Intergalactic Summit

I know you exist Blake because I have one of your former bodies.

Also, reading through this thread, the propaganda on both sides is deplorable. I am obviously no fan of the Amarr Empire and wish for the liberation of all Matari people. On the other hand, I am not a fan of how the Republic government has floundered things under Shakor's leadership. Let's be real here: the truth lies somewhere in between the two extreme viewpoints presented by both sides. Yes, upon going to the Republic there are some Matari who hold to the Amarr faith and are victims of hate crimes thusly. No, there aren't massive re-eduction centres to indoctrinate recently freed individuals (how in the hell does one indoctrinate another when there are so many varying clans, sub-tribes, and beliefs?). The problem isn't the Evil Minmatars who Shoot All Whom Pray, as Katran Luftschreck suggests. Nor is it the Soulless Slaver (Twirly Mustache Edition) who seeks only to exploit slaves for economic gain. Both such caricatures of the absolute worst conditions the Republic and Empire have to offer are the minority of cases. At the end of the day, the most horrifying fanatics get the most press coverage, and that is the side of the world everyone sees.

A lot of Minmatar won't admit that somewhere deep down, the average Amarrian Holder genuinely believes he or she is doing a good thing for the people they keep as slaves. On the other side, very very few Amarrians will admit that maybe people want to be free after all and the Amarrian religion and lifestyle just isn't for everyone. It is strange how being Minmatar these days is more about being not-Amarr/anti-Amarr and less about being your own person within your clan and tribe. Are we really going to let the Amarr define our identity? It is strange how a passionate zeal for doing good in the world (and indeed, bringing salvation to all of mankind) has been twisted into a force that brings nothing but tears to the recently "Reclaimed". Are you really going to let your true potential for good stay hidden, Amarr?

There are graceful ways to solving these things that do not involve murdering people who kneel before an altar or slapping cold shackles around an unbeliever's future. Maybe people like Midular knew better. Maybe I just need to hope this whole cloning thing remains a viable industry so I can watch the next thousand years unfold with interest. Maybe you just wasted your time reading this entire post. Maybe.

Good job, EM.

Of course. The truth of our universe may be as objective and set as a rock; natural laws bend to no one's will, and the universe does not play favorites. However, a civilization's understanding of the universe may be as fluid as water an ever-changing. Indeed, reaching a conclusive and complete understanding of the universe is the goal of science. But we do not yet hold that solid, ineffable stone in our hands. And so peoples clash over ideology and differing perspectives on what that complete and whole picture may look like. The Amarr call it "God" and imbue such an absolute understanding with certain properties. Generally speaking, the Minmatar may reference to "spirits", an "afterlife" and the like (though do keep in mind Minmatar spiritual beliefs are as varied and numerous as the grains of sand on a beach). I prefer the term "enlightenment", and I believe that in all the forms it takes all peoples seek enlightenment. I disagree vehemently with the practice of taking slaves in order to enlighten them, but I can understand the rationale employed when such a worldview is held. I also strongly disagree with uplifting of people held in bondage and then indiscriminately shipping them off to a culture that may be at odds with their own views and lifestyles. I am all for the offering of opportunity for freedom, but to "force" freedom on anyone is nonsensical and paradoxical. While time-consuming, an interview with each and every individual that is in bondage and then offered the chance to leave is basically required if one seeks to do the right thing. On the other hand, discretion is needed not only in the liberation of slaves, but also when taking people under your religious teachings. Who is judged more harshly within Amarrian society, the forced convert who pays only lip service or the willing convert filled with faith? This is not a rhetorical question; I have little knowledge of the specifics of Amarrian religious teachings, but it would be interesting if a solution to the issue of slavery within Amarrian borders is lying right in the scriptures. Clearly the masses weren't satisfied with slavery as a way to follow your religion; happy people don't rebel after all. Do your own scriptures provide another way, then?





Your words are inspiring and humble, which is a refreshing change from the stereotypes. I suppose where to begin is to define "freedom". I have often asked myself if I am free, and as a rational person I honestly cannot come up with the answer. Am I free? Certainly, I am not in forced servitude that involves literal whips and chains. I'm not even drugged or blackmailed. I am more or less free to do as I please. And yet even I cannot answer the question "Am I free?", because "freedom" is a rather vague and abstract concept that I have yet to see defined by any objective measures. So when working towards this True Freedom, if you will, I believe it will be important for all parties involved to come to a common understanding of what it means to be free. If we cannot speak to each other on level ground as equals we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history.

No, see we don't "believe" in you. We know you exist because you annoy, preach and leave bodies all over the place. If your God were to do the same I don't think anyone here would even bat an eyelash at someone saying he existed. There being not a single hint of his existence anywhere in the known universe makes the difference between you and that figment of imagination rather significant. Tangible evidence, independently verifiable at that, is going to tilt the balance and I'm sure you'll agree.

Your existence is even predictable in our verified model of the universe. We have verified humans all over the cluster. We have various nations, one of them the Amarr Empire. Said Empire is known for their rather silly superstitions and it would be rather strange not to find someone exactly like you around. You conform perfectly with reality, leave tangible evidence of your existence (bodies, amongst other things), communicate with independent entities across the entire cluster and can even be tracked down at will.

No. I don't believe in you. I know for a fact you exist. God on the other hand quite evidently does not.

No, you think I exist. You cannot prove my objective reality.

Solipsism is beneath you, sir, as it ought be for every member of the noble Praetoria

My apologies! I misunderstood your point.

It's all about which axiom you base your view of reality on.

And it must really suck for you that you chose the wrong one.