Wow, this has been quite the ride. It always feels good to have a discussion on topics people feel strongly about, especially when there are so many different opinions and ideas. I'd like to thank everyone for maintaining relative composure and especially for the wealth of information.
Bev and Chad, some fantastic points in those last few posts. Really got me thinking about the kid in the cage example, and I total empathize with Bev about the dicotomy of keeping fish in a small tank while professing to care about all life on earth. I wish all my fish were tank-raised, but then, how did we learn to breed clownfish without trying many times with wild-caught specimens? One of the things I admire about the reef-culture is the ability to grow and proliferate frags thereby sparing the remaining wild corals.
Those battle stats blew me a way! I never heard of, or considered, such a thing. I always assumed the urge for self preservation would push a soldier to fight in the heat of battle even if they were reluctant to join the war in the first place.
Albert, kudos to you as well. You seem to be one of the few who are truly knowledgeable on both sides of the science / religion issue and have presented both cases in a positive light. And, where can I find that video?
Tony, please don't apologize for starting this, looks like everyone is enjoying themselves. Besides, I'm sure any statement could eventually turn into any one one of the topics covered here if discussed long enough.
Quinn, I think you and I are cut from the same cloth.
Here's something this thread made me think about. Because humans have such an amazing ability to learn and grow it allows individuals to blossom. The unique qualities of each person are hard to define as "nature or nurture". Take us for example, how can a group of people with so much in common be so different? I bet you even have family members that you sometimes consider strangers in their beliefs or values. I wonder if other animals in tight-knit communities have the same individuality?
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