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Post by Michael on Dec 21, 2009 11:11:22 GMT -5
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Post by Seti on Dec 21, 2009 18:05:48 GMT -5
I suspect the latter of the three. There's little money to be made from being dumb or mad. Science is skepticism in action - Einstein was skeptical about Newtonian gravity, Darwin was skeptical about... oh damn, can't remember the name of the theory, but it's the idea that life-forms were unchanging (not necessarily creationism.) And Ghandi was skeptical about the idea that British colonial rule was a Jolly Good Thing and far better for the child-like natives than being allowed to run their own affairs. If they weren't skeptical, they'd just have said, "Oh, OK then," and left it at that.  |
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Post by lifelinking on Dec 22, 2009 6:26:40 GMT -5
look at the muppet's website www.chopra.com/another self serving pedlar of woo woo tripe this gem for example Synchrodestiny
{ Harness the Power of Coincidence }
A self-empowerment workshop. For more than a decade, the SynchroDestiny empowerment workshop has shown thousands of seekers and high achievers how to harness the creative power of coincidence to achieve their deepest desires. Learn more Aye, right. He fears informed critical thought and scepticism because it leads to fewer gullible people that are prepared to give him lots of money with nothing of value in return . |
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Post by Michael on Dec 22, 2009 13:32:21 GMT -5
"lots of money" is the key phrase. He's selling $475 gift vouchers that only go part way towards the cost of his programs.  |
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Post by Seti on Dec 22, 2009 13:41:50 GMT -5
You have to wonder how long it takes the suckers who fall for this stuff to suss out that it sucks. But of course it doesn't matter - for every sucker who gets wise, there will always be more who will fall for it. It wouldn't bother me in the least, except that at a time when we are garnering more knowledge than ever about how the world works, there seems to be more and more undermining of the simple concepts of evidence and critical thinking. And these are vital in democracies - whether considering economics, climate change or whatever. The debate can then be cheapened to who can shout the loudest (ie owns the most media outlets - Murdoch...?) and who is prepared to tell the most lies. |
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Post by Seti on Dec 23, 2009 12:39:41 GMT -5
Apparently he's been on the TeeeVeee wittering on about life after death, and trying to claim that "There's a lot of interesting science that our consciousness... is not a product of our brain." Actually, if you look at that sentence, it doesn't actually say anything - he doesn't say the science is proving that consciousness isn't a product of the brain. Because of course that would be a lie - the evidence isn't by any means conclusive, but it is tending towards the idea that consciousness is a product of the brain. Because if it isn't, why do we need such a big brain, wasteful of energy and putting mothers and babies at risk during birth? One the size of a chimpanzee's would be quite sufficient if it doesn't have to perform all the extra thinking functions that our brain does. Anyway, here's the link. I couldn't be bothered to read it all - life's too short to overdose on woo. Transcript from Larry King show |
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Post by sandyprice on Dec 26, 2009 6:33:49 GMT -5
Chopra is just another flavor of the month trying to make money. I'm delighted to see this forum being very skeptical on Chopra. I've tried to read some of his books and cannot fathom his appeal. Isn't he an Oprah person of interest? For some reason the human brain is very wired to search for the unknown. Even when the unknown is researched it is called science. Humans hate the "known."
I am hoping that free thinking is the next step in the evolution of our species. Many of us simply got there faster.
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hagi
New Member
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Post by hagi on Jan 1, 2010 13:25:33 GMT -5
You are not going believe this but once in 1980's Chopra and I shared same office building and were sort of friends. It is true. I was a general internist, he was an endocrinologist. Soon after he opened ayurvedic clinic in New Hampshire his reputation took off. Undoubtedly he is an opportunist but smart and shrewd one. And Americans are not stupid but a little gullible and curious people. He took advantage of them. I am since retired from medicine. I believe he also quit practicing medicine after his ayurvedic healing methods established in US.
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Post by sandyprice on Jan 2, 2010 5:06:29 GMT -5
I have tried holistic treatments when I found myself in a lot of pain with arthritis. I located a nice herbal store in Lake Havasu city where I had moved from California. I had always been a vitamin/mineral freak and my blood work was nearly perfect for an old woman. I learned that a belief in a higher power could allow the herbs to work. Nope, that was the one thing I could not do.
I moved to Sun City Senior Development and found an East Indian Doctor who took me on and suggested joint replacements. Two knees and hip later and I still freaking hurt!
I respect Buddhist followers and still use an East Indian Doctor who finally did some work on my spine. I want no more surgery. It was suggested I eat no more red meat which I have very little in my diet. I can see how Chopra can be successful but not with a non-believer.
This is another reason for clearing the superstition out of sick and elderly people. I will never believe that people my age should suffer with pain for any reason. I see my age group of women (75+) hobble and limp to get into a swimming pool for a therapeudic work out. Most of us are over weight due to the frustration of our conditions.
We should be more concerned for the children who are being raised without proper nutrition. My older girl who is in her 50s is a Buddhist and eats no meat. But she has studied health concerns and is extremely healthy with the life style.
Are humans really prepared for mind over matter or are we looking for a quick fix? I don't ever want the government to ban holistic medicine it is another choice that we need to keep available.
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hagi
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Post by hagi on Jan 2, 2010 10:01:19 GMT -5
I agree with you Sandyprice. The most important thing in life to have choices. Whether they work or not, it is another matter. As long as they are not dangerous, I do not want to get rid of them for my patients. But here the key word is danger. Alternative medicine is alright as long as you are also under the care of a medical doctor. Herbs and other alternative treatment modalities are not substitute for scientific medicine. Your doctor should know about what alternative treatments you are receiving. This is very important.
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Post by sandyprice on Jan 2, 2010 13:27:42 GMT -5
Thank you Hagi for your warnings. My Doctor is very aware of my problems. Most are just old age. I had over 60 years of painfree living. I had one auto accident that did in legs and eventually they went arthritic. My grandmother had some Cherokee blood and lots of good remedies that raised us very well. I am in much better physical shape than anyone in this development. I don't drink or smoke and I watch my diet. I get plenty of exercise and vitamin D from the sun.
I start on Monday to work for the thift shop for our hospital and look forward to the work. I am on the Board of Directors for the local Compassion and Choices which is Death with Dignity. I have no fear of dying but of living a worthless life. It's my choice when I have had enough. I am the oldest living member of the family and it is not a pleasant thought.
My joy comes from books and music. I am an opera buff and have it on the satellite radio night and day. One can only do this by living alone.....and I love it.
Happy New Year
sandy
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