How we become
Life activities: exposed to words,images, sounds. You see and hear. You either acknowledge or reject. But once you acknowledge, it registers into your mind and then your heart. Then the desire to try it comes. Then our body's trys it. Then we feel some type of way. Then, the desire grows, and the act continues. Then it becomes normal,then a hobby, then an addition.
Questions is?
It it something good for you? Will it help you grow mentally,spiritually, and physically and healthy as well.
OR
Is it something that will destroy you both mentally,spiritually, and physically.
How we become
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Carol Rasehlabo
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DATo
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Your story raises a very important philosophical question. Let me see if I can address it in detail.
REGARDING HOW WE ARE AFFECTED BY EXPERIENCE:
The philosopher John Locke used the analogy of a tabula rasa, or wax slate, which was used in Greek schools. In ancient Greek times they took pieces of slate rock (flat black rock) and put bees wax on it and put it in the sun to melt; then, they smeared the melted wax over the slate and let it dry. The teacher would then have the students sharpen a stick by rubbing it against a stone to put a point on it. When the student would scratch the wax on the surface of the slate the wax would come off thus showing the black stone below as a line on the milky-colored surface of the slate. This is how they would write their lessons and this process would be repeated each day. Locke said that everything that happens to us from the day we are born is inscribed upon us like the marks on that wax slate. When we die we are the sum total of all the marks that have been scratched upon the slate of our life. Thus, at any one point in our lives, we are the sum total of all the marks on the slate up to that moment and we can make one and only one decision for any situation we find ourselves in based upon the person we are at that moment in time.
This is also called "determinism"; which is to say, much like the toppling of a string of dominoes the first domino to fall will "determine" the fall of every domino after it. It is also referred to as "cause and effect". The classic argument against this is free will. Dissenters will say that we have free will and as such WE determine what we will do by our choices - but do we really have free will? A staggering thought is to consider that everything since the Big Bang has been an enormously long string of deterministic domino toppling and if we had a powerful enough computer we could predict exactly what will happen tomorrow anywhere in the universe as a result of everything which has happened since the beginning of time. In short: there can be only one effect resulting from the mind-boggling list of past causes. This can be reduced to the past creation, existence, and movement of every atomic particle since the beginning of time.
The bottom line is this: there is no point fretting about remorse because whatever you regret today was all you could do at that earlier point in time based upon your inscribed experiences at that time; and conversely, all of the virtues and other good qualities you possess are also the result of how you processed all of the earlier events of your life up to this precise moment in time.
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REGARDING HOW WE ARE AFFECTED BY EXPERIENCE:
The philosopher John Locke used the analogy of a tabula rasa, or wax slate, which was used in Greek schools. In ancient Greek times they took pieces of slate rock (flat black rock) and put bees wax on it and put it in the sun to melt; then, they smeared the melted wax over the slate and let it dry. The teacher would then have the students sharpen a stick by rubbing it against a stone to put a point on it. When the student would scratch the wax on the surface of the slate the wax would come off thus showing the black stone below as a line on the milky-colored surface of the slate. This is how they would write their lessons and this process would be repeated each day. Locke said that everything that happens to us from the day we are born is inscribed upon us like the marks on that wax slate. When we die we are the sum total of all the marks that have been scratched upon the slate of our life. Thus, at any one point in our lives, we are the sum total of all the marks on the slate up to that moment and we can make one and only one decision for any situation we find ourselves in based upon the person we are at that moment in time.
This is also called "determinism"; which is to say, much like the toppling of a string of dominoes the first domino to fall will "determine" the fall of every domino after it. It is also referred to as "cause and effect". The classic argument against this is free will. Dissenters will say that we have free will and as such WE determine what we will do by our choices - but do we really have free will? A staggering thought is to consider that everything since the Big Bang has been an enormously long string of deterministic domino toppling and if we had a powerful enough computer we could predict exactly what will happen tomorrow anywhere in the universe as a result of everything which has happened since the beginning of time. In short: there can be only one effect resulting from the mind-boggling list of past causes. This can be reduced to the past creation, existence, and movement of every atomic particle since the beginning of time.
The bottom line is this: there is no point fretting about remorse because whatever you regret today was all you could do at that earlier point in time based upon your inscribed experiences at that time; and conversely, all of the virtues and other good qualities you possess are also the result of how you processed all of the earlier events of your life up to this precise moment in time.
/
“I just got out of the hospital. I was in a speed reading accident. I hit a book mark and flew across the room.”
― Steven Wright
― Steven Wright
You've beautifully summarized the process of how exposure to various stimuli shapes our actions and behaviors over time. Indeed, the sequence you've described is often a fundamental aspect of how we adopt habits and engage with activities. Evaluating whether these activities are beneficial or detrimental to us is a crucial step in our personal development and well-being.
When considering the impact of an activity, it's important to reflect on its effects on three key dimensions:
1. **Mental Growth:** Does the activity stimulate your mind, encourage critical thinking, and contribute positively to your intellectual and emotional development? Does it expand your knowledge, encourage curiosity, and challenge you to learn and explore new ideas?
2. **Spiritual Growth:** Does the activity align with your personal values and beliefs? Does it promote inner peace, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose? Does it contribute to your connection with yourself and a larger sense of meaning in life?
3. **Physical Health:** Does the activity have positive effects on your physical well-being? Does it contribute to a healthy lifestyle, support your physical fitness, and provide you with the energy needed to lead an active life?
As you've pointed out, activities can either contribute to our growth and well-being or have detrimental effects. It's essential to engage in self-reflection and ask yourself whether an activity is enhancing your life holistically or causing harm. If an activity is leading you down a negative path mentally, spiritually, or physically, it's worth considering whether adjustments are needed to align with your well-being goals.
Remember, the journey to personal growth and well-being is ongoing, and our choices play a pivotal role in shaping our lives. Regularly assessing our activities and their impact empowers us to make informed decisions that nurture our holistic health and development.
When considering the impact of an activity, it's important to reflect on its effects on three key dimensions:
1. **Mental Growth:** Does the activity stimulate your mind, encourage critical thinking, and contribute positively to your intellectual and emotional development? Does it expand your knowledge, encourage curiosity, and challenge you to learn and explore new ideas?
2. **Spiritual Growth:** Does the activity align with your personal values and beliefs? Does it promote inner peace, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose? Does it contribute to your connection with yourself and a larger sense of meaning in life?
3. **Physical Health:** Does the activity have positive effects on your physical well-being? Does it contribute to a healthy lifestyle, support your physical fitness, and provide you with the energy needed to lead an active life?
As you've pointed out, activities can either contribute to our growth and well-being or have detrimental effects. It's essential to engage in self-reflection and ask yourself whether an activity is enhancing your life holistically or causing harm. If an activity is leading you down a negative path mentally, spiritually, or physically, it's worth considering whether adjustments are needed to align with your well-being goals.
Remember, the journey to personal growth and well-being is ongoing, and our choices play a pivotal role in shaping our lives. Regularly assessing our activities and their impact empowers us to make informed decisions that nurture our holistic health and development.
