SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE

I recently participated in a string of LinkedIn posts involving whether the workplace needed spirituality. I had a real problem with this. A bunch of people, with a few exceptions, insisted that the workplace required more spirituality. My first question was whether the workplace needs anything and whether adding something like spirituality is anything more than someone's idea of starting a new fad, such as the Peter principle dogma from the last century.

But my real question was whether spirituality has any meaning at all. You start with the word spirit. That sounds supernatural to me. I live in the natural world and believe that is all there is. There's no evidence of the paranormal. Some people believe in it, but that does not mean it is true.

Does it represent some new concept of management that is appropriate in the business world? What does it mean? Nobody had an answer to that one. A word that has no meaning does not advance the management of people in business or otherwise in life.

Spirituality is akin to and a surrogate of religion. I think most people use it as a euphemism for religion when they don't really want to speak of religion's dogma that introduces all kinds of issues about whether there is a God, about what religion is the right one, and if it's Christianity which denomination, which branch of which denomination, which church, which sect and so on.

All the concepts of morality are well established in our species and have been for a long time, most of which preceded religion. Spirituality in the workplace doesn't really add anything. It attempts to suggest a higher calling into some state of belief and faith in supernatural medicine. I'm really concerned about this because the religious right is insidious and tries to worm its dogma into all aspects of life. 

We know that workers must be intelligent and talented. They must have honesty, integrity, empathy, and transparency, to name a few of the virtues we are all familiar with and to which we all aspire. We don't need to introduce some new fad such as spirituality, especially since we cannot even define, let alone explain, how it should enhance the workplace environment. 

 

WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA REDUX

 

America's Amorality: The Decline of Ethics and the Rise of Belief-Driven Reality

Introduction

In recent years, America has grappled with a crisis of ethics and morality. The nation has become adrift, lacking a moral compass to guide its actions and decisions. The legacy of this moral vacuum is characterized by rampant greed, staggering income inequality, and a disturbing willingness to abandon facts in favor of beliefs. This article explores the erosion of ethics in America and the role of religion in enabling this shift, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of this trend.

1.     Wealth Inequality and Greed

One of the most glaring symptoms of America's amorality is the increasing wealth inequality that plagues the nation. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has reached staggering proportions. While capitalism is an economic system that has fueled innovation and progress, the unchecked pursuit of wealth, often at the expense of others, has led to a society divided by economic disparities.

The pursuit of wealth and power, driven by an "every person for themselves" mentality, has contributed to the erosion of ethical values that once underpinned American society. As a result, many individuals and corporations prioritize personal gain over the collective well-being of the nation.

2.     The Role of Religion

Ironically, religion, which is supposed to provide moral guidance and ethical principles, has sometimes played a role in enabling this moral decline. While many religious institutions continue to promote values of compassion, love, and ethical behavior, some have become entangled with politics and have blurred the lines between faith and political ideology.

In some instances, religion has been co-opted to justify actions and beliefs that conflict with traditional ethical values, such as empathy, justice, and equality. This distortion of religious teachings has contributed to a moral vacuum in which personal beliefs are prioritized over shared ethical norms.

3.     Belief Over Fact

A disturbing trend in contemporary America is the preference for belief over fact. Half the population seems willing to embrace lies if they serve a particular agenda. This shift has been exacerbated by the increasing polarization of society, where people are more likely to accept information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs.

Moreover, opinions are often considered valid based on the individual's affiliation with a particular ideological camp rather than the merit of the argument itself. This willingness to prioritize belief over fact erodes the foundation of a rational and evidence-based society.

4.     The Erosion of Truth

The erosion of truth in American society is a grave concern. Some individuals quickly dismiss facts and scientific evidence in favor of unfounded beliefs. The rejection of scientific theories, such as evolution, and the propagation of conspiracy theories demonstrate a dangerous shift away from objective reality.

The belief in unverified information is further exacerbated by political leaders manipulating truth to serve their interests. This exploitation of faith and belief to validate falsehoods has dire consequences for the nation's ability to make informed decisions.

5.     The Imperative of Moral Values

The decline of ethics in America poses a significant threat to the nation's well-being and humanity. Lying, once universally recognized as wrong, has become normalized and even celebrated in some circles. The disregard for facts and reality puts the future of our species at risk.

In conclusion, the erosion of ethics in America is a grave concern that demands attention and action. It is essential to reaffirm the importance of truth, facts, and ethical values in our society. We must bridge the gap between belief and reality and prioritize evidence-based decision-making. The moral compass that has guided societies for centuries must be restored to ensure the nation's and the world's survival and prosperity.

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LAND OF THE FREE? MAGAs TAKE OFF YOUR BLINDERS

The MAGA cult yearns to be free. Don't tread on me. So their predecessors voted for Reagan and his progeny of would-be oligarchs and helped widen the chasm between haves and have-nots. 

Then, the MAGAs sign up with the flim-flam fascist autocrat and would-be dictator, choosing to remain slaves to him and his profiteers. Yes, they don't know what is good for them. Actually, they are brainwashed with the dogma that preaches there is a god, a scripture to be followed, and a messiah to be worshipped. Now, where did that come from?

Yes, half of Americans are under a spell, indoctrinated by religion with a god who subjugates them, demands their obedience to enslavement, and requires a life of messiah worship. So is it any wonder the unscrupulous take advantage of the gullible masses who believe the Donald will lead them to the promised land. But look. Before their very eyes, only the rich and powerful enjoy the wealth produced by the MAGAs.

This is supposed to be the land of the free. To those who complain about big government and limited opportunities, ask Donald how he plans to improve your life. Be critical and persistent. No platitudes, no worn-out hackneyed phrases, or scapegoating Democrats. Make him be specific, and then grill him on how he intends to get the makings of your better life done. Go ahead. It's your life; press him. Pin him down. He gave money to the rich and ran up the deficit. Ask him why he did that; why didn't you get a chunk of the billions he gave to the billionaires.

You are a great people; your ancestors built this economy with the help of FDR. You can do it again. Start by throwing out the money changers. Jesus did, or so it is reported. You can break the shackles of enslavement to the billionaire offshore money hoarders. Get back your share.  At long last, you deserve it.

And you can be free. All you have to do is declare it so at the ballot box. Any vote other than Donald and his ilk is a vote for your freedom.

THE MORE YOU CONSTRAIN, THE MORE YOU LIBERATE

Galileo, Einstein, Martin Luther King, and Frank Schaeffer were constrained by their circumstances and found liberation to benefit mankind. That is not to extol the virtue of enslavement but rather to demonstrate that restriction may galvanize the creation of genius and the contribution of immense benefit to our species. The constraints were malevolent. But benevolent inhibitors may also produce the sword to fend off the routine and elucidate the extraordinary.

Give Einstein patent applications to critique, and he comes up with the theory of relativity. Galileo gushes gravity from quiet contemplation.

The corollary, ad astra per aspera, spans centuries. MLK endured the shackles of discrimination but found a voice for all time. Frank Schaeffer birthed literary beauty from religion's dankest dogma. In every corner, for every purpose, there is a pattern to follow, a mountain to climb. Majestic discoveries await the the common construction and repairman. 

The more you are constrained, the more liberated you may become. Let the mind-numbing daily duties wash over you to expose the breakthrough deep inside.

LIZ CHENEY: AMERICAN HEROINE

“To understand the actual world as it is, not as we should wish it to be, is the beginning of wisdom.“

— Bertrand Russell

Listen to Liz. We are inexorably sleepwalking into a dictatorship. Like your freedoms? Like to get back what the billionaires have taken away? Know you can have a better life if given the chance? Listen to Liz. Then convert a MAGA today. They want the same thing but are enslaved to a con man and would-be dictator, unaccountable, except to himself and his billionaire co-conspirators.

One MAGA at a time. Every day, one more.

The MAGA cult yearns to be free. Don't tread on me. So their predecessors voted for Reagan and his progeny of would-be oligarchs and helped widen the chasm between haves and have-nots. 

Then, the MAGAs sign up with the flim-flam fascist autocrat and would-be dictator, choosing to remain slaves to him and his profiteers. Yes, they don't know what is good for them. Actually, they are brainwashed with the evangelical dogma that preaches there is a god, a scripture to be followed, and a messiah to be worshipped. Now, where did that come from?

Yes, half of Americans are under a spell, indoctrinated by religion with a god who subjugates them, demands their obedience to enslavement, and requires a life of messiah worship. So is it any wonder the unscrupulous take advantage of the gullible masses who believe the Donald will lead them to the promised land. But look. Before their very eyes, only the rich and powerful enjoy the wealth produced by the MAGAs.

This is supposed to be the land of the free. To those who complain about big government and limited opportunities, ask Donald how he plans to improve your life. Be critical and persistent. No platitudes, no worn-out hackneyed phrases, or scapegoating Democrats. Make him be specific, and then grill him on how he intends to get the makings of your better life done. Go ahead. It's your life; press him. Pin him down. He gave money to the rich and ran up the deficit. Ask him why he did that; why didn't you get a chunk of the billions he gave to the billionaires.

We are a great people; Our ancestors built this economy with the help of FDR. We can do it again. Start by throwing out the money changers. Jesus did, or so it is reported. We can break the shackles of enslavement to the billionaire offshore money hoarders.

We are too busy trying to make ends meet to do anything, we say. We prefer to sleep through the political crisis. After all, it is just a bunch of crooked politicians duking it out in their world. Not my world. I'm the working backbone of real life in America.

Stop. Liz is our heroine. She Devined her priorities. She stands tall above us all and beckons us to follow. America will prevail. MAGA will fail. Donald will see jail. ONLY if we begin now. Indeed, we can do two things: 1) convert one cult member and 2) vote Democrat.

OPEN LETTER TO MAGAs: FIRST CORINTHIANS 15:33

What does 1st Corinthians 15:33 mean?

Spending time with people who continually proclaim falsehoods loosens one's grip on correct belief, inevitably reducing one's moral convictions—evil companionships corrupt good morals.

Most MAGAs deserve the better life they seek. They should be able to achieve the prosperity and freedom Donald gave away to the billionaires. They need to ask why he did that.

The recent history of the MAGAs speaks of actions against their best interests. Alas, they have fallen prey to a con man promising them -- what is he promising them anyway? MAGAs have a proud history and tradition. With FDR's help, they prospered until the Hollywood actor conned it away from them the first time. With a nod to the forgettable past, we reiterate our call that the MAGAs vote for themselves, not the billionaires.

The MAGAs yearned to be free. Don't tread on me. So their predecessors voted for Reagan and his progeny of would-be oligarchs and helped widen the chasm between haves and have-nots.

Then, the MAGAs signed up with the flim-flam fascist autocrat and would-be dictator, choosing to remain slaves to him and his profiteers. Yes, they seem not to know what is good for them. Actually, they are brainwashed with the dogma that preaches there is a god, a scripture to be followed, and a messiah to be worshipped. Now, where do you suppose that came from (evangelicals)?

Yes, half of Americans are under a spell, indoctrinated by religion with a god who subjugates them, demands their obedience to enslavement, and requires a life of messiah worship. So is it any wonder the unscrupulous take advantage of the gullible masses who believe the Donald will lead them to the promised land. But look. Before their very eyes, only the rich and powerful enjoy the wealth produced by the MAGAs.

This is supposed to be the land of the free. To those who complain about big government and limited opportunities, ask Donald how he plans to improve your life. Be critical and persistent. No platitudes, no worn-out hackneyed phrases, or scapegoating Democrats. Make him be specific, and then grill him on how he intends to get the makings of your better life done. Go ahead. It's your life; press him. Pin him down. He gave money to the rich and ran up the deficit. Ask him why he did that; why didn't you get a chunk of the billions he gave to the billionaires.

You are a great people; your ancestors built this economy with the help of FDR. You can do it again. Start by throwing out the money changers. Jesus did, or so it is reported. You can break the shackles of enslavement to the billionaire offshore money hoarders. Get back your share. At long last, you deserve it.

And you can be free. All you have to do is declare it so at the ballot box. Any vote for other than Donald and his ilk is a vote for your freedom and prosperity because the alternative group has plans to help you.

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INTELLECTUAL HONESTY

“Intellectual integrity is the habit of deciding vexed questions in accordance with the evidence, or of leaving them undecided where the evidence is inconclusive. This virtue, though it is underestimated by almost all adherents of any system of dogma, is to my mind of the very greatest social importance and far more likely to benefit the world than Christianity or any other system of organised religious beliefs.“

— Bertrand Russell

The most essential virtue in life is intellectual honesty. We can only know something based on the evidence, and we don't know anything when the evidence is lacking. As important as they may be, all other virtues pale compared to honest inquiry and recognition of truth based on objective factual reality.

If your IQ is above 100, you have no excuse for being intellectually dishonest. What is intellectual dishonesty? It is a belief where there is no evidence or inconclusive evidence. It is blind faith in dogma. It is believing what others tell you without question. It is in relying on what is written without knowing and trusting its sources to be supported by evidence.

Intellectual dishonesty is the proverbial slippery slope. You are vulnerable to charlatans who scam you, to grifters who tempt you with their greed, and to charismatic cult leaders who lie to you. And you accept all that, and you end up storming the U.S. Capitol in an insurrection, or you just ruin lives promoting your religion by worshiping a benevolent/vengeful, all-powerful/impotent god.

There is only one worthy achievement in life beyond living love, and that is practicing intellectual honesty. From that flows adherence to recognition of all other virtues, including living an examined life and empathy for others.