Signs of the Decline of Civilization

[jamespowers]

See, I don't like talking about my paid and volunteer work whether I'm online or in person. I'm sure most of the Lounge members do good works with out any one else knowing about it. There, now you've made me say it.

Exactly the point of charity and good works my friend. You do them anonymously. As my grandmother used to say: anything less is considered advertising.

 

[jamespowers]

Thanks, Powers. I have read a bit of his work, but not that book.

So you read the wrong works?! You neglected the true pinnacle of his work in the US--at Harvard by the way. Just like an academic. Boola boolah.

 

[CassD]

It's very easy peasy to sit around here complaining, and much harder to help. And writing it off as 'someone elses job' is a cop out...if you don't want to help make it better, then don't complain that it isn't better yet.

I think there are more ways of going about trying to change things than donating money to charities, though that is important. I would hope those of us who have children in our lives, whether they be our own or the children of family members and friends, make a constant effort to educate them on problems and how they can help to make problems in the world better, even if they are just young kids. Educating children and helping them to see the world in new and interesting ways is what helps to improve life in the future. It's a slow method, but it does work. Giving money, although important, is a stop-gap. Sorry, I'm one of those people that thinks getting a propper education and making sure that a propper education is available to everyone could actually solve a lot of problems.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

Sorry, I'm one of those people that thinks getting a propper education and making sure that a propper education is available to everyone could actually solve a lot of problems.

And I agree completely. But again, education for -all- takes money. Or people giving time to educate and help those -beyond- our house walls and family/friend circles.

And sadly, if you confine the -educating- to people you already know, etc.....then our children will be posting someday about how their -peers- are 'tacky and horrid and don't know anything'....because it will just all repeat a generation...with a subset of well educated people bemoaning the -rest- of society and its lacks.

 

[Dr Doran]

I basically agree with you, although there will be disagreements on what constitutes "proper" --- and giving money doesn't usually hurt.

I think there are more ways of going about trying to change things than donating money to charities, though that is important. I would hope those of us who have children in our lives, whether they be our own or the children of family members and friends, make a constant effort to educate them on problems and how they can help to make problems in the world better, even if they are just young kids. Educating children and helping them to see the world in new and interesting ways is what helps to improve life in the future. It's a slow method, but it does work. Giving money, although important, is a stop-gap. Sorry, I'm one of those people that thinks getting a propper education and making sure that a propper education is available to everyone could actually solve a lot of problems.

 

[jamespowers]

I basically agree with you, although there will be disagreements on what constitutes "proper" --- and giving money doesn't usually hurt.

As long as its your money I have no problem with it.
Instead of proper, substitute moral. I tend to agree with Teddy Roosevelt's educated monster quote when it comes to education without morals or conscience.
Changing the world one person at a time works for me. All, of which, begins at home.

 

[CassD]

Jamespowers: I suppose when I think of a proper education, I think of morals as well, though that is a sticky subject since to some people an act may be immoral where it might acceptable to others (and I don't mean things like genocide or human mutilation but some of the finer distinctions).

I also believe that leading by example is important. If I'm taking the time to educate those near and dear to me, their example will reach their friends, and hopefully mine will reach those around me, though I admit that I'm not that great of a teacher, and I'm nowhere near perfect myself. You can't force people to change, but offering them an example can sometimes lead them to find ways to improve themselves.

I have nothing against giving money. I do think it's good, but it won't solve the problems of the world, and if I could touch at least one person's life and give him or her the desire to improve him or her self, than I would know that I had done a great deed. It sounds corny, I know, but it is how I honestly feel. Changing even one person for the better is a big step in the right direction. I suppose I think a bit small.

 

[jamespowers]

I have nothing against giving money. I do think it's good, but it won't solve the problems of the world, and if I could touch at least one person's life and give him or her the desire to improve him or her self, than I would know that I had done a great deed. It sounds corny, I know, but it is how I honestly feel. Changing even one person for the better is a big step in the right direction. I suppose I think a bit small.

That and it doesn't cost you a single cent to do any of that but it is worth more than money.

 

[Dr Doran]

Well, I'm trying to raise my kid right. I think that is important.

 

[jamespowers]

Well, I'm trying to raise my kid right. I think that is important.

Its the most important thing you can do and have a total direct impact upon. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
Oh and say child. I know you ain't raising a goat.

 

[Dr Doran]

Its the most important thing you can do and have a total direct impact upon. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
Oh and say child. I know you ain't raising a goat.

Actually, my wife's parents in Poland raise goats! And llamas. And horses. They have a big farm. I try to influence them positively as well.

 

[jamespowers]

Actually, my wife's parents in Poland raise goats! And llamas. And horses. They have a big farm. I try to influence them positively as well.

lol lol lol lol lol Touche. Farm Animals of the World unite!

 

[Dr Doran]

lol lol lol lol lol Touche. Farm Animals of the World unite!

Unfortunately there has been a Chinatown situation in the goat herd. The father of one of the goats is also its grandfather. Needless to say, this is NOT due to my influence ( imagine emoticon barfing here).

 

[jamespowers]

Unfortunately there has been a Chinatown situation in the goat herd. The father of one of the goats is also its grandfather. Needless to say, this is NOT due to my influence ( imagine emoticon barfing here).

So much for raising kids.