Great & Meaningful Quotes

Alligatorob said:
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.
H. L. Mencken
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I often think that when my kids voice their opinions about something the government has done or should do. I have opinions too, but I also realize (which they say doesn't matter) that we never really know what the full complexities of the problem are, or how the solution may negatively effect other issues. Most of us don't have the knowledge to evaluate those complexities anyway. For example, I don't know much about economics, beyond two courses I took. I delved into it, and got (a) bored, and (b) confused. There are too many opinions in econ world, and just because a point of view is popular, doesn't make it correct.

Actually, I just realized that many of my kid's opinions are solutions to complex problems. But one cannot just decide on a solution, such as "end poverty", without knowing what that will entail IRL. Anyone who doesn't wholehearted agree with them is told they do not have good critical thinking skills. This amuses me, because I taught them to think critically.
 
Shero said:
"My general attitude to life is to enjoy every minute of every day. I never do anything with a feeling of, ’Oh God, I’ve got to do this today."
Richard Branson
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He has servants and professionals who help him to be able to enjoy every minute of every day. The rest of us have to do our own taxes, vacuum, wash dishes, and clean up the yard the dog uses to eliminate. Hey, I put that dog stuff politely. I should get a star for that. We have to drive our own cars. Fly in someone else's plane. You get the drift.
 
Tish said:
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The wise man knows where to find reliable information. Once you've got that down, you can find out just about anything. Today, the wise man asks Google.

Years ago, our family didn't have internet access for a few months because we couldn't afford it. The worst part about that was that I had so many questions that I could have looked up the answers to in a jiffy. I didn't write them down, because they were just things I wondered about. IOW, Trivia Queen here. I remember one thing I was really wanting to know -- all about the gestation, birth, and early life of kangaroos.
 
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WheatenLover said:
I often think that when my kids voice their opinions about something the government has done or should do. I have opinions too, but I also realize (which they say doesn't matter) that we never really know what the full complexities of the problem are, or how the solution may negatively effect other issues. Most of us don't have the knowledge to evaluate those complexities anyway. For example, I don't know much about economics, beyond two courses I took. I delved into it, and got (a) bored, and (b) confused. There are too many opinions in econ world, and just because a point of view is popular, doesn't make it correct.

Actually, I just realized that many of my kid's opinions are solutions to complex problems. But one cannot just decide on a solution, such as "end poverty", without knowing what that will entail IRL. Anyone who doesn't wholehearted agree with them is told they do not have good critical thinking skills. This amuses me, because I taught them to think critically.
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I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. Today's problems are mostly too complex for many to really understand. I think the best solution is to remember that and be careful in just accepting the simple solution.

Your example of the economy and economics is a good one. We often blame or credit the president and/or congress for the current state of the economy. And while they do impact the economy those impacts are long term and not the only impacts. Still if the economy is good on election day we tend to vote for the incumbent, if its bad for the challenger...
 
Alligatorob said:
I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. Today's problems are mostly too complex for many to really understand. I think the best solution is to remember that and be careful in just accepting the simple solution.

Your example of the economy and economics is a good one. We often blame or credit the president and/or congress for the current state of the economy. And while they do impact the economy those impacts are long term and not the only impacts. Still if the economy is good on election day we tend to vote for the incumbent, if its bad for the challenger...
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Thank you.
 
officerripley said:
Oh no, sorry I resurrected bad memories for you; I know what that feels like; there wasn't any shattered glass for me either but broken furniture, lamps, etc., sigh.
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No, no, nothing of the sort. They weren't "happy" memories, for sure but it maqkes me happy to realize how far behind me those days are. Life is not all gloss and fluff. You meant no harm, I know and I want you to know that you caused no harm.
No worries! :)
 
WheatenLover said:
He has servants and professionals who help him to be able to enjoy every minute of every day. The rest of us have to do our own taxes, vacuum, wash dishes, and clean up the yard the dog uses to eliminate. Hey, I put that dog stuff politely. I should get a star for that. We have to drive our own cars. Fly in someone else's plane. You get the drift.
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@WheatenLover I quite agree, here's your star! 🌟
 
"The same malignant aspect in republicanism [*] may be traced in the inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and in the degeneracy of manners and morals engendered by both. No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."
~~James Madison, U.S. president 1809-1817; *referring to the republican form of government, not the U.S. Republican party which was not formed until 1854
 
Today I saw a bumper sticker that said, “Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.” I think that’s right, but it’s also only part of the story...The belief that it is acceptable to be rich is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich. The desire to be like them keeps the poor from murdering the rich. None of this, of course, keeps the rich from murdering the poor.
~~from The Culture of Make Believe by Derrick Jensen
 
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