I think the nice respectful exchange between Oliver and RStuart in the last couple of posts says something about morality. Where does it come from, how is it determined? But I can recognise it when it happens. Good on you guys!

A fascinating article by John Ness. Though it was short, it was packed with intriguing informations.

Historically, the common theme of all beleif systems is the emphasis and the need for self-discipline. The ancients understood this, whatever myths they may have woven around this idea. The myths or stories may have been a way of transmitting a tradition among largely illiterate people. As the article states, the need for self-discipline was inherent among all humans. Along the way, this absolute need for self-discipline became better known as moral values.

There is only one disagreement with the article. At one stage it refers to humans as "complex social animals". Evolution may have been a slow and very gradual adaptation to the changing environment, but it has been punctuated by gigantic leaps. For whatever reasons, humans are different to what went before, not just quantitatively, but more importantly, qualitatively. For example, humans are the only ones capable of perceiving and communicating concepts that they cannot experience directly. (e.g. the Helio-centric view of our world.) Humans are the only ones capable of producing and controlling energy. (This is far more that just making tools!)

Instead of humans being "complex social animals" just leave out the word animal. Humans are complex social beings. Being social implies that characteristics that enhance the social value of an individual are advantageous in evolutionary terms.