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The enemy of my enemy is my friend...

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Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:07 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.
 Quoting: Suutari


I suppose if one was subject to schadenfreude and took enjoyment in having a perceived enemy 'get cancer', then I suppose it could be seen that way.

In a twisted sense.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 04:13 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.

---
 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?
 Quoting: Seer777


Well, as we are human, I don't believe that the unifying force which could unite us all will be separate from our commonality as humans. In my thought meanderings, I believe it will have to do with the fact that we share this common ground (and what it means to be human).

I expect, that the uniting force will have something to do with human discovery, hope for our own happiness, and something that inspires people to want to persue improvement of human life (but not due to a threat of harm).

Right now, in virtually all aspects of society some threat is used as a motivating force for discovery, hope of happiness, an inspiration for change. For example, in my understanding, new developments in medicine and energy are born out of threats.

Disease or threats of contagion are great motivators in medicine (not to mention financial implications, but that's another discussion). Likewise, in the energy fields developments are usually born out of limitation of resources or some implied threat of inaccessibility.

What if, discovery and motivation came not of necessity (or threat of harm), but out of the human instinct to explore and better themselves? That is the sort of thing I am expecting will unite us. Maybe it is simply the hope that such a thing is possible will be the key.
Suutari

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02/07/2015 04:17 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.
 Quoting: Suutari


I suppose if one was subject to schadenfreude and took enjoyment in having a perceived enemy 'get cancer', then I suppose it could be seen that way.

In a twisted sense.
 Quoting: Seer777


Enjoyment ??

Isn't that off topic ?
Suutari
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02/07/2015 04:24 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.
 Quoting: Suutari


I suppose if one was subject to schadenfreude and took enjoyment in having a perceived enemy 'get cancer', then I suppose it could be seen that way.

In a twisted sense.
 Quoting: Seer777


I'm going to jump in here and share my thoughts on this.

Metaphorically speaking, cancer is an enemy to the health of whomever is affected by it (because it does harm).

Although, cancer (as far as I know) has no motivations or feelings. It is merely an affliction named cancer by humans.

I agree with the idea that cancer (metaphorically speaking)is an enemy to human health, but not a actual adversary in the human sense. That's my opinon though.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:28 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
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?
 Quoting: Seer777


Well, as we are human, I don't believe that the unifying force which could unite us all will be separate from our commonality as humans. In my thought meanderings, I believe it will have to do with the fact that we share this common ground (and what it means to be human).

I expect, that the uniting force will have something to do with human discovery, hope for our own happiness, and something that inspires people to want to persue improvement of human life (but not due to a threat of harm).

Right now, in virtually all aspects of society some threat is used as a motivating force for discovery, hope of happiness, an inspiration for change. For example, in my understanding, new developments in medicine and energy are born out of threats.

Disease or threats of contagion are great motivators in medicine (not to mention financial implications, but that's another discussion). Likewise, in the energy fields developments are usually born out of limitation of resources or some implied threat of inaccessibility.

What if, discovery and motivation came not of necessity (or threat of harm), but out of the human instinct to explore and better themselves? That is the sort of thing I am expecting will unite us. Maybe it is simply the hope that such a thing is possible will be the key.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Well said...

Threats do motivate action. Without threat, would motivation exist?

Threat of hunger. Threat of sickness. Threat of harm or death.

I often consider the 'first fences' and why they were built. To both keep in and keep out.

It seems the simple concept of a 'fence' permeates Mankind.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:32 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
I did utilize Cancer as a metaphor for a 'common threat'.

We call it 'Fighting Cancer' because those who are battling cancer, are doing that very thing. Along with the health care professionals and familial and friend support.


Cancer has been on my mind due to the threat of said, forcing me to finally break one of my own bad habits.

One I both loved and hated.

Day 9.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Necromancer
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02/07/2015 04:34 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Manipulation and the Dominant stance . Host-parasite-ant colony-beehive
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:35 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
I'll tell you though, you want to make your loved ones' day, week, or month?

Tell em you quit smoking.

They light up like Christmas Trees.

No pun intended.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:35 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Manipulation and the Dominant stance . Host-parasite-ant colony-beehive
 Quoting: Necromancer 17824549


Can you expound a bit?

Not sure I am following your point.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 04:37 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
...


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.

---
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


that's a good example I think

"the enemy of my enemy is my friend", something made me think of this too, don't what or why though. I doubt it was something I was reading, and I don't watch tv so...
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 04:38 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


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 04:44 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
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?
 Quoting: Seer777


Well, as we are human, I don't believe that the unifying force which could unite us all will be separate from our commonality as humans. In my thought meanderings, I believe it will have to do with the fact that we share this common ground (and what it means to be human).

I expect, that the uniting force will have something to do with human discovery, hope for our own happiness, and something that inspires people to want to persue improvement of human life (but not due to a threat of harm).

Right now, in virtually all aspects of society some threat is used as a motivating force for discovery, hope of happiness, an inspiration for change. For example, in my understanding, new developments in medicine and energy are born out of threats.

Disease or threats of contagion are great motivators in medicine (not to mention financial implications, but that's another discussion). Likewise, in the energy fields developments are usually born out of limitation of resources or some implied threat of inaccessibility.

What if, discovery and motivation came not of necessity (or threat of harm), but out of the human instinct to explore and better themselves? That is the sort of thing I am expecting will unite us. Maybe it is simply the hope that such a thing is possible will be the key.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Well said...

Threats do motivate action. Without threat, would motivation exist?

Threat of hunger. Threat of sickness. Threat of harm or death.

I often consider the 'first fences' and why they were built. To both keep in and keep out.

It seems the simple concept of a 'fence' permeates Mankind.
 Quoting: Seer777


Not all motivation and inspiration comes from threat or negativity. Creativity is a fair example of this aspect of humanity. Personally, I enjoy painting and creating simple artwork. I receive no benefit aside from expressing my ideas and enjoying results. I am not motivated to create artwork due to necessity or threat of harm.

As far as fences go, aside from the obvious reasons to have them (containment, limitation, security), I believe that the idea of barrier or measurement is a reflection of the human experience.

As a human, in my understanding, there are barriers all around us. For example, our bodies, minds and experiences are separate from others. While in some cases the barrier is abstract, it is still understood as a separation in the case of individuality. Now, having said that, it does not mean there are not commonalities or some understood collective between individuals. In other words, we are all individuals, yet, we are all human.

Fences are part of expressing that individuality (or barrier)between us.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 04:45 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


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


Could it also be considered then that, The enemy of my friend is my enemy...

Be just another way of looking at it?
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Suutari

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02/07/2015 04:47 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


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


Could it also be considered then that, The enemy of my friend is my enemy...

Be just another way of looking at it?
 Quoting: Seer777


Thats alot of enemies.
Suutari
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02/07/2015 05:02 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


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


Could it also be considered then that, The enemy of my friend is my enemy...

Be just another way of looking at it?
 Quoting: Seer777


Yeah, it sounds like another way of looking at it I think

If my friend has an enemy, and it is a problem and he/she asks for help, then i suppose it is now also my problem?
g.r.i.t.s.

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Does not work.
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 05:07 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
It is actually possible to be friends with an enemy of a friend.
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02/07/2015 05:08 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


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


Could it also be considered then that, The enemy of my friend is my enemy...

Be just another way of looking at it?
 Quoting: Seer777


Thats alot of enemies.
 Quoting: Suutari


I suppose it depends who you're friends are and how many enemies they have. But I have had friends with friends who I got along with, or never even known. And they have had 'enemies'(really people they didn't get along with) who I knew and would wonder how that whole feud began in the first place.

It gets complex in a hurry
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
A friend that can turn enemy, was never a friend to begin with.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Friendship is a two way street, and can be broken by either party, at that point, friendship ends, all else is just semantics.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 05:09 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


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


Could it also be considered then that, The enemy of my friend is my enemy...

Be just another way of looking at it?
 Quoting: Seer777


Yeah, it sounds like another way of looking at it I think

If my friend has an enemy, and it is a problem and he/she asks for help, then i suppose it is now also my problem?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


It seems to work that way in many aspects of society and personal and interpersonal relationships.

Even if the 'enemy' be just a group defined thought form.

Like say, opposing teams.

Fans of Team A group themselves as do fans of Team B.

If your friend likes Team A, then you are more likely to also like Team A, often due location, and in that hold a common force you oppose.

Bit of a rough example. Hope that makes sense.


Gang wars of the 90's Bloods/Crips come to call as well.

Us vs. Them essentially.

Last Edited by Seer777 on 02/07/2015 05:12 PM
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 05:10 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Does not work.
 Quoting: g.r.i.t.s.


There are too many ins and outs, and what have yous


It is actually possible to be friends with an enemy of a friend.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


yes
Searchalot

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02/07/2015 05:10 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Well, you are the enemy of your enemy.

So I hope you like yourself.
I'm not your enemy, you are...
© 2004, Maus E.

Only your thoughts create your world.
© 2015 Maus E.

Learning is knowing you learn nothing when you know.
© 2016 Maus E.
Seer777  (OP)
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02/07/2015 05:11 PM

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
It is actually possible to be friends with an enemy of a friend.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Yes. But you often find yourself in the middle. Which is a very uncomfortable place to find oneself.
Difficulties strengthen the Mind as labor does the body...
~Seneca
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02/07/2015 05:15 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
...


:) that's a lot easier isn't it
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


Could it also be considered then that, The enemy of my friend is my enemy...

Be just another way of looking at it?
 Quoting: Seer777


Yeah, it sounds like another way of looking at it I think

If my friend has an enemy, and it is a problem and he/she asks for help, then i suppose it is now also my problem?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67801204


It seems to work that way in many aspects of society and personal and interpersonal relationships.

Even if the 'enemy' be just a group defined thought form.

Like say, opposing teams.

Fans of Team A group themselves as do fans of Team B.

If your friend likes Team A, then you are more likely to also like Team A, often due propriety, and in that hold a common force you oppose.

Bit of a rough example. Hope that makes sense.


Gang wars of the 90's Bloods/Crips come to call as well.

Us vs. Them essentially.
 Quoting: Seer777


That's a good example

Team A vs B, or Bloods and Crips

you could be killed(and many have been) for wearing red in a Crip neighborhood even if you weren't a Blood and vise versa. It just doesn't make sense. Even if he was a Blood, he didn't even know the guy most likely. They could have been best friends in another place and time
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 05:16 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
It is actually possible to be friends with an enemy of a friend.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Yes. But you often find yourself in the middle. Which is a very uncomfortable place to find oneself.
 Quoting: Seer777


it is
Suutari

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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Using the example of cancer, could cancer ever be considered a friend...
Suutari
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02/07/2015 05:17 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Well, you are the enemy of your enemy.

So I hope you like yourself.
 Quoting: Searchalot


you are your own worst enemy
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 05:19 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
It is actually possible to be friends with an enemy of a friend.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 67806333


Yes. But you often find yourself in the middle. Which is a very uncomfortable place to find oneself.
 Quoting: Seer777


To some degree, however, in situations like this (being friends with and enemy of a friend) it is up to you to make clear to all parties your intentions. Communication is key.

From my experiences with situations such as this, the friends of mine who were enemies to each other, were made to understand that each of our relationships were separate. As they were my friends, they keep the matters of their adversaries to themselves.

There have actually been a few times in these cases where the status of enemy was dropped between the adversarial parties, due to the friendship as well.
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Using the example of cancer, could cancer ever be considered a friend...
 Quoting: Suutari


In my opinion, no
Anonymous Coward
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02/07/2015 05:20 PM
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Re: The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Well, you are the enemy of your enemy.

So I hope you like yourself.
 Quoting: Searchalot


Haha. I like your way of looking at things.





GLP