I thought about putting this thread in 'daily life' but it was going to be too long and complicated for that, then I thought I could figure out a way to get it into 'civil liberties' but it won't work there either so, I decided here is best. I know most of you use this category or forum to more or less share your knowledge of learned religion and philosophy but, in all truth, I would much rather know what your personal philosophy is and how you developed it. So I will share a personal philosophy of mine. It may seem to be trite or insignificant to some of you more deep thinkers but, indulge a simple minded person if you can.

When I say "mute it", I am talking about the television. What I often do when watching television is hit the mute button when an other person, especially a family member enters the the room. When this happens for the first time, people who are not familiar with my tendencies are taken back somewhat and I usually get a funny look from them. I am often told not to bother to do that for them or hear "wow, thats weird". Those who know me just sit with a grin on their face and wait for the dialogue to begin.

My most common response to people who are surprised by what I've done is, "don't be so surprised, I am much more interested in what you have to say then someone who is trained and paid to give input into my mind". At this point the other person is basically flattered and does not know what to say. I advise them to relax and have a seat and tell me about their day or what is going on, which they usually do and, before you know it we are engaged in a meaningful conversation.

When there is sports on the television (I only watch a little baseball), I usually keep it muted because I don't really need someone to tell me in more detail what I can plainly see going on in front of me unless of course I don't understand the basics of the game itself and need it explained.

I hardly ever watch anything with commercials anymore and, when I do, I always mute the commercials. People ask me why I do that. Well, I resent commercials, they are annoying and I believe they are a flagrant disrespectful and distastful invasion of my time and attention. I never turn on a television show or event to watch the commercials and, commercials are like going to a car show and constantly being approached by knife salespeople, shoe salespeople, or religious people peddling their goods on me. I know they have a right to do it if the people running the car show gave them permission but, I still resent it because that is not why I went to the car show.

I love the 'mute button', it is one of the best ideas of modern electronics. It enhaces my life and gives me the opportunity to share it's importance and use with others who are interested in sharing their life with me..Another unintended consequence the mute button has caused is, my kids friends enjoy being around me because I'm quirky and different than most when it comes to my philosophy on 'muting it'.

Hmmm .. it's a hard question. Most things I post are part of my personal beliefs, but it's hard for me to boil anything down to a single statement.

One fundamental opinion of mine is that children have a special wisdom, as they see the world through unbiased eyes. I see adults trying to re-wire children or arguing with them, telling the child they are wrong, when the child has a perfectly good point ... even a better idea or priorities than what's considered correct.

I suppose this opinion comes from my own evolution of beliefs... most of my basic opinions about the world which I have, I formed pretty young (for example my views on religion). Over years, I was untaught those opinons (by church) but eventually came to realize my initial instincts were not bad.

I suppose my general belief is that people should trust their own intuition, over what they are told.

I think you are one of the most intelligent and kind people I have had the pleasure to (virtually) know, yaaarrrgg. I apperciate all your posts as much as you say you do mine.

I couldn't agree with you more, rjwood. I find it strange and wrong when I visit someone's house and they watch tv while I'm there. I have a tv at my house if all I wanted to do was watch tv. I came to visit -- turn the thing off and let's talk!

People are what is important in life.

LOL, Woody said in another thread he doesn't watch TV, I guess he meant he doesn't listen to TV.

Thanks rj! Also I totally agree with your OP...