How would you describe your situation?

It definitely has the right scary sound to it for the wingnut fear mongers to exploit it. I figure if the general public hasn't heard of it already, it's prime for use and abuse.

 

And it means NOTHING, nothing whatsoever. I think it implies "dirty dancing" like in that movie

 

I feel sad for you. I'm sure you are way more than your diagnosis.

This response makes it more confusing. If it's all pre-determined, what is the point in asking the question?

 

Bah! You're not fooling anyone. No one is ever truly satisfied with their situation. There is always something to strive for or dream of having or accomplishing. What you are saying sounds like an effort to talk yourself out of that basic desire.

 

Gentle reminder - That's kind of encroaching on his religious beliefs, Durandal.

 

I thought the same thing at first but then it occurred to me that he could just be trying to determine the distribution ratio used by God. If it is simply equal across the board or weighed on one category. The interesting thing with this pre-determined idea is that God either must find value in making some people miserable or he is just a sadist. The miserable people must bring something to society. Maybe just as a reminder for others how good their lives are? Seems kind of simplistic but never really considered this before?

 

Owing to Gods mercy as all generations have enjoyed, and to living in these times with great advancements in science, medicine and technology. I would say that despite the seasons of misery and mediocrity, life is good.

 

Yes, we have to know the polar extremes to be able to identify all the points in-between.

So, looking at the OP, the <blank> part is filled with something along that spectrum, right? And, if that point is pre-determined, it's more of a question about one's religious beliefs than an assessment of their cognitive recognition of <how they define what that means in their life>.

 

I'm talking about basic psychology. Religion can't change that.

 

I'd say the same, sans the god part.

 

But it often overrides it.

 

It does whatever people want it to do, but it is ultimately just a belief system.

 

A condition does not have to be 'who you are'. You make that choice.

Ask anyone with a chronic condition if it defines them (it is who they are) or if they 'have' a condition and you will see a huge separation of how people treat their lives. I am of the latter group. My chronic condition(s) are not who I am. I have conditions that limit me only as far as I allow them to, with exception of the extremes.

Half full, or half empty.

 

I agree. However, and I hope you can read this in the spirit in which it's intended (not as a criticism or judgment on you), oftentimes, people are completely unaware that their belief systems (regardless of what they are) are simply just a state of mind. We are usually exposed to whatever religious, political, food choices, etc. that our caretakers introduce us to and a vast majority of people NEVER question that information. They don't have to because they are rarely exposed to anything that contradicts them. Where we live, go to school, attend church services, buy groceries is already ESTABLISHED before we're even born.

So, please understand that I'm not jumping on you. I just wanted to remind you that not everyone is comfortable with having their foundational beliefs questioned, dismissed or ridiculed (and I'm not saying you did any of that either). It's a very sensitive subject. I don't really know @CCitizen outside a few posts I've read here and on other political forums where he posts and I don't purport to speak for him. In the very few interactions we've had, however, he doesn't give the impression that he cares about what anybody else has to say on his threads as it feels more like he just wants to share his thoughts (more blog style). I could be wrong but I've tried a few times in the past year or so I've been here and he's never moved off any position to my knowledge. This is why I believe him to be someone who is devout in his beliefs and sidestepping that with psychology or philosophy probably isn't effective. Of course, you may have different impressions and I respect your right to hold them. I just wanted to give you a gentle nudge, is all.

Peace, my brother. We good?

 

Thanks for this post. That is where I was leading but I didn't think it would be well received. You explained it well.

 

That's what I was saying, but not in so many words

Religious notions should be challenged the same as any others, at least when they impact how people live and how they view life in practical terms.

 

Well, just don't go ripping the Band-Aid off!

 

Pre-determination is a very complicated issue. Perhaps major Rabbis understand it.

On the other hand, my existence is satisfactory, I am 51 yo, and I am not interested in changing.

 

If I claimed that my life is good, I would have been fooling myself or others. My existence is satisfactory. I blow off steam in online arguments.

 

Not really -- as a young person I had dreams and desires.

 

Oh, OK then. Mine is largely satisfactory as well, but I guess it depends on where we want to draw lines.

 

Proud to be an Aspie.