how is it that we, as a species and as individuals, continue to do things that we know are bad for us? things that we don't want to do, even? how is that we cannot even manage ourselves? or do what we know that we want?
An excellent question, but one for which different answers may apply in the face of different circumstances.
Unless there is a pattern to the sorts of things you re talking about, in which case there may indeed be a connected and underlying reason.
Of course, if the question is merely rhetorical... well no! I'll answer it anahoose! I love replying to rhetoric.
With regard to the species doing things which are bad for the species, the excuse is often for the (presumed) benefit of some individuals, or even a bunch of individuals in the sense that it is easier, for example, to be complacent and not take personal responsibility for our individual impact on the environment.
In fact, this can basically be said for many of the individual problems: we find temprary ease in complacence, to such a degree that we have unconsciously placed higher value on comfort and ease than health or well-being. Now THAT'S a funny state of affairs.
An excellent question, but one for which different answers may apply in the face of different circumstances.
ReplyDeleteUnless there is a pattern to the sorts of things you re talking about, in which case there may indeed be a connected and underlying reason.
Of course, if the question is merely rhetorical... well no! I'll answer it anahoose! I love replying to rhetoric.
With regard to the species doing things which are bad for the species, the excuse is often for the (presumed) benefit of some individuals, or even a bunch of individuals in the sense that it is easier, for example, to be complacent and not take personal responsibility for our individual impact on the environment.
In fact, this can basically be said for many of the individual problems: we find temprary ease in complacence, to such a degree that we have unconsciously placed higher value on comfort and ease than health or well-being. Now THAT'S a funny state of affairs.