The Magic of Reality

[edo]

Richard Dawkins' new book The Magic of Reality arrived at my doorstep today. Skim-read a couple of pages and I'm convinced it's going to be a modern-day classic.

It's aimed at children but I'd recommend it to any adult as the themes in the book - for example: "Who was the first person?" and "When and how did everything begin?" - should pique the interest of anyone with a curious mind.

Absolute bargain, too, at £10 for the hardback.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Reality-know-whats-really/dp/059306612X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316162971&sr=8-1

Ed

[rcjordan]

>classic

pfffft! nobody wants to hear about reality. hhh

all joking aside, I'm convinced that denial is one of the most powerful human traits.

[4Eyes]

all joking aside, I'm convinced that denial is one of the most powerful human traits

Yup - totally agree - its a bit part of why I want to launch that 'philospohy of ignorance' site - not just to point at 'stupid people' and laugh, but examine the presence of ignorance and denial in myself as well.

Ironically, I suspect it has its roots in evolution.

[edo]

I think you're probably right that denial/ignorance is an evolutionary trait, Colin.

After all it's much more comforting to believe in an imaginary being who watches out for you throughout your life rather than the cold, hard reality of there not being anyone.

It's clearly also much more comforting to believe that your actions on earth will result in some kind of reward. Or that your life has meaning in terms of the universe.

Studies have shown that religious people are often happier than atheists and for the above reasons I can absolutely understand that. Presumably happier people shag more and produce more offspring.

I think you should go ahead with the site. Would certainly be interesting to read.

[grnidone]

>I'm convinced that denial is one of the most powerful human traits.

I know that river well.  I've got a beachfront property and yaucht there.

[rcjordan]

>reality

Greece, for instance. Hell, anybody with a handheld calculator can tell you that either somebody else is going to pay their bar tab OR they're going to default. Period. End of story.

[Gurtie]

but you have to admire them for not giving a toss, really.

[littleman]

I'd argue that most of the worlds problems are caused by denial.

[4Eyes]

I'd argue that most of the worlds problems are caused by denial.

Quite posssibly.

The problem comes when we try to analyse the denial - in controversial areas such as religion and politics, all parties will think they can point out where the other parties are 'in denial' of what they feel  are basic fundamental truths that prove the other parties wrong...  of course, they can't all be right, but they can all be wrong.

[mick g]

>reality

I would rather owe 14 billion than 14 trillion

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

[grnidone]

>Presumably happier people shag more and produce more offspring.

But are they happier because they shag more?

[edo]

But are they happier because they shag more?

I'd imagine so. For most people sex is a pleasurable act. In evolutionary terms that's not the point though. If you're healthier/happier you will have more sex and that leads to more babies. Thus religion could be argued to be an evolutionary tactic.

[Gurtie]

well certainly the bit that bans contreception.

[I, Brian]

From Dawkins to sex on the same page. Must be an off-topic record.

Dawkins is interesting, but he's fanatically reductionist - become a mirror image of the same fundies he rails against.

[edo]

In what way do you think Dawkins is fanatically reductionist, Brian?