Not sure how or even whether this slots in a left brain / right brain framework but the phenomenon that has been vexing me most is the monomaniacal focus on one aspect of an issue to the exclusion of anything else.
Zero COVID: this virus must be eradicated or we will all die. Actual impact and fatality of the virus are of no import. Effect on children or economy can be disregarded.
Zero Carbon: this trace gas must be eliminated or we will all die. The scientific ludicrousness of the thesis is of no import. The technical impossibility of proposed actions can be disregarded, so can the impact on world population and economy.
Great Reset: we must destroy society and economy and replace it with something better. The lack of any clear or realistic idea what this ‘Better’ is or how it may come about is of no import. Effects on current society and economy can be disregarded.
To me, all these ideologies look like apocalyptic, eschatological religions. Sorry if this is highjacking your post.
"Our left hemisphere bent society has us all falling in line with the machine model ....", except that this geriatric, engineer's, dominant LHB has no inclination - let alone ever thinking about it - to cause anyone to fall into an AI model's control of their way of life.
However, I think there is too much 'thinking', and not enough intelligent thought (sometimes just plain old common sense), given to problem solving, these days. I've always appreciated Kipling's Six Honest Serving Men, along with Ruskin's immortal aphorisms, as guiding principles in solving problems, which is what engineers do, mostly, some better than others, obviously.
If anything, my recent experiences with modern medicos is that the algorithmic way is exactly how they seem to diagnose one's ailment, that promotes a 'multi-step' cure, which mostly becomes an iterative process to achieve a cure, if at all. The old physician was mostly able to use a holistic perspective in first diagnosing, then defining, the appropriate course of curative action.
As for 'the social sciences, which [you] know best,' that is one area that has always puzzled my sensibility in the realms of science, which I think has been distorted, distended, and debased in the modern world that attends to anything but "the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation." (Britannica)
Not sure how or even whether this slots in a left brain / right brain framework but the phenomenon that has been vexing me most is the monomaniacal focus on one aspect of an issue to the exclusion of anything else.
Zero COVID: this virus must be eradicated or we will all die. Actual impact and fatality of the virus are of no import. Effect on children or economy can be disregarded.
Zero Carbon: this trace gas must be eliminated or we will all die. The scientific ludicrousness of the thesis is of no import. The technical impossibility of proposed actions can be disregarded, so can the impact on world population and economy.
Great Reset: we must destroy society and economy and replace it with something better. The lack of any clear or realistic idea what this ‘Better’ is or how it may come about is of no import. Effects on current society and economy can be disregarded.
To me, all these ideologies look like apocalyptic, eschatological religions. Sorry if this is highjacking your post.
"Our left hemisphere bent society has us all falling in line with the machine model ....", except that this geriatric, engineer's, dominant LHB has no inclination - let alone ever thinking about it - to cause anyone to fall into an AI model's control of their way of life.
However, I think there is too much 'thinking', and not enough intelligent thought (sometimes just plain old common sense), given to problem solving, these days. I've always appreciated Kipling's Six Honest Serving Men, along with Ruskin's immortal aphorisms, as guiding principles in solving problems, which is what engineers do, mostly, some better than others, obviously.
If anything, my recent experiences with modern medicos is that the algorithmic way is exactly how they seem to diagnose one's ailment, that promotes a 'multi-step' cure, which mostly becomes an iterative process to achieve a cure, if at all. The old physician was mostly able to use a holistic perspective in first diagnosing, then defining, the appropriate course of curative action.
As for 'the social sciences, which [you] know best,' that is one area that has always puzzled my sensibility in the realms of science, which I think has been distorted, distended, and debased in the modern world that attends to anything but "the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation." (Britannica)
My pet peeve is the so-called “upgrade”. Because they’re more likely to be an actual “downgrade”.
And the new and “improved” product or service. Ditto.
Bigger is somehow automatically “better”.
Less expensive is the bottom line.
Regardless of hidden downsides.
Literal rather than literate.
Disconnected bits and pieces.
Thinking about our feelings rather than “feeling” our feelings.
Saying an inner “yes” to our individual egos.
Being “right” (ego) rather than being “correct” (in harmony with Cosmic-God principles).
Being in a hurry. Rushing. Refusing to slow down and be present. Playing constant “catch-up” with our “to-do lists”.
Worrying, anxiety, fearful re possible or potential future loss.
Drowning in details.
Faster is better than slower.
Basically, pretty much every feature of modern living is primarily focused on left brain hemisphere interests, assessments, & conclusions.
Left hemisphere requires proof, evidence, critical thinking, logic, rational, accountant approach.
Objectivity.
Right hemisphere is more concerned with one’s personal subjective experiences. Our senses. The invisible and more mystical realms of inner space.
Those are some of the differences I notice in myself and those around me and in the world at large.
Love your writings. And your comments on other Substack accounts I’ve begun reading these past couple of months.
Finally got around to reading your essays yesterday.
Thank you very much. 🤗