Sherrinford Holmes // Dr. Telephosphor (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
getoutofmylab) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
omegafriends2014-06-02 06:29 pm
getoutofmylab) wrote in omegafriends2014-06-02 06:29 pm
(no subject)
A
[audio post]
Ah... So, in a competitive system where each individual begins with the same opportunities and outcome is influenced only by skill and motivation to succeed - but success is necessarily attained at the expense of others - what characteristics would disqualify an individual from competing altogether?
I ask out of curiosity, as the conditions of a certain ongoing contest seem to parallel those of the world at large. People tend to characterize those who fail to participate in society as lazy or degenerate, but in reality it is the collective that decides whether an individual may compete - and that decision generally has little to do with ability.
My hypothesis is that human beings are not actually comfortable with participating in such a system, but must be convinced and trained to do so. Rejecting those who, for whatever reason, do not fit the competitive model is part of that process.
B
[ action post, later, at the Gold Mill ]
Sherri didn't go much for dancing, but he did enjoy orchestras and jazz music. More than that, the jazz club was a good place to sit and think about recent events with just the right amount of distraction. In any case, the atmosphere seems perfect for slightly-melancholy contemplation and being mysterious while wearing a snazzy suit. If anyone approaches him they will find that he is quite open to company, though.
C
[ less mundane action post, even later, anywhere in the city ]
Someone might have taken that audio post as an invitation - or perhaps they just really wanted to offer some intellectual criticism in the form of punching. Hopefully they won't forget to keep their crit (re)constructive!
[audio post]
Ah... So, in a competitive system where each individual begins with the same opportunities and outcome is influenced only by skill and motivation to succeed - but success is necessarily attained at the expense of others - what characteristics would disqualify an individual from competing altogether?
I ask out of curiosity, as the conditions of a certain ongoing contest seem to parallel those of the world at large. People tend to characterize those who fail to participate in society as lazy or degenerate, but in reality it is the collective that decides whether an individual may compete - and that decision generally has little to do with ability.
My hypothesis is that human beings are not actually comfortable with participating in such a system, but must be convinced and trained to do so. Rejecting those who, for whatever reason, do not fit the competitive model is part of that process.
B
[ action post, later, at the Gold Mill ]
Sherri didn't go much for dancing, but he did enjoy orchestras and jazz music. More than that, the jazz club was a good place to sit and think about recent events with just the right amount of distraction. In any case, the atmosphere seems perfect for slightly-melancholy contemplation and being mysterious while wearing a snazzy suit. If anyone approaches him they will find that he is quite open to company, though.
C
[ less mundane action post, even later, anywhere in the city ]
Someone might have taken that audio post as an invitation - or perhaps they just really wanted to offer some intellectual criticism in the form of punching. Hopefully they won't forget to keep their crit (re)constructive!
Audio
NERD FRIENDS HOORAYHe still disagrees with this whole thing, though.]Because this isn't an ideal system! A kill-or-be-killed mentality leads to nothing but destruction! What happens when there's only one person left? What happens when they die?
This competition, or contest, or whatever- we shouldn't be judging ourselves or others with the intent of an endgame winner. These systems should only act as a personal point of reference, for people to measure their own worth and strive to be better... And to encourage others to be better as well! Wouldn't it be preferable if everyone reached success together, even if their paces were different?
I don't know, it just... It feels wrong to encourage death and dominance.
no subject
[ For the record, he is so opposed to it that it has circled back around and ceased to be something he thinks about being opposed to. ]
no subject
I- I mean, I guess so? I would hope so. If we're all naturally headed for something undesirable, then shouldn't we make an effort to change that?
no subject
For instance... say you're being chased by a tiger that intends to eat you, and the only way to escape would be to jump down an abandoned well. The logical choice is to let yourself be eaten rather than starving to death, because then your demise will at least have served some purpose to someone.
Most people, however - even knowing this - would probably throw themselves down the well.
no subject
It's... admittedly a little nonsensical, and usually doesn't work, but hope isn't a totally logical thing. I prefer it for all its flaws!
no subject
Returning to our discussion of competitive systems, however, do you think it's possible that most people are operating in the hope that the current system will work for them? Perhaps they view themselves as being somehow different from everyone who fails, or they feel that they have more to gain in this system than in whatever system society is heading towards.
no subject
[The super biz is not the safest.]