h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The oddest people don't necessarily believe the oddest things. Some of the most boring people I've ever accidentially met, seem to have the most oddest beliefs.

The me up a tree thing looks unlikely, I asked William for a tree so I could sit in it, and magestically move through its branches, he said no... I may become increasingly obsessed now, by the concept of planting a large oak tree on the balcony, if possible... however unlikely or dangerous it may seem as an idea, its, still something I'm sure.

Large oak trees usually prefer to stay right where they are.

But... no fair... I want a tree now to sit in

Relax. You can have a tree. Just not a big one.

Given that we have people motivated by their religion to do insane things, could it be said that the devoutly religious might be categorised as insane?

Perhaps as insane as those who are driven to do anything at all to gain more personal wealth?

yea! my own tree! \ T r e e t r e e t r e e t r e e *worships the tree*

Is there a species known as a "Bob Tree"?

"people motivated by their religion to do insane things" [swl]

As a legal matter, insanity pertains to a defendant's ability to determine right from wrong when a crime is committed. Don't most religions have standards where right and wrong are concerned? Don't most terrorists who use religious beliefs as a basis for their acts violate those very religious beliefs by committing terrorism? If the little old lady in my neighborhood with 12 cats and a habit of going to Mass every day lives in peace with the community, wouldn't she be considered sane by this legal standard?

A medical determination of clinical insanity might not hold water in court. Someone can be totally insane but still know right from wrong. Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer were not found to be insane by the courts. In fact, some people have worked in mental for years and have never heard the word "insane" used except in a legal context.

Freud was not a fan of organized religion, but he thought it was a better form of neurosis than others, because sufferers had to do less work in order to embrace it.