This is from a site I follow. Interesting observation. The bolded section (mine) is Solar. Toy
Happy Sunday, everyone. I recently suggested that it is our obligation as humans to be optimists. Most people agreed, but many wondered how you could do such a thing with the state of the world being what it is. Isn't it better to be a "pragmatist" or a "realist"?
I'd argue that optimists are the real realists. The actual pragmatists. Bear with me here.
Is it pragmatic to despair? Is it useful to give up and assume the world is going to hell in a handbasket? What the hell are you going to do with that feeling?
You talk about self fulfilling prophecies. Giving up on life because it's too hard or too ugly or too many powers are arrayed against you will absolutely manifest that world. And here's the thing: it might only happen to you. You, the person despairing about the future, will live in a sad dystopia of your own personal creation. The person who steps boldly into the future, convinced it holds great promise and fortune and adventure, will find all three.
You'll live on the same planet but have very different experiences.
Look at children and how they approach life: with a laugh playing upon their lips. With wonder in their eyes, with big ridiculous plans for their futures.
"I'm going to be an airplane pilot and an archaeologist."
"I'm going to be an artist who paints pictures of seals and sea otters."
"I'm going to be a fireman who's also a Navy SEAL."
Are these "realistic"? Maybe, maybe not. But they are necessary. Imagine if kids didn't have wild outlandish goals and dreams about their future. Imagine if kids expected the world they were inhabiting to be a dreary, soul-crushing one. What do you think would happen?
What kind of world would they indeed inhabit? What would they build?
The pessimist believes in nothing at all, especially not him or herself. And the saddest thing is that the pessimist is right.
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Very interesting.
After reading, I looked at my own past, compared it to my peers who found life easy.
For me, everyday, every hour was a challenge, being a homely hyper redheaded kid with obsessive compulsive outbursts, socially incompetent, I had few friends. Talk about being discriminated against... :glare:
So for me, even the tiniest accomplishment was ground breaking, being able to control an extremely over powering amount of energy was a battle won after having lost many, so I saw only good things ahead after thinking I'd never fit in.
This was my life for my first 15 years, and the next 15 equally challenging, failure after failure, but I only focused on the ground I had gained, not the ones I lost.
I have no idea why I was an optimist, Hell, for all I know it may be a mental disorder. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote from: Solars Toy on December 12, 2021, 09:52:54 AMThis is from a site I follow. Interesting observation. The bolded section (mine) is Solar. Toy
Happy Sunday, everyone. I recently suggested that it is our obligation as humans to be optimists. Most people agreed, but many wondered how you could do such a thing with the state of the world being what it is. Isn't it better to be a "pragmatist" or a "realist"?
I'd argue that optimists are the real realists. The actual pragmatists. Bear with me here.
Is it pragmatic to despair? Is it useful to give up and assume the world is going to hell in a handbasket? What the hell are you going to do with that feeling?
You talk about self fulfilling prophecies. Giving up on life because it's too hard or too ugly or too many powers are arrayed against you will absolutely manifest that world. And here's the thing: it might only happen to you. You, the person despairing about the future, will live in a sad dystopia of your own personal creation. The person who steps boldly into the future, convinced it holds great promise and fortune and adventure, will find all three.
You'll live on the same planet but have very different experiences.
Look at children and how they approach life: with a laugh playing upon their lips. With wonder in their eyes, with big ridiculous plans for their futures.
"I'm going to be an airplane pilot and an archaeologist."
"I'm going to be an artist who paints pictures of seals and sea otters."
"I'm going to be a fireman who's also a Navy SEAL."
Are these "realistic"? Maybe, maybe not. But they are necessary. Imagine if kids didn't have wild outlandish goals and dreams about their future. Imagine if kids expected the world they were inhabiting to be a dreary, soul-crushing one. What do you think would happen?
What kind of world would they indeed inhabit? What would they build?
The pessimist believes in nothing at all, especially not him or herself. And the saddest thing is that the pessimist is right.
marksdailyapple
Very much an optimist and have worked the principles of Science of Mind for 30 yrs but this Covid stuff has really thrown a wringer into things.
Quote from: jaminhealth on December 30, 2021, 11:22:15 AMVery much an optimist and have worked the principles of Science of Mind for 30 yrs but this Covid stuff has really thrown a wringer into things.
I think what you're really reacting to is the power of the media (mass and social) and the perversion of our central government. Compared to diseases of even the recent past, Covid is nothing. I grew up with kids who had crippling, deforming polio; we lived in the shadow of tuberculosis, once called 'consumption;' we accepted measles and mumps and chicken pox as rites of passage and we welcomed (as did our parents) the immunity we received in return for the suffering.
Covid-19 can be correctly described as the first fully politicized ailment in human history. Our shit-for-brains central government offers cash bounties to hospitals that submit death certificates with the word COVID on them, and we wonder why the "official" death toll is so high. We cede our everyday liberties yard by yard to faceless bureaucrats who have only their own interests in mind, and we wonder why we feel screwed over.
Unless you're watching old Andy Griffith reruns, your TV is just a piece of cheap Chinese-made technology that lies to you as long as it's turned on. Turning it off and walking away from it is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Cut your cable feed. Find the truth as you know it.
Quote from: TboneAgain on December 30, 2021, 12:04:29 PMI think what you're really reacting to is the power of the media (mass and social) and the perversion of our central government. Compared to diseases of even the recent past, Covid is nothing. I grew up with kids who had crippling, deforming polio; we lived in the shadow of tuberculosis, once called 'consumption;' we accepted measles and mumps and chicken pox as rites of passage and we welcomed (as did our parents) the immunity we received in return for the suffering.
Covid-19 can be correctly described as the first fully politicized ailment in human history. Our shit-for-brains central government offers cash bounties to hospitals that submit death certificates with the word COVID on them, and we wonder why the "official" death toll is so high. We cede our everyday liberties yard by yard to faceless bureaucrats who have only their own interests in mind, and we wonder why we feel screwed over.
Unless you're watching old Andy Griffith reruns, your TV is just a piece of cheap Chinese-made technology that lies to you as long as it's turned on. Turning it off and walking away from it is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Cut your cable feed. Find the truth as you know it.
Way ahead on this issue, I got rid of all TV over 5 yrs ago. I have my conservative radio on for my news and the net, but it's everywhere, the fear mongering, business closures, lockdowns, school closures, I live in all this so can't escape the media and the Radical Libs. CA where I live for over 50 yrs, is deep blue...and I'm not moving.
So many losing jobs since they won't jab...so so thrilled I'm retired.
Quote from: jaminhealth on December 30, 2021, 12:49:36 PMWay ahead on this issue, I got rid of all TV over 5 yrs ago. I have my conservative radio on for my news and the net, but it's everywhere, the fear mongering, business closures, lockdowns, school closures, I live in all this so can't escape the media and the Radical Libs. CA where I live for over 50 yrs, is deep blue...and I'm not moving.
So many losing jobs since they won't jab...so so thrilled I'm retired.
I didn't mean to pontificate. These things are so obvious to me, but I've been in Ohio all my life. You can still live (mostly) free here.
So funny.... When I was a kid, jamming every day to the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, practically everybody I knew wanted to go to California. Now the thought of having to go there is painful, and people are leaving CA by the hundreds of thousands every year. The "Golden State" has become a symbol of much of what ails the nation.
If, as you say, you're "not moving," I'm not sure what to suggest. That decision blocks so many options. Your retirement offers you a degree of freedom you probably have never known before. But your retirement probably won't last long enough for you to see CA change to any significant degree.
Quote from: TboneAgain on December 30, 2021, 01:37:34 PMI didn't mean to pontificate. These things are so obvious to me, but I've been in Ohio all my life. You can still live (mostly) free here.
So funny.... When I was a kid, jamming every day to the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, practically everybody I knew wanted to go to California. Now the thought of having to go there is painful, and people are leaving CA by the hundreds of thousands every year. The "Golden State" has become a symbol of much of what ails the nation.
If, as you say, you're "not moving," I'm not sure what to suggest. That decision blocks so many options. Your retirement offers you a degree of freedom you probably have never known before. But your retirement probably won't last long enough for you to see CA change to any significant degree.
My little family here are doing all they can and no jabs...we are Long Californians and I left PA in the mid 60's kicking and screaming by ex husband won....I'd never go back....
Quote from: TboneAgain on December 30, 2021, 01:37:34 PMI didn't mean to pontificate. These things are so obvious to me, but I've been in Ohio all my life. You can still live (mostly) free here.
So funny.... When I was a kid, jamming every day to the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, practically everybody I knew wanted to go to California. Now the thought of having to go there is painful, and people are leaving CA by the hundreds of thousands every year. The "Golden State" has become a symbol of much of what ails the nation.
If, as you say, you're "not moving," I'm not sure what to suggest. That decision blocks so many options. Your retirement offers you a degree of freedom you probably have never known before. But your retirement probably won't last long enough for you to see CA change to any significant degree.
It's funny in a way. Norcal is an entirely different State as compared to SoCal.
We're free compared to the South, literally night and day, and it depends on what County you reside though.
Quote from: Solar on December 30, 2021, 02:52:35 PMIt's funny in a way. Norcal is an entirely different State as compared to SoCal.
We're free compared to the South, literally night and day, and it depends on what County you reside though.
I lived in San Jose for 5 yrs on a job transfer and was always cold. Explored the beauty of No Cal. but had to come back to my CA roots. But glad I explored No Cal.
All I hear down here is that the corrupt Newsom and Pelosi etc are from the North. How about that French Laundry night out for Newsom and his supporters??
Quote from: jaminhealth on December 30, 2021, 04:45:12 PMI lived in San Jose for 5 yrs on a job transfer and was always cold. Explored the beauty of No Cal. but had to come back to my CA roots. But glad I explored No Cal.
All I hear down here is that the corrupt Newsom and Pelosi etc are from the North. How about that French Laundry night out for Newsom and his supporters??
Yeah, for us, the Bay Area isn't part of Norcal. Or as we all call it, the BAT Area, (Bay Area Trash) :biggrin:
Quote from: Solar on December 30, 2021, 02:52:35 PMIt's funny in a way. Norcal is an entirely different State as compared to SoCal.
We're free compared to the South, literally night and day, and it depends on what County you reside though.
So why don't y'all pull a West Virginia and... secede? Is that the right word? (What is it called when you separate yourself from a state that has seceded from the Union, as West Virginia did?)
I know there have been a lot of schemes for carving up CA into separate states, though most are probably doomed due to Democrat dominance. Is there one you favor?
Quote from: TboneAgain on December 31, 2021, 01:44:14 PMSo why don't y'all pull a West Virginia and... secede? Is that the right word? (What is it called when you separate yourself from a state that has seceded from the Union, as West Virginia did?)
I know there have been a lot of schemes for carving up CA into separate states, though most are probably doomed due to Democrat dominance. Is there one you favor?
I dropped out of the movement, they were trying the "legal" route.
In other words, they were going through the leftist court system, I protested and got in a huge fight with the other members.
I told them we need to tell the left to literally fuck off and form our own State minus the Bay area.
Let them take us to court, let them spend their money in trying to stop us.
They don't realize all the money they've raised went to the lawyers milking them and keeping their BS hopes alive.
The only way to do it is just Cede, quit paying taxes to the State, make it hurt, SoCal will compromise first, then we know we have them by the balls.
Quote from: Solar on December 31, 2021, 02:32:34 PMI dropped out of the movement, they were trying the "legal" route.
In other words, they were going through the leftist court system, I protested and got in a huge fight with the other members.
I told them we need to tell the left to literally fuck off and form our own State minus the Bay area.
Let them take us to court, let them spend their money in trying to stop us.
They don't realize all the money they've raised went to the lawyers milking them and keeping their BS hopes alive.
The only way to do it is just Cede, quit paying taxes to the State, make it hurt, SoCal will compromise first, then we know we have them by the balls.
Getting back to the OP, does that make you an optimist or a pessimist? :blink:
I didn't mean to participate in hijacking Toy's post, but... shit happens sometimes.
I do wonder, though, how anybody in California can maintain a level of optimism toward the state.
Quote from: TboneAgain on December 31, 2021, 02:54:59 PMGetting back to the OP, does that make you an optimist or a pessimist? :blink:
I didn't mean to participate in hijacking Toy's post, but... shit happens sometimes.
I do wonder, though, how anybody in California can maintain a level of optimism toward the state.
Still optimistic. Nucellini stole the election, we're patiently waiting for 2022 midterms, then we'll attack.
I have always been of the opinion that life is what you make it. Everything you need and more is right at your finger tips. Want the true meaning of life, the bible is right there. Want a better paying job, the education you need is right there. Tired of the liberal B.S., there are still conservative places to live. Here's one little secret I try to pass along, want to see things better, GET INVOLVED. Sitting on your butt will lead to being a pessimist. People who do nothing hang around other people who do nothing, people who do nothing, bitch. They bitch about everything and blame everyone else for their problems. It's easier to bitch that your job does not pay enough rather than improving your job skills or your education. That old saying about birds of a feather is true, a pessimist can not hang around optimists, they have to hang around other pessimists in order to feel they have value. When all their problems can be blamed on someone else, (and that is my definition of a pessimist) then they have no reason to improve their situation.
Just a rant, pay no attention.
Quote from: Possum on January 01, 2022, 04:18:47 AMI have always been of the opinion that life is what you make it. Everything you need and more is right at your finger tips. Want the true meaning of life, the bible is right there. Want a better paying job, the education you need is right there. Tired of the liberal B.S., there are still conservative places to live. Here's one little secret I try to pass along, want to see things better, GET INVOLVED. Sitting on your butt will lead to being a pessimist. People who do nothing hang around other people who do nothing, people who do nothing, bitch. They bitch about everything and blame everyone else for their problems. It's easier to bitch that your job does not pay enough rather than improving your job skills or your education. That old saying about birds of a feather is true, a pessimist can not hang around optimists, they have to hang around other pessimists in order to feel they have value. When all their problems can be blamed on someone else, (and that is my definition of a pessimist) then they have no reason to improve their situation.
Just a rant, pay no attention.
I agree, life is what you make of it.
What we're all seeing right now is a Marxist left trying to make life as miserable as possible for as many as possible in hopes of getting them to accept a planned communist takeover.
Problem is, the left miscalculated the will of the American people, our drive for a better life, our undying optimism that things will always get better, no matter what they try.
I as well as millions of others will never give up and the left knows that, and that has them shitting rocks for the New Year.
I guess there are those who only see doom and gloom, and let them, and when it's all said and done, I'll be more than willing to rub it in their faces.
Remember the likes of Andy Jackson and others of his ilk? I'll be reinstating their memberships when we take back the country.
Never knew if they were paid trolls or not, but pessimists have no place on this forum. I'm going to be the biggest "I TOLD YA SO" in the world. :biggrin:
Quote from: Solar on January 01, 2022, 04:43:10 AMI agree, life is what you make of it.
What we're all seeing right now is a Marxist left trying to make life as miserable as possible for as many as possible in hopes of getting them to accept a planned communist takeover.
Problem is, the left miscalculated the will of the American people, our drive for a better life, our undying optimism that things will always get better, no matter what they try.
I as well as millions of others will never give up and the left knows that, and that has them shitting rocks for the New Year.
I guess there are those who only see doom and gloom, and let them, and when it's all said and done, I'll be more than willing to rub it in their faces.
Remember the likes of Andy Jackson and others of his ilk? I'll be reinstating their memberships when we take back the country.
Never knew if they were paid trolls or not, but pessimists have no place on this forum. I'm going to be the biggest "I TOLD YA SO" in the world. :biggrin:
:thumbup: Every pessimist I have know has been liberal. No christian, conservative should be one.
Quote from: Possum on January 01, 2022, 04:59:35 AM:thumbup: Every pessimist I have know has been liberal. No christian, conservative should be one.
True! It's one thing to have a negative outlook, but when ones attitude feeds the Marxist movement, they lose their Right to spew their hate on this forum.
Quote from: Possum on January 01, 2022, 04:59:35 AM:thumbup: Every pessimist I have know has been liberal. No christian, conservative should be one.
God has a plan - we might not always understand the plan but there is one.
As a Christian your faith in God and the knowledge that life here on earth is only temporary should pretty much make you an optimist. Toy
Quote from: Solars Toy on January 01, 2022, 06:25:25 AMGod has a plan - we might not always understand the plan but there is one.
As a Christian your faith in God and the knowledge that life here on earth is only temporary should pretty much make you an optimist. Toy
That is the most important fact of life. Not only does God have a plan, he has a plan for each of us. His plan starts and ends with his love for us.
Quote from: Possum on January 01, 2022, 06:56:00 AMThat is the most important fact of life. Not only does God have a plan, he has a plan for each of us. His plan starts and ends with his love for us.
Knowing that has been my saving grace through the hard times.
Your eyes have seen my formless substance; And in Your book were written All the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:16
Quote from: TboneAgain on December 31, 2021, 02:54:59 PMGetting back to the OP, does that make you an optimist or a pessimist? :blink:
I didn't mean to participate in hijacking Toy's post, but... shit happens sometimes.
I do wonder, though, how anybody in California can maintain a level of optimism toward the state.
As for the state of California, I've lived 57 pretty darn good years here. And things can change once we can get rid of Newsom and Pelosi and hopefully get a Ronald Reagan type in command. The CA sun has kept me saner.
I continue to look at the Glass as Half Full, vs Half Empty.
Quote from: jaminhealth on January 01, 2022, 11:08:02 AMAs for the state of California, I've lived 57 pretty darn good years here. And things can change once we can get rid of Newsom and Pelosi and hopefully get a Ronald Reagan type in command. The CA sun has kept me saner.
I continue to look at the Glass as Half Full, vs Half Empty.
That is a a good outlook to have. Toy
i'm tired of labels. I'm a human being with different outlooks on so many issues. My mom was a devout catholic christian I guess you can call it that, and she was so much a pessimist. She had no other way being born in the Great Depression. I had to work my own life to get out of the negativity of it all.
I attended enough scientific forums at Cal Tech in Pasadena to start to really think on this god thing.
As one dear friend who was very wise and taught me a lot and she was Jewish for whatever that is worth, I was grown up "hating Jews".... later in life I had quite a few wise jewish people who I learned so much from. My dear old friend would say to me before she died, no one ever came back to tell me whether there is a god or heaven or or or.
It's all here and treating others as you would want to be treated is what counts. And the 10 Commandments, good great rules to get thru like with. j
Quote from: jaminhealth on January 01, 2022, 12:58:19 PMi'm tired of labels. I'm a human being with different outlooks on so many issues. My mom was a devout catholic christian I guess you can call it that, and she was so much a pessimist. She had no other way being born in the Great Depression. I had to work my own life to get out of the negativity of it all.
I attended enough scientific forums at Cal Tech in Pasadena to start to really think on this god thing.
As one dear friend who was very wise and taught me a lot and she was Jewish for whatever that is worth, I was grown up "hating Jews".... later in life I had quite a few wise jewish people who I learned so much from. My dear old friend would say to me before she died, no one ever came back to tell me whether there is a god or heaven or or or.
It's all here and treating others as you would want to be treated is what counts. And the 10 Commandments, good great rules to get thru like with. j
I hope you got far enough at Cal Tech to encounter the Really Big Question that occupies the minds of many astrophysicists these days. So deep in their belief in the Big Bang theory, they find themselves asking.... who/what set it off? Wouldn't it be something like God who struck the match and lit that fuse?