The Philosophy Discussion Forum

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 2:23 am Life is something to be endured, not enjoyed for me.

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 2:31 am I'm a sick individual. And there is no cure.

Lacewing wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 6:21 am

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2026 2:23 am Life is something to be endured, not enjoyed for me.

Perhaps you could add the words that I've inserted (in pink) above to be clear that you're not suggesting that your doomed obsession applies to everyone and all of life and reality.

You don't need to project gloom onto others, right? Or does it comfort you to think that's how it is for everyone?

Walker wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 1:24 pm Just don’t do those bad things you’ve been doing, whatever they are, and good will ensue.

It's the binary science of Opposite George.

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 10:48 pm The only good thing I could do for humanity is to die sooner rather than later. So what's the point of having been born? If God were benevolent, S/he/it never would have created me.

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 11:17 pm

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 10:48 pm The only good thing I could do for humanity is to die sooner rather than later. So what's the point of having been born? If God were benevolent, S/he/it never would have created me.

Well, it's not true that the only good thing I could do for humanity is die sooner rather than later. There are lots of other good things I could do; volunteer, help a disabled person cross the street, etc. I suck. I'm not going to change. The path of least resistance is to fall into dysfunction and disrepair, to self-destruct. Everything else requires energy and willpower.

Lacewing wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 5:44 am

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 11:17 pm

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 10:48 pm The only good thing I could do for humanity is to die sooner rather than later. So what's the point of having been born? If God were benevolent, S/he/it never would have created me.

Well, it's not true that the only good thing I could do for humanity is die sooner rather than later. There are lots of other good things I could do; volunteer, help a disabled person cross the street, etc. I suck. I'm not going to change. The path of least resistance is to fall into dysfunction and disrepair, to self-destruct. Everything else requires energy and willpower.

If you were in a really good mood and feeling positive about life, and you saw someone (let's call him Joe) saying the depressed things you typically say (like the above quotes), what would you say to Joe? Or would you ignore him?

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 2:41 pm

Lacewing wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 5:44 am

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sun May 31, 2026 11:17 pm Well, it's not true that the only good thing I could do for humanity is die sooner rather than later. There are lots of other good things I could do; volunteer, help a disabled person cross the street, etc. I suck. I'm not going to change. The path of least resistance is to fall into dysfunction and disrepair, to self-destruct. Everything else requires energy and willpower.

If you were in a really good mood and feeling positive about life, and you saw someone (let's call him Joe) saying the depressed things you typically say (like the above quotes), what would you say to Joe? Or would you ignore him?

That's a good question. I might say something like, "I'm sorry for the suffering you are going through," and give him a hug or reach out to touch his shoulder or grasp his hand or something. But there's nothing anyone can do for the chronically mentally ill. I'm currently seeing a new therapist. It's helping a little. So I'll see where that goes.

Lacewing wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 4:16 pm

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 2:41 pm

Lacewing wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 5:44 am
If you were in a really good mood and feeling positive about life, and you saw someone (let's call him Joe) saying the depressed things you typically say (like the above quotes), what would you say to Joe? Or would you ignore him?

That's a good question. I might say something like, "I'm sorry for the suffering you are going through," and give him a hug or reach out to touch his shoulder or grasp his hand or something. But there's nothing anyone can do for the chronically mentally ill. I'm currently seeing a new therapist. It's helping a little. So I'll see where that goes.

I am sorry for the suffering you are going through, Gary, truly.

If I met you in person, I would give you a hug or reach out to touch your shoulder or grasp your hand.

Being online in this jungle where some of us unleash ourselves with abandon, I might give you shit sometimes. I know you roam here freely and you know what it's about and you are entertained by it (in general). Please take care when you are feeling wounded and don't come here to torture yourself, as it's natural for one to get swiped at when limping around a lot. I enjoy your insights and sense of humor and honesty as you stride through the jungle, rather than thrashing around helplessly in the leaves..... UNLESS... that's your clever tactic for luring in would-be prey. I can hear David Attenborough's hushed yet excited voice describing the scene. Brilliant!