I know you’ve seen them. They always read something like, “Need prayer? Dial 1-800-God-SAVES for some real answers to life’s problems!” What I want to know is why we don’t have an answer to this. Why not have “Need critical thinking?” signs? We could plaster them everywhere “Need critical thinking help? Dial 1-800-REASON-IT for some lessons on how to figure out your own damn problems!” and when people call it could just be a recording of Carl Sagan’s The Demon Haunted World.
I like this idea.
hey! I have access to commercial printing equipment; I’ll take care of Portland, OR! ;)
Excellent, Jorg. Now we just have to get the number and recording set up!
When you read classified ads for a job, you always find someone who needs a “critical thinker”, what is unlikely is finding one which lists “prayer” as the trait or virtue they are looking for. For some reason, prayer always trumps critical thinking in personal lives or in public. As Richard Dawkins says brilliantly “Some people don’t know they have a choice.” Get the signs printed.
All we need now is someone who is willing to answer the phone and read from Demon Haunted World whenever anyone calls. Not an unreasonable request if we all take turns, I think.
I’m so into this idea, it cannot be expressed in words. Allow me to show you via interpretive dance how much I love this idea, Kate darling.
Also, sign me up for shifts. I can read Sagan and work at the same time, I know I can.
That would be cool, I agree. The world needs a few more reminders that faith in a supernatural occurrence is less sensible than faith in yourself to come up with a solution to a problem. Wouldn’t it give a person greater satisfaction to do it on your own, or with the help of friends?