Clive Hamilton's "The Freedom Paradox. Towards a Post Secular Ethics" (Sunday Forum)

by Bill Dowsley , 'Wombeyan, NSW', Monday, February 02, 2009, 13:11 (1572 days ago) @ Debb

Thanks to all for this wonderful thread which has sent me up many paths.

I like Clive Hamilton's way of looking at our world, can follow much but, of course, he loses me sometimes.

I like what you write, Debb. You think deeply, have learned so much from your reading and, mostly, your life-experiences. Thank you for sharing.

This time, you quote Hamilton, "......For the existentialists this is the moment they declare 'you are on your own', and the only response is retreat into mundane life. But ultimately there is no comfort in the everyday, unless mundane activities are practiced with a transcendent purpose....."

It is the last clause which I like very much. I am not being 'holier than thou', Heaven forbid, but I see the 'transcendent purpose' of the lives of most of us to be to live lovingly, loyally with our spouses, to love, protect and provide for our children.

There is nothing 'mundane' about this. It calls for courage and strength on the part of both, manliness and femininity.

For me, in short, it is the greatest work God, if He/She lives, has given to men and women, and in writing that I mean no offence.

(Welcome back, PeterR, wonderful to see your posts again. Of course, you and Betty could move to the 'Premier State' where we have electricity !!!! )