[tim politicus]

I suppose that thinking, like charity, begins at home. Hopefully I can question myself and my conduct honestly and consistently as well as do for others.

Your point links together thought and freedom. That seemed to unbind my own thinking.

Isn't it thought that makes us free? Without thought are we not merely the conditioned automatons of popular scientific theory...er...um...is that hypothesis? Where thought is lacking, instinct, blind rote rules, no, binds. Perhaps the ancient Christian linkage between light, as a symbol, the eye, the logos (English: reason), and a sword or savior that sets one free is rooted in this connection between thought and freedom AND RESPONSIBILITY.

Consider, what is responsibility but the ability, the freedom to respond, to effect and be affected? What is thought but the movement of consciousness (call it light) from perspective to perspective, in its attempt to liberate the thinker from the ir-responsive sleep of his blind repetitive nature.

Hmmm... I already feel somewhat lighter since reading your post. I think I'll be reflecting for some time on that little illumination you handed me.

[Hank Kerchief]

Isn't it thought that makes us free?

The classic Biblical expression is, "and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

Ultimately it is truth that men hate, because it is ruthless. But truth is the source of all good, and in those who seek and obey her, the source of all virtue.

Of course we have only one faculty for apprehending (knowing) the truth, the faculty of reason (the ability to think). It is because men despise the truth that they are afraid to think. They dread the fact that they are responsible for their own choices and seek to escape it by that false kind of "faith" which most organized religions and philosophies teach.

(I am not opposing faith, only that kind of faith which is really superstition.)

(If you're still here.)

Hank