Great thread and great arguments from Og and Sa\/en. Identification with the masses and immolation of the enemy is a form of selfish instinct but this kind of seperation from the self with the masses could possibly be construed as a "selfless" act. Og and I have had this discussion before under the topic of hedonism and the sacrificing soldier falling on a grenade. I still haven't been satisfied with my conclusion or his unfortunately. I guess the question arises in me... is there a Universal identification that goes beyond the self. While there is ample evidence everyday that people think of their own needs first and while the samples of a Universal identification with people, creatures, and even inorganic objects are far and few between. Since we are all made of the same energy essentially with different purposes it extends the question of free will into my mind. Is there such a thing? Is there such a thing as Altruism or are we guided by our own biological self generating purpose. I thought I would throw in my two cents because it's these types of questions that are balking me in my studies and writing these days. You folks inspire me to get my degree in earnest once again.
__________________ "And let there be Light!" said the Blind man.
Life is simple, people make it complicated - Basilisk
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