Skepticism in Conflict resolution

[Leonidas]

Hey everyone!

This is an issue that I've been thinking about : Applying the principles of critical and scientific thought to the world, including the conflicts in our countries. Evaluating claims based on the evidence they present. Why? Because I'm sure that there are objective truths, and that the new-agey perspective that everything is objective is wrong. I feel that using these tools in a constructive way, we could strip away things such as propaganda, traditions for their own sake, and many other things that keep us apart.

I know Michael is a bit skeptical of this, but that only shows that he agrees with me. (think about it. but not for too long)
I leave you with a quote from the Buddha :

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." --Buddha

[Michael Donahue]

Well Leo, I am disappointed that nobody replied! This is so worthy of conversation. Maybe it simply demonstrates what you are saying, but then we would have to design a test for that. And I love you reference me as being a part of "new- agey" yet call me a skeptic, a philosophy generated by an ancient Hellenic ancestor. (Woops! That was created as a response to objective truth conversations so you have a point with me!)

Yet I am surprised to be lumped in new-agey being one of the people who introduced you to the concept of fact versus interpretation. I think you will find me very much in alignment with your notion of using an objective approach to, shall we say, history, and / or issues, and even some conflicts. . .a powerful tool it would be. Now if we can only find the folk willing to remember the subjective stories, confront the facts, then change.

As for objective truths. . .how do we test? Beyond believing? What are examples of some? In fact, what is the ultimate test for reality?

I will leave you with one of my favorite Buddha stories. . .maybe one that demonstrates what you are getting at.

The Buddha, after relinquishing his worldly possessions, did what many of his ilk were doing at the time. (Some even in close proximity to each other and I often times laugh at the thought of hermits seeking enlightenment, fighting over which tree to sit under to avoid contact with others and to go inward.)

Sidhartha was sitting quietly and patiently, working on his inward truth, ( or allowing it, the truth, to appear so as not to offend) under HIS tree and along the banks of a well traveled river. His contemplation, (or conversation with himself ), was interrupted by the passing voice of a master musician schooling his apprentice as they traveled down the lazy river to their next stop. Here is what the Buddha heard: String your bow too tight, it will break! Too loose, no music!"

The Buddha stood up, left HIS tree, walked to the river, bathed for the first time in years, combed his by then long hair with the twisted growth of finger nails long left uncut, and walked back into the world!

I miss speaking with you Leo, and I am wondering if you are in Prague as Brady is there now and I will be near-by soon.