Lao Tzu Vs. Communism

[Machinesworking]

^ Indeed, it was Lao's most sincere wish that we burn synagogues. Because nature.

Disclaimer: I'm being sarcastic.

You're also completely ignoring that social darwinism is based on all the same principals that old pseudo religious philosophers like Lao espoused. Hitler believed he was following nature, to deny that is to be a fool.

It's a ridiculous assumption to assume that "nature" is what mankind is supposed to emulate, when being civilized requires much more than base animal instinct and some attempt, yet again by someone to paint civilization out as the "wild animal". Especially when what is nature about beyond base struggle by wild animals?

Himmler kept a copy of the Bhagavad Gita with him at all times. Picking and choosing earthy sounding quotes from philosophers who were the pets of autocrats isn't necessarily the best way to attack communism, considering every dictator alive who fancied themselves a scholar has read those same quotes whilst fondling themselves.

[Steve Ballmer]

You're also completely ignoring that social darwinism is based on all the same principals that old pseudo religious philosophers like Lao espoused. Hitler believed he was following nature, to deny that is to be a fool.

It's a ridiculous assumption to assume that "nature" is what mankind is supposed to emulate, when being civilized requires much more than base animal instinct and some attempt, yet again by someone to paint civilization out as the "wild animal". Especially when what is nature about beyond base struggle by wild animals?

Himmler kept a copy of the Bhagavad Gita with him at all times. Picking and choosing earthy sounding quotes from philosophers who were the pets of autocrats isn't necessarily the best way to attack communism, considering every dictator alive who fancied themselves a scholar has read those same quotes whilst fondling themselves.

You seem to equate "nature" with "base animal instincts". I, on the other hand, have never been attacked by a tree. What the hell are you on?

[Steve Ballmer]

Actually there are similarities between Tao and Marxism. Both are based on ideas found in dialectics. It's the idea I mentioned recently, that all things contain contradictions. Yin and yang. Tao embraces this dialectic, and tries to supersede it. Like Marxism, Tao also is a materialist philosophy. It was introduced by Lao Tzu, who saw the value in living in accordance with nature. Of course this was similar to Marx's views in many ways. Marxism does not try to fight human nature, it tries to change the way we organise society to fit with our real nature. Man is not naturally greedy, selfish, psychopathic and out of control, as Stevie boy would have us believe. This is just lame bourgeois propaganda.

On the contrary, Marx outright denies its existence:

"The essence of man is no abstraction inherent in each single individual. In reality, it is the ensemble of the social relations." (http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1845/theses/)

Of course, countless Marxists have tried to weasel their way out this, as Funky will now clumsily demonstrate.

[Steve Ballmer]

"as Funky will now clumsily demonstrate."

[Steve Ballmer]

Because it confirms exactly what I said. Lolz. You're losing your special touch.

[Machinesworking]

You seem to equate "nature" with "base animal instincts". I, on the other hand, have never been attacked by a tree. What the hell are you on?

You seem to think humans, who are mammals, directly related to chimpanzees should be compared to trees when discussing "nature".

....and I'm the one who's high?

[Steve Ballmer]

I'm the one who's high

^ this

[Machinesworking]

Chimpanzees, our closest relatives have been known to eat their babies. This is the nature that Lao Tzu and countless misled hippies and libertarians apparently are thinking is so "in tune with the universe" etc.

Civilization is mankinds saving grace, without it we're nothing more than goose stepping cannibals. Nature is not something to emulate in our culture, sorry hippy.

[Styles Bitchly]

Arguing with shitstarters on the internet is like wrestling with a pig in putrid mud. After about an hour or so, you realize that the pig actually enjoys it.

[earthloop]

...We are how we are, not because it is 'natural', but because we have a capitalist society. That is the 'social relations' he talks about. Change the social relations (capitalism) and the 'essence of man' changes.

Please explain this 'essence of man' you speak of!

[Machinesworking]

I'm the one who's high

^ this

Pattern noted, when you get your ass handed to you by an "opponent", you resort to preschool replies.
You backed yourself into a corner attempting to use "nature" as an argument for your political beliefs, and you have nothing to threaten me with, nothing to do with all your strength.

[Steve Ballmer]

Actually, all I did was post a quote, and then watch from the sidelines as a bunch of assholes tried and failed to understand my motivation for posting it. I haven't backed myself into a corner, because so far I haven't actually committed to anything other than my appreciation for ants. But please don't let that stop you from commenting on my... er... "strength"?

As for "preschool replies", as a rule I show my "opponents" the same respect and consideration that they show me. I you want me to be nice to you, stop putting words in my mouth and acting like a bottom-feeder.

[earthloop]

I haven't backed myself into a corner, because so far I have actually committed to anything other than my appreciation for ants.

Haven't man...haven't!!!

[Steve Ballmer]

I haven't backed myself into a corner, because so far I have actually committed to anything other than my appreciation for ants.

Haven't man...haven't!!!

Fixed. Good catch, that was embarrassing

[earthloop]

I haven't backed myself into a corner, because so far I have actually committed to anything other than my appreciation for ants.

Haven't man...haven't!!!

Fixed. Good catch, that was embarrassing

You're welcome