[lbo-talk] The Lizard Brain. Was On Staying the Course

[Jim Devine]

CC writes:>Moreover, it makes perfect sense to take a nap, go to a
brothel, wash the dishes, chat one's neighbor about morel-hunting,
watch a movie, take a walk in the park, pay the utility bill, or just
loaf rather than even _listen_ to arguments against going along. So
before presenting contrary facts one has to present a reason for
wanting to hear the facts. And before presenting that reason one has
to catch someone's attention & persuade them to listen. Only then to
facts or arguments begin to make any difference.<

one reason why people don't want to hear about "why we shouldn't go
along" (with our leaders, etc.) is that people often don't want to get
into conflicts. I say "there isn't any god" and there's likely someone
who says there is, usually leading to an emotional scene (or obscure
argument) that's unsettling. Many say that they'd rather watch
sit-coms or Law & Order reruns on TV... If there are any conflicts on
those shows, they are inconsequential for most viewers, since they
don't involve the viewers directly or any real feelings.
JD