Freethought & Rationalism Archive

seebs · 06-07-2002, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HelenSL:
<strong>
I think it's simply because people like talking about themselves, actually.

The 'feel sorry for me' type of comment or 'aren't I wonderful to still have a functioning brain on so little sleep' are specific manifestations of that.
</strong>

Yup. I think this underlies most human communication. Nearly every statement has the subtext "By the way, I'm special."

Most people wouldn't have observed this, but I have deep and piercing insights. Also an ego problem.

Veil of Fire · 06-07-2002, 01:10 PM

"if and only if you're going to be crucified anyway, then it might well be better to at least feel in the moral right - small comfort, but better than none."

I'd prefer to actually EARN my punishment rather than not have the fun of doing what I was accused of, since I'm gonna get it either way and there's no chance of being found "not guilty" whether I committed the crime or not. Just like the case in point.

I'm not supposed to be the one turning the other cheek, here. I'm not supposed to be the one loving my enemies. If they're going to be proven "right" about me, when they never needed proof in the first place, well then I may as well actually have the pleasure of performing the offending action before I get napalmed for it.

Ojuice5001 · 06-07-2002, 01:27 PM

Does anyone remember the Calvin and Hobbes strip about a similar issue?

Moe is preparing to punch Calvin. Calvin says
, "Look, there's a sign on your back. Your mom must have taped it there. It says, 'Someone run over this kid with a truck.'" Moe punches Calvin, who lies on the ground saying "If I'm going to get beaten up, I like to deserve it."

Veil of Fire · 06-08-2002, 01:23 PM

EXACTLY!

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06-07-2002, 01:10 PM	#12
Veil of Fire Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 451	"if and only if you're going to be crucified anyway, then it might well be better to at least feel in the moral right - small comfort, but better than none." I'd prefer to actually EARN my punishment rather than not have the fun of doing what I was accused of, since I'm gonna get it either way and there's no chance of being found "not guilty" whether I committed the crime or not. Just like the case in point. I'm not supposed to be the one turning the other cheek, here. I'm not supposed to be the one loving my enemies. If they're going to be proven "right" about me, when they never needed proof in the first place, well then I may as well actually have the pleasure of performing the offending action before I get napalmed for it.

06-07-2002, 01:27 PM	#13
Ojuice5001 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: A city in Florida that I love Posts: 3,416	Does anyone remember the Calvin and Hobbes strip about a similar issue? Moe is preparing to punch Calvin. Calvin says , "Look, there's a sign on your back. Your mom must have taped it there. It says, 'Someone run over this kid with a truck.'" Moe punches Calvin, who lies on the ground saying "If I'm going to get beaten up, I like to deserve it."

06-08-2002, 01:23 PM	#14
Veil of Fire Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 451	EXACTLY!

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