Philosophy 101 |
I'm retarded |
littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Someone called me a 'retard' yesterday. It may have been the nicest thing he could have called me, under the circumstances, I don't know. I know I truly felt the power of a word. This is my first post here. I hope to learn what I should have learned long ago. How to write what I feel and think and know (what very little that is) and not be misunderstood. I am slow, that is for sure. But I am also consistent. I will read all I am able to read and understand here. And then, someday, I will return and practice on you, if you will listen and be as understanding as my latest critic. Thanks for the welcome! david |
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© Copyright 2008 littledavid - All Rights Reserved | |||
TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
A very warm welcome to this wonderful land. As to someone called you "retard", This is a name calling. And it is wrong. Everyone in a life time at least will get more than 5 times or ten times dirty name-callings. But if you can not lecture the caller, at least let this not ruin your mood. Everyone is blessed with great ability. In some people it shows at early age, in others it shows in later age. Believe yourself and ignore other's rudeness. have a nice day!! |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
David, I learned this when I was young and tried to live up to it ever since: http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/rudyard_kipling/poems/14456 If Kipling were here he‘d probably throw in another verse just for you, he isn’t, so I will. If you can face the names they call you And take their words as neither stones nor sticks Or if you greet the words they throw as I do As nothing more than harmless tricks. If you can turn the words you’ve disregarded By diligently learning hour by hour, You’ll realise it’s they who are retarded; That those who wield words well hold real power. |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Thank You for your kind comments. I too have loved that poem for many years. I want to be clear. That person meant me no harm. He was showing me the way here, I just know it. He really is a very kind man. He is a storyteller. He knows my story better than I do. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Welcome! I'm looking forward to reading your words. Name calling is cruel, but you've already got the upper hand just by your posting this response to it. I'd say you're brilliant! |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Thank you Midnitesun! I accept your compliment and herein will describe myself merely as slow, rather than retarded. Although the difference is slight outwardly, internally it is profound. One whom I greatly admire was called this name and, although it is impossible that I should ever approach his measure, I will endeavor to try. I will, furthermore, consider this my first coup. |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Ever read "The idiot" by Dostoevsky? The man who was considered slow by most of the other characters, proved to outshine them all. Welcome to Philosophy. Stephen |
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Essorant Member Elite
since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada |
The turtle wins the race. |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Grinch My first try is for you. Thank you for your Gift of words I took them with me where I sleep And put them in a sacred place With other treasures that I love To there forever keep Safe from worldly moth or rust Or he that would corrupt! I’ll forge with them a blade of steel And run it through the liars heart! |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Little David, I'm liking your spunk. Anyone who fights back by being the better person is OK in my book. I'm looking forward to seeing your sharing posts and poetic posts everywhere! Thanks for joining PiP. " It matters not this distance now " Excerpt, Yesterday's Love |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Hi again Sunshine! Believe me when I tell you this, I’m not the better man! The Power Word he sent me, has brought me where I am. I’ll thank that Crow each morning, I’ll watch the sky above And praise each day’s eternal flame, His gift of Truth and Love. david |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
hey David...you don't even begin to seem "slow" to me... You seem rather sharp I look forward to reading more from you |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Thank you, SEA, for your kindness! I read these words just a few moments ago. “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child.” I was led to these words by a watchful Crow, who knows that I am nearly blind. As I begin to try now to see, as an adult, but through my eye and my heart, as a child, I sense the first glimmering of understanding. A new beginning. |
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effjayel Senior Member
since 2007-09-30
Posts 1474At the Crossroads of Infinity |
Little david, Firstly welcome to the family... rest assured you will not get called names here, I'm sure you will utter a few yourself if someone should be less than kind in their critique' of your work...Personally, I care not what people say about me, if they do not like me, they don't have to look at me....As for the guy that called you that, should he give you the benefit of his wisdom in the future, I suggest you tell him that you refuse to enter into a battle of wits with an unarmed man, that oughta do it....I'm liking your first attempts, keep your head down, shoulder to the wheel, nose to the grindstone & try walking ! Cheers John "Ignorance is the Enemy...." |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
quote: I‘m not so sure about that, though I do know that all Englishmen are liars so you may be right. |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
effjayel and friends, Thanks all, for your warm welcome! I only ask for honest critisism of my work. Don't worry about offending me or being too harsh. Words can't hurt me, especially those that come from an honest heart. These 'poems' I have written can barely be called first attempts. I don't even know where to begin polishing them. That is why I'm here. I'm sure that with all your help, the truth that is in them will come through, and that is all I seek. I doubt they will even be recognizable when we are finished, but I want to only tell the truth of what I see and who I am so others will understand me better. I felt I should just follow the muse and get these out while I was feeling inspired. I'll go to work on them later. I have a few more lines I've written today. I'll post them tomorrow. Where do you think I should post them? I knew those weren't ready to post in the main forums but I just wanted to get them out there as an introduction. Now, where's that grindstone? |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
David, Welcome to PiP. I agree with all the posts that have been written in response to your introduction. I also am somewhat in awe of your ability to see beyond words and to see the good in a person who could have hurt you. I am looking forward to reading more of your thoughts - and am happy to see you among us. I don't like the word "retarded" - it can mean so many things. I am short. Does this mean that I have retarded growth? Dunno. It's not worth spending a lot of time thinking about either. I think we all grow, mentally and physically, at different rates; and I don't think that we were given a place on this earth to judge others. I think you sound like a really nice person and I am glad that you found your way here. Alison |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Thanks Allison, and good morning! You and I know that words can hurt, especially if we choose. Those very words, when said with Love, will help us find our way! The words themselves are good nor bad, they're only ours to use. To hold us up or bring us down, that's why I'm here today. The words we choose and what we say, are all we ever own and all we'll ever leave behind, when we must go away. little david |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Good Morning Grinch I was just wondering if you are indeed an englishman? Tell the truth. |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
Yes |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
To You that would deny the truth, of Your own immortal soul, I ask You to consider this, from whence does the circle roll? The circle still unbroken, the circle thats the Wheel, Does the falling of the dying moon, produce the warmth you feel? |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
Immortal souls and wheels of life A promise I’m not buying I’ll try to live forever But I know I’ll end up dying And when I do my guess is that The only thing there’ll be Is six foot of unmoving earth And worms to feed on me. So does the moon give warmth to me? You bet, just like each breath The moon confirms I’m keeping Just one step ahead of death. That thought is warmer than the sun A glow that keeps me smiling Encouraging me to live forever Or at the very least die trying. |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
liar! |
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Huan Yi Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688Waukegan |
. “The Denial of Death” by Ernest Becker (September 1924, Massachusetts -1974, Vancouver, British Columbia) . |
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Juju Member Elite
since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429In your dreams |
I like everyone here. No worries. -Juju |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
We love you too, Juju! |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
We love you too, Juju! |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Grinch: There seem to be no final stories Without concommitant a-priories, Nor need to bull-ride sacred cows While living our infernal nows. Vita's brevis, ars is longa; What doesn't save us makes us stronga. What's the difference between absurdist and nihilistic viewpoints, he asks, keeping this in the realm of philosophy... Jimbeaux |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
This house has many mansions, I have come to realize The absurd nihilistics are not well hidden from my eyes Since I know my way around obstructions they are rare I'm blind, I cannot see the traps you set before me there |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
I'll offer a suggestion if you'll hear a simple song The Truth of art is very short, the battle very long The pace of Time I'll give you, it's quite up to you Though the snake is long it winds up strong anew. |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
This mansion is like a stable To those here who are lame Some are pulling heavy loads Stringhart brings you shame Loving care, brighter roads Will help relieve the pain Exercise, and diet too can Help release your strain |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
But you're right in a certain sense time is short, True art is timeless |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
2UoceanU2, My Double-edged Sword of Truth can do the surgery Stringhalt Excise Quick Relief for Self Inflicted Injury call littledavid 911 |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Beggar me this oceanvu2 Where and whom is this Grinch You address your post to? |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
oceanvu2: A limerick forwhichtobestya Xanthopan morgani predicta! Et ne nos indicus tentationam Sed libera JohnHolmesesque |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
A finite man of finite means who will not see beyond his genes disbars all transcendental claims making foolery of celestial aims And yet desires to live in spite of a looming everlasting night in which no bride and bridegroom dance and dearest things are naught but chance And reason becomes a crazy wh*re made worse by feigning there was more Where purpose is a charmer’s potion and love itself mutated motion So will the moon give warmth to him? From where does lunar brilliance stem? If not the Son then tell from whom comes light and life to vex the gloom? And why do our internal things chafe so against those ponderings which figure man the sum of parts? God put Eternity in our hearts. "No Big Story" is probably the most ambitious meta-narrative I know of. |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Hi Stephen -- I agree completely with the first six lines. But I don't suppose that's really meeting you half way. I also think that's one of your best poems ever. Little David: Grinch is the Englishman you met on page one of this thread. And your last post above is truly witty! best, Jimbeaux For some reason, my keyboard started acting erratically, and didn't see the letters that were missing in the initial post. But then, I don't see much at all. [This message has been edited by oceanvu2 (03-07-2008 03:16 PM).] |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Jim, Thanks. I think that was a compliment. Stephen |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Jim: quote: It could be said that nihilism is a response to absurdism. If one is true, the other seems to follow. On a personal note, I can appreciate absurdism, because it can be taken partially rather than universally. There are absurd aspects of reality, and yet there can be hope for some answer or resolve. That's why I appreciate Dostoevsky so much. He was an absurdist I could tolerate in that he placed absurdity in a larger telos of God's plan ... and yet his works have never glossed over the less "photogenic" dimensions of life on Earth. For this reason, the "Frenchies" (Sartre, Camus) and Kafka didn't appeal to me so much. Personally, I think it takes some light even to appreciate the darker vales. Stephen |
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Essorant Member Elite
since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada |
Life is the liveliest state of death And death the deadliest state of life Thro which is blown the angel's breath An endless peace with endless strife. |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
2u oceanvu2 I appreciate your comment! For proprieties sake I'm demure and if stricture prohibits unsure I wanted to say(hope it's not too risque) 'her gargantuan proboscis wilickya' |
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oceanvu2 Senior Member
since 2007-02-24
Posts 1066Santa Monica, California, USA |
Stephen: It was a compliment. Its fun to dial back the intensity at times. Sometimes, for me any way, when you talk about big things in a smaller way, it's easier for me to follow. I recall that despite his, ah, ungainly appearance, Sartre was a chick magnet... ESS: Does the notion of yin/yang fit with monism? Your ditty seems to imply that. Great ditty! Little David" I'd change "lickya" to "tickleya" which is physiologically likelia. This is a great "coffee house" thread. It's fun when one sits, Like Boswell, with wits. There's much being said By the lively undead. The above lines are a philosopical statment to keep the post appropriate. Jimbeaux |
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Essorant Member Elite
since 2002-08-10
Posts 4769Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada |
Jim, Thanks. I never studied monism and rarely use the term, so I am not sure if yin/yang fits into that belief. Stephanos may probably know the answer to that question. |
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Stephanos
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618Statesboro, GA, USA |
Jim, Where's the coffee then? I want some. Stephen |
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Falling rain
since 2008-01-31
Posts 2178Small town, Illinois |
I was just trolling along this web-site when i came across your bullutin. And i dont think your retarded. Your pretty sharp (like a tack). And people who say ugly words are just insecure with themself. They need to hurt someone else inorder to feel better about them self... I know cuz i use to be one of these people. but i changed my evil ways and become a person just like you. And dont listen to what they say. its not true unless you beleve it is. Also you might be slow at times but then again "arn't we all at times?" We all can be "retarded" when we're not thinking. Trust me i do this all the time. i dont know why though... i guess somedays the brain needs to shut down for a while to rest and recollect are thoughs and idea's So in my summary im gunna say. "Don't let people bring you down. And if they do just get back up and keep climeing" Have a great day!! ~Zach~ |
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Joe Crow Member
since 2007-12-18
Posts 66Indiana |
"Someone called me a 'retard' yesterday. It may have been the nicest thing he could have called me, under the circumstances, I don't know. I know I truly felt the power of a word. This is my first post here. I hope to learn what I should have learned long ago. How to write what I feel and think and know (what very little that is) and not be misunderstood. I am slow, that is for sure. But I am also consistent. I will read all I am able to read and understand here. And then, someday, I will return and practice on you, if you will listen and be as understanding as my latest critic. Thanks for the welcome! david" Doesn't retard mean to be held back? It seems your friend was trying to help you unless he missed his mark. I'm doubting he missed it though and the statement about learning what you should have long ago only seems to strengthen the point. Agreed? Joe Crow |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Thank you Zack!! With friends like you leading the way I'm sure I'll reach the peak someday! Joe Crow Very much agreed Sir! Endless thanks for all your kindness and support. I'll be keeping an eye out for more of your kernels of Wisdom to plant wherever I go! |
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littledavid Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 75 |
Here's 2u oceanvu2, what do you think of 'her gargantuan proboscis wiltickleya' ? cuppa Joe anyone? |
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