tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693471143220681808.post6594638286462409470..comments2023-12-18T07:59:16.525-05:00Comments on Hats and Rabbits: If Prayer Is Silly, So Are "Positive Thoughts"Chris Matarazzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17885109959459471509noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693471143220681808.post-23109873520430783512014-04-29T12:42:29.770-04:002014-04-29T12:42:29.770-04:00I think it just speaks to the fact that we, as hum...I think it just speaks to the fact that we, as humans, are hopeful beings. The superstitious and the rational are so intertwined that it'll be nigh impossible to completely let go of one or the other -- some people still look to Charles Manson for either kicks or inspiration.<br /><br />Unfortunately I didn't get your email, and my spam folder is empty. I'll send you another email and double check that it's the right address; if you want to do the same, it's alexisdelanoir@gmail.com<br /><br />Hopefully it works this time.Alexis Delanoirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09507261330011665079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693471143220681808.post-33774056188899762052014-04-28T13:14:59.078-04:002014-04-28T13:14:59.078-04:00Always glad to hear varying views, Alexis. You mak...Always glad to hear varying views, Alexis. You make some good points, but I think my distinction between, the prosocial and the pro-social/faith people is the same as yours. The distinction does, in fact exist: some send positive thoughts as a superstitious wish, others as a simple "I care" statement. <br /><br />And thanks for the kind words -- but, I have to say, I see prayer as a strong weapon in the arsonal against bad stuff and in thanks for good stuff, but to rely completely on it would be a mistake, too. I think the Dalai Lama has spoken quite a lot on this idea -- but it also exists in the old cliche: God helps those who help themselves. Anyway, that's my take on it. But I see religion as a very internal thing -- always have, by instinct. <br /><br />Also -- did you get my email about the lyrics? I did send them awhile ago -- maybe I am goin into spam? Chris Matarazzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17885109959459471509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693471143220681808.post-58923024002456044322014-04-28T13:06:26.840-04:002014-04-28T13:06:26.840-04:00Depends on the intent I suppose. Praying for someo...Depends on the intent I suppose. Praying for someone implicitly means they think that praying has validity. Sending someone positive thoughts, I think, is more to just say "I care." According to a survey I took last night, positive thoughts can help arthritis. <br /><br />I'm being intentionally antithetical, but I think the difference is that prayer is superstition yet prosocial, while "positive thoughts" are only prosocial.<br /><br />Of course, not to be sycophantic, if someone as insightful as you relies on prayer, then there are things to reconsider (although I reject conflating worship of a god with "worship" of science).Alexis Delanoirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09507261330011665079noreply@blogger.com