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Old 05-22-2008, 08:56 PM
 
31,672 posts, read 40,901,280 times
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I would agree with everything you say on the micro level/human level. The challenge we face is understanding how things work in our changed world. There should be no doubt we have/are undergoing a paradigm shift. The sooner we figure out what that shift is and how to best survive the better off we will be. What I believe you are talking about is why we as people are doing and living the lives we are. Behavior Economists want to use that understanding and apply it to how economics work and how it can be used to better our world. If they are right great if they are wrong then we need to continue trying to find a new path. Regardless of why the climate is changing we as a species need to adapt or else.
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Old 05-22-2008, 09:15 PM
 
11,135 posts, read 14,145,471 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TuborgP View Post
I would agree with everything you say on the micro level/human level. The challenge we face is understanding how things work in our changed world. There should be no doubt we have/are undergoing a paradigm shift. The sooner we figure out what that shift is and how to best survive the better off we will be. What I believe you are talking about is why we as people are doing and living the lives we are. Behavior Economists want to use that understanding and apply it to how economics work and how it can be used to better our world. If they are right great if they are wrong then we need to continue trying to find a new path. Regardless of why the climate is changing we as a species need to adapt or else.
I believe this is one of the most amazing things that separates man from the rest, his ability to adapt. In what he cannot adapt personally, he changes the environment to adapt to his needs.

One thing that folks seem to forget is that the world can't be full of winners. No matter how much we may wish it, as it stands today, there have to be some who lose. If all the world were to "win", then Americans standard of living would be greatly diminished while those living abject poverty be quite pleased. In a very basic Darwinian sense, we have rewards for those who achieve, namely wealth. While those not as fit are identifying with the free credit report dot com baby commercial. Some of this may be due to being simply lucky to be born into wealth or at least in a condition that sets one up to better have access to wealth. In any case, some win, some lose.

As far as understanding how anything works, again, teach children how to think instead of what to think. Wouldn't it be prudent to view the world in terms of generations instead of fiscal quarters? Is our purpose to achieve merely for ourselves or to possibly pass on a better opportunity for our offspring to achieve even more? While behavioral economist may want to understand everything pertinent about human behavior, I say good luck, economics at best is an educated guess as if anyone had a perfectly reliable strategy, then the market would cease to function. Part of its beauty is in not understanding it but in trying to. What else leads to progress but lack of understanding and the burning desire to know?
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Old 05-22-2008, 09:21 PM
 
524 posts, read 836,693 times
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Originally Posted by TnHilltopper View Post
Of course we can't forget the Romans, and Tacitus is quite possibly one of those I most admired.
Indeed. Scipio Africanus for President!!!

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Old 05-22-2008, 09:58 PM
 
31,672 posts, read 40,901,280 times
Reputation: 14418
Quote:
Originally Posted by TnHilltopper View Post
I believe this is one of the most amazing things that separates man from the rest, his ability to adapt. In what he cannot adapt personally, he changes the environment to adapt to his needs.

One thing that folks seem to forget is that the world can't be full of winners. No matter how much we may wish it, as it stands today, there have to be some who lose. If all the world were to "win", then Americans standard of living would be greatly diminished while those living abject poverty be quite pleased. In a very basic Darwinian sense, we have rewards for those who achieve, namely wealth. While those not as fit are identifying with the free credit report dot com baby commercial. Some of this may be due to being simply lucky to be born into wealth or at least in a condition that sets one up to better have access to wealth. In any case, some win, some lose.

As far as understanding how anything works, again, teach children how to think instead of what to think. Wouldn't it be prudent to view the world in terms of generations instead of fiscal quarters? Is our purpose to achieve merely for ourselves or to possibly pass on a better opportunity for our offspring to achieve even more? While behavioral economist may want to understand everything pertinent about human behavior, I say good luck, economics at best is an educated guess as if anyone had a perfectly reliable strategy, then the market would cease to function. Part of its beauty is in not understanding it but in trying to. What else leads to progress but lack of understanding and the burning desire to know?
As you said the nature of intelligence is the ability to adapt. We shall see how intelligent Americans are over the next decade.
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Old 05-22-2008, 10:11 PM
 
Location: Irvine, CA to Keller, TX
4,829 posts, read 6,907,638 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TuborgP View Post
Had a lengthy half hour discussion with my son. While he does not post in here he is actively following the campaign. We are both seeing that dispite the fact it is now May 22 and we as a nation have issues that threaten our very way of life we:

Can't have serious conversations on the issues.

We can't focus on evaluating the candidates and their positions on the isssues.

We focus on topics that don't translate into implemented policy.

Intellectualism for some is seen as a sin.

Being finacially secure is seen at times to be less admirable then being on the age of personal financial failure.

We shout headlines and don't discuss facts across the board.

Many voters don't read first, think and then articulate.

Clinging to the 20th century for many is of greater value then understanding the dynamics of the 21st century and challenging the candidates on their understanding of a changing paradigm.

Etc


He was quite able to sum our lengthy conversation up in two words.

WE'RE SCREWED
Unfortunately you are probably right, no matter who is elected.
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Old 05-23-2008, 06:49 AM
 
Location: Texas
38,859 posts, read 25,378,269 times
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Quote:
Many voters don't read first, think and then articulate.

So true. For far too many people, their ignorance is their most prized possession.
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Old 05-23-2008, 06:59 AM
 
31,672 posts, read 40,901,280 times
Reputation: 14418
I went to bed last night hoping to find a new type of headline or thread. You know ones about issues. What the candidates said about $135 barrel oil and how high they thought it might go. Perhaps they would be asked to share how they prioritize the causes driving the price up. Oh well maybe tomorrow.
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Old 05-23-2008, 06:59 AM
 
Location: Charlotte
12,642 posts, read 15,543,056 times
Reputation: 1680
Old Gringo,
Blame it on the long term sponsorship of a dumber youth through a nightmare public education system designed to program kids not to think.
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Old 05-23-2008, 09:26 AM
 
11,135 posts, read 14,145,471 times
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Originally Posted by walidm View Post
Old Gringo,
Blame it on the long term sponsorship of a dumber youth through a nightmare public education system designed to program kids not to think.
Ever considered that a dumb population is easier to manage than an intelligent one? How hard would it be to maintain control and order of an entire population of people who thought about issues and subjects in a critical and logical manner, or even a curious population for that matter?

Stupid people are like cattle, you point them to the field, they graze, get fat, remain happy and oblivious and never know any better. One day, they are in a shoot getting on a truck being sent off to slaughter and they do so with full bellies and not a concern in the world.

In the case of people we are taught and conditioned from birth that the accumulation of "things and stuff" is our ultimate goal. The education we receive is directed at finding positions that are proportionate to our level of education and in turn, to the level of the stuff we can acquire. An easy cause and effect where the returns are immediate and tangible, as once you have that new 50", you need no longer think about things, someone on the tube has already done it for you. You merely need to find some programming you agree with and kick back, case closed.

Sophisticated cattle, little more.
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Old 05-23-2008, 09:33 AM
 
Location: PA
5,562 posts, read 5,661,968 times
Reputation: 1962
We are screwed it's time for a revolution for liberty.
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