On Freedom (and fortune)

Posted by: Deane F on 02 October 2005

It seems to me that I live in the best of all possible worlds. I am probably more free than any of my ancestors have been to think - and say - anything I like. I have more chance to make my own world than any of my forebears ever did. More choice. Faster gratification. The weather is less important to me now than it has been for thoudsands of generations past.

I can listen to orchestras at home. I can "talk" to strangers on an internet forum as easily as I can meet my friends and give them the benefit of my lush and pregnant opinions.

I have never been hungry and without hope simultaneously.

My plans are advanced mostly at my own pace.

But everything does not happen for the best in this best of all possible worlds.

I still suffer.

"That was well said, replied Candide, but we must cultivate our garden."

I have far too much time on my hands...
Posted on: 02 October 2005 by Deane F
If anybody would like to start a thread which isn't as egocentric as this one then by all means be my guest.
Posted on: 02 October 2005 by u5227470736789439
Dear Deane,

I have just done so! Bach on the Pianoforte, in the Music Room...

It just covers an aspect of some the greatest Art yet conceived. I neither can do more than hope it opens up some understanding, for others and myself, and equally I can add not a micron to the importance of subjects touched on or the Art itself, so I can only gain insight and possibly cause the spreading of it! About as non-egoist as you could get, on the net at least.

Best wishes, Fredrik
Posted on: 02 October 2005 by Adam Meredith
quote:
Originally posted by Deane F:
But everything does not happen for the best in this best of all possible worlds.


Now - this IS the best of all possible worlds. As to the future - that is a fish of a different hat - as Candide had it.
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Nime
quote:
Originally posted by Deane F:
If anybody would like to start a thread be my guest.


Are you offering us this freedom? How kind.
This reminds me of the mafia and satellite TV providers. You never knew you had something already until they offer it to you (for a fee).
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Deane F
quote:
Originally posted by Nime:
quote:
Originally posted by Deane F:
If anybody would like to start a thread be my guest.


Are you offering us this freedom? How kind.


Sir, if you quote me in your posts then delete what you want for the sake of brevity.

But do not remove sections from the middle of my sentences again or I will call you out. Roll Eyes Winker

This wretched medium affords me little enough as it is in the way of inflection or nuance.
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Nime
"Inflection or nuance?" Surely not?
My! How improved you are sir! Suits you sir!
Have you been studying the Welsh master?
(I once lived in sheep country. But it didn't improve me at all)
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Deane F
Dross.
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Nime
quote:
Originally posted by Deane F:
Dross.


Floss?
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Deane F
quote:
Originally posted by Nime:
quote:
Originally posted by Deane F:
Dross.


Floss?


Andy?
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Nime
Boss.
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Deane F
quote:
Originally posted by Nime:
Boss.


Progress!
Posted on: 03 October 2005 by Nime
Don't flatter yourself. Big Grin
Posted on: 04 October 2005 by Deane F
I don't need to flatter myself. I can't.

I am the humblest man in the world.
Posted on: 04 October 2005 by Nime
You mean since Gandhi...?