round up all Muslims and put them into camps. He truly believes he is right and does not see it as hate and sees no parallel to the atrocities of history because blah blah blah. Guess what happens next! That’s right. He is removed from the table by a kick to the face and then some!

And another example:

Tristan is a nice young fellow sitting at the table. When the topic of music comes up he asserts with a gleam in his eye that Justin Beiber is great and far greater than The Beatles. Ok, we won’t kick him in the face for this invalid opinion, but he does have to sit in the corner listening to every Beatles album for the rest of the night!

Not all opinions have merit. Some are wrong and do not deserve a place at the table. You may notice that wrong opinions usually involve some sort of damaging or elitist position. Although it is true that there should be no legislation against free speech, if people want to get really ignorant, they should be ready for the free speech to come back at them, and then some!

"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too."

-Rodney Dangerfield

Definition:

wrong

rôNG/

adjective

adjective: wrong

1. 1.

   not correct or true.

   "that is the wrong answer"

   synonyms:

   incorrect, mistaken, in error, erroneous, inaccurate, inexact, imprecise, fallacious, wide of the mark, off target, unsound, faulty; informalout "the wrong answer"

   antonyms:

   right, correct

   • mistaken.

     "I was wrong about him being on the yacht that evening"
     
     
   • unsuitable or undesirable.

     "they asked all the wrong questions"

     synonyms:

     inappropriate, unsuitable, inapt, inapposite, undesirable; More ill-advised, ill-considered, ill-judged, impolitic, injudicious, infelicitous, unfitting, out of keeping, improper; informalout of order "he knew he had said the wrong thing"

     antonyms:

     appropriate

     
     
   • in a bad or abnormal condition; amiss.

     "something was wrong with the pump"

     synonyms:

     amiss, awry, out of order, not right, faulty, flawed, defective "there's something wrong with the engine"

     
     
2. 2.

   unjust, dishonest, or immoral.

   "they were wrong to take the law into their own hands"

   synonyms:

   illegal, unlawful, illicit, criminal, dishonest, dishonorable, corrupt