Posts by Richard Palmer55

mistybison said:A conversation recently broke out on "religion" regarding whether a religious person can truly be considered wise. After a bit of back-and-forth, we reached the consensus that everyone defines wisdom differently, which naturally dictates their view on whether faith and wisdom can coexist.

Since philosophy is fundamentally defined as the love of wisdom, this seems like the perfect venue to pin down what that term actually signifies. 🙂

How would you define wisdom? 🙂

Wisdom is simply a collection of traits found in an emotionally mature individual.
I would highlight knowledge, gentleness, the ability to listen, and purity.
Purity—both spiritual and physical.

Dana Davis5 said:Honestly, that's what I get for typing without my glasses on—total blurry mess. 😁

But hey, this topic is pretty timeless, don't you think?

Timeless. True enough.
The original poster hasn't surfaced. After all this time, she’s likely forgotten this thread even exists.

Dana Davis5 said:Look, I’m a firm believer that everyone has to go out and find their own little formula for life—you know, that specific rhythm that just makes things click for you. There isn't some magic handbook handed out at graduation or a one-size-fits-all cheat sheet waiting around the corner. It’s more like... well, it's like trying to find the perfect coffee roast or the right pair of hiking boots. You can listen to all the experts you want, but until you actually step out there and trial-and-error your way through it, you won't truly get it. It’s a personal journey, really—kind of messy, a bit trial-and-error heavy, but ultimately yours to figure out.

In chemistry, we’re always talking about that whole "trial and error" thing—you know, just throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks—but even then, there’s a certain logic guiding us. It isn't like we're just tossing random ingredients into a blender and hoping for the best, creating some huge mess from the bottom up... there's a method to the madness, really.

It’s kind of like dealing with people, isn't it? You really ought to take the time to get to know someone deep down—and honestly, you should probably try to get to know yourself just as well—and always try to listen to that gut feeling, that little inner compass we all have... but even then, there are just no guarantees. Not even then.

You actually set this up over seven years ago—give or take seven months, I think? It’s been quite a while! 😁

A small correction, it was 17 years and nearly 7 months.

Playing social experiments with people?
I suspect the old ways of structuring families weren't actually all bad.
If parents felt a candidate's family lacked reputation or stability, the marriage simply wouldn't happen. No ceremony, no union.
And if a young person ended up with someone deemed "unsuitable," they could just return home to their original family without any unnecessary drama. It was a clean break.

When people fall for outsiders where cultural gaps are significant, they really ought to be prepared to embrace those differences or just walk away entirely.
Too many people hope they can fix deep-seated issues as they go, or they manufacture scenarios that are essentially doomed from the start.

A colleague from Baghdad once told me about the custom where the youngest son stays behind to care for his parents. Migration happens in groups. Integration is easier that way; if things get difficult, they have each other. The brother staying back to fulfill family obligations receives monthly support. Any woman he marries doesn't get to call the shots or move wherever she pleases. She stays put, tends to the parents, and upholds the tradition—where the migrant family usually visits once a year.
Those who are unfamiliar with these familial laws and traditions should probably ask questions, or at least realize that no amount of romantic love is going to change long-standing tradition.

I had a conversation with a taxi driver in Vienna while he was driving me to an address.
He isn't happy. He’s stuck. In Vienna, he belongs to a massive extended family unit. He can't, or perhaps isn't allowed to, take his wife and children to another country to chase happiness—or even just try.

People, regardless of which country they migrate to, carry their cultural traditions and patterns with them.
There is that old saying: "You can drive a man out of the village, but you can't drive the village out of the man."

shadowbear9 said:Why wouldn't they be able to? There is a legitimate medical basis for it, so they just enroll in a training course.🤷I suppose I would love to take that course myself if my finances ever allowed for it. It seems you just need a medical degree or something in a related field—some places even let you in if you have a background in the humanities... though, I guess anything is possible if one has enough money ($$). But whatever.

Cognitive therapy actually works. The whole idea is for the therapist to train the patient during sessions so they can eventually function without needing constant help. That’s how the framework is designed. Usually, it lasts about 10 to 14 weeks, depending on how deep the issues go.
The other issue is people peddling courses just to line their own pockets. It ends up being watered down and frankly useless.
I have the book by Judith S. Beck, *Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond*.
I’d recommend it to anyone actually willing to take responsibility for their own situation... read it cover to cover... start over from page one with a notebook... take it step by step... essentially become your own doctor.