Do you dream in b&w or color?

Vercetti25 comments on Nov 9, 2017:

I dream in color, always. The better question is, what does a blind person see in dreams.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

I don't know any, but I'd definitely ask if I did. Probably has to do with when in their life they went blind.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

Bingogwak comments on Nov 9, 2017:

I see mostly color , light , lot of things but sometimes black or white these are color too . Don ' t you think ??

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

No. black has no color and white has all the colors, but neither are considered to be a color. Have you ever watch b&w films. No color, but wonderful films.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 9, 2017:

Mostly color.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

So, sometimes in b&w? I shouldn't say I don't dream in color, but I don't ever remember seeing color. My dreams are normally pretty active though. I used to blame the lack of color on being raised with a b&w tv.

I just saw Jane Goodall ( Not sure of spelling) sign speaking with her gorilla and some chimps and ...

Squirrellglider comments on Nov 9, 2017:

The rule of nature is that carnivores naturally prey on smaller and weaker carnivores and any and all herbivores that they can. Humans being omnivores, ie. part carnivore, part herbivore obey the dictates of carnivores for the most part. However the invention of agriculture and hence civilisation ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

Squirrellglider, I'm boring your space, hope you don't mind. The Horse Flies, 'Road Kill' https://archive.org/details/horseflies1991-07-19.shnf/horseflies1991-07-19t07.shn

I just saw Jane Goodall ( Not sure of spelling) sign speaking with her gorilla and some chimps and ...

Colorado88 comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I think that the true way to be human is to have a reverence for life, for ALL life! I understand that we can kill for food but we don't have to. I am perplexed why we derive so much pleasure from killing other living things. I try to avoid killing as often as possible. I take spiders outside and I ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

If killing flies makes you feel bad, get Venus Flytraps or other carnivorous plants. That way you're feeding nature.

I just saw Jane Goodall ( Not sure of spelling) sign speaking with her gorilla and some chimps and ...

silvereyes comments on Nov 8, 2017:

We are the greatest predator. No other creature can plan and think ahead like we can. It is because of our brain's frontal lobe. It allows for complex thought and guides many of our social behaviors. Only my personal belief here-- but It is because we have this power over other living ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

I lived in ne Ohio for about 12 years. I'm not a hunter (sport or necessity), but there are a lot of hunters in ne Ohio where the deer population would explode with drastic consequences if kept unchecked. That's where the sport hunters come into play. It's necessary. Now if we could go back and learn to live with creatures such as fox, wolves, coyotes, and bears running around we wouldn't 'need' sport hunters.

How long did it take you to realise that you're an atheist / agnostic?

silvereyes comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I was 12- But, you know-- I don't think you should feel dumb. We all come from different backgrounds and circumstances. You just can't compare- it's not apples to apples or whatever fruit analogy you'd rather eat. Some people come from families that indoctrinated them more heavily. Or, from ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

@Sivereyes. I know you can't help it, but you're a wonderful person.

Humans are animals. Is there a code of behaviour?

silvereyes comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Don't poop on my lawn.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

Why not. You don't like your yard.

Humans are animals. Is there a code of behaviour?

MustardSeed comments on Nov 8, 2017:

For animals, there is certainly a code of conduct. For humans, not so much

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

Humans are animals. Why is that debatable?

Humans are animals. Is there a code of behaviour?

davtim68 comments on Nov 8, 2017:

ya, you don't pick your shit up and throw it at someone else, you don't pick your nose and eat it in public

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

I have a boy who would debate the booger eating comment. Kids instinctively know how to make you question your rock-solid foundation.

Humans are animals. Is there a code of behaviour?

resserts comments on Nov 8, 2017:

A code in what way? A universal animal code of behavior? A code of behavior unique to humans? I don't think there's any universal behavioral code, but I do think we share some things in common with other mammals, like a sense of fairness. Healthy humans go through similar developmental steps, too, ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 9, 2017:

A learned person that can write simply enough for me to understand. Fantastic! There are a lot of squirrels in 'my' backyard. I love to watch them play, forage, bury, mate, defend, alarm. They often get upset with another, but they settle it in a sane manner. Not too many dead squirrels lying around (except by auto). We, as the higher species, have to teach our own not to kill. Evolution!

Is it normal or healthy to prefer to spend the majority of my time alone?

AstralSmoke comments on Nov 4, 2017:

This relates to a post that I placed today. I didn't delve into the health of it, just the preference. I believe it's very normal for certain people, for others it would be a horrible sentence. Why do you feel comfortable being alone? I find that when I'm really involved in something, the fewer ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

@jodyfine I was taking the idea of actually being in solitude. I know enough about myself that I know I can't live alone. Being alone the majority of the time I can handle, but I crave some touch. And of course I don't want to be around someone that's driving me batty. It's nice to hear you might entertain the idea of spending time with someone.

3 words to describe about you.

resserts comments on Nov 7, 2017:

introspective sardonic stoic

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

A new word for me: sardonic. Useful. Thanks

What is a common misconception people have that is completely untrue?

TheRealist1333 comments on Nov 7, 2017:

I would say the idea that money equals happiness.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I believe the saying is 'money can buy you happiness'.

What is a common misconception people have that is completely untrue?

AlexisW78 comments on Nov 7, 2017:

The Sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

Oh come on. It does at my house.

What is a common misconception people have that is completely untrue?

Hugene2002 comments on Nov 7, 2017:

That water goes down the plug hole clockwise in the northern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the southern.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I'm from the south and my water spirals counterclockwise. Is that the same as anti-clockwise? Northern hemisphere, southern state.

What is a common misconception people have that is completely untrue?

goatgirl comments on Nov 8, 2017:

That goats will eat anything. I raise goats and when I tell people I raise goats the first thing out of their mouth is "a goat will eat anything". No actually they are kind of picky and smart. They eat like deer. They are browsers not grazers so they prefer to not eat anything off the ground. If ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

They're pretty good at pulling laundry off the clothesline though.

Have you ever had a dream that you died in?

silvereyes comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Yes, a few times. The most memorable was when I was 7. I don't know how it started, but I remember there was someone chasing me. All I knew is that he trying to kill me. I ran and ran, barely out of his clutches. But, as I navigated different terrain the man shape-shifted. Over the mountains ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

Wow, it's so good to not have an active mind.

What is one of your best childhood memories?

btroje comments on Nov 7, 2017:

One of our neighbors was very eccentric. SHe had a pigeon living free in the house. We would take Pidge outside, throw her in the air and she would return to us. Once she didnt. About a year later I was by the local church with hundreds of pigeons walking on the ground around me. SOmehow I ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

That's amazing!

White folks, there are no ghosts. If there were then slaves would come back and haunt all of you!

silvereyes comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I see shadows when I get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Do you think it's because I'm white?!

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

No, it's because there are creepy things there.

Can art take away freedom of choice? thx @RoadGoddess

1ghostwalking comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I find the notion of "freedom of choice" quaint.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

What would be better. Maybe just "freedom"? Can art prohibit freedom?

Can art take away freedom of choice? thx @RoadGoddess

HeathenFarmer comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I find your question odd, I think of art as freedom, it inspires thought and thoughts that are unique to each individual. Even religious art is open to interpretation so, please explain further as to what you are trying to get at.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I'm not sure. Art is perceived to be honest, pure, naive perhaps, emotional, experimental, etc. Can art be executed in a way as to be detrimental to people?

Do you dream in b&w or color?

GothRik comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Full HD, colour, sound, touch/pain, smell, taste. It's all so vivid for me, that I am never to sure if I am conscious or not. :) Quite often it is like the dream scene in American Werewolf In London, except I don't get nightmares.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

You might have a point there. I was a Christian when I found my hands against the wall. I prefer to think about it as growing up. I used to have really scary dreams when I was really young. I haven't had a nightmare in a long, long time.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Color. It still surprises me to remember that soem people only dream in B & W.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

When you remember or that you remember?

Do you dream in b&w or color?

hammerhead comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Color. I had no idea people could dream in black and white.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

And I didn't know most people dreamed in color.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

BelleAmora comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I especially dream with very vivid blues and greens

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

Wow, that's sounds so soothing. Are you soothed by these colors?

Do you dream in b&w or color?

flyingkiwi comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Normally black and white but occasionally very vivid in colour when overtired especially when have been offshore sailing. It is almost like reality.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I think some of my most vivid (memorable) dreams come when I'm sick. The worst ones come over and over again. It's similar to getting slugged in the head several times with a bat (figuratively).

Do you dream in b&w or color?

lphe comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I don't remember

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

Weed can interfere with even having dreams. This is my take, no scientific backing that I know of. I feel like I'm being a very bad atheist today.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

HeathenFarmer comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I dream in both plus a combination where the only some things are vividly coloured. I also can control my dreams to the point that I have not had a nightmare for decades.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I can't control my dreams at all. I've tried repeating some real erotic dreams I've had before, but have never succeeded.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

GothRik comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Full HD, colour, sound, touch/pain, smell, taste. It's all so vivid for me, that I am never to sure if I am conscious or not. :) Quite often it is like the dream scene in American Werewolf In London, except I don't get nightmares.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

You've never had a nightmare? When I was about 16 I had a dream that was on the verge of a nightmare. I commonly walk in my sleep, but that's for another topic. My dream was that I was in a box or crate and in my dream I had come to a place where I knew I could not get out. I had to wake myself up to escape. When I finally managed to wake myself up, I found myself facing the corner of my bedroom with my hands against the wall.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

AmyLF comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Both, though the black and white tends to be something like tapia or very pale and dingy in color rather than fully black and white.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

So, even your b&w's are lightly colored in someway? I think it's amazing how differently people experience dreams.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

mistymoon77 comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Usually in color.. sometimes it feels like I am in another state of mind with whats going on.. like I have done that or been there before. Dreams are fascinating. They can tell so much about a persona and what is going on in their life.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I have experienced that occasionally as well. And dreams are fascinating. Do you ever write your dreams down?

Do you dream in b&w or color?

twshield comments on Nov 8, 2017:

My dreams are in 4k ultra HD Resolution and i often wake up in the middle of them and experience a moment of confusion between the dream and reality.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

That happens to me all the time.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

JosephHarrison comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Oh, I dream in colour. Even my more ridiculous dreams mirror reality extremely well; visually, at least.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

That's cool. I dream in b&w. Usually plenty of action though.

Do you dream in b&w or color?

MustardSeed comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Don't dreams occur in a place different from the visual cortex? I think we fill in those details after the fact and the right answer is none of the above.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I'm not sure where in the brain the different stimuli are processed. I've always visualized my dreams in black and white. And after reading all of these comments, I was beginning to think I must be missing a lot. I still might be. I've thought about dreams a lot and I find them fascinating. My take on them are they're overload or garbage the brain deals with and discards like trash through dreams. My take on it has nothing to do with what actually is occurring. I know that's unscientific.

What is unique about your Generation?

roberbro comments on Nov 7, 2017:

I'm Generation X, born in 1968. We had life before the internet, cable television, cell phones, Netflix, online shopping, Facebook...whatever did we do with our time? At school we learned to use the card catalog in the library and the Encyclopedia Britannica. We learned to type on manual and ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 8, 2017:

I'm a babyboomer, but with many of the same memories. I was raised with a b&w tv. We didn't have one before I was in my middle teens. And I remember listening to my older sister's music on 8 track.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I have a schedule of sorts. Approximately 85% percent of the time I'm doing my thang. The rest of the time I spend with family and/or friends. That's always subject to change because "life" but this is pretty much my regular routine which I created for myself and I love it. This is the first season ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 7, 2017:

Those are all very legitimate questions. When I'm creating, I don't need or particularly want anyone around. When I take a break or need some 'distraction' which is very often the case, I definitely long for a touch, a caress, someone that is receptive to my thoughts and touches, someone that listens as well as shares. All those things one thinks of when picturing a relationship. I'm not cold. I hiked the majority of the AT in 2001. I learned a lot about myself and I learned that I longed for human contact, especially that of a woman. But with this insight also comes the problem of how to alleviate it.

I'm just curious since it is November already.

Paul628 comments on Nov 6, 2017:

I do, I dread Christmas. I was at Menard's the day after Halloween and they already had Christmas decorations up. I think most of the reason I dislike it so much is that by the time it finally arrives, I've OD'd on it. It's my sons birthday so I celebrate that.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 7, 2017:

My granddad had a birthday on the 25th, but he seemed totally indifferent to X-mas and/or celebrating his BD.

If the majority of members here are athiests, why are the majority of conversations about religeon ?

siesta comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Because if there was a god, it wouldn't deduct from our allotted lifespan the time spent sailing

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 6, 2017:

You're like bread ... for a sandwich.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

DrawingDave comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Sometimes I probably have shut myself away too much, I was warned to be careful that I didn't do that too much by an other artist when I said I was going to shut myself away and do nothing but draw. She said "If you don't have a life there might not be any life in your work." I think I have a good ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 6, 2017:

I'm not musically inclined, but it sounds great to be a member of a band.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

atheist comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I have a dog & a cat. Leave me be! :)

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 5, 2017:

No struggle here.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

goatgirl comments on Nov 4, 2017:

My art is my oasis in a bizarre culture. I am the oddball in a culture that repulses me. So my balance is 99% creating recycled junk art and 1% eating. Alone!!!! It used to concern me but I really don't care anymore. I am a happy hermit :)

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

It sounds like you've found your balance.

I wrote this same question yesterday, but the site must not have the liked the way I worded it?

goatgirl comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I'm real good at cutting out the crazy makers. You however are probably kind and considerate and feel bad about doing that. I used to be like that. But once I started snipping...... woooo weeeee it's liberating. I also use compost as an analogy for my life. Totally sustainable, utilizing 100% of ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

You and I think in very similar ways. Perhaps I'm too 'considerate'. It's who I am, although I can be nastily sharp when provoked. Waste is bad, I agree, and I don't want to be responsible for anyone else's!

Do you have a soul?

goatgirl comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I am a meat suit with emotions. Does that count?

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

It counts more than anything else.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I have a schedule of sorts. Approximately 85% percent of the time I'm doing my thang. The rest of the time I spend with family and/or friends. That's always subject to change because "life" but this is pretty much my regular routine which I created for myself and I love it. This is the first season ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

So by limiting your focus on the needs of others, you are happier. 85% sounds great! I'm not sure I'd be willing to give the other 15% away either though.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 4, 2017:

If it comes down to a choice between the two, I tend to choose seclusion. Too many peopel inolve making one's life too complicated.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

Yes, I try to simplify my life as well, but it seems to be impossible most of the time. Life is simple enough when I'm involved in creating though.

For the artistically minded: Do you struggle finding a balance between reclusion and inclusion?

silvereyes comments on Nov 4, 2017:

No struggle. I spend a lot of time creating stuff-- And, I make plans to occasionally come up for air. I like things that are pre-planned in advance. That way I stick to getting out once in awhile-- and I can plan to break away.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

@Silvereyes you're obviously more disciplined than I. Sometimes I get so wrapped up into something, I can't and don't want to stop. Routines are best, but I find them restrictive (normally).

If you don't have anything good to say about religion...

AstralSmoke comments on Nov 4, 2017:

Go to an atheist gathering in Chattanooga and vent all you want. Baby atheist!

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

Yes, I did. I just wanted to get something off my chest. Sorry for not following the rules. It upsets me when people do that to me too. I need do better.

Do you believe that experience leads to beliefs?

silvereyes comments on Oct 20, 2017:

Yes. If a person was born on an island, alone, they wouldn't think of God or the bible. It just wouldn't occur to them that the bible had ever been written and that a whole culture of people lived by it. Our culture and experience definitely influences us. I think what people personally ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

I don't buy into the island theory. God was created sometime, somewhere, by a human or humans. Why wouldn't a castaway find a need to create something that (imaginarily) was in control of the situation? Beliefs are normally founded and procreated through influential people (family members, community, etc). It is very difficult, but not impossible to break this cycle. If people are indoctrinated with the idea that one should be open to various possibilities, then it might be possible to 'learn from your experiences'. But one has to be open to learn the 'right' thing.

Would you involve yourself in a romantic relationship with a theist?

daddy4pugs comments on Nov 3, 2017:

I would like to say no and I have dated theists before, always ending in disaster. I would love to meet a gay atheist man, but there are not many of us who live close to each other. Attraction as it is may getting me in trouble again with a theist, but I really don't want that to happen. It is ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

How do you find people that are not emotionally damaged? Do you have a cut off for too much emotional damage? I think we all are emotionally damaged, just in varying degrees.

Does absolute truth exist?

silvereyes comments on Nov 3, 2017:

I don't believe in absolute truths. It's a rigid way to think. I don't like to think in rigid terms. It stunts intellectual growth and curiosity.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

About the number of planets; The day before yesterday there were 9, yesterday there were 8, today there are 9 again (evidence for a super giant planet billions of miles away, never seen before, but evidence of it's existence). Our understanding and discoveries will keep changing as long as we are alive. Then they will stop.

Do you have a soul?

argo comments on Nov 3, 2017:

As a big fan of Plato, I can assuredly say there is no such thing as God or a soul nor a self to have either of those. THe idea of linking myself to a ghost to a lord of hosts seems about the same as any animistic tribal religion. America is probably the single largest anti-thesis to Plato in the ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

I'm more of an Aristotle fan myself, but Plato works for me.

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

Bodesca comments on Nov 2, 2017:

It makes me want to go to the middle of nowhere and stay away from humans. I’d rather trust wild animals over humans any day.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 4, 2017:

I have similar feelings even while being a member. If people were dogs, I could appreciate them more. But we as humans need other humans. We just don't 'need' the blackside. Well, maybe we do. Maybe we 'need' it for development.

Is power everything?

AstralSmoke comments on Nov 2, 2017:

I'm not sure how I'm suppose to approach this question. Are we talking rulers over parts or all of the globe? For them, power is everything. In today's world that translates to money. To the majority of people who have little or no power it is not everything.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 3, 2017:

Are you referring to my first sentence? I can't say it any better than @VictoriaNeuronote.

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

MichaelSpinler comments on Nov 2, 2017:

because of my education on the spin each network puts into their so called news. i see through it, and only care about the highlights, i can reference what they are saying by going on line and filtering out all the spin.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

It takes work and is necessary.

Do you have a soul?

JackPedigo comments on Nov 2, 2017:

To me (I was taken to task by not recognizing my feelings on not using religious words) the idea of a 'soul' is just plain wrong. It is meant to imply that there is something immortal in us. I prefer to use a mortal term as inner being. Do others have additional replacement terms?

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Inner being works for me. Psyche is a good word, but also has been tainted with time.

I wrote this same question yesterday, but the site must not have the liked the way I worded it?

AlienTheArtist comments on Nov 2, 2017:

Stop expecting everyone to be just like you.....variety is the spice of life. We're obviously not born with negative attitudes etc but they're an essential ingredient for a diverse universe.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

I don't consciously think anyone is like me. Subconsciously is a different story. Yes, negatives equal positives, at least in physics. Even if positives far outweighed negatives, negatives would still be in existence. Are you unaffected by the opposite?

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

Paul628 comments on Nov 2, 2017:

It doesn't affec....One of us, One of us, One of us. ;)

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

I'm sure there's a tune with that.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

atheist comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I use my judgement & ask the question, 'Is this an accurate picture or is there alternative explanations'.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Working on the story.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

Paul comments on Nov 1, 2017:

"Perceptions are individual's truths." > Not always. When I percieve Penn & Teller do 'magic' I don't think it really is magic but a clever trick. "How do you check your perceptions to know that you are getting an adequate picture?" > If your perceptions create a blind spot you can't ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Very few things are what they appear to be. Case in point: modern humans concerned with appearances. Thanks for the video. It was almost as good as going to a magic show.

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

twshield comments on Nov 2, 2017:

The dark side of media is people are being fed someones opinion instead of just facts. If media could just provide the story without commentary and opinions, viewers will not be influenced and form their own opinions.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Wow, you're asking a lot to greedy billionaires. They are greedy, not known for compassion. So' how do you know if you're being duped or not?

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 2, 2017:

It can bum me out because I see the media taking advantage of our negativity bias, which significantly impacts social media.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

It bums me out too, but in its own way amazes and frustrates me. I think marketing is a very interesting field. Subtle manipulation use to be the norm; now it's not so subtle but subtle enough. $$$

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 2, 2017:

Mostly, it makes me have to deal with greatly misinformed persons, who don't practice critical thinking, a lot more often. I stopped spending all that much time on Facebook and now spend most of my internet time here instead.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Critical thinking can be more actively taught, that's for sure. How should we do it?

I wrote this same question yesterday, but the site must not have the liked the way I worded it?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 2, 2017:

Yes, but it takes a lot more time (and work) to compost fecal matter (or meat) than ti does vegetable matter. The issue is in how long it takes to for bacteria in fecal matter to become neutralized. A lot of food recalls are due to food having been grown in 3rd world countries but sold here, where...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Thanks.

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

AMGT comments on Nov 2, 2017:

It’s another thing that validates my disgust toward the human condition. Both those that take advantage and those that don’t do anything about the ease with which they believe a claim on its face.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

That's the human condition since humans have been around.?

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 2, 2017:

Mostly, it makes me have to deal with greatly misinformed persons, who don't practice critical thinking, a lot more often. I stopped spending all that much time on Facebook and now spend most of my internet time here instead.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

I like it here as well. It's comfortable.

How does the manipulation of thought through media, especially social media, affect you?

silvereyes comments on Nov 2, 2017:

I try to think critically, but I'm sure there are always subconscious effects. I stay off social media for the most part. I don't watch TV much (and when I do I stream things without commercials). I know I'm still exposed to media in places, but I've tried to reduce some of it.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

I'm a bit isolationist as well, or maybe insulationist. But I'm also curious about the world, so I search. Marketing also manipulates and has been around since ... a long time. So, I don't believe it is a new problem, it has only bloomed like a prolific seed spitting weed since the recently. The environment must be ideal for encouraging their success.

I wrote this same question yesterday, but the site must not have the liked the way I worded it?

mt49er comments on Nov 2, 2017:

Yes, I've composted my dog's waste, but it's generally only good for the lawn. Don't try and use it on food, but human waste might be okay. I'd look it up first.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Human waste (after composted) is fine for fruit trees, but will make your vegetable garden lethal. Did you read the entirety of the question?

I wrote this same question yesterday, but the site must not have the liked the way I worded it?

Jello_vero comments on Nov 2, 2017:

A composting toilet has been engineered and is gaining popularity especially with Tiny Houses or off grid living. Google it, im sure something discusses how it works. : )

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Yea, composting toilets are great and I wish I had one. My question was aimed more at people than toilets though.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

Paul comments on Nov 1, 2017:

"Perceptions are individual's truths." > Not always. When I percieve Penn & Teller do 'magic' I don't think it really is magic but a clever trick. "How do you check your perceptions to know that you are getting an adequate picture?" > If your perceptions create a blind spot you can't ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

But wonder if it wasn't a trick at all, but perhaps a technological advancement that you hadn't witnessed before and didn't have any prior knowledge of? Your perception would tell you it's a trick.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

silvereyes comments on Nov 1, 2017:

No matter what, we are looking through a filter. That's what I have to work with. I like to get input from as many sources as possible -- and evaluate them critically... but the human mind itself is fallible. Even several people see the same set of data-- they may draw different conclusions. That...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Yes, this is called the Theory of Perception ;-). It's no theory, it's just my perception.

Thinking outside of 'the box'

twshield comments on Nov 2, 2017:

I love that! Once i became an Agnostic your mind opens and you do in a sense climb out of your box. Then later you realize that it was your own personal prison.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

It opens up a different way of looking at things for sure. I personally don't think one can climb out of her/his own box and leave it completely behind. One's box definitely changes its shapes over time though.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

Paul comments on Nov 1, 2017:

"Perceptions are individual's truths." > Not always. When I percieve Penn & Teller do 'magic' I don't think it really is magic but a clever trick. "How do you check your perceptions to know that you are getting an adequate picture?" > If your perceptions create a blind spot you can't ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

It's funny the things that get stuck unexplainably in my head. The magic trick is something I've been thinking about for a day now. I finally have a reply. You are probably going to the magic show with a preconceived notion that magic is a trick of the eye. Your perceptions are weighted. Similar to the bending of light waves.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

atheist comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I use my judgement & ask the question, 'Is this an accurate picture or is there alternative explanations'.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

Do you ever let your guard down and just sort of 'go with the flow' and a bit later find yourself enduring a situation that could have been avoided if you had just been a little more observant?

Perceptions are individual's truths.

Squirrellglider comments on Nov 2, 2017:

I am never surprised at the different interpretations different people will put on the same piece of artwork. So it shouldn't come as a surprise when different people see different meanings in the same picture of anything. The whole of life is a series of perceptions that we have to navigate, so ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 2, 2017:

This is so very true. Unfortunately, I keep laying my BS meter down and forgetting where I left it. Some say that comes with age, but I've been like that my whole life.

Thinking outside of 'the box'

Paul comments on Nov 1, 2017:

1. Climb out of my box. 2. Think. 3. Don't get back in the box afterwards. Joking apart I'd say there actually is a process but it's not quite that simple. It's something 'Street Epistemology' explores: 1. Defining a deeply held personal belief. 2. Grading your confidence that it's likely ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

Learn, learn, learn! If you wanted to come up with a better, more sustainable means of transportation, would you use the same thought process?

Perceptions are individual's truths.

MichaelSpinler comments on Nov 1, 2017:

cross checking, peer reviewed science, using the scientific method, try not to get caught up in emotional reasoning.. the use of ockams razor

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

Ockham or Occam evidently put his name on it and added the razor!

Perceptions are individual's truths.

MichaelSpinler comments on Nov 1, 2017:

cross checking, peer reviewed science, using the scientific method, try not to get caught up in emotional reasoning.. the use of ockams razor

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

I wasn't familiar, but now am. Thanks. I looked him up in Wikipedia. There it stated: Aristotle writes in his Posterior Analytics, "We may assume the superiority ceteris paribus [other things being equal] of the demonstration which derives from fewer postulates or hypotheses."[11]

Thinking outside of 'the box'

Squirrellglider comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I think that being an artist as I am is part and parcel of thinking outside the "box". I usually just let a problem or new job percolate in my mind for some time before trying to actually start any work on the idea or job.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

Wow, I knew we had a hidden bond.

Thinking outside of 'the box'

davtim68 comments on Nov 1, 2017:

My whole life has been out of the box. I've always walked my own route. Many choices were pretty F'd up. But what's really funny, as I've aged I've gotten smarter. I'm still outside of the box.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

In my opinion, and that's all it is, everyone has their own box. Your box might not look like anyone else's or even resemble a 'box' at all, but it represent you. How do you think outside of yourself?

Perceptions are individual's truths.

silvereyes comments on Nov 1, 2017:

No matter what, we are looking through a filter. That's what I have to work with. I like to get input from as many sources as possible -- and evaluate them critically... but the human mind itself is fallible. Even several people see the same set of data-- they may draw different conclusions. That...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

Sort of both. There is the other person's inner-world and your inner-world. Those aren't directly perceivable. All the pieces [of the puzzle] are in sync for only a short period and then on to something else. Maybe it's impossible to see the entire reality, but when our perceptions are honed we can get close enough. The 'Big Picture' - probably deserves its own topic.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

Paul628 comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I could always ask a friend(s) to tell me their perception of what I see as a "truth" or concept.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

I guess I was thinking more along these lines: You ask them for what they witnessed (their perception) and compare it to what you perceived to have occurred and compare them. The fuller truth might be a combination or it might be neither. I like to try and 'read' people. Sometimes I'm right on. Other times I'm completely wrong.

Perceptions are individual's truths.

silvereyes comments on Nov 1, 2017:

No matter what, we are looking through a filter. That's what I have to work with. I like to get input from as many sources as possible -- and evaluate them critically... but the human mind itself is fallible. Even several people see the same set of data-- they may draw different conclusions. That...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

I believe we all see a portion of reality. Maybe it's our differing abilities to process it that lead to so many 'truths'. When I originally thought of this question I had people interacting with other people in mind. Their perceptions of the other person, the situation, the moment. Now one seems to be reading it this way. Our perceptions are not lining up.

Thinking outside of 'the box'

silvereyes comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I approach things from as many angles as possible. Even consider or try to form opposing viewpoints. I try not to think of unproven things as facts-- even if I find something to be more or less probable than another.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

But you do compare probabilities. Do you normally get other people's viewpoints or just try to imagine different viewpoints? I'm sure it depends on how deep you need to go. I usually contemplate the solutions until someone inadvertently gives me an answer.

Thinking outside of 'the box'

roberbro comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I think certain people are more attune to thinking outside the box than others, and I don't consider myself to be one of those people. However, when I'm trying to think outside the box, I tend to use brainstorming and meditation to clear my head.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

I can't think outside my 'box' when I try to. It just takes a lot of think time and then perhaps I end up with a solution.

Thinking outside of 'the box'

evergreen comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I don't purposely try to think according to boxes , or the lack thereof. But it seems from some of the reactions I've gotten over time, my thoughts tend to be uncommon. Oh well !

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

Your box might be as stretched and contorted as marhas'. We all have some sort of limits to what we think is our way. You have an uncommon box!

Perceptions are individual's truths.

Paul comments on Nov 1, 2017:

"Perceptions are individual's truths." > Not always. When I percieve Penn & Teller do 'magic' I don't think it really is magic but a clever trick. "How do you check your perceptions to know that you are getting an adequate picture?" > If your perceptions create a blind spot you can't ...

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

wow ... a spiralling tunnel! You are deep. Everyone has perceptions or 'points-of-view'. We are physical entities and thus have a finite point of view. This viewpoint is our perception. It is physically impossible to view all of the viewpoints. We make decisions everyday, all day long based on our perceptions.

Why do so many atheist/agnostics feel it is necessary to have/go to a 'church'?

AngelaPadovani comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I like the idea of community. If there is no god then we should at least support one another

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

So your ideal of a community needs to involve church in some way?

Do you have a soul?

atheist comments on Oct 31, 2017:

The word should be banned b/c of religious corruption. Find another term to express what you want to convey.

AstralSmoke replies on Nov 1, 2017:

I agree, it seems to be an unwinnable fight. I find it sad when we lose good words and I don't see religion as being the only culprit.

Do you have a soul?

atheist comments on Oct 31, 2017:

The word should be banned b/c of religious corruption. Find another term to express what you want to convey.

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

Or don't give in to the religious corruption.

Do you have a soul?

JustKip comments on Oct 31, 2017:

"Everlasting soul"? No. that's just silly. I have individual consciousness-a psyche, but not some separate invisible entity that does something independent of my own thoughts, or exists without my body. There's just no reason to imagine such a thing

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

No, just a soul.

Do you have a soul?

Paul628 comments on Oct 31, 2017:

No. I have a mind that cannot exist without a live physical brain. I've posted this link here already. Sam Harris...

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

I had to look up Deepak Chopra. He's worth a lot of money. The reason I posted this question is because of my recent 'awakening' to the fact (for me) is that I have a soul that defines me. It's not in ghost form and won't haunt anyone or anything like that. It's all biological, chemical, constantly changing things that make up me. I've recently told someone that I didn't have a soul. Which the outcome was fine. No further contact. But I got to thinking about how empty it sounds (but it's not empty) and have thought about what the word soul really means. We are all unique, I'm sure you agree.

Do you have a soul?

Joanne comments on Oct 31, 2017:

I always say I have two. One on the bottom of each foot. Sure, the spelling is different but I can see those soles and know that they exist. :)

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

When one has emotions that person might see the effects of the emotions, but not the emotions themselves. Same with wind. I know ... you're just playing.

Do you have a soul?

Paul628 comments on Oct 31, 2017:

No. I have a mind that cannot exist without a live physical brain. I've posted this link here already. Sam Harris...

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

Perhaps you are referring to the Merriam-Webster's online dictionary #2 definition. Their #1 definition: the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life seems more open and perhaps deserves a deeper understanding.

Do you have a soul?

davtim68 comments on Oct 31, 2017:

No We are individual energies that have created what ever this is we are existing in. I mean there truely was a big bang which is another way of saying total energy. I believe we are part of that. Besides, in my reality no one gets screwed by any gods. I'd like to think I was dark energy.

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

I wish I had a better grasp of dark energy. It sounds so Vaderlish.

Do you have a soul?

Hope4Zoe comments on Oct 31, 2017:

Yes! I have a soul. But it's like my mind. Can't pinpoint in the body, but it's what connects me to other people. The soul is what reaches out and wants connection and knows it's part of humanity. If we had a six sense would we say that it was god given or that it evolved like our eyesight, hearing,...

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

I agree (mostly). The Merriam-Webster's Online: 1 :the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life.

I'm an atheist but I still say bless you after someone sneezes.

Godot comments on Oct 28, 2017:

What should we say when someone coughs? What should we say when someone burps? Why should we perpetuate the superstition that a sneeze throws off evil spirits and continue to give lip-service to its being worthy of some deity's blessing? Yeah, "Gesundheit!" - "Health, now!" - works for me ...

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

I find it humorous that we feel we need to say anything at all. But we all do. My kids like to fart, burp, and laugh at any and all body noises. Sometimes I comment, sometimes I don't. When they sneeze, I'm compelled to say Gesundheit.

Dunning-Kruger effect

Squirrellglider comments on Oct 31, 2017:

I have come across many that would fit that description during my lifetime, and unfortunately come to the conclusion that not only is it a waste of time to try and help, but that it is actually counter productive to try. You only end up making an enemy, rather to just leave well enough alone.

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 31, 2017:

Good advice.

Why do so many atheist/agnostics feel it is necessary to have/go to a 'church'?

SageDave comments on Oct 30, 2017:

There is a sense of pleasure to go to a meeting where everything is prescribed for you. I can go to any Jewish temple on the planet, listen for a couple of minutes and know exactly where the congregation is in the service. (I wanted to be a Cantor when I was a teenager.) It is more than social or ...

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 30, 2017:

That's funny! You make me laugh. I've been to a Jewish temple in Knoxville, TN. It's an interesting building! I didn't realize the services were so predictable. And Jews are known to be family oriented. I sense belonging to the Verses and I can't imagine anything any larger than them, but am willing to admit there might be.

Why do so many atheist/agnostics feel it is necessary to have/go to a 'church'?

LadyStardust96 comments on Oct 30, 2017:

I'd only go to church if someone I love asked me nicely to go for some reason. I'm assuming my friend will want me to go to their Christmas Eve mass and I will probably go, just because the church is beautiful and I love meeting new people even though they don't believe what I do.

AstralSmoke replies on Oct 30, 2017:

You're romantic and I appreciate that. When I see church buildings and cathedrals, yes they can dazzle the eye, I see all the waste of money, time, and people. They have become depressing places for me.