King or beggar: When they are born and when they die, both are alike.

Yeah, the difference being that during their lifetime, one makes significant contributions to society (whether you agree with them or not) and the other did nothing but beg for hand-outs.

We ARE NOT all equal and it's about time some of you realized it.

Quite, the beggar does not go to the state for hand-outs, the monarch does (it's called the "Civil List" in the UK). The beggar may even play a musical instrument to entertain us on our journey through mass transit/public transport, the monarch gets free tickets to the theater to be entertained by a Royal Gala. I know which I'd prefer to be without.

Apparently you don't know the difference between beggars and entertainers.

Here's a hint, one begs for money, one provides a service in exchange for money...but I seem to recall you already admitted to being a little dim.

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We ARE NOT all equal and it's about time some of you realized it.

Because people like you 'tip the scales' to make it so... ;)

(I'm okay with my lot in life, will you be okay with your lot in death?)

Satisfaction is the death of desire and that's why you are unsuccessful.

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And yet here you still are doing little for society and contributing even less...

Translated as: You have something that we 'the collective' want, but we are to proud to ask you for it, and we are to selfish to pay you for it, and we are to ignorant to do it ourselves... Therefore, we get very angry with you... ;)

You have nothing I want because you are satisfied with nothing. When you strive to better yourself, then maybe, just maybe, you will achieve something to be envious of...

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LOL@U... ;)

(Don't worry, I'll let you have the last word! I'm here to state my opinions, not argue yours.)

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It may not be 1984 but George Orwell sure did see the future . . .

LOL@U... ;)

We already know ignorance is bliss

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King or beggar: When they are born and when they die, both are alike.

Yeah, the difference being that during their lifetime, one makes significant contributions to society (whether you agree with them or not) and the other did nothing but beg for hand-outs.

We ARE NOT all equal and it's about time some of you realized it.

Quite, the beggar does not go to the state for hand-outs, the monarch does (it's called the "Civil List" in the UK). The beggar may even play a musical instrument to entertain us on our journey through mass transit/public transport, the monarch gets free tickets to the theater to be entertained by a Royal Gala. I know which I'd prefer to be without.

Apparently you don't know the difference between beggars and entertainers.

Apparently you no longer wish to defend the significant contributions to society a monarch makes. Is that because, like your countryfolk you've realized you're better off without royal families?

Here's a hint, one begs for money, one provides a service in exchange for money...but I seem to recall you already admitted to being a little dim.

True, I did ask you "or am I just a little too dim here?", and the same reason may explain why I don't quite follow what it is you're saying here. Is it that by playing a musical instrument the person on the subway ceases to be a beggar and becomes an entertainer, and your opinion of that person is transformed as a result? What if a person asking for money sings, or reads scripture, are they likewise not to be considered beggars? Is the difference that an entertainer generally is paid in advance of providing the service?

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I think you'll find it's a bit more complicated than that ...

LOL@U... ;)

We already know ignorance is bliss

You're right about that. It's good that you're honest with yourself.

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You have nothing I want because you are satisfied with nothing.

Translated as: Since I'm incapable of paying you a decent salary, and since you won't let me take credit for your work, I have no use for you... ;)

(This game is actually kinda fun.)

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It may not be 1984 but George Orwell sure did see the future . . .

OK. I'm back again :o)

When I started this thread I was quite interested in the social make up of people who crunch for SETI.

I used the word 'class' because it means something to me both sociologically and because it is part of my heritage. (UK.)

Maybe if I had of asked what 'educational background' or 'income level' people came from people would have given simpler answers but I think asking what 'class' has given more interesting responses.

From what I have seen most people in Europe generally understand the concept of 'class' and many in America don't quite accept it as a way of describing themselves.

If I could change the direction of this thread then I would ask where you would place the 'average' (not yourself) SETI cruncher in terms of class, education, income, background, philosophy, belief... whatever... etc??

America very does have very much a class system and much as they might like to deny it..people's outcomes in life very much depend on the background they are born into.

Over here in the UK we understand that our class has a relation to our educational and employment prospects..much more so than race. Over in the US the class lines are divided much more along race lines...and along skills and income lines. Probably this difference has something to do with the lack of 'the aristocracy' over there.

But there certainly is a class system in the US...i suspect it is simply not acknowledged as such..

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Reality Internet Personality

LOL@U... ;)

We already know ignorance is bliss

You're right about that. It's good that you're honest with yourself.

And yet you're the one crying about a free market economy where one can be as successful as he or she wants to be.

Ignorance at it's finest....

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King or beggar: When they are born and when they die, both are alike.

Yeah, the difference being that during their lifetime, one makes significant contributions to society (whether you agree with them or not) and the other did nothing but beg for hand-outs.

We ARE NOT all equal and it's about time some of you realized it.

Quite, the beggar does not go to the state for hand-outs, the monarch does (it's called the "Civil List" in the UK). The beggar may even play a musical instrument to entertain us on our journey through mass transit/public transport, the monarch gets free tickets to the theater to be entertained by a Royal Gala. I know which I'd prefer to be without.

Apparently you don't know the difference between beggars and entertainers.

Apparently you no longer wish to defend the significant contributions to society a monarch makes. Is that because, like your countryfolk you've realized you're better off without royal families?

I wouldn't know, I've never lived in a monarchy. I DO know if I didn't like it, I have enough ambition to move.

Here's a hint, one begs for money, one provides a service in exchange for money...but I seem to recall you already admitted to being a little dim.

True, I did ask you "or am I just a little too dim here?", and the same reason may explain why I don't quite follow what it is you're saying here. Is it that by playing a musical instrument the person on the subway ceases to be a beggar and becomes an entertainer, and your opinion of that person is transformed as a result? What if a person asking for money sings, or reads scripture, are they likewise not to be considered beggars? Is the difference that an entertainer generally is paid in advance of providing the service?

According to YOUR example, the entertainer is being paid WHILE his services are being rendered. Compensation for his/her labor.

Sorry you're still to dim to grasp the concept of EARNING a living as opposed to asking for hand-outs, but you might one day.

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You have nothing I want because you are satisfied with nothing.

Translated as: Since I'm incapable of paying you a decent salary, and since you won't let me take credit for your work, I have no use for you... ;)

(This game is actually kinda fun.)

Translation: I have nothing to offer society so I ridicule it in order to hide my shame.

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You have nothing I want because you are satisfied with nothing.

Translated as: Since I'm incapable of paying you a decent salary, and since you won't let me take credit for your work, I have no use for you... ;)

(This game is actually kinda fun.)

Translation: I have nothing to offer society so I ridicule it in order to hide my shame.

I couldn't have said that any better, and in the first person too. As they say, to know ones self...excellent self portrait. I admire you for your candor.

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Account frozen...

You have nothing I want because you are satisfied with nothing.

Translated as: Since I'm incapable of paying you a decent salary, and since you won't let me take credit for your work, I have no use for you... ;)

(This game is actually kinda fun.)

Translation: I have nothing to offer society so I ridicule it in order to hide my shame.

I couldn't have said that any better, and in the first person too. As they say, to know ones self...excellent self portrait. I admire you for your candor.

Ignorance from the PE coach....imagine my surprise.

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I somehow knew that that would give you your jollies.

There is a distinct difference between the lower class and having no class.

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Account frozen...

I somehow knew that that would give you your jollies.

Predictability is a sign of stability

There is a distinct difference between the lower class and having no class.

As there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments and demanding others make the same "mistakes" you do.

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I somehow knew that that would give you your jollies.

Predictability is a sign of stability

Some people said the same thing about Adolph, but they were wrong.

I think I'll start calling you Sargent Schultz...like in Hoggins Heros.

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Account frozen...

I somehow knew that that would give you your jollies.

Predictability is a sign of stability

Some people said the same thing about Adolph, but they were wrong.

Well you're the only one I see bragging about the man...

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Bragging, no, it's just that your way of thinking is strikinly similar if
not in many ways identical. You share so many things in common.

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Account frozen...

Aww, how cute... Will there be a 'white wedding'... ;)

(Do you, the dog that bites, take this, the brain that's smashed, to be your unlawfully wedded playmate.)

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It may not be 1984 but George Orwell sure did see the future . . .