| | Peter,
That was a very nice criticism and I do not disagree with your sentiments at all.
I think my only difference would be that ritual is very seldom, if ever, (except by some Objectivists apparently) something one does because it is objectively determined to be appropriate to what is being celebrated. I have never been to a wedding where most of the elements of the ritual were not deeply steeped in superstition of either the religious or traditional kind. I have never been to a funeral where virtually every ritualistic element was not in defiance of objective truth. They are all, as you say, "... ain't being done properly."
I believe what both you and Lindsay mean is correct. I think it is very important that reverence for those things that are, or represent, the nobility of the individual spirit, truth, and life be respected. I do not know of a single ritual, that is actually practiced, that does that.
But our difference may really be semantic. I do not regard those habitual practices by which an honorable and decent person orders their life, or those observances of decorum and respect one practices in recognition of other's dignity and privacy, usually called etiquette, "ritual." If that is what you mean by the word, we have no quarrel at all, and I gladly admit I was mistaken.
In general, however, all rituals actually practiced, that I know of, are unrealistic, superstitious, and irrational. If you know of any specific rituals you regard as performing the positive functions you believe they can perform, I would be delighted to learn of them. I do not mean generalities, like "marriage ceremonies," or "graduations," but an actual ceremony or graduation that really reminded one of, "what is important, enjoyable and meaningful to us as human beings."
Now you have made me feel very foolish, and you ought to be ashamed of yourself for damaging my self-esteem. I have no idea what your final comment means, unless you think I, or my post, were some kind of trap.
Would you please tell me what this means? "You've been sprung. :-)"
Regi
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