We receive many comments, roughly 90% are supportive and complimentary and require no response, 5% are questions which are distributed amongst a volunteer team who respond publicly for the purposes of this blog, the rest are an untidy hodge-podge of miscellanea.
We do not generally display individual questions, or respond personally to questions or comments, but on 12-20-11, this “challenge” was received and passed on to someone more than “adept” with R.H. information. "I wish to debate the nature of your movement with the most adept 'rational hedonist' you have on-board... I feel there are contradictory arguments put forward even in your most basic descriptions about your alternative to major religions, maybe we can discuss the philosophical nature of your movement? " In response to this I am going to address three points. The first is, while this person's comments listed the required e-mail address, it was apparently not an actual working e-mail addresse. Two e-mails were sent to this person's e-mail address, on 12-28-11 and 1-06-12 with no acknowledgement. This person apparently had enough free time to Google the magic words leading him to our little piece of the net, was intrigued enough to “call us out” in our space; his request was passed on to someone more than merely “adept”, who on his own took time out from a busy career and real life in general to attempt personal contact. Secondly, for a Rational Hedonist, a crime/sin was committed. This person wasted the respondent's time. Rational Hedonists put a high value on each wonderful moment of life we have. No one around here is wringing their hands, threatened or agitated and needing to justify ourselves to people “out there” who don't agree with rationally hedonistic principals and lifestyles. You either “get it” or you don't. No one here is going to expend negative energy or waste time defending ourselves, or give Rational Hedonism a bad name by slinging mud with the playground bullies. There's an “X” on your upper right screen, if the freedom of Rational Hedonism offends, that's your exit. Thanks to the internet and the social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as forums, blogs, and anyone-can-create-websites, everyone can rant or blog their vapid thoughts, dirty laundry, their daily life, to literally a world audience. If this person wants their own soapbox, it's easily available, no need to dirty up our pool. For Rational Hedonists, life is what you live when you turn off the computer. If you're so obsessed with posting everything you do on Twitter and Facebook via your phone or tablet when you're away from your computer, and actually care about the opinions of dozens of “friends” you have never met, you are a compulsive life reporter, not a life liver. These are the people with huge egos – thinking everyone out there is actually interested. That is why most Rational Hedonists are out there (not online) living busy, happily content, gratifying and indulgent lives, and when we want company, choosing those with whom we surround ourselves, who share our passions and make us feel good. For some of us web nerds, our pleasures come from critical thinking, writing and communicating ideas, which is why we are here, volunteering our time. But I digress. The third point is this blog is a tool to share information on rationally hedonistic viewpoints. We are not trying to win anyone over, proselytize or steal anyone away from wherever they are at, we are not arguing or debating or trying to prove anything. In fact, if one is so easily swayed, they are probably not a Rational Hedonist. We do not waste our creative energy seeking out forums to attack theistic religion, Atheist and Humanism organizations are much better equipped. Our way is simply another way of seeing things, it's philosophies and teachings older than Christianity, as valid as other religions. Nevertheless, this “challenger” received a very amiable response, but because he apparently gave a “dump” addy, we are choosing to show part of the response is below, as a third and final attempt for contact, this time with a real e-mail address. Thank you for your interest! I was asked to respond to your comment made on our media information website, Rational Hedonism, wherein you stated: .................................... .......... While who is the "most adept" may be debatable, and I do not actually intend on getting into a battle of words and semantics with anyone, I am willing to answer and attempt to better clarify for you specific questions and "contradictory arguments" brought up within the website; it is a work in progress and perhaps better clarifying for you will help us better clarify in our writing for others. For the sake of being able to attempt to answer you specifically and in a direct manner, please keep each point/argument brief and precise. An honest discussion, questions attempting to clarify or better explain possible unclear writing on the website, exchanges of ideas -- all will be acceptable, unless it deteriorates to personal attacks, threats or religious rants indicating a personal agenda. Thanks again, XXX That's it. We are done with using this blog for personal answers. We have a long list of topics more relevant and of interest to us to post. Our lifestyle website, Shameless Passion, will be serving to post comments and questions from readers, as well as responses. This blog is getting back on track to its original purpose. Warning: In the future, if we find we cannot contact you via the e-mail address given, we claim the right whether to post your question or comment without your permission for our own purposes, or deem it unworthy of any response.
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AuthorG.K. is currently the official Spokesman representing Rational Hedonism online; an Ordained Celebrant (not "celibate"!) with R.H. and conducts or advises others with Weddings, Civil Unions, Remembrance Ceremonies (both people and pets), Adoption and Naming Ceremonies; and conducts "Garden" Parties for Rational Hedonists throughout the United States. Archives
March 2014
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