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Q. Hello Jane.I would like to discuss with you a couple of comments you made in your responses to inquiries sent to your website. The first explanation I would like relates to your response to a respondent who asked you whether or not were you real. You initially responded that you, in effect, changed your answers because it "only reflects the reality that I change." I would like to have a quantification of this argument in detail, for if you have any real belief in dualism, or the belief that God exists and we also exist in a physical realm, then you cannot at all make that statement with any confidence. Secondly, you eventually make a claim that a dog is "a powerful intelligent creature." The only thing that can truly be established is that dogs, and all other animals below human beings, have no more than rudimentary intelligence. Namely, they can only fully realize the potential of their instincts. Dogs and other animals are completely barred from "intelligence".
David Hefner 4/13/01
A. For your first comment, it's
true I said I change my answers, the idea behind that statement has to do
with the fact that I don't take myself too seriously, meaning, I recognize
my thought process as an exploration of thinking- not a definitive method
to amass concrete answers. Every answer I every come to exists and is viable-
but simultaneous answers exist for every question and I am capable of playing
with different realms of thought in order to enjoy a lively argument or
challenge myself to apply my thought process in new directions and ways.
I'm interested in questions for their power to raise potential possibilities,
not settle into a statement of undying truth. Questions are opportunities
to open one's mind to the dynamic force of change. I don't use questions
as things to lead to stagnant justifications/solutions. Through thought
I often change my mind and I like to recognize that my own philosophical
nature is always arriving at new ideas evolved from previous ideas. The
statement "I change my answers" refers to the fact that I change, that I
am a dynamic creature and knowledge is a dynamic force, both things being
subject to being torn down and rebuilt. In fact the process of self (becoming),
knowledge (thinking) are all about change and growth. As for, Dualism &
God- those are two whole other exciting topics. When you say dualism, I'm
not sure what you refer to specifically- so I can't respond to that unless
you clarify it a bit. But as for God, I will give you a short response,
since it was tangential in your comment, I do not believe in God. I believe
in the idea of God and recognize that God is a reality for many people on
our planet, God does exist. However, for me personally in my life, I don't
believe in God and in my picture of reality God only exists as an idea or
a character, like the tooth fairy or Santa.
A dog IS a powerful intelligent creature. I do not hold human intelligence
above other intelligences that exist in the animal kingdom. Your second
comment addresses the different definitions we hold for the word intelligence,
and the fundamental disagreement we hold about how the universe is structured.
People DO posses a unique intelligence, but so do bees, as do dogs- as do
other creatures. I do not hold human intelligence as being higher than any
other- I despise the categorization that leads to the separation of ideas
to exist in levels of importance. I do not think there is a hierarchy in
place that delineates importance. Humans are often bound to that structure
of organization, but I actively despise deeming universal importance based
on my own experience. Sure, humans are great, they landed on the moon and
talk over copper wire with abstract symbols- but bees see in ultra violet
and communicate specific directions to physical locations three dimensionally
with dance. I don't know what goes on in a bees mind- or a dog's- so I can't
pass judgment on their thought processes. It's true humans have the wonderful
neo-cortex that makes us fancy & chatty, but MIND and BRAIN are different
and a dog's brain is certainly smaller but I don't have the tools to know
or understand a dog's mind and I refuse to take a chance underestimating
a dog. Humans are the most pompous, self-important creatures compared to
all the other animals, based on my observation. Of course, I have my own
feelings about situations that I can prioritize, but as for applying my
interpretations universally- I don't think my view or any other view is
more or less valuable than another universally (i.e.: an idea can be more
valuable to me- but I place the value- the value doesn't exist independent
of me). All views exist based on different things and I don't judge a being's
point of view- I recognize it exists for them as strongly as my own exists
for me. There is no right or wrong, good or evil. Those IDEAS exist- just
like God- but those ideas serve humanity's need to organize things based
on their personal opinions of what is valuable. I do not hold a humanocentric
view of the universe. Personally, I think things can be good or evil- right
or wrong- but those are MY feelings not universal truths.
I want to know about your religious beliefs.
- Boris, 12/25/07
{Jane's Response}
O New York -- you beast! -- why do I pine for thee?
- Ryn Gargulinski, 10/21/06
{Jane's Response}
Have you any advice for *adults* who aspire to be creative?
- Apocalypse Watcher, 11/30/01
{Jane's Response}
"Joshu's unsheathed sword,
Glittering, severe frost is illuminating.
Asking what it is,
The body is cut in half.
Which line is most important?
Nine bows." -Ansho
- Daniel Paley Ellison, 11/16/01
{Jane's Response}
Pretty much every woman I know has been sexually assaulted... How will things get better?
- Ayen Tran, 11/7/01
{Jane's Response}
Is death painful?
- Muriel, 9/26/01
{Jane's Response}
why is earth a woman? (Mother Earth...)
- Muriel, 9/24/01
{Jane's Response}
What about respect?
- Didier Hampl, 8/26/01
{Jane's Response}
What do you think about President Bush rejecting the Kyoto treaty?
- David Hefner, 7/21/01
{Jane's Response}
Hello Jane.I would like to discuss with you a couple of comments you made...
- David Hefner 4/13/01
{Jane's Response}
Jane, is this a character speaking, or are you utterly honest?
- anonymous 3/15/01
{Jane's Response}
Are there aspects of life that we cannot perceive?
- John Foster 1/15/01
{Jane's Response}
Why doesn't Hello Kitty have a mouth?
- Tya, Belly Up zine Columbus, OH 9/13/00
{Jane's Response}
If your life was a movie...who would the actress be that played you?
- Kathy Mueller FBI Distro, Moorestown, NJ 9/13/00
{Jane's Response}
Why do hotdogs come in packages of 10, but hotdog buns come in packages of 8?
- Jon Hansen 1/23/00
{Jane's Response}
If personalities are formed by the individual's perception of their environment, what about past lives?
- Matt Gosser 1/20/00
{Jane's Response}
Do you think numbers are real?
- Nicole Hefner 1/19/00
{Jane's Response}
Jane, why are people so mean?
- Laurie Weeks 1/19/00
{Jane's Response}
Is it ethical to have sex with a dog?
- Ella Frederick 1/19/00
{Jane's Response}
What color is the ocean at night?
- Dorian LeCroy 12/23/99
{Jane's Response}
If you could be any article of clothing, what would you want to be and why?
- Jamie Rella 12/20/99
{Jane's Response}
What is the first thing you do after you have sex?
- Erin Cocozzo 12/1/99
{Jane's Response}
Why do you love me so much!?
- Marisa Magik 11/20/99
{Jane's Response}
Why is there something rather than nothing?
- Dean R. 10/18/99
{Jane's Response}
Do you think that you have achieved all your life's dreams?
- Hillary 9/30/99
{Jane's Response}