Jan 28 2013: Corigan, that is an interesting thought about changing the State of Israel from a Jewish state to I presume just another middle eastern country. As we all know there are no easy answers here. I have both Jewish and Arab relatives (ain't America great), plus Iived in a kibbitz in my younger years. It is true that Palestine was already married when Israel came courting, but desperate people need a country where they don't have to worry about the next pogrom. Countries' boundaries do change over time; life is not fair or static so perhaps if Israel could really believe that the West Bank and Gaza would accept the status quo, meaning accepting that Israel is here to stay, then perhaps Israel would relinquish control of the territories. At least there could be peace for the time being. If history is any indication to the future then it is surely only a matter of time before some colonial power will interrupt whatever political system is in place. Actually, if Israel and the territories were allies they would have a better chance of resisting their future aggressors.
Jun 30 2012: less greed. Unfortunately, it seems many people of all stripes will become the greedy ones if presented the chance. Look what happened to the banks and the stock market when deregulation took place. And trickle down economics turned out to be a joke. Companies will pay only what they have to; it takes laws or the threat of unions to make companies pay decent wages. It seems most people only seem to be concerned about these issues until it hits them personally. Stockholders are the true rulers of the world.
Jun 29 2012: Good thing you terminated the relationship Debra. There are some people that just lie. Pathological liars. I have found that people that lie just for the heck of it are not to be trusted. Most of these people are quite gregarious - entertaining folks. Many of them will use you anyway they can and it will be a one way street. They will also steal from you if they get the chance. They talk about what they are going to do for you, but they never quite get around to it. They will even tell lies about you to other people if it serves their purpose. Next to murder perhaps pathological lying comes next on the list of misdeeds.
Your insight about "unimportant stuff distorted my world" was very telling. Pathological liars are known for creating their own reality.
Jun 29 2012: Maybe the ones that have lost trust in others had abusive parents and the child had to lie to protect itself from mom and dad. When a child cannot trust their caregivers that pretty much sets up a child to be mistrustful.
And you are right that if said person has a personal history of lying they are more likely to suspect the same in other people. Yes, it would take some special effort for that person to begin healing. A good therapist is invaluable and can point out the errors in a persons critical thinking skills. A highly skilled therapist. I do find though that most people only tell the truth when it does not hurt them. If lying is expedient, most (not all) people will indulge. That is why any business deal must be on paper.
Hey, oddly enough I listened to a podcast on lying on How Stuff Works. Listen if you are interested.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/podcasts/stuff-you-should-know.rss
Jun 26 2012: Well Derek, I don't know. Probably with some it is just their nature; probably one or both of their parents are that way. For some it might be a way of being able to put a person down in an accepted manner. Another possibility is their parents were chronic liars and they vowed to not be like them. And of course it is difficult to find a middle road as they have not had a good example to follow. What do you think?
Jun 26 2012: The person that said "it looks hideous on you" may be telling the truth, but it is certainly not a helpful statement. Indeed, it is a hurtful comment. A more kind approach would have been "I don't think this store caters to your particular style." Let's go to Dilliards where the clothing is more to your taste. The person has told the truth and her friend's feelings are not hurt. I have to wonder about people that feel they must tell the brazen truth.
Jun 23 2012: My life would have been a lot easier if I had known these things earlier in life:
1. Real estate agents, lawyers - basically anyone you do business with has their own interests at heart. Even a lawyer that is representing you wants to spend as little time as possible on your case even if it means you will suffer great consequences - it's all about the money. Same with real estate agents. They just want to close the deal quickly and if it means you will lose money, too bad for you. Many of them will try to sell you a house you cannot afford and don't care if you lose the house or have to eat pork and beans the rest of your life.
2.Unfortunately there are parents that will deny anything bad they have done to you. Some people have egos that do not allow them to deviate from their definition of reality and that reality is of their making. There are even parents that claim they love you, but will not help you with homework or protect you from a person that is hurting you. Don't listen to words - look at actions.
3.There are people out there who will be on your side. I hope you will find them.
4.Save money. At least 10% of your income. If you are thinking about getting married discuss with your intended how they feel about finances. Live below your means.
5. Try to live an honorable life. You will be one of the few. Our world needs such people.
6. In most cases it is true that it is who you know rather than how much you know that has to do with you getting a job.
7. If at all possible keep in touch with your family. They are your roots in life. Generally friends come and go, but family remains.
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A reply on Talk: Julia Bacha: Pay attention to nonviolence
A comment on Conversation: Fill in the Blank - What the World needs now is __________ ?
A reply on Conversation: If someone you knew was a pathological truth-teller; how would you react to this person?
Your insight about "unimportant stuff distorted my world" was very telling. Pathological liars are known for creating their own reality.
A comment on Conversation: If someone you knew was a pathological truth-teller; how would you react to this person?
And you are right that if said person has a personal history of lying they are more likely to suspect the same in other people. Yes, it would take some special effort for that person to begin healing. A good therapist is invaluable and can point out the errors in a persons critical thinking skills. A highly skilled therapist. I do find though that most people only tell the truth when it does not hurt them. If lying is expedient, most (not all) people will indulge. That is why any business deal must be on paper.
Hey, oddly enough I listened to a podcast on lying on How Stuff Works. Listen if you are interested.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/podcasts/stuff-you-should-know.rss
A comment on Conversation: If someone you knew was a pathological truth-teller; how would you react to this person?
A comment on Conversation: If someone you knew was a pathological truth-teller; how would you react to this person?
A comment on Conversation: What are 5 things you have learned that has completely changed your life?
A comment on Talk: Jon Nguyen: Tour the solar system from home
Gravitational force
A comment on Conversation: What are 5 things you have learned that has completely changed your life?
1. Real estate agents, lawyers - basically anyone you do business with has their own interests at heart. Even a lawyer that is representing you wants to spend as little time as possible on your case even if it means you will suffer great consequences - it's all about the money. Same with real estate agents. They just want to close the deal quickly and if it means you will lose money, too bad for you. Many of them will try to sell you a house you cannot afford and don't care if you lose the house or have to eat pork and beans the rest of your life.
2.Unfortunately there are parents that will deny anything bad they have done to you. Some people have egos that do not allow them to deviate from their definition of reality and that reality is of their making. There are even parents that claim they love you, but will not help you with homework or protect you from a person that is hurting you. Don't listen to words - look at actions.
3.There are people out there who will be on your side. I hope you will find them.
4.Save money. At least 10% of your income. If you are thinking about getting married discuss with your intended how they feel about finances. Live below your means.
5. Try to live an honorable life. You will be one of the few. Our world needs such people.
6. In most cases it is true that it is who you know rather than how much you know that has to do with you getting a job.
7. If at all possible keep in touch with your family. They are your roots in life. Generally friends come and go, but family remains.