Hi from Portugal

[PauloL]

I'm in Portugal and registered here because I'd like to exchange some philosophical ideas, mainly in the topics of religion and consciousness.

I'm a physician and these themes follow me since childhood.

I don't have any degree in Philosophy, but I really like very much it mainly for its argumentative power.

I hope to participate in many discussions and believe many of you will too in mine, everything in a very constructive way.

I'm very open to critics, however acid they are, something I've trained for years, and very hard to attain, I think. But this is the core of freedom of speech, not just accepting agreements and critical views under condition that they are polite enough (even though I praise politeness, of course).

I don't like censorship in any way, unless under strict rules and transparently. My model are some British newspapers that allow users to comment, and suppress some annoying posts, but allow people to check them if they wish.

[Harbal]

I'm in Portugal

Never mind, it could be worse, you could be in the USA.

[PauloL]

I'm in Portugal

Never mind, it could be worse, you could be in the USA.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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Knowing that Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, I get that you are hi from Portugal. Question is, How high are you?




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[PauloL]

Bill, thanks for your words, I'm fine.

The only problem is that they created lots of restrictions on e-cigarettes to the point of creating a huge excise on nicotine, forbidding its importation and treating any attempt of importation as tobacco smuggling, facing a fine up to 165.000€ if it's a small quantity and jail if they find it a large quantity.

It's much easier to consume cocaine here, indeed.

Best regards from Portugal.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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What's your drugs of choice?...I mean...ya know, for philosophical perspective?



Also, what is your biggest fear living under a near dictatorship?



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[PauloL]

I don't prefer drugs, Bill and I don't fear dictatorships. I don't think one is about to come, I think war is nearer us all.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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War? Like an international war?




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[PauloL]

Of course, Bill.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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Which drugs have you used & why do you not like them?


Do you look at your experence with addiction as ultimetly beneficial and uniquely insightful?




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[PauloL]

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BIll, you look like a shrimp (this is a compliment).

My only substance addictions are nicotine and maybe caffeine.

Perhaps you'd like to disclose yours, too.

I don't like psychotropic drugs. Not even alcohol. I'm sorry.




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[Bill Wiltrack]

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Don't be sorry. Probably a good thing, the right thing, that you don't take psychotropic drugs.


I have found, in a lifetime devoted to philosophy; introspection, that an individual may benefit from mind altering drugs.


If you are just beginning a philosophical journey of introspection you may quickly realize that the biggest hindrance to self-introspection is fear.






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[Bill Wiltrack]

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What do you perceive precipitating a future possible international war & which countries do you see as being active participants?




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[PauloL]

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What I perceive is the international situation. Norway has just resumed compulsory conscription for a reason. Syria is another Spanish Civil War for sure, but this time Russia's participation is much more active. The countries involved always include the same: Russia, USA, Germany, GB, and France.

I think you didn't answer my question, is this correct?.




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[Bill Wiltrack]

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If you are inquiring about my views and my experience with drugs, I encourage you to research my past posts. You will be richly rewarded.

They are quite explicit & and will go well beyond anything I can describe within this post.

May you be given strength in your battles of the future.



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