tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123631695572626256.post3061970673069957224..comments2024-03-28T20:37:49.632+00:00Comments on Shadows & Light: Death of ReasonSteve Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11684120060438252945noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123631695572626256.post-47416108764909391022010-01-27T15:34:35.372+00:002010-01-27T15:34:35.372+00:00We are mired in a swamp of accommodation to every ...We are mired in a swamp of accommodation to every idea, no matter how silly, antiquated or superstitious.Merle Sneedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01228809667893921954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123631695572626256.post-49106330961160983192010-01-26T22:29:29.893+00:002010-01-26T22:29:29.893+00:00Reya: Jefferson was a flawed human being, for sure...Reya: Jefferson was a flawed human being, for sure, but his ideals were reasonable. What I'm lamenting is the loss of reason as a social goal. It was once held in high regard (if not always achieved) and is now smirked at by people who think they have a better answer.<br /><br />Utah: The space program in general is a disappointment -- all that optimism and scientific gain, come essentially to a standstill. But I'm not sure the shuttle was ever all it was cracked up to be. I've heard criticism that the shuttle program was a way for NASA to commercialize space. The agency figured it could make money hauling satellites into and out of orbit, conducting experiments for private clients, etc., and decided that was worthier than trying to send more astronauts to the moon or beyond. But I guess we still have some science for science's sake -- the Hubble telescope, for example, and our Mars probes.<br /><br />Barbara: We certainly are spoiled! Sorry for the downer post. Guess I was feeling cynical this morning. :)Steve Reedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11684120060438252945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123631695572626256.post-69621814110932795472010-01-26T15:01:53.086+00:002010-01-26T15:01:53.086+00:00Here's what I think. I believe we leaned way t...Here's what I think. I believe we leaned way too heavily into our faith in reason and in that way became completely unbalanced so that we decided to reject mystery altogether, in our pursuit of reason.<br /><br />Now we are retreating from that extreme which is a good thing, if you ask me.<br /><br />Jefferson wrote beautiful words and about reason and thinking, but in fact he owned slaves, denigrated women and in general did NOT walk his talk. Have you read "American Sphinx" by Joseph Ellis? It's a biography of Jefferson. That dude was NOT reasonable. Whoa!!Reya Mellickerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13076092659507965666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123631695572626256.post-74259868588726443472010-01-26T14:44:36.877+00:002010-01-26T14:44:36.877+00:00I agree Steve. An example...This morning I was ta...I agree Steve. An example...This morning I was talking with Kristen about how unfortunate it was that the Space Shuttle program never realized its potential, that it was always dependent on big antiquated external fuel tanks and boosters, and that the dream of a true take-off and re-entry vehicle was never really realized by NASA. Remember when we were in junior high, and the promise of the Space Shuttle seemed so immense? We never really developed that promise past the technology of the initial launches. Instead we squandered gobs of cash on military actions all over the globe. Now we're reverting back to Titan rockets to get stuff into space. Talk about regression!<br /><br />I'm not super space program supporter man, but it is a good example of how our potential as a nation has been sidetracked by stupid and costly decisions.utahDOG!https://www.blogger.com/profile/04574614138539392895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5123631695572626256.post-23802870064018426912010-01-26T14:15:30.995+00:002010-01-26T14:15:30.995+00:00I wonder if debate in schools has fallen out of po...I wonder if debate in schools has fallen out of popularity? I always thought that was such good preparation for life, which is full of situations without clear-cut choices.<br /><br />As a society I think we've become spoiled and used to having our own way, whether it's reasonable or not. On too many occasions people have relied on weapons instead of words to resolve their difficulties.<br /><br />Very thought-provoking post, even if it reminds us what a sad state we're in.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11724807799695867204noreply@blogger.com