When you come across people you disagree with; such as in politics / religion / international affairs etc... How do you handle it?
It is so easy to dismiss their opinions; but it can be very informative to examine views that don't align with your own. The effort required to consider "the other" seem like too much sometimes; especially with social media and the like feeding you your own views.
For me, if it's a new idea I haven't heard before, I will probably spend time later reading up on it.
If it's the same old conspiracy theories, then I'll probably just change the subject.
If it's a common misconception, I'll probably tell them.
That is to say, generally I'll avoid conflict, but if it's a new view that I haven't previously looked into, I'm actually pretty excited to learn more.
When I first heard about flat earth theory hypothesis, I was totally hooked, I watched tons of videos. Ended up getting out a calculator after a graveyard shift so I could finally rest my mind after disproving one of their claims.
Got some new inspiration for DnD world building, which eventually led to designing a world that was on the inside of a giant egg.
People's beliefs are intrinsically linked to personal Identity, and can therefore almost never be rational.
Then again: 'reason' itself does not exist. Sure, there's game theory, science, the scientific method and all that - but science is usually only followed when there's something to be gained economically, or strategically. And game theory also cannot account for irrational behavior.
Most of the time, people just follow their gut feelings, and do whatever feels right. So it helps to have a sense of humor when debating politics.
Gave my speech at my stepdad's funeral today - and then we got invited by his brother to the Zealong Tea Estate, back in Hamilton.
They had these newspaper cutouts on the wall showing all the celebrities who had visited the place before - including John Key, King Charles, Chinese president Xi Jinping, and many others.
I think I did a good job passing myself off as an upper class individual. Had to wear my mum's clothes, because all I really have is a hoodie, and some sweatpants. The tea was awesome. Stretched that expensive little tea bag as much as I could, by pouring myself up to 4 cups.
We came back to Otorohanga, looking for a pub. Tried the local Working Man's Club - but unfortunately, you couldn't order anything without being a member. There was not a single young face to be seen. Thirsty Weta tends to have slightly more young people, but they usually come with their parents for dinner and special occasions. The Loneliness seems to haunt me everywhere I go.. but it doesn't really bother me anymore. Every generation has its own wars, famines and struggles. Mine just happens to be a spiritual famine, and that's ok. I'll be a'ight
I'm wondering how I might contribute to the Photo Friday post, with the prompt "something that looks like a face, but isn't". I might head out for a lunchtime walk to get some inspiration.