[extropy-chat] Courtesy for other viewpoints (was Putting God to Rest)

[Thomas]

Jef Allbright wrote:

>John C. Wright was active on our list from March through June of 2005.
> I enjoyed a long but ultimately circular dialog with him about
>morality.  Ironically, his final post here was an exceedingly patient
>and polite response to a bit of rudeness from Brett Patsch.
>
><http://postbiota.org/pipermail/extropy/extropy-chat/2005-June/017079.html>
>
>- Jef
>
Interesting.  I find I agree with Mr. Wright on the subject of rudeness. 
 If contempt breeds familiarity then I'd rather leave it to the 
contemptible.  Courtesy has enormous practical value in the exchange of 
ideas, as does honesty and respect.  I believe greater intelligence 
evolves by means of integrating many viewpoints.  If I were a scientist 
I would devise an experiment to demonstrate that hypothesis, but who 
disputes the empirical evidence?  

I also have a theory that what we say reflects our intentions and can 
have a degree of influence on reality.  So why not have enough self 
respect to be careful what we say?  Why make statements that express the 
opposite of extropian intentions?  It seems to me that consistent 
alignment of intention and expression produces a better result than 
becoming hypnotized into aping negative pronouncements.  Freedom of 
expression means we have a choice.  It doesn't mandate Tourette's 
Syndrome.  Cancel thought entropy!  -- Thomas