>Whenever philosophical thought uses man as its starting point it leads to despair.

1. That is true only if you believe there is a limit to human intelligence. This may or may not be true, but I have no reasons to believe it either way. Do you? May I hear them?

I think its irresponsible to make such a claim, and hypocritical in your case since your intelligence has been, as you say "berry berry good to" you. That is assuming of course, that your work is intelligent. I would be in despair if you claimed that your mind had no role in your success.

2. What is wrong with despair? IOW, if self is the starting point, and lack of hope is the result, how do you derive the conclusion that the starting point is wrong? I thought I was supposed to be the dreamer here. Lol.

3. If you prove number 2 (good luck), isn't it a false dilema to consider that if "man" is not the starting point, "god" must be? Perhaps its "life", or an "atom", or "intelligence", or "society"? I don't think we have a great enough understanding of everything I put in quotes to arrive at the conclusion you have.

Perhaps "god" and "man" are the same. Perhaps "god" and "reality" are. Unforutantely, your Chirstian beliefs are a definite road block in considering such possibilites in a fair and honest manner.