Nothing quite as formal as that, I would say... Though I do have an interest in occult matters! The stories people tell of the supernatural are rather fascinating.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Perhaps. But who can know? I imagine to find out, a great price would have to be paid for such knowledge.
Not at all. And as a matter of fact, the answers to both of these questions are related, for my favorite stories are those where the story is not of the supernatural as an all-powerful force.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Rather, those stories that show the supernatural as thinking creatures in their own right are my favorite. Proud Samael that Fell to become Lucifer, or clever Mephistopheles with his wry tongue.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
So the matter of pricing I think would fall in line with Faust. Knowledge is a great power, and I certainly believe in whatever force there is looking over the world having a sense of irony.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
To know the fate of ones soul, you must first stake your soul upon that knowledge, I would think.
You know, we should trade stories some day. I believe we have similar taste.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
If you were to be of the supernatural variety, would you categorise yourself in the same way?
[ A thinking creature in their own right. Because sometimes, Contractors are seen as such. Monsters equipped with logic as their weapons alongside their powers. ]
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
Though, I suppose a follow up question would be– do you believe everything has a soul?
I would quite enjoy that. There is little I enjoy more than good conversation, and this one has been quite enjoyable!
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
I believe I would, yes. The idea of any creature being all good or all evil is not one I agree with, after all. It is too simple an interpretation, a comfort based on the hope that evil is not in all.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
As for what I believe about souls... I do not believe everything has a soul, no. I believe that there is a special quality about souls, for what else would give the essence of one's being?
[ That isn't a question that Sebastian had expected, so he shifts to focus on that question instead, since it interests him quite a bit. Still, he can see how these questions are connected much more clearly now. ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
That depends entirely upon how you define "emotion," really. It is not so straightforward, since some definitions define it much more strictly than others.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But personally... No, I do not. What defines a soul is personality. The unique combination of traits that makes someone up is what defines their being. Their emotional spectrum is a part of that.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Yet there are creatures in this world that do not feel things like sadness, and they possess a soul just as distinct and unique as another other. Any sentient life has a soul.
You have a point. What would your definition be, then?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
And if something doesn't have a will of its own? An indiscernible personality?
[ He thinks about Dolls and Contractors and the difference between them. Dolls are virtually blank slates. Contractors aren't so much, but they start out that way moreso. Do they have their soul taken away and then slowly reintroduced? Or is it all made up, fabricated as much as their sky is? ]
It is a range, so far as I see it. It accounts for the fact that not all creatures feel all emotions. By the human definition, that would make them deficient, naturally. Those creatures would be monsters.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But why is that? Is the capacity to feel necessary? Emotion can head to folly just as much as it can lead to greatness. It is a desire to lack emotion that leads to stories where devils are wholly evil.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
For if they are wholly evil, then it is not one's personal failings that are to be judged. It is the idea of it being out of their hands that gives them comfort.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
So to me, emotion is the capacity to feel, certainly. But not feeling things such as grief and empathy does not preclude feeling joy or pleasure.
[ this conversation is turning into plurk where you have to break up a serious discussion into like 10 messages god ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But for something that lacks will and personality... It may, though it would be weak and feeble. [ and flavorless ] If it is alive, it is always a possibility. But in that area, the distinction becomes difficult.
Edited (will i edit every comment in this thread? yes, apparently.) 2015-01-27 16:50 (UTC)
I do not mind them. I find the conversation interesting myself, so really, thank you for indulging me with such a conversation.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But to your question, yes and no. Yes, they are monsters. But no, their souls are not feeble at all, so far as I can see it.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Those that kill to survive do abandon their humanity in some respect. They leave behind innocence, gazing into an abyss from which there is no return. And so too will it gaze into them.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
However, it is those souls that are the strongest of all. Those souls that will grasp onto the possibility of survival, even if it is no more than a spider's thread... They wish to live.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Whether they feel or not, it would seem irrelevant to me. To embrace that abyss, to kill to survive at any cost... It will deliver a crown decorated in despair. But a soul is certain.
I am quite glad you think so! I would be remiss to lie, so I admit I am quite a bit over thirty, but certain pursuits keep me young. Such as stimulating conversations, really!
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Though at least my old age does come in handy in contexts such as this. I have observed behaviours long enough to have a unique viewpoint. I must say as well, I am surprised you were so interested.
[ Sebastian definitely laughs on his end, because continually, he finds there are advantages to making the appearance he had taken on conventionally attractive. It's not often he receives such attention from men, admittedly, but it wasn't as if Sebastian found it terribly different.
...Which is why he goes along with it without hesitation. ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Perhaps somewhat, but you humble me all the same. Being mindful to one's appearance is simply a part of the butler's aesthetic... But perhaps that is also something shared?
[ truly disgusting ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
I would say so, yes. Humanity has come a long way, but in its character, there is constancy. As such, matters of the soul have become my expertise.
[ It's not often? Well, expect it to come more frequently then. You've sealed your fate, Sebastian. ]
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
I'm flattered, Mr Michaelis. That's an aesthetic I can appreciate, most assuredly. If our roles were switched, I'd wait on you without hesitation.
[ Flirt levels rising. ]
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
So dedicated to your research. It's almost divine. Though I will agree that humanity as a whole tends to have a core similarity, no matter what the century.
[ sebastian is making a mistake and he doesn't even know it ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Is that so? My, then I am even more flattered, Mr. November. Excellent service is hard to come by. Though still, I would be remiss to accept such a thing without earning it first.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
I would not call it anything so formal as research, really. It is just idle observation from frequent visitation. My kind are like obedient dogs, in that sense. We only come when we are called.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Though, that said, should you ever have the interest, I am always open for conversation on such observations. Free of charge, of course, unless you are to start asking for answers to the arcane.
How could I deny such a gentleman the option of earning it? Of course, for you, I must point out I would be willing to provide personal service, regardless.
[ salacious. ]
FROM: 11.november11@cdc.org
Do you come only in that sense?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
And I don't see my interest waning. Quite the opposite.
My goodness, with such an offer, you will truly make my ego swell. But I must also respectfully decline, for now. It is my place to be the one offering such service, especially to my superior.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
So, naturally, I would come for that. I have great respect for those above me, and of course, I would hope it is clear enough that my interest has been piqued as well.
Well, so long as our modesty is shared, I suppose it does not matter so much. But regardless, I look forward to it, Mr. November. I am quite glad for the silly mistake of a wrong message by now!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Nothing quite as formal as that, I would say... Though I do have an interest in occult matters! The stories people tell of the supernatural are rather fascinating.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Perhaps. But who can know? I imagine to find out, a great price would have to be paid for such knowledge.
no subject
How intriguing. What sort of stories interest you the most, if you don’t mind my asking?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
I’d agree with your assessment. As someone with at least a passing amusement for such a topic, what sort of price would you think it would require?
no subject
Not at all. And as a matter of fact, the answers to both of these questions are related, for my favorite stories are those where the story is not of the supernatural as an all-powerful force.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Rather, those stories that show the supernatural as thinking creatures in their own right are my favorite. Proud Samael that Fell to become Lucifer, or clever Mephistopheles with his wry tongue.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
So the matter of pricing I think would fall in line with Faust. Knowledge is a great power, and I certainly believe in whatever force there is looking over the world having a sense of irony.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
To know the fate of ones soul, you must first stake your soul upon that knowledge, I would think.
no subject
You know, we should trade stories some day. I believe we have similar taste.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
If you were to be of the supernatural variety, would you categorise yourself in the same way?
[ A thinking creature in their own right. Because sometimes, Contractors are seen as such. Monsters equipped with logic as their weapons alongside their powers. ]
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
Though, I suppose a follow up question would be– do you believe everything has a soul?
no subject
I would quite enjoy that. There is little I enjoy more than good conversation, and this one has been quite enjoyable!
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
I believe I would, yes. The idea of any creature being all good or all evil is not one I agree with, after all. It is too simple an interpretation, a comfort based on the hope that evil is not in all.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
As for what I believe about souls... I do not believe everything has a soul, no. I believe that there is a special quality about souls, for what else would give the essence of one's being?
no subject
I'm glad to be of service, Mr Michaelis.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
It's too simple, from the most logical standpoint, because everyone has their limits. There is always something that someone will not do.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
Do you think emotions are required to have a soul?
[ He's genuinely interested in this answer. ]
no subject
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
That depends entirely upon how you define "emotion," really. It is not so straightforward, since some definitions define it much more strictly than others.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But personally... No, I do not. What defines a soul is personality. The unique combination of traits that makes someone up is what defines their being. Their emotional spectrum is a part of that.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Yet there are creatures in this world that do not feel things like sadness, and they possess a soul just as distinct and unique as another other. Any sentient life has a soul.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Or at least, that is what I believe.
no subject
You have a point. What would your definition be, then?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
And if something doesn't have a will of its own? An indiscernible personality?
[ He thinks about Dolls and Contractors and the difference between them. Dolls are virtually blank slates. Contractors aren't so much, but they start out that way moreso. Do they have their soul taken away and then slowly reintroduced? Or is it all made up, fabricated as much as their sky is? ]
no subject
It is a range, so far as I see it. It accounts for the fact that not all creatures feel all emotions. By the human definition, that would make them deficient, naturally. Those creatures would be monsters.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But why is that? Is the capacity to feel necessary? Emotion can head to folly just as much as it can lead to greatness. It is a desire to lack emotion that leads to stories where devils are wholly evil.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
For if they are wholly evil, then it is not one's personal failings that are to be judged. It is the idea of it being out of their hands that gives them comfort.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
So to me, emotion is the capacity to feel, certainly. But not feeling things such as grief and empathy does not preclude feeling joy or pleasure.
[ this conversation is turning into plurk where you have to break up a serious discussion into like 10 messages god ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But for something that lacks will and personality... It may, though it would be weak and feeble. [ and flavorless ] If it is alive, it is always a possibility. But in that area, the distinction becomes difficult.
no subject
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
And if someone doesn't feel on any end of the spectrum, but kills to survive? Are they truly a monster?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
Would their souls be feeble as well?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
Pardon the queries, Mr Michaelis. You seem to have a great deal of knowledge and fascinating opinions on this matter.
no subject
I do not mind them. I find the conversation interesting myself, so really, thank you for indulging me with such a conversation.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But to your question, yes and no. Yes, they are monsters. But no, their souls are not feeble at all, so far as I can see it.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Those that kill to survive do abandon their humanity in some respect. They leave behind innocence, gazing into an abyss from which there is no return. And so too will it gaze into them.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
However, it is those souls that are the strongest of all. Those souls that will grasp onto the possibility of survival, even if it is no more than a spider's thread... They wish to live.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Whether they feel or not, it would seem irrelevant to me. To embrace that abyss, to kill to survive at any cost... It will deliver a crown decorated in despair. But a soul is certain.
no subject
Of course, any time.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
How interesting. You seem to take the opposing view on the strength of souls than some others I've met.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
I would hazard it's a somewhat demonic point of view, Mr Michaelis.
[ Ah. ]
no subject
Likely so. It is a point of view I tend to be quite biased towards, admittedly... Perhaps it is my old age showing?
[ ha ha ha ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
It is a viewpoint rather divorced from empathy, which makes it seem quite harsh, but it is one I have confidence in.
no subject
Old age? Certainly not. You've such a youthful disposition. I'd be shocked if you stated you were over 30.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
I don't find it to be harsh, honestly. It's just another differing opinion from someone who's observed behaviours over a time.
[ Empathy what's that ]
no subject
I am quite glad you think so! I would be remiss to lie, so I admit I am quite a bit over thirty, but certain pursuits keep me young. Such as stimulating conversations, really!
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Though at least my old age does come in handy in contexts such as this. I have observed behaviours long enough to have a unique viewpoint. I must say as well, I am surprised you were so interested.
no subject
Quite a bit? Now that is a surprise.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
What can I say, I've had a personal interest in things such as this. It helps to see things from varying viewpoints, after all.
no subject
Quite. Let me see... Three thousand? Perhaps five thousand? It is hard to keep track.
[ It does ruin the little game of dodging what he is a little, but at the same time, the reaction to his age will be funny, he thinks. ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
But that does mean my viewpoint will be quite different, so you are in luck in that respect! I have had plenty of time to cultivate such viewpoints.
no subject
My, would it be forward to say you look stunning for five thousand?
[ Disgusting. ]
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
I don't know, has 5 millennia been enough time for you?
http://media.giphy.com/media/CMiW9zykTsYJq/giphy.gif
...Which is why he goes along with it without hesitation. ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Perhaps somewhat, but you humble me all the same. Being mindful to one's appearance is simply a part of the butler's aesthetic... But perhaps that is also something shared?
[ truly disgusting ]
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
I would say so, yes. Humanity has come a long way, but in its character, there is constancy. As such, matters of the soul have become my expertise.
no subject
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
I'm flattered, Mr Michaelis. That's an aesthetic I can appreciate, most assuredly. If our roles were switched, I'd wait on you without hesitation.
[ Flirt levels rising. ]
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
So dedicated to your research. It's almost divine. Though I will agree that humanity as a whole tends to have a core similarity, no matter what the century.
no subject
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Is that so? My, then I am even more flattered, Mr. November. Excellent service is hard to come by. Though still, I would be remiss to accept such a thing without earning it first.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
I would not call it anything so formal as research, really. It is just idle observation from frequent visitation. My kind are like obedient dogs, in that sense. We only come when we are called.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
Though, that said, should you ever have the interest, I am always open for conversation on such observations. Free of charge, of course, unless you are to start asking for answers to the arcane.
no subject
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
How could I deny such a gentleman the option of earning it? Of course, for you, I must point out I would be willing to provide personal service, regardless.
[ salacious. ]
FROM: 11.november11@cdc.org
Do you come only in that sense?
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
And I don't see my interest waning. Quite the opposite.
no subject
My goodness, with such an offer, you will truly make my ego swell. But I must also respectfully decline, for now. It is my place to be the one offering such service, especially to my superior.
FROM: michaelis.sebastian@cdc.org
So, naturally, I would come for that. I have great respect for those above me, and of course, I would hope it is clear enough that my interest has been piqued as well.
no subject
Please, you don't need to be so modest. I'm no superior, really.
FROM: 11.november@cdc.org
Naturally. I can appreciate that sort of thinking. Very clear; I expect to follow up very soon.
no subject
Well, so long as our modesty is shared, I suppose it does not matter so much. But regardless, I look forward to it, Mr. November. I am quite glad for the silly mistake of a wrong message by now!
(no subject)