Friday, April 26, 2019

Homo rationis

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On my recent vacation in Italy, I was struck by the scale of devotion to religious beliefs.  Town upon town had gone to immense effort and expense to erect cathedrals, some of which were massive architectural and artistic undertakings.  All this for something imaginary, nonsensical and morally reprehensible.  I'm sure some saw it as a holy duty, and others simply went along with the majority like the sheeple they are.  I believe it is hard-wired in us to suspend skepticism and embrace the dogma of delight.  It is in all civilizations at all times.   The same sort of irrational devotion continues to this day although it is widely dispersed across celebrities, politicians, and various other causes.  There is a growing minority that has dispensed with this very human tendency.  They are mostly atheists, but they need not call themselves by any name.  They have a high level of  skepticism and are not influenced by religion, propaganda, advertising, or societal norms.  If it hard-wired to be  true believers than it may be hard-wired to be a skeptic.  If this is the case then this represents an evolutionary next step for Humanity.  The arrival of Homo Rationis, who will live with and among Homo Sapiens much like Neanderthals lived, and there is evidence for, bred with modern Humans.  Hopefully Homo Rationis will have an evolutionary advantage over Homo Sapiens and eventually replace them.  This is speculation because Homo Rationis must live in a world built for the irrational.  Time will tell.  

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