I love octopi in the wild, but just don't think wild creatures should be kept in cages by humans. I'm curious about your thoughts on it, Michael, now that you're fascinated by octopi.
Not to be coy, but “in the wild” is as much of a construct as “in a cage,” I think. Maybe Sartre had plenty to say on this but I do feel existence is, as wild as you might wish it to be, still a cage. 🤷♂️
I'm glad you're willing to engage around this, Michael. This is one of those existential issues that sets people at loggerheads.
For me, the acid test is applying the exact same thing we are doing to others to ourselves and seeing how we feel about it. Are we willing to be confined to our homes, or even one room, 24/7 for our entire lives? If yes, fine, but if no, we are subjecting other creatures to conditions and circumstances that we are unwilling to inflict upon ourselves. I'm not willing to be confined in such a way myself, so for me it's a no-brainer.
But then, I believe in reincarnation and also know that the research is now showing animals to have all of the sensations and interior life, including thoughts and emotions, that we have. So...
“You know, at one time, I used to break into pet shops to liberate the canaries. But I decided that was an idea way before its time. Zoos are full, prisons are overflowing… oh my, how the world still dearly loves a cage.” —Maude
I love octopi in the wild, but just don't think wild creatures should be kept in cages by humans. I'm curious about your thoughts on it, Michael, now that you're fascinated by octopi.
Not to be coy, but “in the wild” is as much of a construct as “in a cage,” I think. Maybe Sartre had plenty to say on this but I do feel existence is, as wild as you might wish it to be, still a cage. 🤷♂️
I'm glad you're willing to engage around this, Michael. This is one of those existential issues that sets people at loggerheads.
For me, the acid test is applying the exact same thing we are doing to others to ourselves and seeing how we feel about it. Are we willing to be confined to our homes, or even one room, 24/7 for our entire lives? If yes, fine, but if no, we are subjecting other creatures to conditions and circumstances that we are unwilling to inflict upon ourselves. I'm not willing to be confined in such a way myself, so for me it's a no-brainer.
But then, I believe in reincarnation and also know that the research is now showing animals to have all of the sensations and interior life, including thoughts and emotions, that we have. So...
Acknowledged! And I agree.
“You know, at one time, I used to break into pet shops to liberate the canaries. But I decided that was an idea way before its time. Zoos are full, prisons are overflowing… oh my, how the world still dearly loves a cage.” —Maude
To be curious you need to lift your head up from the trough. Most prefer to just Wall-E-it.
(And look at me, not being triggered by you bringing up those abominations again!)
You’re coming along, Coach! 🤣
Slow and steady!
Curiosity is the key that unlocks the garden.
True!