Musicmystery
Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005 Status: offline
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Ah, I see your difficulty. You are conceiving a personal sense of direction, purpose, and responsibility as something relating to others. In fact, there's nothing smug or intolerant in their position -- they live their lives, and let others live theirs. You, however, appear to embody this smug moralistic intolerance of the opinions and behavior of others, having taken swipes at them in this thread, for example. Something to think about. Enjoy. I'm not really interested in that type of "discussion." Meanwhile, for those who were having an actual discussion, here's the point I contributed in the previous page: quote:
ORIGINAL: Musicmystery quote:
ORIGINAL: PakiLadki I believe choosing to live Gorean lifestyle is a philosophy. Some find it acceptable, and it works for them, for others it doesn't. I don't think Goreans are interested in convincing others to follow the lifestyle. What I am interested to know from those who follow the Gorean principles: Is it possible to live gorean lifestyle but not necessarily follow every code laid out in the books? Can one be considered gorean simply by following the same philosophy with their own rules? It's not a matter of following paint by numbers -- there's no thinking/philosophy in that. Consider it this way. Our society is often not living its potential fulfillment, either as individuals or collectively, in part because our concept of ourselves and our behavior is at odds with our own natures and order of nature -- and that a better way is possible. That's the baseline thesis. From there, it's not a matter of right/wrong, do it this way everybody. Rather, it's about living with intention and taking responsibility for one's actions/choices on a consistent basis. As Malkinius noted, a warrior isn't going to have the same codes as, say, the thieves. But thieves can depend on each other to live and act according to their code, and to accept the consequences when things go sideways. When we do this, our lives become focused, purposeful, and self-directed in a way that reflects the reality of the world in which we live. Far too many people in our modern society are all about "only me" and then complain they aren't taken seriously. Or they complain they don't have opportunities when they've done nothing sufficient to create and take advantage of those possibilities. Or -- and this includes many people who consider themselves moral -- their "codes" continually shift depending on the situation and what they think serves them best at any given moment, making up excuses and justifications they then convince themselves to believe to pretend they actually have a foundation for their thoughts, approaches, and lives. It's about living a life of balance, completeness, honesty and honor--yes, even honor among thieves--without apology or excuse, but with accepting the full package that comes with those life choices. That's living "Gorean." Yes, there are other labels we could give it. I hope that offers some clarity. Reviewing Malkinius' points earlier would also be worthwhile. I wish you well.
< Message edited by Musicmystery -- 8/31/2016 4:42:20 PM >
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