Subject: Re: Addendum
Date: 1 Jan 2004
From: Flash Light
To: Dr. Chic Schissel

Dr. Schissel:

Clearly in the example you offer, no rational person would choose quackery over useful therapy. However, problems arise when we try to generalize from a specific example to a general principle.

Let me offer a different example: Jeffrey Dahmer, the infamous serial killer, said in one interview that after he realized the "truth" of evolution, he realized the Bible was "wrong," and decided there was no threat of "hell" preventing him from acting out his homicidal fantasies.

In this specific Dahmer case, I think you can see why both Dahmer and his victims would have been better off had Dahmer continued to operate under a "useful myth," rather than under the "truth" that he realized.

I will not attempt to generalize from this specific case to say that a "useful myth" is always better than a "truth." Neither should you attempt to generalize from your example that a "truth" is always better than a "useful myth."

Granted, in a perfect world Dahmer would have realized that you can believe in a morality not based on Jehovah. Further, in a perfect world seeking help for his homicidal fantasies would have made him happier than acting them out. However, the world is not perfect and I believe we need to adjust our philosophy accordingly.

Myths evolved to help men cope with an imperfect world and I maintain they still have their uses. Please do not construe that to mean I favor coffee enemas.

Respectfully,

Flash