More clearly stated, that should read something like "one should evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of pharamaceutical usage for oneself in each situation where the question arises, and then decide based on ones own values what one will do." For example, SaleGamine, do you think Ozan would believe that a glass of wine is acceptable? There are also churches that subscribe to beliefs which allow members of the congregation no painkiller more effective than aspirin, and that only as willow-bark tea. For members of those churches, a strong painkiller would be very definitely prohibited, for it is not of God's hand.
For myself, I admit to a bit more moderation than I portray -- I, personally, deeply enjoy the occasional shot of fine whiskey (Kentucky bourbon or a good single-malt Scotch, of course). And I like wine or beer with my meals. I also indulge a penchant for a trance state in which I really am not well aware of my surroundings -- not truly meditation, but more of a journey "outside" (for lack of any better term) that consumes my awareness in an amazingly pleasant way. And I won't hesitate to use painkillers potent enough to deal with whatever pain I may be feeling, even if they do impair my reflexes. So I really shouldn't be berating others for altering their consciousness in their own ways.
However, it really was not my intent to bring Hyzenthlay to task for "being naughty". Rather, I was seeking an example which might cast a different light on the choices we make. This, to me, is part of the fun of philosophical discussion -- we explore ideas and push them to their breaking points to see what they can teach us. |
