This forum is designed with that purpose in mind, dedicated to mutual improvement through a commitment to the virtues and principles as described in Brian O'Brien's book THE PHILOSOPHY OF GREATNESS.
- Before you can participate in discussions, introduce yourself in the "Introduce Yourself" subforum.
- Discussion should be conducted in the spirit of Ben Franklin, Socrates and Jesus.
- Stay on topic.
- Avoid dispute, contradiction and confutation.
- Trolls and ad hominem posts are not permitted.
- If falsehoods are advanced, read them with mildness, and arm yourself with patience. Never attack the writer or his motives. Instead, attempt to understand and learn from him. Find common ground.
- Attempt to use the Socratic Method. Be the humble inquirer by asking questions to understand the person’s point and where their knowledge originates from.
- Express yourself in terms of modest diffidence, avoid writing dogmatically and with certainty, but instead with words such as, I think so and so to be the case, it appears to me, if I am not mistaken, in my experience, and so on. Endeavor to write truth in every instance; and aim at sincerity in every word and action — the most amiable excellence in a rational being.
- Religion and politics are not topics of this forum and are not allowed.
- Resolve to write ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults charged upon others, and upon proper occasions write all the good you know of everybody.