Posted:
I recently read a book called God's Debris by Scott Adams. Most of you might have heard of Dilbert comics, he is the creator of Dilbert and this is his non Dilbert venture. The book can be downloaded legally for free here.
The book is a mixture of fiction and philosophy. Personally, I found it very profound and thought provoking and anyone with a philosophically curious mind frame will thoroughly enjoy it.
To present a synopsis by Scott Adams himself.
[quote]Imagine that you meet a very old man who—you eventually realize—knows literally everything. Imagine that he explains for you the great mysteries of life—quantum physics, evolution, God, gravity, light, psychic phenomenon, and probability—in a way so simple, so novel, and so compelling that it all fits together and makes perfect sense. What does it feel like to suddenly understand everything? God's Debris isn't the final answer to the Big Questions. But it might be the most compelling vision of reality you will ever read. The thought experiment is this: Try to figure out what's wrong with the old man's explanation of reality. Share the book with your smart friends then discuss it later while enjoying a beverage.[/quote]
While there is no beverage here, I intend to follow Scott's advice. Share the book with smart friends and start discussing. Perhaps when those interested get the chance to read, even a few pages we can get started on an engaging discussion. I am positive there will be lots of possible topics to discuss as the book covers a lot from luck, probability, science, God, reality etc, which is really a minefield of topics.
The book really influenced me to think a lot, so I blogged about it here. However, it is lengthy and most likely boring for many. I did caution you, so read if you feel inclined. Perhaps you may find something discussion oriented there.
Some randomized questions I think off to get started are
Why do we beleive what we beleive? What is the basis of faith?
Why do we exist? What is the truth?
Whose truth is it to tell? Whose power is it to know?
Is there one truth or many truths? Do truths contradict?
Can truths coexist? Will my truth destroy another?
Does faith make sense? Does truth make sense?
What is real and what is the illusion? What is the illusory truth?
What do we need to live - faith or truth?
What if faith defies truth, or truth defies faith?
What happens to man when faith is shattered?
How do we know if faith has been misplaced?
Is the quest for truth, a quest for the truth or our truth?
What if we see what our eyes want to see?
Are explanations place in favor of the truth or our truth?
Can it be possible to betray oneself?
Can it be possible for faith to betray faith?
Where is the esscence of faith, mind, heart, body or soul?
Is the heart a bodily element or the beat of the soul?
Is the soul capable of thought? If so in what level compared to the mind?
Can the soul betray faith? Can faith betray the soul?
Does the soul exist? Do molecules, atoms and quarks have life?
If every living thing is made of lifeless particles where does life come from?
LOL! 😆 That indeed is a lot I guess, but this book can sure get you thinking.
Note: This is intended to be a philosophical discussion about concepts and explanations. However, with the term 'God' I know it can take on a religious flavor and such topics are not allowed on the forum. I intend to steer clear from religion, and focus on philosophy. However, moderators if you feel that is not the case or this topic deviates to something undesirable please feel free to lock it.
The book is a mixture of fiction and philosophy. Personally, I found it very profound and thought provoking and anyone with a philosophically curious mind frame will thoroughly enjoy it.
To present a synopsis by Scott Adams himself.
[quote]Imagine that you meet a very old man who—you eventually realize—knows literally everything. Imagine that he explains for you the great mysteries of life—quantum physics, evolution, God, gravity, light, psychic phenomenon, and probability—in a way so simple, so novel, and so compelling that it all fits together and makes perfect sense. What does it feel like to suddenly understand everything? God's Debris isn't the final answer to the Big Questions. But it might be the most compelling vision of reality you will ever read. The thought experiment is this: Try to figure out what's wrong with the old man's explanation of reality. Share the book with your smart friends then discuss it later while enjoying a beverage.[/quote]
While there is no beverage here, I intend to follow Scott's advice. Share the book with smart friends and start discussing. Perhaps when those interested get the chance to read, even a few pages we can get started on an engaging discussion. I am positive there will be lots of possible topics to discuss as the book covers a lot from luck, probability, science, God, reality etc, which is really a minefield of topics.
The book really influenced me to think a lot, so I blogged about it here. However, it is lengthy and most likely boring for many. I did caution you, so read if you feel inclined. Perhaps you may find something discussion oriented there.
Some randomized questions I think off to get started are
Why do we beleive what we beleive? What is the basis of faith?
Why do we exist? What is the truth?
Whose truth is it to tell? Whose power is it to know?
Is there one truth or many truths? Do truths contradict?
Can truths coexist? Will my truth destroy another?
Does faith make sense? Does truth make sense?
What is real and what is the illusion? What is the illusory truth?
What do we need to live - faith or truth?
What if faith defies truth, or truth defies faith?
What happens to man when faith is shattered?
How do we know if faith has been misplaced?
Is the quest for truth, a quest for the truth or our truth?
What if we see what our eyes want to see?
Are explanations place in favor of the truth or our truth?
Can it be possible to betray oneself?
Can it be possible for faith to betray faith?
Where is the esscence of faith, mind, heart, body or soul?
Is the heart a bodily element or the beat of the soul?
Is the soul capable of thought? If so in what level compared to the mind?
Can the soul betray faith? Can faith betray the soul?
Does the soul exist? Do molecules, atoms and quarks have life?
If every living thing is made of lifeless particles where does life come from?
LOL! 😆 That indeed is a lot I guess, but this book can sure get you thinking.
Note: This is intended to be a philosophical discussion about concepts and explanations. However, with the term 'God' I know it can take on a religious flavor and such topics are not allowed on the forum. I intend to steer clear from religion, and focus on philosophy. However, moderators if you feel that is not the case or this topic deviates to something undesirable please feel free to lock it.
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