I’m completely aware of that circle of life thing. How many times have we all watched the great wildebeest migration in Africa, where they eventually have to cross a river filled with crocodiles? You’re like Go! Swim faster! Get away from the evil crocodiles! Next episode: Go crocs! There’s a wildebeest who has become separated from the herd! Get that one!
We all have to eat to live. But in my opinon, certain forms of life should become extinct. How is it that we have lost cuddly things like saber-toothed tigers and passenger pigeons, and possibly in our lifetime will lose Tasmanian Devils and pandas, and yet fleas, mosquitoes, and cockroaches are allowed to live?
To me, this is the greatest argument against the existence of God. If there is a god, and he is benevolent, then he should not have created fleas.
One of the great questions that perturbs religous people is: Why does God allow evil to exist? Why would he allow someone like Hitler to thrive? If God is omnipresent and omnipotent and all the other omnis, why would he not stop someone like Hitler in his tracks? Religious people will tell you that it is A) a mystery, B) a test.
As a philosophy student in the ’70’s, I grappled with these questions. I spent weeks trying to find the flaw in Spinoza’s logical argument for the existence of God. I knew there was a flaw, I just couldn’t find it. Because logically, it was correct. If A=B, and B=C, then…I could have saved myself a lot of trouble if I had been smart enough to realize that the problem was A. Then there was Pascal’s Wager. God may or not exist, but just in case he does, you might as well choose to believe in Him. Especially if the alternive is burning in hell for forever. That seemed like a good idea to me except for this:
There were the philosophers who said that God has a plan. Not one that you might grasp, but a plan. I was like, I don’t see the plan. So why would a god create creatures capable of understanding the plan, and not give it to them?
The anwer is: there is no plan, and there is no God.
Fortunately for me, scientists, as opposed to God, have created medications that kill fleas.
10 responses so far ↓
Fakesister // October 25, 2009 at 4:03 pm |
So fleas have trumped mosquitos in the most hated insect category now?
fakename2 // October 25, 2009 at 5:02 pm |
Well, yes
Mosquitos at least serve a purpose. Fish eat the larvae and dragonflies eat the adults (Go Dragonflies!) Fleas are still second to fire ants though.
fakename2 // October 25, 2009 at 5:13 pm |
The occasion is: flea outbreak at the Faknename household. Fortunately for me, fleas are really stupid. I bought the ultra supersonic version of flea stuff at the vet’s last week, and the loose fleas keep hopping on the dogs and committing suicide.
masteroftheuniverse // October 25, 2009 at 8:43 pm |
Speaking of fire ants, Every time I go near a fire ant and get bitten, it’s Epi-Pen time for me.
Since you both like and have studied philosophy, this musical interlude should cheer you up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPKEk2aHjow
Jeff
fakename2 // October 25, 2009 at 9:20 pm |
Ahem, Jeff, technically fire ants don’t bite. They sting…like wasps. My Epi-pen is way out of date. Which is why I got so scared on Friday.
The friend who went to lunch with me was like, should I drive? I was like…not yet…but we could be going from here to the ER,
That said…that YouTube video was hilarious. I loved it. You are weird, you know? Me too I guess, since I liked the video so much
masteroftheuniverse // October 25, 2009 at 11:03 pm |
No, you and I are not weird, we just have eclectic tastes. I know fire ants sting, but just got it wrong when I pt it down. I hate when 100 of them sting you at the same time, which is what happened when I had my first experience with anaphylactic shock. Now, I use tons of Amdro all over my property
eehard // October 26, 2009 at 12:40 am |
All of the early philosophers when confronted with moral uncertainty always came back to the answer of God. It was an ass saving measure.
As for fire ants, my only explanation is that it is Mother Nature’s way of rewarding those who do not look where they are going. I have no explanation for fleas…. I keep my shed fill of Andro for yard pests.
Fakesister // October 26, 2009 at 7:58 am |
That expired Epi-Pen is better than no pen should you need one. Don’t quit carrying it just because it’s out of date but do get a new one, first opportunity.
So far, all my cases (yes, plural) of anaphylaxis have occurred at the doctor’s office …
fakename2 // October 26, 2009 at 8:51 pm |
Jeff, right! It’s like they sneak onto you with their little tiny selves, and then one of them gives a signal and they all sting at once.
spencercourt // October 28, 2009 at 9:04 pm |
Sleep well at night knowing this: God has a plan for fleas!