Now, how would that one work? One has to get screwed with cucumbers in order not to get stuffed?

Perhaps something about sleeping with fishes.

How many?

23

Ha-ha! 23? Why 23?

Principia Discordia

Sorry, I don't speak Italian.

Neither does he, but TommyCotC speaks a more universal language....especially when you discipline him.

Sincere pain? Or pleasure? Or, are they both the same here?

Pain has to be sincere to hold pleasure. Pleasure has to be sincere enough to turn to pain.

I never got pain out of pleasure, but I know one or two people who do, they just can't accept a pleasureable experience, without feeling uncomfortable, hence pain. I've seen lots of people who get pleasure out of pain, mostly other peoples pain.

I think the two belong together somehow. Only if one knows what pain is, can one appreciate the pleasure. But don't worry - I'm not the suffering type!

You are right. In the same line of thought, only after a very cold winter can you truely appreciate a hot summer. Other comparisons come to mind but they are too unpleasant to deal with.

Yes, exactly - the winter, summer thing (very relevant comparison for this time of year - we're in the minus!!). Other comparisons? Such as? Or are they too unpleasant to jot down as well??

All Right, Here goes but they are really gruesome. Only after spending a month in the field, without bathing, can you really appreciate a hot bath and clean clothes. Only after repeatedly resuscitating someone for 10 hours, literally holding life in your hands, can you really appreciate how fragile life is and how precious. Only after holding someone while they vomit their stomach lining, can you truely appreciate the benefits of life without alcohol. Only after being subjected to a three day artillery barrage, can you appreciate the fact that you can ignore anything, when you need sleep badly enough.

amen to that. i am very appreciative of my current income status because i went thru some hard times some years ago. living on mayonaise sandwiches, not answering the phone cuz of bill collectors, having my phone turned off, declaring bankruptcy, moving in with my folks, looking out for the repo man. going thru all of that made me appreciate a lot of the little things that people take for granted every day.

doesn't it just!

guess I could sum all of this up by saying, the upside to suffering is that it will make the good times, that come later, that much more enjoyable. And the important thing to remember, is that there WILL be good times.

An important philosophy. Ray, WAY TO GO!