V6M@PSUVM.BITNET (02/08/85)
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Let's say that I am sitting under a shady tree and that I am engaged in thought
. Any observer would agree that I am truly under the tree. It would not be
physically obvious that I was in thought but if I were sitting still and were
not asleep then on closer examination, and observer would be justified in
inferring that this was the case.
There is a neutral act here. The act of me sitting quietly.
Is there a good act? It depends on what I am thinking about.
If I am in prayer then I am doing a good mental act.
I may also engage in a bad mental act by revelling in lustfull thoughts about
a porn star. This is also called sin.
I may also engage in a neutral mental act by contemplating the beauty of
programming as an art form.
It is probable that I could receive pleasure from all three thoughts.
My life has been enriched by the first,
lessened by the second (since it is something that I must
atone for)
and enriched by the third (because I like to program).
I hope this helps.
Marchionni