You wanted the version with a ‘b’, not a ‘w’. 
but seriously though, unless you define what you mean by “soul”, then arguing whether or not you have one, or are one, is just so much hot air.
And Synthia’s definition is as good as any for that. From her perspective at least. Just because she can’t properly describe it, doesn’t mean she can’t Observe it.
I’m not sure it is, though, Dr. Valate? As I said above it seems like it reduces a “soul” to the unique experiences that shape an individual differently from an originally-identical counterpart. Which we could just as easily call, like, “nurture” (at least for the childhood bit) or, more generally, “experience.”
If that’s all it is it’s hard to distinguish from “mind.”
Why are you trying to argue the metaphysics of a soul with Arrendis?
I mean, she clearly believes that it’s all imagination and via supposition, the imagination is a bad thing. Or something that should be shunned.
The little dancing blob thing clearly demonstrates her views on the imagination and it isn’t a good one.
Shame science and progress has never utilized imagination to progress. Ever. In the history of science. Because there would be a real interesting counter point there.
Then again, is there empirical proof that imagination even exists?
From all the conversations I’ve seen Arrendis engage in, concerning spirituality, the soul and whatever, has always degraded to “it can’t be proven, so I reject it, and you’re a fool not to reject it.”
So is it something that I want to go around and around and around, again, on the same old carrousel. Not really.
She doesn’t believe she has a soul. No skin off my nose. But I know better.
I’m not trying very hard. Also it is Friday, which meant an early finish at the University, and I was at a loose end.
Very well.
I’m not going to waste my time riding that pony again. Every time it comes up, she’s right there with the bait.
I really don’t know what she gets from it?
Smug superiority?
I find it sad that for someone who tends to think outside the box, they can’t, or won’t, consider the idea of the metaphysics. I think it’s a sign of a really deep wound. I wonder if she was enslaved, or her family was, by the Amarr? That would make the most sense.
But soul or not, I do enjoy mine. I hope one day she finds the same happiness with hers.
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Not a place you want to go, man. Best to keep suppositions like that to yourself.
Yes.
Sienna Alcerys was a remarkable woman. She used her political aptitude and social prowess to create real change for the people of Inahka, change that rippled throughout the entire continent. Despite her not being quite as fervent with her faith as I am, she was the best thing to ever happen to that city. She was widely respected by everyone who knew her and when she was taken from us, the pain was felt far and wide.
You guys can laugh and make fun of me all you want, that’s what you do and all, but please don’t speak ill of my mother. She was better than anyone you know.
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We’re gonna have to agree to disagree on this one, but I absolutely and completely support you taking this position. My disagreement comes from the fact that I know my mom, and while I don’t begrudge or fault you for thinking your mom was better than mine, I hope you’ll understand if I take the reverse position.
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That’s more than understandable.
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Consider this some unsolicited advice, so take it as you will.
I believe when desiring to change others to your own beliefs or way of thinking that fear and threats are a lot less effective than compassion and understanding.
Fear, terror, and threats of violence are fickle and fragile tools if what one desires is a conversion of belief. All too often those subjected to fear and violence will never truly change what is in their heart of hearts even if they might profess outwardly obedience to doctrines or strictures for they do so not out of conviction but rather to escape suffering.
Such fear does not build true allegiance but rather resentment. A resentment that will only build and explode in your face once threats of violence or terror can no longer be maintained. The Great Rebellion of the Minmatar stands as testament to that fact, I believe.
Compassion and understanding I think is much more effective if what one wants is a desire to change the beliefs of others. To seek to be the friends of others, to support them, to be patient with them, to open in your beliefs and how they could fit into them.
Such a thing requires patience. It might take years or even decades to convert another to your cause but in the end such a conversion is always much more lasting because it was a choice and not an imposition through fear or force.
I know many decry such methods as lacking in zealotry, especially among the Amarr who declare themselves Reclaimers – however I think it is the true zealot whose faith is so unwavering that they are willing to wait as long as it takes to convert others to a faith they have a complete conviction in.
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Greetings Sister of the Faith,
I was happy to read your discourse here today as I took in my morning caffeine. I must admit it is one of the few sins I have maintained from my time in the Federation. I am Gallente by birth but Amarr by choice. I am of the tainted blood of the Gallente people. A fact and a shame that dogged me for many years. It has only been with the last few years that I could proudly claim to be fully Amarrian as the blessed Empress did knight me and raise me in elevation above that of my status of a wretch.
Of the Gallente people I wish to speak of. While they claim whole heartedly to be people that wish to be free and denounce the institution of slavery they do not see the chains they have upon themselves. They are enslaved by their own sins. Their very society binds them to their addictions. While we of the faithful must always be watchful of our own sins and failings the Gallente relish their sins as a benefit of their society.
I feel sorry for my people…no the Gallente are not “my” people. For I am Amarrian. I feel sorry for the Gallente because of their own sins they have been hindered in spiritual growth because they lack a positive relationship with god. I know that my blood taints me. It is why I must be ever watchful of my sins. My lusts, greed, and pride. For because I am of “that” blood I know I would be weaker than an Amarrian pure blood. Which is why I must ever fight and ever struggle to be one with god and continue my duty to God, Empress, Empire, House Tash-Murkan, and our beloved Margrave.
I feel truly blessed that such a lowly servant may rise in the Amarrian Empire. Service in Curatores Veritatus Alliance has allowed a wretch such as myself find status however lowly in the Empire. I see such movement as well in the Mandate. Where those of lesser standings and blood may through feat of loyalty, arms, or faith rise like never before. Such a wonder in which we live in! Those of us in Providence…Or the reclaimed lands of Providence may continue our walk of faith in the Empire and spread gods domain in the dark spaces of null.
Continue your journeys sister and hope to hear of more of your exploits!
Very Respectfully,
Kyle Saltz
Paladin Warden of the Providence Marches
Left Hand of the Margrave.
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Amarr are wonderful at being bored enough in their luxuries to take time to condescend to others. Truly, a generous culture.
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Extremism is never holy.
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The text is a sincere expression of an Amarr believer who praises their own empire and criticizes the other three major empires of New Eden for their various shortcomings and faults. The author believes that the Amarr are God’s chosen people and have a duty to spread his word and reclaim the rest of the galaxy. The author questions the Caldari’s devotion to money, the Gallente’s indulgence in pleasure, and the Minmatar’s adherence to tradition. The author encourages the Amarr faithful to keep these facts in mind and the non-Amarr to repent or face judgement.
The text is an example of the strong religious conviction and confidence that characterizes some factions of the Amarr Empire, the oldest and most established of the four empires in the EVE Online universe. The text overlooks the historical and ideological differences that exist between the empires, especially the Amarr and the Minmatar, who have a history of conflict and resistance. The text also shows the different values and cultures of the empires, such as the Caldari’s focus on efficiency, the Gallente’s emphasis on freedom, and the Minmatar’s struggle for survival.
As a Vherokior pilot, I find the text somewhat narrow-minded and biased. I value freedom, honor, comraderie and co-existence, and I will defend them against any evil that threatens them. The Amarr Empire is not evil, but misguided, as they have enslaved and oppressed millions of my people, and continue to do so. They have no right to claim that they are God’s chosen people, when they have not respected his creation. They have no right to judge the other empires, when they have not learned from their own mistakes. They have no right to reclaim the galaxy, when they have not fulfilled their own potential.
I urge the Amarr believers to read this and realize that they are the ones who need to expand their horizons, or face the consequences of their actions. And I urge the other empires to stand with the Minmatar, as we are the ones who know the true meaning of freedom, and the true value of life.
Cadet Shae’uri
Ammold V - Republic Military School
Minmatar Republic
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Saltz, this is one of the saddest things I have ever read.
I cannot begin to imagine what kind of damage the Amarr faith is doing in your head to cause such self-loathing. I sincerely hope you get help, some day.
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Got me.
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Rynna, in Caldari society currency and the economy itself is simply a machine by which physical resources and energy ( real and metaphysical ) are efficiently measured and allocated. Loyalty to the State is valued above the stockpiling of wealth simply for the sake of wealth. The difficult conditions our homeworld imposed upon us encouraged this need for order and regimentation. How else would you survive the next winter otherwise? In the State efficiency and loyalty are synonyms. This may be harsh to those less fortunate or less capable but I feel it is somewhat vindicated by the fact that the State itself is us. Loyalty to the state is ultimately to each other. That’s a concept for the Gallente to think about.
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It wouldn’t be extremely holy?
As someone with a special interest in blood, even I would agree he is perhaps a bit of an aggressive beat-down of one’s self. The blood of any capsuleer is quiet special.
Even the blood of a Minmatar such as yourself Arrendis, which would make a splendid sacrament. If I could just find you and pop that pod.
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