Likely to be the first in a long running series.
I’m suddenly feeling kind of unwell. What has sparked this sudden malaise seems to be reading about a difference of opinion between a couple of people. The precise problem is that I desperately want to yell at the party I disagree with that they are idiots.
Now, you may think this a little extreme, but this is becoming my increasing reaction to particular types of idiocy I see far too often. The recent resurgence may have something to do with the changes I am currently undergoing in my medication, but there is a deeper problem.
Basically, when I see someone making an arse of themselves by touting some nonsense as fact, I often get frustrated at my own inabilitybto articulate exactly what is wrong with their argument. It doesn’t help that as I get more frustrated, it gets harder for me to order my thoughts in such a way to put forward a cogent argument.
The upshot of this is that I often find myself withdrawing from an argument rather than pursuing my case, which often results in the other party thinking they have won. (I suppose you could say they had, but it wouldn’t be because they were right.)
In turn, this frustration seems to be isolating me more and more from other people. People I previously had liked and/or respected I now view with some contempt. I spend less time on some message boards that I used to enjoy, just because I think they’ve turned stupid.
To look at it without by own personal problems being in the way, it’s like this strange need people have to believe what they believe and ignore any contrary evidence. I suppose I may even be guilty of this to some extent, but some of these people take it to extremes.
Another part of what so frustrates me is that, all too frequently, the arguments have been settled. The debate is over. Matters of fact have been determined. And yet they still insist that it’s an open question.
I could go on. I probably will. But for now, I think I’ll end it here.
