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The enemy of my enemy is my friend...

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Seer777
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02/07/2015 02:17 PM

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The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
For the last several days this sentence has been ringing around in my head.

I decided today to do a bit of researching and what I found regarding I thought interesting.

Firstly, how true is this statement? In general. Throughout history? In your own life? Have you ever formed bonds with another based strictly on sharing a common enemy? Have you found it to be advantageous or detrimental?

Is this tendency to group against a perceived common enemy, form the basis or foundation of much human grouping?

For example..War on Cancer.



A little history...

The enemy of my enemy is my friend is an ancient proverb which suggests that two opposing parties can or should work together against a common enemy. The earliest known expression of this concept is found in a Sanskrit treatise on statecraft dating to around the 4th century BC...
[link to en.wikipedia.org]


Is this a case of the Law of Excluded Middle as suggested?

In logic, the law of excluded middle is the third of the three classic laws of thought. It states that for any proposition, either that proposition is true, or its negation is true.

True/False?


I think the term 'enemy' may become problematic here so I will remind that Man often makes enemies out of what they unite against, whatever that may be or perceived to be.

I utilized 'Cancer' as an example of what could be considered a common enemy of Mankind and one Man unites against to defeat.

For GLP in particular, I will utilize 'TPTB'.



[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]

It is impossible, then, that "being a man" should mean precisely "not being a man", if "man" not only signifies something about one subject but also has one significance. ... And it will not be possible to be and not to be the same thing, except in virtue of an ambiguity, just as if one whom we call "man", and others were to call "not-man"; but the point in question is not this, whether the same thing can at the same time be and not be a man in name, but whether it can be in fact.
~Aristotle
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 02:20 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
The enemy of my enemy is my friend?


Israel is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Turkey is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Jordan's King is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

ISIS is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.


Israel is not a friend of Turkey.

Jordan's King is not a friend of ISIS.


Well, that theory didn't work...
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 02:22 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
From my experience, the enemy of my enemy is just a stranger until they prove themselves otherwise.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 02:25 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
The enemy of my enemy is my friend?


Israel is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Turkey is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Jordan's King is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

ISIS is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.


Israel is not a friend of Turkey.

Jordan's King is not a friend of ISIS.


Well, that theory didn't work...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67808299


We all know one can be a friend one day, and an enemy the next.


Middle East

In an example of this doctrine at work in Middle Eastern foreign policy, United States backed the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein during the Iran–Iraq War, as a strategic response to the anti-American Iranian Revolution of 1979.

A 2001 study of international relations in the Middle East used the proverb as the basis of its main thesis. The thesis examined how enmity between adverse nations evolve and alliances develop in response to common threats.

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 67806333
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02/07/2015 02:34 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
The enemy of my enemy is my friend?


Israel is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Turkey is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Jordan's King is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

ISIS is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.


Israel is not a friend of Turkey.

Jordan's King is not a friend of ISIS.


Well, that theory didn't work...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67808299


We all know one can be a friend one day, and an enemy the next.


Middle East

In an example of this doctrine at work in Middle Eastern foreign policy, United States backed the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein during the Iran–Iraq War, as a strategic response to the anti-American Iranian Revolution of 1979.

A 2001 study of international relations in the Middle East used the proverb as the basis of its main thesis. The thesis examined how enmity between adverse nations evolve and alliances develop in response to common threats.

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
 Quoting: Seer777


In regards to the comment about being a friend one day and enemy the next, I feel this comment is misleading.

In my opinion, experience and understanding, a friend is a time tested ally who will give their life for their friend. Likewise, the ally in such a friendship would never ask for such a sacrifice.

A friend that can turn enemy, was never a friend to begin with.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 02:38 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
The enemy of my enemy is my friend?


Israel is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Turkey is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

Jordan's King is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.

ISIS is an enemy of Bashar al Assad.


Israel is not a friend of Turkey.

Jordan's King is not a friend of ISIS.


Well, that theory didn't work...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67808299


We all know one can be a friend one day, and an enemy the next.


Middle East

In an example of this doctrine at work in Middle Eastern foreign policy, United States backed the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein during the Iran–Iraq War, as a strategic response to the anti-American Iranian Revolution of 1979.

A 2001 study of international relations in the Middle East used the proverb as the basis of its main thesis. The thesis examined how enmity between adverse nations evolve and alliances develop in response to common threats.

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
 Quoting: Seer777


In regards to the comment about being a friend one day and enemy the next, I feel this comment is misleading.

In my opinion, experience and understanding, a friend is a time tested ally who will give their life for their friend. Likewise, the ally in such a friendship would never ask for such a sacrifice.

A friend that can turn enemy, was never a friend to begin with.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Good point.

Was it a manner of situational convenience then? A state of mutual benefit that when the benefit is no longer seen, the 'friendship' dissolves either due one party or more?

Et tu Brute'?

Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 02:42 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
From my experience, the enemy of my enemy is just a stranger until they prove themselves otherwise.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


What would cause such proof to your liking?

For example, how Americans united with each other after 9/11. How old divisive religious, racial, and political lines dissolves and we became unite against what was perceived as a 'common threat'.

However ever true or false that threat was, is beside the point.

'Common Threat'. That phrase holds much.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 02:44 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
My best guess would be that alliances which dissolve were born of assumed benefit on behalf of each party. I don't believe much consideration in done in most cases of this type of alliance for mutual benefit. Each party is only seeking their own goals, which just happen to be found agreeable to another party.

Both parties may benefit in similar ways, but collective thinking or mutuality is only a facade. That is just my experience and understanding of the subject.
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 02:48 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
From my experience, the enemy of my enemy is just a stranger until they prove themselves otherwise.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


What would cause such proof to your liking?

For example, how Americans united with each other after 9/11. How old divisive religious, racial, and political lines dissolves and we became unite against what was perceived as a 'common threat'.

However ever true or false that threat was, is beside the point.

'Common Threat'. That phrase holds much.
 Quoting: Seer777


Time and experience aid in the proofing of a friendship. From my standpoint, friendships are not made quickly or lightly.

The example you give, for me is one of mutual alliance. Alliances can be formed (and often are)at the drop of a hat, for pursuit of similar goals or ideas. This, in my opinion, does not imply friendship at its base level- merely alliance and some similar interests.
Suutari

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02/07/2015 02:50 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Have alot of enemies do ya ?
Suutari
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 02:51 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
My best guess would be that alliances which dissolve were born of assumed benefit on behalf of each party. I don't believe much consideration in done in most cases of this type of alliance for mutual benefit. Each party is only seeking their own goals, which just happen to be found agreeable to another party.

Both parties may benefit in similar ways, but collective thinking or mutuality is only a facade. That is just my experience and understanding of the subject.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


As in, what benefits me will benefit you? A situation where one is only out for themselves and then groups with another entity or entities out of little other than what one hope to gain?

Could then this be compared to most relationships up and down the line?



How does one form a bond or friendship without falling into a self-helping trap and instead participates in mutual benefit?
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 02:55 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Have alot of enemies do ya ?
 Quoting: Suutari


No. Do you?


This thread is exploration of a concept and how it permeates Mankind's reasoning and behavior...

3 Laws of Thought

1. Law of identity: "Whatever is, is."
2. Law of noncontradiction: "Nothing can both be and not be."
3. Law of excluded middle: "Everything must either be or not be."

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:00 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
From my experience, the enemy of my enemy is just a stranger until they prove themselves otherwise.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


What would cause such proof to your liking?

For example, how Americans united with each other after 9/11. How old divisive religious, racial, and political lines dissolves and we became unite against what was perceived as a 'common threat'.

However ever true or false that threat was, is beside the point.

'Common Threat'. That phrase holds much.
 Quoting: Seer777


Time and experience aid in the proofing of a friendship. From my standpoint, friendships are not made quickly or lightly.

The example you give, for me is one of mutual alliance. Alliances can be formed (and often are)at the drop of a hat, for pursuit of similar goals or ideas. This, in my opinion, does not imply friendship at its base level- merely alliance and some similar interests.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Good points. Perhaps the ambiguity between a 'friend' and an 'ally'.

Perhaps that is why Americans fell back into dividing themselves. The Common Threat was found to be 'not very credible' and such that, the mutual threat dissolved the 'uniting', the event first birthed.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Suutari

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02/07/2015 03:04 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Have alot of enemies do ya ?
 Quoting: Suutari


No. Do you?


This thread is exploration of a concept and how it permeates Mankind's reasoning and behavior...

3 Laws of Thought

1. Law of identity: "Whatever is, is."
2. Law of noncontradiction: "Nothing can both be and not be."
3. Law of excluded middle: "Everything must either be or not be."

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
 Quoting: Seer777


You seem to always answer questions with another question.

Why is that ?

Last Edited by Suutari on 02/07/2015 03:04 PM
Suutari
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 03:07 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
My best guess would be that alliances which dissolve were born of assumed benefit on behalf of each party. I don't believe much consideration in done in most cases of this type of alliance for mutual benefit. Each party is only seeking their own goals, which just happen to be found agreeable to another party.

Both parties may benefit in similar ways, but collective thinking or mutuality is only a facade. That is just my experience and understanding of the subject.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


As in, what benefits me will benefit you? A situation where one is only out for themselves and then groups with another entity or entities out of little other than what one hope to gain?

Could then this be compared to most relationships up and down the line?



How does one form a bond or friendship without falling into a self-helping trap and instead participates in mutual benefit?
 Quoting: Seer777


In general, all relationships engage in some sort of give and take (from friendships to alliances).

Likewise, in most relationships, some focus must be given to the self (each participant). It is common sense for a person not to make friendships with someone you know is harmful to you.

One difference between alliances and friendships is that in friendship, personal benefit is not necessarily the goal of the relationship. The benefit is recognized in a friendship, but not the main reason for initiating (or sometimes even maintaining) the relationship. In contrast, an alliance exists only because of an agreement AND individual benefit.

As for maintaining a relationship, it is up to the intent and actions of both parties. Each person is responsible for maintaining a relationship or alliance. Part of that includes not putting either party in a situation that would be harmful to them, nor requiring either participant to do so.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:09 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Have alot of enemies do ya ?
 Quoting: Suutari


No. Do you?


This thread is exploration of a concept and how it permeates Mankind's reasoning and behavior...

3 Laws of Thought

1. Law of identity: "Whatever is, is."
2. Law of noncontradiction: "Nothing can both be and not be."
3. Law of excluded middle: "Everything must either be or not be."

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
 Quoting: Seer777


You seem to always answer questions with another question.

Why is that ?
 Quoting: Suutari


Because I enjoy inspiring thought.

Pushing people a bit past their comfort zone to give people a new vantage point by which to view their own and in that, others behavior.


The tendency to group against what is perceived to be a 'common threat' be it: weather, animals, food storage, disease. Then later invading clans/armies, dogmas, cultures.

Then further countries, religion, races...it goes on and on.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Suutari

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02/07/2015 03:11 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Have alot of enemies do ya ?
 Quoting: Suutari


No. Do you?


This thread is exploration of a concept and how it permeates Mankind's reasoning and behavior...

3 Laws of Thought

1. Law of identity: "Whatever is, is."
2. Law of noncontradiction: "Nothing can both be and not be."
3. Law of excluded middle: "Everything must either be or not be."

[link to en.wikipedia.org]
 Quoting: Seer777


You seem to always answer questions with another question.

Why is that ?
 Quoting: Suutari


Because I enjoy inspiring thought.

Pushing people a bit past their comfort zone to give people a new vantage point by which to view their own and in that, others behavior.


The tendency to group against what is perceived to be a 'common threat' be it: weather, animals, food storage, disease. Then later invading clans/armies, dogmas, cultures.

Then further countries, religion, races...it goes on and on.
 Quoting: Seer777


Yes you do push people to further your own ego.

It is your arrogance though to believe that you have shown anyone something they don't already know.

Wouldn't you agree ?
Suutari
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:16 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
You seem to always answer questions with another question.

Why is that ?
 Quoting: Suutari


Because I enjoy inspiring thought.

Pushing people a bit past their comfort zone to give people a new vantage point by which to view their own and in that, others behavior.


The tendency to group against what is perceived to be a 'common threat' be it: weather, animals, food storage, disease. Then later invading clans/armies, dogmas, cultures.

Then further countries, religion, races...it goes on and on.
 Quoting: Seer777


Yes you do push people to further your own ego.

It is your arrogance though to believe that you have shown anyone something they don't already know.

Wouldn't you agree ?
 Quoting: Suutari


I am not here to argue about me or participate in ad hominem attack.

Either stick to the topic or your out.

Simple as that.

I will bump the OP for your ease of review.

For the last several days this sentence has been ringing around in my head.

I decided today to do a bit of researching and what I found regarding I thought interesting.

Firstly, how true is this statement? In general. Throughout history? In your own life? Have you ever formed bonds with another based strictly on sharing a common enemy? Have you found it to be advantageous or detrimental?

Is this tendency to group against a perceived common enemy, form the basis or foundation of much human grouping?

For example..War on Cancer.



A little history...

The enemy of my enemy is my friend is an ancient proverb which suggests that two opposing parties can or should work together against a common enemy. The earliest known expression of this concept is found in a Sanskrit treatise on statecraft dating to around the 4th century BC...
[link to en.wikipedia.org]


Is this a case of the Law of Excluded Middle as suggested?

In logic, the law of excluded middle is the third of the three classic laws of thought. It states that for any proposition, either that proposition is true, or its negation is true.

True/False?


I think the term 'enemy' may become problematic here so I will remind that Man often makes enemies out of what they unite against, whatever that may be or perceived to be.

I utilized 'Cancer' as an example of what could be considered a common enemy of Mankind and one Man unites against to defeat.

For GLP in particular, I will utilize 'TPTB'.



[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]

It is impossible, then, that "being a man" should mean precisely "not being a man", if "man" not only signifies something about one subject but also has one significance. ... And it will not be possible to be and not to be the same thing, except in virtue of an ambiguity, just as if one whom we call "man", and others were to call "not-man"; but the point in question is not this, whether the same thing can at the same time be and not be a man in name, but whether it can be in fact.
~Aristotle
 Quoting: Seer777

Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 03:17 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
A Friend of my friend is my friend!
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 03:19 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
From my experience, the enemy of my enemy is just a stranger until they prove themselves otherwise.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


What would cause such proof to your liking?

For example, how Americans united with each other after 9/11. How old divisive religious, racial, and political lines dissolves and we became unite against what was perceived as a 'common threat'.

However ever true or false that threat was, is beside the point.

'Common Threat'. That phrase holds much.
 Quoting: Seer777


Time and experience aid in the proofing of a friendship. From my standpoint, friendships are not made quickly or lightly.

The example you give, for me is one of mutual alliance. Alliances can be formed (and often are)at the drop of a hat, for pursuit of similar goals or ideas. This, in my opinion, does not imply friendship at its base level- merely alliance and some similar interests.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Good points. Perhaps the ambiguity between a 'friend' and an 'ally'.

Perhaps that is why Americans fell back into dividing themselves. The Common Threat was found to be 'not very credible' and such that, the mutual threat dissolved the 'uniting', the event first birthed.
 Quoting: Seer777


People in general share certain commonalities (the desire to live, to persue what makes life enjoyable, and to not be harmed). Unity under the "Common Threat" was born of that reason-commonality.

Maybe it would be easier to explain it with a hypothetical situation.

Imagine an apartment complex full of people, each with their own families, ideals, creeds, etc. Many of these people are familiar with each other. Some are even friends and enemies. All of the occupants of this complex share one thing in common, they live in the same apartment complex.

One day, a gang attacks the complex. The complex is on fire shooting and cries of despair and confusion can be heard inside the complex and on the streets. The members of the complex each go about trying to save their home, some even helping neighbors, some running out to safety and to seek help. All of the apartment dwellers shared commonality, but in this instance they were under common threat and reacted to that common threat.

---
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:21 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
My best guess would be that alliances which dissolve were born of assumed benefit on behalf of each party. I don't believe much consideration in done in most cases of this type of alliance for mutual benefit. Each party is only seeking their own goals, which just happen to be found agreeable to another party.

Both parties may benefit in similar ways, but collective thinking or mutuality is only a facade. That is just my experience and understanding of the subject.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


As in, what benefits me will benefit you? A situation where one is only out for themselves and then groups with another entity or entities out of little other than what one hope to gain?

Could then this be compared to most relationships up and down the line?



How does one form a bond or friendship without falling into a self-helping trap and instead participates in mutual benefit?
 Quoting: Seer777


In general, all relationships engage in some sort of give and take (from friendships to alliances).

Likewise, in most relationships, some focus must be given to the self (each participant). It is common sense for a person not to make friendships with someone you know is harmful to you.

One difference between alliances and friendships is that in friendship, personal benefit is not necessarily the goal of the relationship. The benefit is recognized in a friendship, but not the main reason for initiating (or sometimes even maintaining) the relationship. In contrast, an alliance exists only because of an agreement AND individual benefit.

As for maintaining a relationship, it is up to the intent and actions of both parties. Each person is responsible for maintaining a relationship or alliance. Part of that includes not putting either party in a situation that would be harmful to them, nor requiring either participant to do so.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


True.

However one will make an alliance with one they may deem harmful...

Like a Peace Treaty.

...maybe that is why they often fail in volatile areas.

There is no trust. No friendship. Just a loose and shaky agreement in the moment of its formation which with time will fail.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:22 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
A Friend of my friend is my friend!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 19638280


:)

birdsofafeather
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 03:26 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
A Friend of my friend is my friend!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 19638280


Not necessarily, as each friendship is unique unto itself (and the reasons which the bond is formed and maintained). You can not vicariously inherit friends from another, from my experience.

Nice thought though!
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:31 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Time and experience aid in the proofing of a friendship. From my standpoint, friendships are not made quickly or lightly.

The example you give, for me is one of mutual alliance. Alliances can be formed (and often are)at the drop of a hat, for pursuit of similar goals or ideas. This, in my opinion, does not imply friendship at its base level- merely alliance and some similar interests.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Good points. Perhaps the ambiguity between a 'friend' and an 'ally'.

Perhaps that is why Americans fell back into dividing themselves. The Common Threat was found to be 'not very credible' and such that, the mutual threat dissolved the 'uniting', the event first birthed.
 Quoting: Seer777


People in general share certain commonalities (the desire to live, to persue what makes life enjoyable, and to not be harmed). Unity under the "Common Threat" was born of that reason-commonality.

Maybe it would be easier to explain it with a hypothetical situation.

Imagine an apartment complex full of people, each with their own families, ideals, creeds, etc. Many of these people are familiar with each other. Some are even friends and enemies. All of the occupants of this complex share one thing in common, they live in the same apartment complex.

One day, a gang attacks the complex. The complex is on fire shooting and cries of despair and confusion can be heard inside the complex and on the streets. The members of the complex each go about trying to save their home, some even helping neighbors, some running out to safety and to seek help. All of the apartment dwellers shared commonality, but in this instance they were under common threat and reacted to that common threat.

---
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Yes exactly.

It has been suggested that the only thing that may ever unite Man as a whole, is that which immediately threatens us as a species.

Portrayed in movies, like Independence Day and Armageddon.


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Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 03:47 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Time and experience aid in the proofing of a friendship. From my standpoint, friendships are not made quickly or lightly.

The example you give, for me is one of mutual alliance. Alliances can be formed (and often are)at the drop of a hat, for pursuit of similar goals or ideas. This, in my opinion, does not imply friendship at its base level- merely alliance and some similar interests.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Good points. Perhaps the ambiguity between a 'friend' and an 'ally'.

Perhaps that is why Americans fell back into dividing themselves. The Common Threat was found to be 'not very credible' and such that, the mutual threat dissolved the 'uniting', the event first birthed.
 Quoting: Seer777


People in general share certain commonalities (the desire to live, to persue what makes life enjoyable, and to not be harmed). Unity under the "Common Threat" was born of that reason-commonality.

Maybe it would be easier to explain it with a hypothetical situation.

Imagine an apartment complex full of people, each with their own families, ideals, creeds, etc. Many of these people are familiar with each other. Some are even friends and enemies. All of the occupants of this complex share one thing in common, they live in the same apartment complex.

One day, a gang attacks the complex. The complex is on fire shooting and cries of despair and confusion can be heard inside the complex and on the streets. The members of the complex each go about trying to save their home, some even helping neighbors, some running out to safety and to seek help. All of the apartment dwellers shared commonality, but in this instance they were under common threat and reacted to that common threat.

---
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Yes exactly.

It has been suggested that the only thing that may ever unite Man as a whole, is that which immediately threatens us as a species.

Portrayed in movies, like Independence Day and Armageddon.


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 Quoting: Seer777


The desire for survival (or that of others)has been a great motivating force throughout know history. It seems to be the easiest to understand aspect of human society, or at least the most commonly recognized one.

I don't believe humanity will ever be completely united under threat of survival, as I've seen too often the reactions to such threats and history and my own life.

Unity will have to come from another commonality, in my opinion, one not born of fear or threat of harm.
Suutari

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02/07/2015 03:50 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
humnan to human

cancer, is enemy of all
Suutari
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02/07/2015 03:54 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
It's much like propaganda.As propaganda depends on exaggeration to create a polarizing divide based on a truth so perniciously devoid of logic it cannot be argued.

But, creates camps, as minds seek to find balance on a slippery slope.

Friends and enemies are solely temporal direction.

Cheers
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:55 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
People in general share certain commonalities (the desire to live, to persue what makes life enjoyable, and to not be harmed). Unity under the "Common Threat" was born of that reason-commonality.

Maybe it would be easier to explain it with a hypothetical situation.

Imagine an apartment complex full of people, each with their own families, ideals, creeds, etc. Many of these people are familiar with each other. Some are even friends and enemies. All of the occupants of this complex share one thing in common, they live in the same apartment complex.

One day, a gang attacks the complex. The complex is on fire shooting and cries of despair and confusion can be heard inside the complex and on the streets. The members of the complex each go about trying to save their home, some even helping neighbors, some running out to safety and to seek help. All of the apartment dwellers shared commonality, but in this instance they were under common threat and reacted to that common threat.

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 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Yes exactly.

It has been suggested that the only thing that may ever unite Man as a whole, is that which immediately threatens us as a species.

Portrayed in movies, like Independence Day and Armageddon.


[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]
 Quoting: Seer777


The desire for survival (or that of others)has been a great motivating force throughout know history. It seems to be the easiest to understand aspect of human society, or at least the most commonly recognized one.

I don't believe humanity will ever be completely united under threat of survival, as I've seen too often the reactions to such threats and history and my own life.

Unity will have to come from another commonality, in my opinion, one not born of fear or threat of harm.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


True.

What is more common than our Humanity? Our planet perhaps.

I like that. Any thought on what that may or might be?
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 03:57 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
humnan to human

cancer, is enemy of all
 Quoting: Suutari


Yes. That is why I utilized it as a example that we can all rather agree, is a common threat.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Suutari

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02/07/2015 03:59 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
humnan to human

cancer, is enemy of all
 Quoting: Suutari


Yes. That is why I utilized it as a example that we can all rather agree, is a common threat.
 Quoting: Seer777


So can cancer be your friend then, one gathers thats what you are infering.
Suutari
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:06 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
It's much like propaganda.As propaganda depends on exaggeration to create a polarizing divide based on a truth so perniciously devoid of logic it cannot be argued.

But, creates camps, as minds seek to find balance on a slippery slope.

Friends and enemies are solely temporal direction.

Cheers
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 61917558


Good afternoon. :)

Man is rather subject to both exaggeration and elaboration.


I was reading earlier than Brian Williams lied about being on a helicopter which now calls all his 'reporting' into question.

He lied to improve the story? For what purpose but to buoy ratings? His own career? Make the story more exciting?

I find it interesting that once a lie is uncovered, it calls everything about someone into question.

Reminds...
[link to i.imgur.com]
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca





GLP