On the Templeton list where I also lurk, people are, of course, less
dedicated to rationalism and the Ayn Rand view as the paramount ethical
value. Rationalism is an superb guidepost, as long as it doesn't become a
'hitching-post' to quote an associate of mine.
So where does that leave people like me (not that anyone need care!)? To
paraphrase the great philosopher on the American Beer coomercial for Miller
Beer; "Where is the Love, man?" To which the antagonist replied, "You're not
getting my beer Bob". My concern here is not love, but a less agreeable
attribute to desire..pity.
Someone like the icon of this group, Ayn Rand would no doubt see pity in as a
grave weakness and a mental dysfunction, as well as a character flaw of
Richtorian scale.
Maybe she would have been correct. However, I look at the human condition,
nature red in tooth and claw, and such as a fact of life. But like disease
and death, a fact which needs to be mitigated.
Now if mysticism can do the job, excellent! If pure technological prowess can
achieve this, mondo-bondo! If someone comes up with philosophy or drugs or a
new branch of science that can push back the pain, let me join in.
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