Ok, I've been debating this for a while. Mostly in my head but I have gotten other peoples take on it.

When does one lose innocence?

Its not like virginity, or time. Adam and eve were a good example, but they couldn't have fucked up all innocence, for everyone.

There is an event someplace. Its not in the womb, its not at birth. Its an event during ones life.I mean Cain went out and found a wife. Did she have original sin?

I lost innocence when I started thinking for myself.

and this thread sucks btw.

You can't think for your self. You are influenced by all sorts of media.

quote:Originally posted by bushy:

You can't think for your self. You are influenced by all sorts of media.

that argument is for the weak-minded. you can think for yourself. yes, its sometimes hard to do with all the biased media, but it is possible.

But you begin thinking for yourself regarding various issues at various points in your life. So the answer is hard to say and pretty much totally subjective.

I like the His Dark Materials trilogy's take on it. The three books are:

The Golden Compass/Northern Lights

The Subtle Knife

The Amber Spyglass

Be warned: they are quite thick, especially when viewed all together.

You lose your innocence when you realize you've done something evil.

I would think that you lose your innocence when you learn the law.

I believe you lose your innocence the second you realize the feelings of others. Like small children, the only feelings and desires they realize are their own. "I'm hungry, I'm sleepy, I want that." The second they realize "They too, can be sleepy. They too, are hungry." They develope the capacity for sympathy/empathy, and the ability to choose to give up something they want for the want or need of another. It's at this point they know what it is to be 'selfish' and 'selfless', that they lose their 'innocence'.

[This message has been edited by Elephantitis Man (edited 01-27-2006).]

quote:Originally posted by bushy:

When does one lose innocence?

Having had 3 children, I can tell you that innocence ebbs away quickly after birth.

Sometime between birth and 2 years of age, you can see it happen slowly.

Figuring out how to trick parents, and so forth. Nothing EVIL, just loss of complete innocence.

quote:Originally posted by niggersexual:

I would think that you lose your innocence when you learn the law.

That's actually a good point, though I think modifying it a little would serve to clarify.

At the onset of understanding of breaking ANY rule (even in early infancy), you begin to lose innocence.

quote:Originally posted by Elephantitis Man:

I believe you lose your innocence the second you realize the feelings of others. Like small children, the only feelings and desires they realize are their own. "I'm hungry, I'm sleepy, I want that." The second they realize "They too, can be sleepy. They too, are hungry." They develope the capacity for sympathy/empathy, and the ability to choose to give up something they want for the want or need of another. It's at this point they know what it is to be 'selfish' and 'selfless', that they lose their 'innocence'.



That was really well-written. I was trying to think of a way to put it, but it just wasn't coming out right.

Awesome job.