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All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

theguardian.com

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Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#381

Post by pmoriarty »

tectonicfury wrote: post #374
pmoriarty wrote: post #354

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"the Paradise I am talking about, you don't die after entering it" Not every religion considers eternal life desirable. In some forms of Buddhism and Hinduism, for example, the ultimate goal is to leave the cycle of death and rebirth.. not in to paradise, but in to nothingness.

Such religions will also never be able to tell you what they are actually about. :)

The truly vast amount of literature on both Buddhism and Hinduism argue to the contrary.

Also, the ultimate reality in Buddhism, Hinduism, and (incidentally) mystic forms of Islam, is often described as being beyond words and even beyond conception, so there is a limited amount that could be said about it in ordinary language -- though that hasn't stopped people from trying.

In Buddhism one often hears the teachings described as the finger pointing towards the moon. Language may be inadequate to describe ultimate reality, but it can point to it.

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#382

Post by chris5745 »

therealdrag0 wrote: post #373
chris5745 wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Distraction isn’t the problem, the inability to face one’s self is the problem, and distraction is the solution. However, even with distraction, there is still insight. It just comes indirectly.

Can you elaborate on why you think distraction is the solution?

Sure. I believe distraction is a solution for many because it allows them to discover the self at their own pace. It’s a more indirect route that may take longer, but which may be less psychologically jarring compared to direct introspection. For these types, self discovery might involve something as simple as watching a film and identifying with both the hero and the villain, something which hadn’t happened heretofore in their development. The film was intended as a distraction from the self, but the self is not avoidable; we constantly compare “not self” to “self” and update our world view based on these comparisons. Distractions may help people cope with their unavoidable development. In trying times, more of us may need more distractions because we are developing at a breakneck pace. I disapprove of shaming people for coping with their growth using distraction, because that’s how they prefer to learn.

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#383

Post by zs234465234165 »

melenaos wrote: post #181
thotsBgone wrote: post #166

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> One of the defining traits of an introvert is avoiding conflict. No it's not. That's one of the defining traits of disagreeableness, which is known to be independent from introversion.

You are right, i have seen my introvert boss, taking verbal damage, hold his anger and his words for 5 seconds and unleash a devastating speech that made the other guy walk away. He also took leading part in many high management meetings without any social fear. I am about the middle and i hated working under an extrovert manager, all chatting, big words, self promotion stories, useless long meetings, fake friendly a…

100%

The difference between an introvert and an extrovert is best displayed when there is a lack of incentive.

Introverts can readily step into an extroverted role when it's necessary and aligns with their goals.

Introverts are not going to toast at a large party without good reason(improving speaking skills, impressing a guest, etc) whereas an extrovert might give a toast for fun.

Does your blood settle in the top or lower part of your head?

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#384

Post by firethief »

SyzygistSix wrote: post #353
hilbert42 wrote: post #235

"Modern humans spend virtually no time on "inward-directed thought", and not solely because we're too busy: in one US survey, 95% of adults said they'd found time for a leisure activity in the previous 24 hours, but 83% said they'd spent zero time just thinking." I think Pascal was correct because at least those people I know well enough to discuss such matters with tell me they don't spend much time thinking or cont…

>When I was at school one of the punishments was to be sent to stand in a corner and stare at the wall. It used to send some kids almost crazy but never bothered me much—all I had to do was to go into daydream mode to pass time away Me as well. I wonder if it is the upside to having near-crippling ADHD.

To add another anecdatapoint, I had exactly the same thought. It kind of makes sense; I think of ADHD as being a matter of intrinsically-driven attention rather than motivated attention.

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#385

Post by carapace »

ck425 wrote: post #221
nprateem wrote: post #174

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ecstasy. This dude knew how to meditate. A lot of people think meditation is just an exercise in patience and self discipline to stop the chatter of the mind, and that that is the end in itself. They are unaware of where meditation can lead. When the central channel (referred to as sushumna in yoga) is open and energy flows freely, you can feel ecstatic sensations in the centre of the brain as the upper centres becom…

Any idea what scientifically is actually happening?

IANAScientist, but FWIW, I think it might be (metaphorically or literally) like an "infinity shot" when you point a video camera at a live monitor of its own output.

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#386

Post by svat »

d4nt wrote: post #267
hilbert42 wrote: post #235

"Modern humans spend virtually no time on "inward-directed thought", and not solely because we're too busy: in one US survey, 95% of adults said they'd found time for a leisure activity in the previous 24 hours, but 83% said they'd spent zero time just thinking." I think Pascal was correct because at least those people I know well enough to discuss such matters with tell me they don't spend much time thinking or cont…

I find it disturbing the way a trait that seems to be very common among humans is being framed as a problem. External stimulus means you’re with other humans that you can cooperate with. That you’re sharing stories and learning. That you’re hunting for food. That you’re building a shelter. All these things are necessary for survival. It seems possible that being sociable and industrious might well have been bread int…

Of course the need for external stimuli is a universal and important human need. The question is merely whether 100% of one's waking moments must serve this need, or whether one has the ability to spend a percent or so of one's time not satisfying this need:

> …that people detest being made to spend six to 15 minutes in a room by themselves with nothing to do but think – even to the extent of being willing to give themselves mild electric shocks instead.

Simply pointing out the importance of external stimuli is like responding to an observation that many people cannot hold their breath for 30 seconds (say) by pointing out the importance of breathing.

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#387

Post by fchu »

wpietri wrote: post #105
codechicago277 wrote: post #50

This quote comes from Blaise Pascal's Pensées, accessible here. "That is why we like noise and activity so much. That is why imprisonment is such a horrific punishment. That is why the pleasure of being alone is incomprehensible. That is, in fact, the main joy of the condition of kingship, because people are constantly trying to amuse kings and provide them with all sorts of distraction.—The king is surrounded by peo…

That has a lot of resonance for me. In this modern age, we are all kings, and there are vast industries to save us from ever being alone from our thoughts. For December, I quit sugar, social media, and video games. It's been really interesting to notice what state I'm in when I go to reach for those things. Sometimes it's just habit, but often it's because I'm uncomfortable or in distress and want to avoid those feel…

Those are the "empty(/bad) calories for the mind".

It's akin to eating processed snacks when you're hungry, instead of nutrient whole foods

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#388

Post by tectonicfury »

pmoriarty wrote: post #381
tectonicfury wrote: post #374

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Such religions will also never be able to tell you what they are actually about. :)

The truly vast amount of literature on both Buddhism and Hinduism argue to the contrary. Also, the ultimate reality in Buddhism, Hinduism, and (incidentally) mystic forms of Islam, is often described as being beyond words and even beyond conception, so there is a limited amount that could be said about it in ordinary language -- though that hasn't stopped people from trying. In Buddhism one often hears the teachings…

As a Muslim, I can assure you there’s no such thing as mystic Islam. Islam is foremost about clarity, simplicity and straightforwardness in its message of pure monotheism. It does not seek to lure people by mesmerising them with incomprehensible riddles. It hides nothing.

The so called mystic Islam also known as Sufism, is a deviant sect, and is fundamentally a gateway to polytheism, as it borrows many practices from polytheistic religions. In fact, many of the famous ancient sufis have roots in India, where paganism and idol worshipping was and is still prevalent. Hence sufis are adored by Hindus.

I hope i could be clear to you

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#389

Post by gambiting »

feanaro wrote: post #366
gambiting wrote: post #237

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"From my perspective, HN isn't really designed for addiction in the same way." I mean, it's fine that you feel this way, and you are probably correct - it wasn't designed for it. But I suspect for a lot of us , me included, it serves that exact purpose. I post so that strangers on the internet read it and give me likes. I compulsively check my comments section on my account to see how many upvotes my comments have. E…

> And surely, you participate in the same process, even if you don't feel as strongly about it - otherwise, why are you replying to strangers that you are unlikely to ever meet or speak to again? Why not? Do you not value discussion, hearing new ideas, learning new concepts, having a soundboard for your thoughts? I also like sharing knowledge and participation in the process of humanity developing its collective meme…

>>Why not? Do you not value discussion, hearing new ideas, learning new concepts, having a soundboard for your thoughts

I do, but ultimately, I post because I want someone else to read what I said and comment on it(good or bad). It triggers the same release of oxitocin in my brain that seeing likes on a post does.

Re: All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone (2014)

#390

Post by wcoenen »

throwaway316943 wrote: post #269
wcoenen wrote: post #187

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Then, you see the truth, of life, existence and the universe. Pretty words, but do they mean anything? For example, if I reach this state, will it be revealed to me why there is something rather than nothing? I think not, otherwise someone would have reported back with the answer already. I'm interested in meditation to learn more about my own body and mind, maybe improve my life somehow. But IMHO the discussions a…

> there is something rather than nothing Is there?

Yes, because if there was nothing, I couldn't be asking the question.
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