Saturday, 23 February 2013

VIEWPOINT 13


SO WHAT DO WE BELIEVE IN?


The human animal, thanks to culture and genetics, is inclined to be pessimistic, fearful, sceptical and believe in conspiracy theories. We also don’t take readily to change….

But those involved in “marketing” in its widest form (governments, politicians, companies) decide that to trade on any (or all) of our hang-ups makes good sense to them. Their perception is that it is easier to create ‘fear’ than to soothe it; it is easier to argue a case for a conspiracy than to prove it doesn’t exist.

When we find ourselves rewarding “instinct” rather than reality, we usually make extremely poor choices. Perhaps, though, sometimes there is good reason to be afraid or to imagine a ‘conspiracy’ - but not often I hope.

When we are confronted by a mass of facts and nothing but instinct (or the views of the ‘tribe’) to guide us, it may well be worth considering why we choose to believe in what we believe in.

I leave you to think about it….


Until next time (and outside the “tribe”),

Peripatetic Scribe

4 comments:

  1. Nice, P.S. Like the "tribal" concept, something for the class to get their teeth into (verbally). A lot of valid point again which should make each of question past beliefs. Thanks,
    Mark NZ

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  2. Good stuff Mark and thank you. Yes, as you say, we need to question ourselves as to what we believe....

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  3. An excellent blog post yet again!
    "The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." Friedrich Nietzsche
    Thank you
    Lucana

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  4. Nice comment, Lucana.... old Nietzsche knew a thing or two!!!

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