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returned1
New Member
9 Posts |
 Posted - 06/13/2018 : 05:06:20
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I should probably stop telling people that my education is in philosophy, since that is when I start hearing the strangest ideas given air, as if I'll be impressed that what I'm being told is "deep."
Much of this has to do with what I call the "youtube education" of too many people lately. Back in the day, if someone was attracted to odd ideas,they would, for instance, subscribe to Fate magazine and listen to late-night radio shows. Youtube has given those who are attempting to sell these ideas a veneer of respectability. Yes, there is good stuff on youtube,but without any kind of filter, the most sensational, far out and unscientific viewpoints often get the most views.
My co-worker is a good example; he tells me of how the ancient Egyptians were more technically advanced than we are and how the pyramids channel mystical powers,of how hallucinogenic drugs open gateways to spiritual realms,of how Bob Marley was poisoned because his music channeled powerful supernatural vibes that threatened the powers of oppression and mind control, etc. etc. The funny thing is that this guy is even more dismissive of any kind of religion than I am. I'd actually rather talk to someone who is steeped in religion, at least I know what kind of a pill they have swallowed. With those who unquestioningly believe their dubious sources on social media and elsewhere, there's nothing I can say in response that wouldn't confirm that I've been duped by those who don't want the "real" truth to be revealed.
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"Man's most valuable trait is a judicious sense of what not to believe." --Euripides |
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
Posted - 06/13/2018 : 10:32:20 [Permalink]
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| Conspiracy theorists feel empowered by the idea that they possess some secret knowledge, which is kinda funny considering that the secrets they think they know is shared by a lot of people. I think social media has made it worse. It's much easier to get validation, no matter how wrongheaded it is, from groups that promote the same whacky ideas. |
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
Genetic Literacy Project |
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ThorGoLucky
Snuggle Wolf
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - 06/14/2018 : 13:10:59 [Permalink]
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Nowadays, you can search for "proof of x" and whatever x is, however unfounded or false, there's someone claiming it's true. It's like "x porn" where there's almost always porn for x. Make that xxx. :)
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| Edited by - ThorGoLucky on 06/14/2018 13:11:27 |
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Youtube Education
