Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Society should limit exposure to the Machine, I am saying that individuals should be wary of exposing themselves to conditions that would likely have negative consequences.Greta wrote:Greta wrote:... I don't think such a machine would pose issues to those of reasonably sound mind who can simply be grateful for good experiences without always expecting or craving repetition.I'd dispute any claim that I don't have an addictive personality but I agree that it depends on the individual. Some people need to know what's out there, others are probably better off not knowing although it feels a tad patronising to say so.LuckyR wrote:Those without an addictive personality do not understand those with one.
A Machine Of Hapiness
- LuckyR
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
- Burning ghost
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
What a great view! Haha
- Sy Borg
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
Fair enough. As with anything powerful - be it relationships, art, drugs, meditative practices etc - some will be better suited to it than others. As the gurus like to say, only some will be "ready" ... Grasshopper :)LuckyR wrote:Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Society should limit exposure to the Machine, I am saying that individuals should be wary of exposing themselves to conditions that would likely have negative consequences.Greta wrote:... I agree that it depends on the individual. Some people need to know what's out there, others are probably better off not knowing although it feels a tad patronising to say so.
- Felix
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
It's bad for business: permanent bliss is inimical to societal progress.So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?
- Burning ghost
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
Felix wrote:It's bad for business: permanent bliss is inimical to societal progress.So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?
- LuckyR
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
There is a big difference between happiness and ecstasyBurning ghost wrote:So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?
What a great view! Haha
- dwilliams
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
I recommend you to try going to an Ayahuasca retreat if you have the time — you won't regret it!
I believe it works quite similar to your "machine of happiness".
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
- Jack D Ripper
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Re: A Machine Of Hapiness
First, I could not know that it would work without trying it. And frankly, I question the ability of anyone to ever make such a machine. So, ultimately, I would not believe that it would work, and therefore I would not agree to be hooked up to it. There are so many things that people make false promises about, that it would be foolish to just believe it when someone tells you that this will give you perfect happiness.
Second, as has been stated by someone else above, someone could turn the machine off. But it is even worse than that, because if they can make a machine that can make you happy, presumably the same technology would allow them to give you the greatest misery imaginable. What is to stop those outside the machine from switching it to do that instead? So, you may end up being tortured for the rest of your life, after you were promised perfect bliss for your entire life. You really have no reason to suppose that that will not happen, so, again, it would be foolish agree to be hooked up to such a thing.
Third, I do care about some people and things in the world, and I do not want to "leave them behind." Although I might experience perfect bliss once in the machine, the decision to be hooked up is made before one is hooked up. I would be abandoning my wife and every responsibility that I have if I agreed to be hooked up to the machine.
Those are the reasons that strike me most when first thinking about the question.
2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023