I am an optimist. And that is weird; in the old-fashioned way. (I dont wear a ring on my nose, eyelids or belly button. I dont throw garbage onto highways; I never rebelled.) Why? I greatly enjoy life and like people, even though most psychiatrists would expect me to be a drunken, whining, whimpering wastrel.

For me, life cant get any worse than it already has been. Now its much, much, much better. Therefore Im looking forward to TEOTWAWKI. Ive often been told that my tribulations built character.

We may be entering a new period of massive character-building. People may actually be able to understand what I have to teach. After their upcoming lessons, once they overcome their frustrations and bitterness, they will actually learn how to interact and feel empathy and compassion.

Ciao.

-- Not Again! (seenit@ww2.com), October 01, 1999

Answers

Not Again! I'm not looking forward to it, but I can understand your point of view. Obviously, stress has a place in life and our development. We've got to surrender to what is...the way out is the way through. Very best wishes!!!

-- Mara Wayne (MaraWayne@aol.com), October 01, 1999.

Not Again! Glad to see you still have one ear on this forum.

You may be correct - though it gives me shivers to think of the events that would need to occur in order for folks to listen and realize what they have/had.

Please don't make a stranger of yourself. Your contributions here have been among the strangest and most thought-provoking. For someone like myself who has lived a life relatively free from true strife, you are a reminder that history is not a book on a shelf but rather a teacher for those willing to listen.

-- Arnie Rimmer (Arnie_Rimmer@usa.net), October 01, 1999.

Interesting viewpoint. What makes you think people will gain the ability to interact and feel empathy and compassion just because they have suffered a little? I realize that it stands to reason that tribulation ought to cause some to pause and think - but that is exactly the opposite of the reaction the bible depicts. Who's right?

I do suspect that some people will grow up - and gain character. Many of the posters on this forum have done exactly that, and I applaud them. Shallow living does not tend to lead to good character... and many have given up such lives. Many more will have to in the future, but resentment will remain and they will demand it all back... at any price. That's the scary part. They will be willing to give away the farm, and their soul... to get it all back.

I'm betting the bible is right. Man is going to shake his fist at God (again) and demand it all back. Furthermore, they will give up everything to gain it again.

I do think it's great that you've got a positive outlook on all this. Quite a feat I would say and very hard to do.

-- Ray (shusters@montanasky.net), October 01, 1999.

Ray, Not everyone develops. It's just not in the cards. These events are "for" those who will.

-- Mara Wayne (MaraWayne@aol.com), October 01, 1999.

Better living through diversity... a good concept I think.

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), October 01, 1999.