I've found human lives to consist in significant part of feedback loops. Positive feedback loops, and negative feedback loops. A person receiving positive feedback tends to feel better, be more socially comfortable and engaging, and to receive resources that help them on their journey. This response and that assistance actually helps them become better. Better nutrition, more attentive and patient instruction. Etc. I…
Popular People Live Longer
61–70 of 108 posts
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#62I have considered suicide for the past 30 years. I tried very hard to build a life in the confines of whatever limitations I've been given and/or created for myself. I determine that the nature of humanity is to seek power. This study reminds me of why this world is total bullshit. I've notified to be part of this world anymore. I'm connected into this universe more than I ever have been. There is a black hole awaiti…
Back when I was depressed modal realism cured me of any suicidality. How can one possibly think the suffering, loneliness and utter pointlessness of life can be preferable to the sweet oblivion of non-existence? My answer is non-existence may indeed be preferable to life but it’s not at all clear that non-existence exists. What the Everett interpretation, Egan's Dust theory, the mere fact that the mind is finite and…
They're also the basis for why I rationalize against procreation, at least for myself
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#63"Yet this same research reveals that there is more than one type of popularity, and most of us may be investing in the wrong kind. Likability reflects kindness, benevolent leadership and selfless, prosocial behavior. Research suggests that this form of popularity offers lifelong advantages, and leads to relationships that confer the greatest health benefits.
Likability is markedly different from status — an ultimately less satisfying form of popularity that reflects visibility, influence, power and prestige. Status can be quantified by social media followers; likability cannot."
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#64I have considered suicide for the past 30 years. I tried very hard to build a life in the confines of whatever limitations I've been given and/or created for myself. I determine that the nature of humanity is to seek power. This study reminds me of why this world is total bullshit. I've notified to be part of this world anymore. I'm connected into this universe more than I ever have been. There is a black hole awaiti…
Please don't commit suicide. You and the world will both be worse off. If you need to talk to someone about it 1-800-273-8255 is available 24 hours a day.
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#65Earlier quoted context omitted.
Okay, I don't recommend them. I'll rephrase the post to say what I've done to help me. Does that make you happy?
No, not really. The recommendation moves from explicit to implicit. It's good that the drugs helped you, but it's not the same thing as saying "I went to a doctor and they put me on X and it helped." When you're talking about doing drugs outside of that paradigm, we don't know how many people have been hurt rather than helped. If 9 out of 10 people are harmed, you were just the lucky one.
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#66I've found human lives to consist in significant part of feedback loops. Positive feedback loops, and negative feedback loops. A person receiving positive feedback tends to feel better, be more socially comfortable and engaging, and to receive resources that help them on their journey. This response and that assistance actually helps them become better. Better nutrition, more attentive and patient instruction. Etc. I…
That's the basis of social-belonging and other mindset interventions.[1]
For example, when you encounters difficulty as a freshman in college, do you think "I don't belong here", or "everyone has difficulties - I can get help, work hard, and succeed, like I've done in the past". Students who feel like they belong, build stronger support networks, more readily get help, feel better, and so. Both narratives then do feedback, and outcomes diverge. So surprisingly small interventions, to nudge the initial interpretation, like an hour in high school, or an essay at the beginning of a course, can have a surprisingly large impact.
I wonder if the future will look back our current lack of mental hygiene interventions, the way we now look back at the 1800's lack of physical hygiene interventions. Something like, well, it took a couple of decades, but NYC finally stopped politically-connected brewers from killing hundreds of children with adulterated milk from sick cows.[2]
[1] http://gregorywalton-stanford.weebly.com/papers.html [2] https://www.google.com/#q=swill+milk
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#67I have considered suicide for the past 30 years. I tried very hard to build a life in the confines of whatever limitations I've been given and/or created for myself. I determine that the nature of humanity is to seek power. This study reminds me of why this world is total bullshit. I've notified to be part of this world anymore. I'm connected into this universe more than I ever have been. There is a black hole awaiti…
Totally understand that many think religions, in general, are BS/fake/etc. Have you considered reaching out to counseling services or a local support group (can be friends/family) to work thru stuff?
My bible study group meets weekly to study/discuss/act on some of the more obvious positive stuff from the Bible. We also support each other thru life in general. I think having a positive group that regularly meets to support each other is super conducive to life improvement as well as helping you thru darker times.
Hope things get better for you
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#68I have considered suicide for the past 30 years. I tried very hard to build a life in the confines of whatever limitations I've been given and/or created for myself. I determine that the nature of humanity is to seek power. This study reminds me of why this world is total bullshit. I've notified to be part of this world anymore. I'm connected into this universe more than I ever have been. There is a black hole awaiti…
Back when I was depressed modal realism cured me of any suicidality. How can one possibly think the suffering, loneliness and utter pointlessness of life can be preferable to the sweet oblivion of non-existence? My answer is non-existence may indeed be preferable to life but it’s not at all clear that non-existence exists. What the Everett interpretation, Egan's Dust theory, the mere fact that the mind is finite and…
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#69Earlier quoted context omitted.
No, not really. The recommendation moves from explicit to implicit. It's good that the drugs helped you, but it's not the same thing as saying "I went to a doctor and they put me on X and it helped." When you're talking about doing drugs outside of that paradigm, we don't know how many people have been hurt rather than helped. If 9 out of 10 people are harmed, you were just the lucky one.
To be fair, thanks to the corruption of the drug testing and approval process, we don't know that information for any drug.
Re: Popular People Live Longer
#70I have considered suicide for the past 30 years. I tried very hard to build a life in the confines of whatever limitations I've been given and/or created for myself. I determine that the nature of humanity is to seek power. This study reminds me of why this world is total bullshit. I've notified to be part of this world anymore. I'm connected into this universe more than I ever have been. There is a black hole awaiti…
That being said, do not commit suicide. Happiness is a choice, and you should chose it.