Please wait...
Well if he is here, we are all screwed...
Sat Jan 31 2026 04:30:12 UTC from ParanoidDelusionsZurb. This guy. He is a member, right?
*snip*
I'm a lot warmer to Ayn Rand than I used to be, but I still
can't get on board with the idea that altruism doesn't exist.
It exists but only to be taken advantage of from others. Usually you are altruistic and you don't even get any recognition for it. I know the argument that altruistics actions are not expected to generate any gain, including ego boosts or thank yous, but I think that argument is utter bullshit. People being "altruistic" does so because they obtain something out of it, even if it is just feeling good.
But guess what, these days people is so selfish you don't even get that.
I do altruistic things. I don't know if I feel GOOD about myself for it - but I think I'm hoping I'm building up some good karma, maybe. Sometimes - maybe occasionally - it is just because I'm like... "fuck fate - I'm going to screw with the petty vindictivness of the universe and give this homeless guy a weird moment of light."
Does that make sense? It isn't about feeling better about myself or making the other person feel better - it is about going, "The Universe decided this guy was FUCKED - and then I showed up and said, here is a little bit of hope."
And I walk off going - maybe that'll change their course - maybe it won't... but the universe wanted him to be cold and wet and hungry tonight - and he isn't any of those things - at least tonight.
It is my middle finger to the cold indifference of fate. And walking off not caring about the actual outcome - also is a middle finger to the same indifference.
I'm not a "non-believer".
I often call myself "agnostic". But that isn't even true. Agnostics and atheists always accuse me of being a theist. I pretty much believe in Jesus - in the bible, in biblical theology. I have complete faith in the Christian doctrine. Charlie Kirk - that made me recommit in a way I haven't felt connected to my faith in at least 3 decades.
But - I think even the Bible admits that most people, even if they hear the word, even if they believe the word - will find reasons to deny it - and I may be there. If the rapture is true, if the bible-thumping Pentecostal fire-and-brimstone evangelists are right - I'm going to be here after the rapture - as an English Protestant - going - "Well, that doesn't seem right."
But as a Protestant - I'll go, "Well, it is probably my lot in life to continue to suffer - and all those Southern Baptist Snake Handlers having convulsions on the floor while speaking in tongues are still cultists."
Because that is what we do, over here as English Christians. We suffer quietly, with a very hands-off relationship with God.
Wed Feb 11 2026 22:32:44 UTC from IGnatius T FoobarI have to admit it's probably far easier to get on board with the "altruism doesn't exist" thing if you're not a believer. In my universe there's more going on than just zero-sum calculus.