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The Seven Drivers of Existence
Hasith_Ashan
 November 04 2024 at 04:22 pm
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1 - Survival | Reason: Preservation | Survival is the fundamental drive to sustain life and protect oneself from harm. It encompasses not only physical health—such as nutrition, exercise, and safety—but also emotional well-being, ensuring a stable environment. The instinct to survive is deeply ingrained and manifests in behaviors aimed at securing resources, avoiding danger, and maintaining safety. In contemporary society, this force might also involve the pursuit of financial security and the establishment of a supportive social network, which contribute to a sense of stability and preservation of life.2 - Desire Reason: Fulfilment Desire represents the intrinsic motivation to seek pleasure, satisfaction, and emotional fulfillment in life. This driving force includes the pursuit of personal happiness, love, and experiences that bring joy. Desire fuels our ambitions and dreams, prompting us to engage in relationships, pursue goals, and explore passions. It is an essential element of human experience, as the quest for fulfillment can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. In its absence, individuals may feel disconnected or unmotivated, emphasizing the importance of desire in driving engagement with life.3 - Power Reason: Definition Power refers to the ability to influence, control, and shape one’s environment and relationships. It involves asserting identity, establishing boundaries, and cultivating a sense of agency. This driving force allows individuals to define themselves and their roles within society. Power is not solely about dominance; it also includes empowerment and the ability to advocate for oneself and others. Healthy expressions of power lead to self-confidence and leadership, while the lack of it can result in feelings of helplessness or disempowerment.4 - Meaning Reason: Purpose Meaning embodies the search for significance and direction in life. This driving force encourages individuals to connect with their core values and beliefs, helping them navigate the complexities of existence. The quest for meaning is often tied to larger questions about life, morality, and individual contributions to the world. Understanding one's purpose can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment and motivation. Engaging with meaning fosters resilience during challenging times and encourages individuals to pursue goals that align with their values.5 - Expression Reason: Connection Expression highlights the need to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas, fostering connection with others. This driving force encompasses various forms of expression, including verbal communication, artistic endeavors, and non-verbal cues. Healthy expression facilitates emotional release, enhances relationships, and nurtures community. When individuals share their experiences and emotions, they build empathy and understanding, creating bonds that enrich life. The inability to express oneself can lead to isolation and emotional distress, emphasizing the importance of connection through expression.6 - Knowledge Reason: Understanding Knowledge represents the pursuit of information, insight, and wisdom. This driving force encourages lifelong learning, critical thinking, and exploration of new ideas and perspectives. The quest for knowledge helps individuals make informed decisions, navigate complexities, and adapt to change. It enriches personal growth and enhances one’s ability to understand oneself and the world. Knowledge fosters curiosity and creativity, leading to innovation and discovery. In contrast, a lack of knowledge can result in misunderstanding and stagnation.7 - Imagination Reason: Possibility Imagination embodies creativity and the ability to envision new ideas and potential futures. This driving force encourages individuals to think beyond the present, explore possibilities, and innovate. Imagination inspires hope and fosters the willingness to take risks and challenge boundaries. It plays a critical role in problem-solving, artistic expression, and envisioning new realities. Without imagination, the capacity for growth and change is limited, underscoring its importance in driving personal and societal evolution. The Drivers of Existence govern our actions, influence our decisions, and play a crucial role in the development of our character. These intrinsic drivers—survival, desire, power, purpose, expression, knowledge, and imagination—interact to shape the way we engage with ourselves and the world around us. Each force contributes to our motivations, guiding us through the complexities of life and informing our responses to challenges and opportunities. By recognizing these drivers, we gain valuable insight into the underlying motivations that drive our behavior and shape our identity. They remind us that our choices are not made in isolation; rather, they are influenced by these fundamental drivers that reflect our deepest needs and aspirations. Understanding this dynamic allows us to cultivate a greater awareness of our actions and their impact, empowering us to make more intentional decisions that align with our values and goals. In essence, the Seven drivers of Existence illuminate the intricate web of motivations that define the human experience. By engaging with these drivers, we can navigate our journey with purpose, resilience, and creativity, ultimately shaping our character and enriching our lives. (note: this was written with ai assistance)
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Culture
Numapepi
 October 30 2024 at 05:57 pm
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Culture Posted on October 30, 2024 by john Dear Friends, It seems to me, if we change the culture, we change the future. We’re more a product of our culture than our genes. Raise a kid in a different culture and they grow up to reflect the culture not their genetics. If you could pluck an infant from ancient Sparta and raise him in the US today, there’s the same likelihood he will succeed, or die of fentanyl overdose, as any other kid. People are people, it’s our cultures that separate us. That’s why all cultures are not equal. Some promote weakness, war, class, political favor, opulence, etc… Many in the US are almost pure Indian, yet don’t live a hunter gatherer lifestyle, they have jobs, watch sports, eat out, have permanent homes and cars. They’re products of American culture. Just as we are all products of our cultures. More than anything else. A middle class man of Victorian England will be very different from a middle class Englishman today. Because, while their genetics is nearly identical, the culture is radically different. Therefore, their morals are very different, as are their way of thinking, acting and feeling. These are all based a great deal on our culture. You have the morals you do because of the way you were raised. Had you been raised in a different culture you would have different morals. Were you been raised in ancient Rome, you would have no problem with the institution of slavery, but you would be very agitated at Christianity. Like a modern progressive. Because when we’re born we’re empty vessels. Our parents, culture and education program us. Moral cultures are the ones we should model then. They claim Africans are less intelligent than Europeans, Jews or Asians. I believe the apparent disparity is cultural not genetic. I say this because there are studies that show identical twins raised in different cultures have different intelligence quotients. This would not be possible if genetics was the only factor. Moreover, identical twins raised in similar households, have similar IQ. Which is a strong suggestion that culture is critical in determining intelligence. I suspect that why different cultures advance at different rates. Not because some people are dumb, places are too hot or cold, but because of the prevailing culture. So if we want to increase the intelligence of our people, we would be wise to look at why some cultures have greater and lesser intelligence. Then model the successful ones. Some cultures are naturally more prosperous than others. Maybe due to the intelligence, work ethic or morality those cultures inculcate, or perhaps there’s another reason. The first few decades of the US’ existence, it was nearly impossible to find help. Because there was so much opportunity. No one would work for a living when there was so much wealth available to the industrious. So the elite solved that problem by changing the culture, from independence, industriousness and hard work… right past worker bees, and onto lazy, entitled and drug addicted louts. The people are the same, but the culture is different, resulting in different ethics, morals and intelligence leading to the difference in prosperity. Smart people in poor cultures then should copy the cultural practices of prosperous ones. A wise culture then tries to be curious, hard working, independent, thankful and thrifty. A curious culture fosters intelligence in the people. A hard working culture quickly becomes prosperous. Moreover, people that are independent would rather pull the wagon than ride in it. Thankful people value the valuable and are humble. Then there’s thrift. Which creates savings for the opportunities and inevitable famines that must come along. All these cultural practices combine to make a people that are resilient, wealthy and smart. That should be a goal of every nation on Earth. Even as the culture our cultural elite have created results in poverty, hopelessness and eventual collapse. Change the culture… change the future. So lets join hands and change ours for the better. Sincerely, John Pepin
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Masks as Scapegoats
wkblack
 November 04 2024 at 04:20 am
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A mask reveals what the face conceals. A mask may tell you more about a person than their own face. On donning a mask, whether it be literal or metaphorical, whether it be an anonymous online account or a fursuit or a cross-dress, people bifurcate themselves. While this may save their unmasked selves from some social repercussions as the dagger hits the mask, some daggers can pierce through the mask to the very soul. I've seen in several disparate media recently the idea that "I can be my true self while wearing this 'mask'." They felt liberated with the mask—able to act more freely. Facets of their personality they may have been too shy or embarrassed or scared (rightfully so or not) to express can now come out. This can have some good external uses, such as whistleblowers feeling more free to expose corruption, or more mundane applications like an anonymous feedback option to promote candid responses. However, a mask can be a crutch; while it may be a means to an end, these solutions by nature distance the personal growth (particularly in courage) that could have otherwise occurred from the user. Borrowed courage does not anchor itself in the unmasked vulnerability necessary for maximal growth. A crutch is crucial for those who need one, but if that crutch is not eventually abandoned, it will keep its user from running. Masks can degrade personal integrity, undermining character, as some imagine their masks to carry the weight of justice's gavel: "if it falls on the mask, I will be unharmed." Masks can lead to lawlessness and moral decay. Anonymity often leads to disinhibition, antisocial behavior, deindividuation; it allows psychopathic traits to come to light, where individuals take on malevolent identities and allow their impulses free rein, enabling individuals to express their more destructive inclinations without fear of personal repercussions. If you imagine yourself shielded from social stigma, the law, or from God, then your actions reflect it. Why else would bank robbers wear masks? While a mask may prevent society from shaming you, or the law from catching you, they cannot prevent your true heart from recognizing its guilt, nor can any mask hide yourself from the justice of God. As Kirito sees in Sword Art Online: we must be true to ourselves in whatever world we find ourselves; we may wear a mask (in his case: being in a virtual game world would be an excuse to distance action from self) but we are still ourselves. By aligning his morals within and without the game, he attains greater progression than if he kept his identities separate, allowing him to protect those he loves. The actions we take forge our character, masked or not. It is only as we abandon our masks that we fully will experience maximal personal growth and moral strength. Integrate your (good) masked actions with your real self and become whole: unify the fragments of your self, discarding the masks which separate your self from who you wish to be. A mask has two sides: the outer, offering temporary protection, and the inner, as we liberate aspects of our selves which would otherwise be stifled. Consider the masks you carry in this life: Ensure the masks you don never stifle your personal progress. Unify your public and private life and become a single, authentic self. Only as shadow unifies with light will we shine forth.
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The power of keeping your trap shut - Intro
nursingaround
 November 11 2024 at 01:52 am
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It wasn’t illegal when it happened, and with time the image of a middle-aged man running at my buttocks, armed with a 4-foot piece of bamboo as I clutched my ankles, certainly appears increasingly, disturbingly wrong. But that was the price I paid for keeping my trap shut. It was 1987 and corporal punishment was still a thing in New Zealand schools, although sometime before graduation it had disappeared from the repertoire of disciplining techniques. But in hindsight I consider myself lucky to be able tell my kids how tough school was ‘back in the day’. It did not matter that I was undeserving of such punishment. I had been accused of throwing sawdust in people’s faces which was not accurate. The fellow on the other side of my workbench had blown a handful of sawdust in my face when I had leant down to examine my work and I was the one who had sawdust in my eyes and I had returned the favour by sprinkling a handful on his back when he wasn’t looking, which wasn’t nearly as bad as what he had done. Mr Rodgers caught me in the act and deemed it a serious risk in the woodwork room and took it one step further and suggested I had been throwing it in people’s faces. When he asked me if there was anything more I’d like to say I had only moments to decide my fate. I could lay the blame at my co-worker’s feet. He did deserve it and we were not friends and would eventually come to blows, but by the age of thirteen and only in my first year of high school, I knew that we weren’t supposed to tell, aka ‘nark’ or ‘dob’ fellow pupils in. I explained that I hadn’t thrown anything in anyone’s face but Mr Rodgers had made up his mind. Safety was paramount and I deserved six of the best. Many teachers were infamous for their caning techniques but Mr Rodgers was known as the most vicious due to his years working with wood and metal. He had big calloused hands and biceps where the veins stood out like the body builders had, and could swing a cane harder than anyone else. As if being struck by the strongest teacher at school wasn’t bad enough, he made me stand at one end of the corridor while he took a running leap at my butt. I didn’t cry but the intensity of the pain does make your eyes water, but fortunately I didn’t have to receive the full six strokes as the cane broke on the third strike, which was just as well as I could feel a trickle of blood drip down my legs. When I went back to class for a brief moment in time, I was deemed a hero. I had taken my punishment and kept my trap shut. I hadn’t spilled the words that would have condemned a fellow student to a public beating. I could probably have simply left this chapter with the words ‘Keep your trap shut’ and left the following pages blank because we all know the power of words to pardon, condemn, or clear our name, but not so much the value in silence. We’ve all had moments when we regret the words that escape our lips, sometimes instantly and other times at a later date as they come back to bite us days, weeks or even years later. In today’s climate of viral success I should add that keeping your trap shut also applies to stopping your wandering fingers from doing the talking, and avoiding making things worse with hasty Twitter and Facebook comments. But keeping silent or saying less is nothing new and even our ancient texts advise it. From Mohammed Ali, Frances Bacon to King Solomon (purportedly the wisest man who ever lived) they all agree there is value in silence, although one of my favorites is from King Solomon - ‘The more words, the less the meaning.’ Some believe King Solomon to be a myth, and that’s ok, because my goal is not to prove or disprove anicent figures, but to help us appreciate and hopefully apply the words of the wise that have withstood the test of time. But if ancient texts don’t interest you, take my dad’s advice because it just so happens that he’s usually right and he says something similar: ‘If you’ve got nothing nice to say, keep your trap shut.’ I wish I’d paid it more attention in my younger days, especially at school, which I’ll get to in a bit. But if you’ve never opened a bible, pondered the words of Confucius or know nothing of philosophy or great thinkers, then you’re just like me, well, at least the sort of me I was for the first 40yrs of my life. Even our childhood rhymes talk about words and their power or supposed lack of, and I’m sure you’ve all heard the following rhyme: Sticks and stones May break my bones But words will never hurt me The thing is, as a kid I wanted this to be true, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how utterly inaccurate this rhyme is. Words may sting like a mosquito that we brush off or wound us deeply to our very core and last a lifetime. I can recall every fight I had in school. I remember blood pouring from my broken nose when the class bully - whose dad was a boxing coach - decided to rearrange my face one day in my first month at high school. I got over it in a few weeks time, and eventually over the course of the year we let it go and were able to (if not be best friends) get along. The scars disappeared. It’s surprising how quickly you get over the physical stuff that happens to you, but what hurt the most, and took years to work out, were the words uttered on my first day, all because of my ‘homogrips.’ It turns out the tufts of hair hanging in front of my ears were handles that men used to hold onto as they took me from behind. As a result my name for the first two years of high school was ‘homogrips’ or ‘gripper’ for short. It would have been tough enough if I was gay, but it’s pretty much the worst insult to give a 13yr old kid on his first day, especially in an all-boys’ high school. The name stuck, but the venom with which people used it varied. I would happily take another caning, punch up (with broken nose included) if it meant I didn’t have to put up with those words for two miserable years. Words have power, to wound or heal, and so often less really is more, although I discovered this when I wrote my first book. When I wrote my first book, I had no writing experience at all. I’d pieced together a collection of vignettes based on a lifetime of work as a nurse, but in my naiveté thought it would be only a matter of time before I’d find a publisher and begin selling millions of books and becoming rich. By the time my first editor was finished with it, my 400-page book had been cut down to 100 pages. It took me 6 months to motivate myself to write again. In the case of my writing skills, the harsh words were couched with good advice and made me a better writer – and here I am at your mercy putting my words to the test. All throughout history people have been moved by words, by powerful speeches, for good or ill, from Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, Churchill’s ‘Fighting on the beaches’ to Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’. Such words move people and wielded the right way, can touch the heart of a nation, or harden it. Great speakers can turn words into weapons, or swords into ploughshares. When words are cradled in poem or song, they come alive. Rarely do I see a teenager walking down the street who doesn’t have something plugged into his or her ears as the lyrics are embedded into their minds to the beat of a drum. This is nothing new and Andrew Fletcher, a seventh century Scottish writer and political activist famously wrote: ‘Give me the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.’ In more recent history, most of us have heard the story behind Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in heaven’ as he asks if his four-year-old son, who died in a tragic accident, would know him in heaven. I suspect some of us have cried at these words, especially if we’ve experienced such loss. I don’t think there’s a person on the planet who hasn’t been hurt or healed by words. We sometimes pause and appreciate the power in them, but we rarely give thought to the power in silence, and the art of keeping your words to a minimum.
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The 4 key objectives
Hasith_Ashan
 November 04 2023 at 10:22 pm
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In the journey of life, we often find ourselves pursuing various objectives and goals, each driven by our unique desires, values, and ambitions. Among these, four key objectives stand out as fundamental pillars that guide our decisions and actions. These objectives are "To Build," "To Network," "To Explore," and "To Influence." They encompass the essence of our personal and professional aspirations, providing a framework for achieving personal growth and leaving a lasting legacy. Objective 1: To Build"To Build," reflects the innate human drive to create, develop, and construct. Whether it's physical structures, businesses, relationships, skills, or a personal legacy, the act of building is a foundational aspect of our lives. Those who prioritise this objective are often driven by the desire to see their ideas and efforts come to fruition. They believe in the power of creation, seeking to leave their mark on the world through the things they build. Objective 2: To Network"To Network," emphasises the significance of relationships and connections in our personal and professional lives. Networking involves building and maintaining valuable associations with others. Those who prioritise this objective recognise that opportunities often arise from these connections. They aim to expand their social and professional circles, understanding that a robust network can open doors to new experiences, collaborations, and success. Objective 3: To Explore"To Explore," embodies the spirit of curiosity, adventure, and personal growth. It is the pursuit of new experiences, knowledge, and self-discovery. Those who value exploration are willing to step out of their comfort zones, seeking to broaden their horizons and embrace the unknown. Whether through travel, education, or other forms of discovery, exploration enriches life and fuels personal development. Objective 4: To influence"To Influence," focuses on making a lasting impact on the world and the people around us. It encompasses the desire to shape thoughts, actions, and decisions, becoming a source of inspiration, guidance, and positive change. Individuals who prioritise this objective understand that their words, actions, and leadership can leave a significant mark on society and the lives of others. . Objective 1: To BuildDaedalus (Greek mythology) - The master craftsman and architect.Imhotep (Ancient Egypt) - An architect, engineer, and builder.Leonardo da Vinci (Renaissance) - A polymath known for inventions and artistic creations.Steve Jobs (Modern era) - Co-founder of Apple Inc. and innovator in technology. Objective 2: To NetworkAphrodite (Greek mythology) - The goddess of love and connections.Hermes (Greek mythology) - The messenger god known for facilitating communication.Benjamin Franklin (18th century) - A diplomat and influential networker.Oprah Winfrey (Modern era) - A media mogul and influential networker. Objective 3: To ExploreOdysseus (Greek mythology) - The legendary Greek hero known for his epic journeys.Marco Polo (Medieval explorer) - Renowned for his extensive travels in Asia.Amelia Earhart (20th century) - The pioneering aviator and explorer.Neil Armstrong (Modern era) - The first person to walk on the Moon. Objective 4: To InfluenceSocrates (Ancient Greece) - The influential philosopher who shaped Western thought.Mahatma Gandhi (20th century) - A nonviolent leader who influenced social change.Martin Luther King Jr. (20th century) - A civil rights leader and influential figure.Malala Yousafzai (Modern era) - An advocate for girls' education and global influence. These characters from various cultures and historical periods embody the key objectives of building, networking, exploring, and influencing through their actions and achievements. They have left indelible marks on human history and continue to inspire generations. These serve as guiding principles for individuals as they navigate the complexities of life. These objectives are not mutually exclusive; rather, they represent a multifaceted approach to personal and professional growth. By recognising and prioritising these objectives, individuals can set meaningful goals and pursue a fulfilling life journey. Building, networking, exploring, and influencing are the cornerstones of a purposeful and impactful life, providing direction and purpose in our pursuit of personal development and the legacy we leave behind.
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Digital Anything
Numapepi
 October 16 2024 at 02:57 pm
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Digital Anything Posted on October 16, 2024 by john Dear Friends, It seems to me, one thing that’s being proved before our eyes, is that digital anything isn’t secure, robust or safe. Whenever anything is made digital it’s become less secure, in that it’s exposed to hackers getting at it, and making that data public. Less robust, since it can be changed at the push of a button. Plus, it’s less reliable, because we simply don’t know if anything digital is truthful anymore. The rational default should be… no, if it appears digitally, it’s probably a lie, and if the government says it, it’s definitely a lie. A road to Hell, always leads to Hell. That’s why we need to push back against the Hegelian manipulation that’ll be used to push digital currency. How can we expect digital currency to go different, than digital voting, banking or healthcare? We can’t. CBDCs will be a nightmare. Digital voting has been a total catastrophe. When the ballots were on paper, verifiable and hand counted, the results were in within an hour of the polls closing. Even as digital has ushered in an age where it can take days. Now that’s efficiency… or is it? With digital voting, the results are subject to change, depending on the whims of the hackers that find their way into the machines. Of course, with digital voting, there’s no need of voter ID… digital has made the whole thing a theater anyway. Electronic voting has taken political agency from citizens and placed it in the hands of the elite. As the elite did with freedom of speech, jury sentencing and contacting our representatives free through the mail. We can say that digital voting has alleviated us of the burden of blame. Since it makes us pawns. Social media is censored and politically correct ideas are promoted by digital magic. Rendering our ability to communicate subject to political intervention. To make sure we only talk about approved subjects in the approved manner. Else the elite claim we’re engaging in misinformation, disinformation, or maybe even malinformation. Call ’em what you will, they all mean, wrongthink. In promoting the power of the elite the digital age has been a demon send. It can make a lie appear to be reality. Digital technology has made surveillance, categorizing people and censoring, far more efficient. While it’s made communicating betwixt each other fraught with legal ramifications. Again, the introduction of digital technology to voting and communication has made them less secure, less safe and less reliable. If we go to a doctor… Our personal information is on the Dark Web, or soon will be, due to the incessant hacking done to digital servers. You don’t even have had to do business with a company for them to have all your personal information… dangling on an unsecured server. Just waiting to be plucked by a smart hacker and sold on the Dark web. Soon, it’ll be impossible to take out a loan because we won’t be able to identify ourselves… short of DNA, retinal scan or a fingerprint. Instead of facilitating commerce, the introduction of digital technology has introduced a myriad of security concerns. There’s no denying digital technology has unburdened us of the need to think though. Weakening our minds accordingly. As any muscle left flaccid long enough becomes weak. Instead of making information more credible, accessible and truthful, the digital revolution has made information more dangerous, unsecured, censored and manipulated. Given the history of digitizing things… can you imagine the utter catastrophe a digital currency would be? Combining the disaster of digital voting, with the censorship of social media, along with a total lack of personal security. The trifecta of prosperity liquidators. Then again, there are those who think, just because an action has always resulted in the same outcome… doesn’t mean it will, this time. Like jumping off a cliff… eventually, someone might sprout wings and fly. Wouldn’t that be great! Digital technology could make it appear to happen, as the bodies are hauled off. Maybe we should rethink the digital revolution? Sincerely, John Pepin
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Absurdity Cloaked In Jargon
Numapepi
 October 22 2024 at 03:24 pm
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Absurdity Cloaked In Jargon Posted on October 22, 2024 by john Dear Friends, It seems to me, everything the progressive’s say makes perfect sense, until you think about it, then you realize, it’s absurdity cloaked in jargon. Progressives in every nation rely on spurious logic to manipulate us into self harm. Some examples are, “a just nation has a low disparity between the rich and poor,” “Misinformation must be controlled,” and the ever famous, “democracy is at stake!” Each statement sounds true enough as long as you don’t think about it. But then again, who does? We’re busy people and so a quip, true or not, has more power to convince than a well thought out argument. Which is one reason the left is so panicked about their inability to create memes. A joke that exposes their absurdity is their greatest peril. Because it alerts the victims. Slogans, tropes and spin are ways to manipulate us. They define absurdity cloaked in jargon. There’s nothing like a simple to remember slogan. A few words that create an emotional reaction are the ideal tool of manipulation. Because an angry person is not a thinking person. People who aren’t thinking are easy to control. Slogans set up tropes. Mind viruses that hold our thoughts fast. So we don’t engage in wrongthink. Then there’s spin. If we see something we shouldn’t, and shock causes us to have too much to think, the elite can manipulate our reaction with spin. That laptop with all the damning information on it? Well, that’s only Russian disinformation. Don’t take Ivermectin for heavens sake! It’s horse medicine! The fact the IPCC lied, and made up data, is only proof of the urgency of climate change! The best tools of manipulation are self proving, obvious and arcane. Self proving is another way of saying circular logic. Why should there be a small discrepancy between the rich and poor for a nation to be just? Because justice requires the discrepancy to be small. To be obvious is to be simple to understand. Misinformation must be bad, it’s in the damned name! One way to make a slogan appear clever is to use words with undefined meanings. Keep it arcane. So no one actually understands what you’re saying. Then they put the definitions they want to your words and voila… minds are changed, logic is abused, and the economy is wrecked. Absurdity cloaked in jargon then is circular, simple to understand and filled with mercurial definitions. The modern absurdities we’re expected to believe uncritically have these things in common. They’re arcane. Because the terms are never defined. They’re spurious, because they sound logical but are intended to deceive. Plus they oversimplify. Since without definition and intended to fool they must oversimplify. Else they lose their effectiveness. Five words stick in the mind while fifty never make it past the ear. Especially five words that are left to us to define as our emotions command. What really is democracy, misinformation, rich or poor? Depends who you ask. Making those terms arcane and spurious. Quips sound smart so we often believe them uncritically. Making absurdity cloaked in jargon a nearly impervious political tool of control. Except it has a weakness. Memes, or visual jokes, are kryptonite to the progressive’s absurdity cloaked in jargon. They illustrate the absurdity, in a few words, and are humorous so stick in the mind. Vaccinating the recipient from the mind virus of slogans, jargon and spin. Moreover, progressives don’t have a sophisticated sense of humor, being low on the orderly aspect of the big five. Wit is the result of connecting two disparate ideas in an unexpected fashion. Those with overly open minds have all ideas connected and so they don’t understand the shock of unexpected connection that makes jokes work. Which makes memes a single edged sword for populists. Like slogans used to be for elitists. Absurdity cloaked in jargon has been very a effective tool of manipulation… memes may be the kryptonite we need to defeat them. Sincerely, John Pepin

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