Why do humans argue?
Because we have it too good? Because there are so many options and interpretations? Because we think people should see the world the way that we see the world? Because we are rational and they are not? Because our way is right and their way is wrong? I gave up quite a lot in January. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fast carbs, meat, fish, gluten and all grains (I tried to Aldo go vegan but cracked on cheese!). I didn't shout about it, but it came up in conversation and the person I was talking to asked, "is there any evidence that giving up all these things is actually healthy?" The real question is, will this make a difference if I answer you? For any similar questions: What evidence do you have that this thing is the right thing? What actual proof do you have that giving up x is good for you? Well, rather than arguing. Ask, "what could I say that would persuade you?" Again, this question assumes we are rational. A better question, "if there were irrefutable evidence, would you try it today, right now? Would you give up that steak that is sitting in front of you, what about that toasted bacon bagel?" Probably not. What evidence would you need to be convinced? If it is that an expert has some data then you can probably find it if you needed to and looked. But what is an expert? More likely, the threshold for most people is that it is accepted into popular opinion, although they would not like to admit it. Why wait? Getting something into popular opinion is very slow. Changing the masses behaviour is very slow. Not that we should throw out science, but to understand that to consider science separately from politics and persuasion could be considered by some as quite naive. You are taught in school that science is reason. However, when you grow up you realise that humans have biases. Biases in results, in statistics, in storytelling, in politics, in what gets funded and in who listens to whom. A better marker, like Nassim Taleb says, is where should the burden of proof be? Why wait to see if fucking with food until it is not food anymore hurts humans over three generations? This study will never get funded, and even if it finds results will need political influence to get past the trillions of dollars in interests counter to these results. If it is not natural, it is probably bad. A much simpler way to navigate life. |
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