Yes, yes they are, though it is even more complicated than that.
It occurs in many circumstances that people actually only hear what they want to hear. Saying the wrong thing is a terrible burden. Either immediately categorizing people into an immutable bin, or leading a chase into a thicket of distraction. Or worse yet, a thread that once pulled has to be tugged at and nagged at until whatever or whoever is completely unraveled.
Honesty is a fairly new invention, and one which comes at the luxury of those well accommodated by life. Those who don’t feel imminently threatened, or more likely, those who think God is watching.
The “otherwise” side throughout the history of humanity has worked out that sweet lies are more compelling (rewarding) than bitter truths. You know if you don’t say “fine” when someone asks “how are you doing?” You will be harassed for your personal dealings. You also know if you don’t pattern match for what someone is looking for, yours will be the one who does without.
Truth requires integrity and principles, as well as a dose of naïveté. Usually at the expense of one’s self.
No. Some people enjoy dominating others. Some were broken and think those who aren’t broken are living a life of lies. Still others will sell anyone out to get a better piece for themselves.
Often these various categories are magnitudes more intelligent and self aware than anyone you think of as smart. They were just integrated into life through different configurations.
It takes a surprising amount of knowledge and intelligence to live the successful life of evils.
Just look around you for interesting things happening, go hang out, and over time find out where you fit in!
Stop being so needy, that’s not really appealing. Have you even asked your LLM yet? What is a mob of humans going to do for you that you haven’t tried doing for yourself?
Besides, you don’t really want someone “like you”, you want someone(s) more interesting than you with the patience and tolerance to include you.
Just do things on your own (get started on your own interests), while keeping an eye out for the obvious things (ask your LLM), and over time get to know what’s happening and what others are up to.
Helping others who cannot help themselves is tedious, not endearing.
I remember when I was in India some 20 years ago, I saw Modi on television. He was giving an interview and the reporter asked him about members of the Muslim community speaking out against some Hindu nationalist agendas. Modi’s response began with the phrase “no one is saying that …”. I remember thinking, here is a man of political power who so refuses to acknowledge even hearing the words and concerns of his opposition.
I love India, and the many sides of India, though all of this time later, hearing this man’s story, I cannot help but consider the course these past decades of history have taken.
Nationalism and failure to support the civilizing principles of law are a fatal combination anywhere for anyone.
I’ve always been a self trainer, who has had a few influential teachers from time to time. I travel a lot.
When I was “really into it” I trained up to six hours a day. This was really due to learning some basic staff techniques. Once I had an object that participated in my development I couldn’t put it down.
I would wake up and do my exercises. I went to work. Came home for lunch and got a little exercise/training in, went back to work. Got home after work and went to the park and exercises/trained until the dark came.
I did this fusion of Wing Chung (direct), Ba Gua (control of space), Parkour (tumbles rolls), and basic parts of capoeira (best full body workout). I always wished I had taken on some minimal grappling techniques at least (neglected).
All of this composed a life of fitness, great hand eye coordination, and keen reflex.
We all grow old, and it’s better you got your hard core training in before that happens.
It occurs in many circumstances that people actually only hear what they want to hear. Saying the wrong thing is a terrible burden. Either immediately categorizing people into an immutable bin, or leading a chase into a thicket of distraction. Or worse yet, a thread that once pulled has to be tugged at and nagged at until whatever or whoever is completely unraveled.
Honesty is a fairly new invention, and one which comes at the luxury of those well accommodated by life. Those who don’t feel imminently threatened, or more likely, those who think God is watching.
The “otherwise” side throughout the history of humanity has worked out that sweet lies are more compelling (rewarding) than bitter truths. You know if you don’t say “fine” when someone asks “how are you doing?” You will be harassed for your personal dealings. You also know if you don’t pattern match for what someone is looking for, yours will be the one who does without.
Truth requires integrity and principles, as well as a dose of naïveté. Usually at the expense of one’s self.