Stupid things we do

[Obvious Leo]

Nobody could have possibly foreseen the 2008-9 financial melt-down, either.

In fact many economists foresaw very precisely what must inevitably happen with the global economy, skip. Ponzi schemes have been around for a long time and they always end in tears for the poor sod on the bottom of the pyramid.

[Skip]

Yea, so did I and lots of other untrained, uninitiated observers. We could kinda tell the wineglass was going to tip over, too.

When my kids were in middle-school, they would play stupid games or take stupid chances. We would warn them, and they would say "We'll be careful!" When the inevitable happened, they were more surprised than anybody. It's like the couple with three congenitally deaf children deciding to have a fourth.... because: "God wouldn't do that to us again." Of-frickin-course he did! The power of denial is awesome.

[marjoram_blues]

Yea, so did I and lots of other untrained, uninitiated observers. We could kinda tell the wineglass was going to tip over, too.

When my kids were in middle-school, they would play stupid games or take stupid chances. We would warn them, and they would say "We'll be careful!" When the inevitable happened, they were more surprised than anybody. It's like the couple with three congenitally deaf children deciding to have a fourth.... because: "God wouldn't do that to us again." Of-frickin-course he did! The power of denial is awesome.

Patterns of stupidity repeat. And yes, there is an unfortunate sense of inevitability. In the wineglass case, it's like a quick risk assessment - laziness v potential clean-up. With kids - they might know to be careful but again, it's a weigh-up. Careful = safe, but also being classed as wimpish. And sometimes we need to learn for ourselves. No wisdom implants yet. At least, you did all in your power...
The couple who desperately want to have a hearing child - and keep on going - that's hope and ignorance combined. And God knows what it does to the esteem of the other kids.

When it comes down to global finances, we might all be able to foresee the consequences; the dire warnings may even help to bring it about. However, we are too stupid, lazy and helpless to prevent this. 'Lessons are learned'. But those who bring about the mayhem use this knowledge to their advantage.

If it is the shape and design of the wineglass or human nature or the financial system which contribute to the 'falls', then why can't/don't we change it. The sense of inevitability and yes, the power of denial. It'll be all right in the end...where's the mop? Oh sorry, the money mopsters have it...God smiles.

[Skip]

Because that last little critter in Pandora's box had a broken wing.

[duszek]

I went on an excursion to a severe prison for men inmates wearing a mini skirt.
Mini skirts are comfortable and I did not think that we might pass through rooms in which the inmates were working or staying. When we did I was embarrassed, tried to hide behind other students and used my summer coat to cover myself a little.

Ah! Are you a female of the species? LOL. I'd thought you were male. This makes the story rather different!!

Had me fooled. Mind, I suppose you never said otherwise.

My way of posting is openly female.
How can anyone assume for a second that I might be a man is a mystery to me.

But it does not matter really because we are here to exchange our views and insights and not to flirt with each other. It´s a philosophical forum and not a flirtation forum.

[Green]

Isn't that what philosophy is, flirting? If I say something super clever to another member, it's because they've either said something equally clever, or I want them to. That's basically buying a pretty lady a meal or few drinks so she'll loosen up for what we both want, later. Sorta the same, don't you think?

[duszek]

Sort of the same but not quite, really.

Because the purpose of the latter is purely physical pleasure and of the former purely spiritual and intellectual pleasure.

[Dalek Prime]

My way of posting is openly female.
How can anyone assume for a second that I might be a man is a mystery to me.

But it does not matter really because we are here to exchange our views and insights and not to flirt with each other. It´s a philosophical forum and not a flirtation forum.

Did I flirt with you? No. So don't be silly about it.

[Dalek Prime]

Isn't that what philosophy is, flirting? If I say something super clever to another member, it's because they've either said something equally clever, or I want them to. That's basically buying a pretty lady a meal or few drinks so she'll loosen up for what we both want, later. Sorta the same, don't you think?

You've a point there Green. Mind, I don't think I've said anything witty to duszek, usually because I don't recall any wit from her. And that's not a knock on duszek. I'm just saying she's usually to straight forward and to the point.

[Hobbes' Choice]

Sort of the same but not quite, really.

Because the purpose of the latter is purely physical pleasure and of the former purely spiritual and intellectual pleasure.

Love and relationships are far more than physical.

[Skip]

But we sure do a lot of stupid things in pursuit ...

of it


... I was going to say, then realized that there are at least three distinctly different kinds of pursuit involved in the quest for a loving relationship. Most of the stupid things we do happen in Phase One: Attraction. By Phase Three: Consolidating a Bond, we're usually pretty smart.

[Lacewing]

So... men... do you think differently of posters based on whether they are a male or a female? Does having that information somehow skew what you think of what the person says? Please be honest.... as this could be very interesting, yes? I, too, have had the experience of other posters thinking I was male until they learned otherwise... yet, how anyone would think a name like "Lacewing" belonged to a man, well... that surprised me, but I suppose it's possible.

[Hobbes' Choice]

So... men... do you think differently of posters based on whether they are a male or a female? Does having that information somehow skew what you think of what the person says? Please be honest.... as this could be very interesting, yes? I, too, have had the experience of other posters thinking I was male until they learned otherwise... yet, how anyone would think a name like "Lacewing" belonged to a man, well... that surprised me, but I suppose it's possible.

I think this is probably the case.
I'd rather not know the gender of the poster, unless the issue is actually about sex or gender.
But unless their handle is obviously gender specific i tend to forget, as I find myself looking at issues and for most people their identities blend into groupings that are more political and philosophical.

[Greta]

how anyone would think a name like "Lacewing" belonged to a man, well... that surprised me, but I suppose it's possible.

I didn't know at first. You might have been a biology enthusiast and named yourself after Chrysopidae

[Skip]

That's a wonderful little insect - one of my favourite garden allies. Pretty name, too; I would automatically associate it with a woman. I might picture a personality to go with it, if I stopped to consider the matter.

But I generally don't consider the matter. Some handles are more attractive than others; some make a louder statement than others. I don't much care about the sex or gender - I'm okay with those roles being fluid, even ambiguous or arbitrary. It's the tone I notice.