More and more I realise how much noise there is in the world. It permeates all aspects - science, philosophy, health, ideas, entertainment. Everything. And it reminds me that the world, and existence itself, is not fair. The best ideas don't necessarily get the attention they deserve. The best books aren't the most popular ones. The best movies are not necessarily seen by most people. I do understand that there is a bit of subjectivity to these things, but there is also a lot of objectivity as evidenced by history.
And this is a bit sad, and does hold humanity back. I can also understand the reasons for this. It is because we are not rational beings, we didn't evolve to be rational. Our brains evolved to serve social functions more than anything. It's amazing when you think of it - the big powerful brain we have actually evolved to be so big and powerful solely so we could form relationships and work with other human beings. No wonder that relationships and social contact is one of the most important factors that contribute to happiness and well-being! It is just an unintended consequence that the same brain can contemplate its place in the universe, unravel the mysteries of nature, build rockets to venture into space and try to figure itself out!
Not too long ago I used to believe in the power of authority and the power of popularity. So if someone is an "expert" in their field, surely they know best. If a book, or movie or a car is popular surely it is the "best". But now I know that is not true. Since society and humans in general are not really meritocratic - for the reasons I talked about above. So more and more I am learning to question the "authorities". I hope that you start doing that too, if you already aren't.
And this is a bit sad, and does hold humanity back. I can also understand the reasons for this. It is because we are not rational beings, we didn't evolve to be rational. Our brains evolved to serve social functions more than anything. It's amazing when you think of it - the big powerful brain we have actually evolved to be so big and powerful solely so we could form relationships and work with other human beings. No wonder that relationships and social contact is one of the most important factors that contribute to happiness and well-being! It is just an unintended consequence that the same brain can contemplate its place in the universe, unravel the mysteries of nature, build rockets to venture into space and try to figure itself out!
Not too long ago I used to believe in the power of authority and the power of popularity. So if someone is an "expert" in their field, surely they know best. If a book, or movie or a car is popular surely it is the "best". But now I know that is not true. Since society and humans in general are not really meritocratic - for the reasons I talked about above. So more and more I am learning to question the "authorities". I hope that you start doing that too, if you already aren't.
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