QUOTE(Insight @ Dec 14 2004, 02:00 AM)
The "Why" is simply this: Most extreme intellectuals have little or no control over emotion yet are subject to it, being humans. The rituals are designed to expose this and to help stop emotion from overtaking the rationale.
So to properly weild their power, they must become devoid of conscience and emotions. Much like the "vulcan" race in star trek?
Control? There is no such outside control because you finally become in control of yourself.
You gain control of yourself by a means that another has designed for you. That sounds like outside control to me.
Diabolical? Many adhere to Jesus Christ and his teachings. Other's do not. The organization is specific only to optimizing achievement.
What is achievement? Is it power? Gaining power? Making power efficient? Power corrupts.
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Insight, I would like to respond to your statements. The comments given by you are excellent and well put.
Let's begin: "So to properly weild their power, they must become devoid of conscience and emotions. Much like the "vulcan" race in star trek?"
Though clearly a sarcastic remark(not to me, but of that issue) you are, actually, essentially correct with the exception of the word "devoid" To be a truly effective leader in the higher aspects of government/business, one must be both sensitive to, but control, emotion. Without that level of "maturity" or "developement" it is simply not possible to make second-by-second "sound" decisions, especially with regards to higher levels of government or business.
"You gain control of yourself by a means that another has designed for you. That sounds like outside control to me."
Again, you are not completely wrong. It is very rare for an individual to achieve cognizant levels without help. Yes, it surely presents a potential for outside control. The "teachers" must be well-trained to recognize and avoid this. To assist, certain "rituals" are designed to help "separate" the initiate from the teacher, fostering a "personal responsibility"
"What is achievement? Is it power? Gaining power? Making power efficient? Power corrupts."
Power does not corrupt any more than my owning a gun would suggest I will kill someone. So, "power" does not corrupt. It is the individual whom corrupts power. It is for that exact reason that such "secret societies" exist. They teach how to handle power.