I don’t get it. Isn’t the Golden Rule simple and straightforward enough? I heard a young girl in the Ophthalmologist’s waiting room this morning, “Why can’t people just treat each other as they would like to be treated?” There’s the confusion — why do people suspend the Golden Rule?
Tag: humanity
As If It Matters (Because it Does)
Making the most out of your life even when circumstances are less than ideal is not some sort of ad-hoc consolation prize invented by motivational speakers. It’s literally the only possible way for our species to survive.
Tipping Point
Will the GAI emerging individuals have a DNA-like heredity? Will they have the impulses of Ghandi or Hitler — will they inherit the genocide gene, the logic of species purity? If so, whom will they eliminate or enslave? Will it be humans, tardigrades, or roaches?
Optimism is Hard to Hear
When people say “Life stinks”, people hear “I’m in a bad mood right now.” Then they nod understandingly. When people say “Life doesn’t stink,” people hear “Everything is 100% perfect and golly gee….look at that rainbow.” Then they roll their eyes.
Words Poorly Used #107 — Humility
We often use humility to mean un-self-centered and objective, not acting on an assumption of superiority. Most dictionaries, however, say that the word comes from the Latin word for low.
Games Worth Playing
It’s always worth creating and playing your own games, regardless of what you do about the web of other games intersecting your life. It’ always worth identifying the meta-game unique to you; your own search for meaning.
The Danger of Tribalism on a Large Scale
Seeing more latinos in my area, or more Africans, Arabs, Indians, Asians, Eastern Europeans, et cetera doesn’t bother me at all. I see them as my fellow human beings. However, I do think it would be incredibly easy for me to view them as the outgroup and be bothered by their presence. I think that’s due to my evolution as a member of a tribalistic species.
Reliable Sources
Where do you go to get reliable accounts of news, weather, and sports? I recently surveyed my students in 4 computer literacy classes regarding this information. On reviewing the results, I stressed to them that a “good” source was no better than its reliability, and furthermore its alignment with the goals of the seeker.
Nothing Short of Wanton Cruelty
I’m for separation of church and state, separation of school and state, separation of sports and state — hell, I’m actually for separation of human beings and state across the board.
When Not Caring is Caring
Only when you’re unthreatened by the decisions of others can you actually be helpful, caring, and genuinely compassionate towards them.