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writersdiaries · 6 days ago

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Notes on The Art of the Interesting by Lorraine Besser

good life is not just happiness and meaning, it's also psychological richness which can be obtained by psychologically rich life

psychologically rich life is one full of complex, novel, and challenging experiences that stimulate and engage the mind, that evoke different emotions, and that leave you with a different perspective than you started with

psychological richness can enhance our lives because it makes them more interesting, and being interesting can make something more valuable for us

interesting experiences (which are the same as complex, novel, and challenging experiences) spark engagement with the world around us

many of us seek out these experiences already by traveling, reading, watching documentaries, engaging in adventurous activities (which can be even new cooking technique), talking with each other about stuff that has no importance whatsoever, but we simply find so engaging an hour can pass in the blink of an eye

although we often shy away from things that push is in challenging and stimulating way but our lives go better when it happens (because our minds naturally strive to engage, to question, and to create), and interesting experiences deliver the goods our minds need

see what sparks you, because when we focus more on what’s going on inside our minds and worry less about what’s going on outside of them, the interesting arises there, and even when life might be downright miserable on the outside, when there're things we can't change and fix, we can make it more interesting, because our brain has an ability to enhance any situation

when we look at the lives we admire, that we draw on for inspiration, it’s always the lives of people who do what they are passionate about

even if we can’t all be so lucky to get paid for doing what we love, with just a little bit of effort, we can tap into and realize our passions, and let them fuel our pursuits

pleasure and fulfillment have their limits, and in the absence of the interesting the effort put into one or both won't be enough

the more exclusively and exhaustively we pursue happiness, the less happy we’ll be, because the pursuit of more leads us to experience less

Also found out about John Stuart Mill, child prodigy, who was brought up with a lot of knowledge but without practical skills you develop when you interact with the world. With extensive schooling in Greek and Latin, he hadn’t learned to pay attention to feelings. So after some time he committed himself to some movement (with his father and some other white smart elitist males of that time) which promoted happinesses to people, and Mill understood this, but while he was able to wrap his rational mind around the importance of happiness, he couldn’t feel the pleasures of sympathy. He couldn’t rejoice in the happiness he promoted. He felt his life is off-track. All this time he was changing people's mind through argument and it hadn’t occurred to him to worry at all about the cultivation of feelings, in himself or others. He started saying that there's no hope of feeling, that "all feeling is dead" and etc., spent a year in state of crisis, absent emotions and then at one point he was moved to tears by some book. And he realized that feelings were there, that he wasn't made of stone and that he can find enjoyment in ordinary life. So he changed, transformed, came back, and became more influential than his father after some time.

His potential his father was speaking about, this fulfilling his potential, intellectual promise, were what father saw in him himself, he emphasized these features, isolated them, ignoring his other parts, because who you would be if you don't structure your life around your "potential", if you don't reach the fullest extent of it? But this pursuit of fulfilling one little part of yourself can make you forget about the rest. And do you even need this? This greatness, thought of success, or being ideal, what if to take it from you, than what, you will not be that precious kind of a man? Or if you reject it yourself in order to become silly, light-hearted person, then what, everybody would be remembering with regret how cool you were in something, how easily you could do it when others couldn't? So what? It's life, not a card game. Sometimes if something is so important that it becomes the main focus, and you try so hard to control it, and everything around you becomes blurry, it might be better to step back and think again who are you, where are you standing at and why you even want this so much.

#psychology #books #books and reading #the art of interesting #Lorraine Besser #john stuart mill #good life #potential fulfilling #rationality #happiness #emotional growth #poetry #william wordsworth

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v-ividus · 1 month ago

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12. The Dangers of Half-Truths: Honoring Complete Knowledge Over Ignorance and Lies

“Not the violent conflict between parts of the truth, but the quiet suppression of half of it, is the formidable evil: there is always hope when people are forced to listen to both sides; it is when they attend only to one that errors harden into prejudices, and truth itself ceases to have the effect of truth, by being exaggerated into falsehood.” — John Stuart Mill

In the relentless arena of ideological conflict, where unyielding ambition clashes with deep-seated convictions, a legion of dissenters emerges, intoxicated by the fervor of their own beliefs. Their audacity, akin to an uncontrollable wildfire, obscures the subtle snares and intricate plots woven by a perceptive adversary shrouded in the shadows of prevailing thought. Each step forward is fraught with danger, as hidden perils — both duplicitous allies and shrewd opponents — linger in the periphery, ready to deliver a deathly blow to their certainties.

Opposing them stands a faction, masters of strategic ambiguity and thoughtful dissent, skilled at converting disorder into a tactical advantage. To misjudge their expertise is to invite catastrophe; in their pursuit of intellectual ascendancy, these intrepid warriors overlook a haunting reality: a leader devoid of wisdom can mislead even the most courageous into a mire of deception, much like a unwitting horde of fighters staggering into a carefully hidden trap.

As John Stuart Mill chillingly reminds us, the most insidious danger lies within minds that recoil from dissent, their stubbornness embodying a blindness as fatal as stepping into a minefield. A singular, unchallenged belief festers like a contagious psychogenic disease, stifling dynamic growth and leaving the unwary open to the deadly strike of self-deception. In this mire and stagnation, the refusal to question norms creates fertile ground for dogma, where critical thinking withers, and rational thought becomes a mere whisper silenced beneath the weight of conformity. Thus, the refusal to engage with dissent is not only a denial of truth but an invitation for ignorance to flourish unchecked.

In this ruthless gladiatorial arena of ideas, a myopic perspective can plunge one into an all-consuming abyss; the terrors of the unknown become a lurking specter, ready to prey upon newfound frailties. The abrogation of dissent echoes the folly of disregarding an ominous battle cry, with grave consequences lurking in the shadows due to a perilous moral hubris. Those ensnared by the allure of half-truths, desperately clinging to the soothing illusions of certainty, neglect the rich tapestry of diverse thoughts, unwittingly inviting the insidious creep of ignorance to tighten its grip around their minds. In this dangerous dance with complacency, the potential for true enlightenment dims, as the vibrant symphony of ideas is reduced to a cacophony of conformity, stifling the intellectual vitality essential for growth and understanding.

Mill’s profound warning urges us to build fortifications in this existential struggle of ideation: we must actively confront discordant viewpoints and sharpen our minds against the relentless onslaught of opposition. Just as a strategic commander meticulously analyzes every angle prior to deploying their troops into battle, individuals are called to engage with the complex challenges posed by dissenting opinions. Through this engagement, we reinforce our understanding, fortifying ourselves against the ambushes of ignorance that threaten to undermine our convictions. Embracing diverse perspectives not only hones our own beliefs but also cultivates resilience, allowing us to navigate the tumultuous landscape of thought with clarity and strength. In this way, we transform confrontation into opportunity, fostering a robust intellectual environment in which ideas can thrive.

To wall oneself off within the confines of dogma is to invite inevitable ruin. An oblivious soldier overlooks the nuanced movements of the enemy, just as the stifling of dissent simmers like an untreated wound, corroding the very pillars of society. When a solitary voice monopolizes the dialogue, it spins a treacherous narrative that cultivates confusion and ignites division among would-be allies, transforming comrades into adversaries amidst the turmoil of miscommunication. This dynamic fuels an atmosphere rife with suspicion and hostility, undermining collaboration and collective progress. In allowing a single perspective to dominate, we risk not only the clarity of our own understanding but also the solidarity needed to navigate the complexities of human interaction, ultimately jeopardizing the very fabric of our communal existence.

Mill’s unwavering perspective passionately urges us to take up arms in this arena of thought; to engage in a visceral confrontation with the symphony of divergent opinions instead of banishing them into silence. The clash of ideas is not a mere backdrop; it acts as the powerful rumble that breaks the stillness, illuminating pathways through the thick haze of collective deception. In this dynamic exchange, each voice adds to a richer tapestry, exposing hidden truths and challenging complacency. Embracing this cacophony allows for a deeper understanding of our own beliefs, forging connections that can lead to innovative solutions and shared progress. By acknowledging and engaging with opposing viewpoints, we transform the battlefield of ideas into a crucible for growth and discovery, ensuring that the light of truth prevails amid the shadows of ignorance.

The stakes are indeed monumental; entrenching oneself in half-truths opens the door to ruin's inexorable march. Mill’s unsettling truth echoes through the ages: yielding to ignorance allows deception and moral decay to infiltrate the very essence of our discourse. By courageously championing the richness of diverse ideas, we begin to dismantle the suffocating grip of ignorance, paving the way for truth to rise resiliently against the advancing shadows of falsehood. This active defense of perceptual integrity not only enriches our collective understanding but also fosters an environment where honesty and clarity can thrive, safeguarding the moral underpinnings of our society. Engaging with complexity and contradiction fortifies us against the lure of simplistic narratives, empowering us to navigate the intricate landscape of human thought with integrity and conviction.

In this chaotic and tumultuous landscape brimming with unchallenged narratives, we now carry the weight and responsibility of combating the insidious spread of ignorance, ensuring that the raw and unembellished essence of truth resurfaces, battered yet unyielding and victorious in this ruthless contest of ideas. Embracing this struggle not only enriches our own understanding but also fortifies the very foundation of discourse, cultivating an environment where truth can emerge and thrive, defiant against the encroaching evils of complacency and misinformation.

The Nature of Truth: A Complexity of Perspectives

Envision, if you dare, truth as an arcane map—a vast, treacherous labyrinth etched into the very fabric of existence, where each winding path pulses with the heartbeat of countless human experiences, a wild tapestry woven from conflicting beliefs and perceptions. This is no mere destination waiting to be conquered; it is an epic journey of ferocious discovery. At the forefront stands Mill, a fierce torchbearer igniting our spirits, urging us to brave the tempestuous storm of opposing viewpoints. To engage in this tumultuous dance of ideas isn’t just a challenge; it’s an exhilarating plunge into the depths of intellectual chaos, where the clash of thoughts becomes a thrilling odyssey, propelling us toward enlightenment.

As we surrender to this exhilarating expedition, we shed the skin of passive observers, transforming into intrepid explorers in an unfathomable wilderness. Each confrontation of conflicting ideas becomes a grueling trial, a crucible where our beliefs are forged and sharpened like blades in a fiery vortex. Here, in the whirlwind of discourse, assumptions are ruthlessly challenged, layers of ignorance stripped away until only the gleaming essence of clarity remains. This is not just discourse; it is a raw, exhilarating struggle, where the sparks of debate ignite the flame of critical thought—an electrifying journey through the uncharted territories of our own minds, revealing the profound depths of understanding we never knew existed.

Yet, within this impassioned quest lies the ultimate test of courage: the boldness to shatter the very foundations of our old beliefs. To traverse this intricate and often perilous landscape of truth is to wield a sword, tempered by the fires of revelation, against the lurking shadows of ignorance and dogma that threaten to ensnare us. Mill’s impassioned call urges us to plunge headfirst into the vibrant chaos of ideas, transforming our understanding from a stifling echo chamber into a dynamic battlefield alive with the promise of growth and transformation. Step boldly into this electrifying dance of discovery, where every question you dare to ask becomes a key unlocking the hidden mysteries of existence, guiding you through the exhilarating labyrinth of the human experience.

The Dangers of Silence: Increased Vulnerability to Psychopathy By Suppression Over Conflict

In the realm of human interaction, silence can be a double-edged sword. While it may seem a preferable alternative to conflict, it often paves the way for manipulation and predation, particularly by those with psychopathic inclinations. When the lines of communication are severed, the intricate tapestry of human emotions—fear, anxiety, and trust—becomes vulnerable to exploitation. Psychopaths are not mere spectators in this silence; they are predators who thrive in its shadows, weaving their deceitful webs in the absence of open dialogue.

Communities that prioritize the stifling of dissent over the engagement of conflict unwittingly strip themselves of the rich complexity inherent in human relationships. Suppressed disagreements fester beneath the surface, allowing manipulative figures to cultivate an image of reliability while concealing their sinister motives. What might initially appear as harmonious coexistence often serves as a mask for deeper discord.

Psychologically, the avoidance of conflict induces cognitive dissonance. Members of the community find themselves torn between their instincts and an enforced conformity to prevailing norms. This enforced silence leads to moral disengagement, where individuals ignore their internal compass to maintain peace. In this environment, predators can operate undetected, their sociopathic traits flourishing in the fertile ground of ignorance and denial.

Moreover, the cultivation of silence exacerbates underlying tensions, spawning an atmosphere of mistrust. As individuals retreat from voicing their discontent, the remaining voices grow more extreme, distorting the communal narrative. Psychopaths, adept at manipulation, can exploit these fractures, using the silence and inconsistencies as tools for their predation—an insidious form of social parasitism.

The suppression of conflict further undermines a community's resilience. This learned helplessness breeds apathy, leaving individuals defenseless against manipulation. The vitality of a community lies in its ability to confront challenges openly; without this, its foundation weakens, allowing the most unscrupulous individuals to thrive unchecked.

To fortify against such dangers, we must reevaluate our relationship with conflict. It is not merely an obstacle to harmony but a necessary catalyst for authentic connection and community resilience. Embracing dialogue and dissenting opinions equips communities to challenge the lurking threat of psychopathy. In this proactive stance, silence loses its allure, replaced by a shared understanding of collective principles and unified strength.

Ultimately, dismantling the dichotomy of silence versus conflict is crucial. Embrace the complexities of open discourse, for it is through rigorous engagement that we can confront the predatory elements within society. By committing to transparency and accountability, we empower our communities to turn the tides against psychopathy, transforming potential vulnerabilities into robust defenses where open communication reigns supreme.

The Ego Trap: A Psychological Examination of Egotism and Confrontation

John Stuart Mill asserted that engaging with opposing viewpoints acts as a crucible for hope and personal growth, an inspiring ideal urging us to broaden our perspectives. Yet, as we probe the depths of our current reality, this notion increasingly reveals itself as a fragile dream, overshadowed by the pervasive silence and avoidance that stifle genuine discourse. In this modern landscape, the insistence on remaining mute in the face of contrasting opinions gives rise to a malignant form of egotism—a carefully constructed fortress wherein individuals retreat to protect their inflated self-images.

This silence is anything but benign; it fosters an insidious delusion that isolates us within self-imposed echo chambers. Here, individuals encircle themselves with the familiar affirmations of their beliefs, allowing the soothing balm of agreement to muffle the more discordant notes of dissenting ideas. The cacophony of conflicting thoughts, which could ignite meaningful discussions, is silenced, replaced by a chorus that swells the ego, inflating the sense of superiority among those who partake in this dissonance-free existence.

The psychological ramifications of such isolation run deep. In this cocoon, the ego is nurtured, growing ever more robust, while the capacity for true understanding withers on the vine. It is an irony steeped in tragedy: the very act of avoiding uncomfortable conversations breeds a false sense of security, veiling us from the harsh but necessary realities of the broader world. Within this bubble, the allure of certainty seduces the mind, compelling it to dismiss the complexities of opposing views as irrelevant or misguided.

As egos swell unchecked, the ability to engage with diversity of thought diminishes, leaving a barren landscape devoid of challenge. The avoidance of dialogue becomes not merely a personal choice but a collective malaise, where mutual understanding is sacrificed at the altar of fragile perceptions. Instead of engaging with the world, individuals succumb to self-congratulatory narratives, believing themselves more enlightened by virtue of their isolation—a dangerous mirage that perpetuates ignorance.

To resist this psychological decline, we must seize upon the fundamental truth that engagement—however uncomfortable—is the bedrock of evolution, both individually and collectively. The very act of confronting opposing views can unveil hidden biases, spark introspection, and illuminate fallacies within our own arguments. It is through this friction that we forge resilience and adaptability, qualities essential for navigating the complexities of contemporary life.

In confronting the other, we find not just discord, but the potential for kinship; instead of locking ourselves away in our silos of self-righteousness, let us seek the interstice where dialogue can thrive. The true power of discourse lies not in the imposition of our views upon others, but in the recognition that our understanding is but a shard of a greater reality. Only by breaking the chains of silence can we escape the echo chamber's grasp and embrace the rich tapestry of perspectives that surrounds us.

Thus, let us challenge ourselves: engage in the uneasy conversations, lean into the friction of opposing ideas, and resist the seductive pull of silence. Through this, we reclaim our agency—transforming ego's shackles into instruments of growth. In this exchange, we do not merely elevate our individual understanding; we cultivate a community rooted in empathy and resilience, forever wary of the seductive silence that threatens to ensnare us.

The Consequences of Engaging Only One Side: Exaggeration into Falsehood

The dangers of selective engagement become apparent when we consider how focusing exclusively on one side impacts the perception of truth. In the modern landscape, social media and rapidly evolving news cycles constitute a fertile ground for selective engagement, a phenomenon where our perception of reality becomes distorted and manipulatively curated. Platform algorithms, designed to maximize engagement, inadvertently trap users within echo chambers—spaces where only familiar ideologies are reinforced, and conflicting viewpoints are systematically suppressed.

This deliberate shaping of our media experiences underscores a psychological transformation. Users are not mere passive recipients of information; instead, they actively seek out content that resonates with their pre-existing beliefs. As a result, a precarious sense of self-righteousness grows. Within these echo chambers, dissent is not just challenged—it faces active hostility. This tribalistic mindset nurtures cognitive defenses, crippling one’s capacity for critical thinking and reducing complex issues to simplistic binaries.

As news cycles accelerate, the overwhelming volume of information can lead to moral absolutism. Individuals concoct rigid moral frameworks, perceiving themselves as virtuous while branding dissenters as the 'other.' This creates a chilling disconnection from empathy, as social media fosters a sense of invulnerability, enabling people to dismiss nuanced human experiences in favor of a combative us-versus-them mentality, further deepening societal divides.

The erosion of intellectual rigor is profound. Engaging critically with diverse perspectives becomes a daunting task, especially as the selective engagement phenomenon debases the neurological pathways necessary for complex reasoning. This cognitive stagnation renders individuals susceptible to the machinations of those adept at manipulation—be they ideologues or self-serving influencers—who exploit these psychological vulnerabilities in pursuit of followers and influence.

When confronted with contradictory information, individuals often plunge into the tumultuous waters of cognitive dissonance, a psychological state that reveals the fragility of the human mind. Rather than engaging in introspection or recalibrating their beliefs, these users typically resort to a defensive posture, a primal instinct rooted in the deep-seated need for self-preservation. This knee-jerk reaction shields them from the discomfort of confronting their own ignorance, effectively barricading them within a fortress of familiar narratives that provide a false sense of security. Such responses are not merely shallow; they represent a complex interplay between the psyche and the external world, where the fear of being wrong morphs into a debilitating cycle that perpetuates a comforting but misleading sense of certainty. In this landscape, the true nature of psychogenic disorders comes to light, as the refusal to acknowledge discomfort can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and other emotional maladies that further entrench individuals in their rigid worldviews. Ultimately, this cycle reflects a profound struggle between the desire for truth and the fear of the unknown, illustrating the depth of the human condition in the face of a challenging reality.

Moreover, this cycle feeds a malignant form of social pathology. Individuals become prime targets for sociopathic manipulation, wherein the manipulators, attuned to the emotional vulnerabilities inherent in selective engagement, craft compelling but deceptive narratives that flourish in the absence of scrutiny. Consequently, the line between reality and fabrication blurs as the comfort of familiar beliefs stifles curiosity, enabling misinformation to thrive unchecked.

Ultimately, social media and the rapid-fire nature of news cycles perpetuate a multi-faceted threat to our understanding of truth. By encouraging selective engagement, they cultivate intellectual stagnation, foster moral division, and facilitate opportunistic exploitation. To navigate this convoluted terrain, we must consciously confront our biases, seek out uncomfortable truths, and work to reclaim the rich complexities of understanding in an era increasingly defined by division.

The Power of Open Dialogue for Collective Evolution

In the realm of intellectual pursuit, Mill’s insights emerge as a clear call, urging us to recognize the indispensable power of dialogue in our relentless search for truth. By advocating for the amalgamation of diverse perspectives, he carves out a path not just toward hope, but toward a profound mutual understanding that can reshape societies. This intricate dance of listening—engaging with opposing viewpoints—forces individuals to confront their ingrained biases and grapple with the tangled web that constitutes reality.

Within this sophisticated arena of open discourse, where a myriad of truths intersect and coexist, lies the potential for societal enlightenment. Here, genuine connections are forged through the friction of ideas, illuminating the path to deeper relationships and shared understanding. To permit a singular narrative to eclipse all others is not merely an oversight; it is an invitation to intellectual stagnation and societal division—a perilous step backward that stifles the dynamic exchange of ideas that underpins human progress.

In stark contrast, embracing the entirety of truth lays the groundwork for collective wisdom, igniting innovation and nurturing a sense of community that transcends superficial divides. This delicate interplay of voices not only enriches the human experience, but also transforms dialogue into a formidable weapon for understanding and unity in the face of an increasingly complex and fragmented world.

#John Stuart Mill #Truth #Honesty #Understanding #writerscommunity #writers on tumblr

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