Denying Problems When We Don’t Like the Solutions (perhaps somewhat off-topic)

[OKIsItJustMe]

55. It actually does matter

With free will, we can alter our behavior.

There are things we should not blame others for. (e.g. Simple reflex actions.—If I am hit by someone jerking their hand away from a flame, I can hardly blame them.)

There are things we should blame others for. (e.g. Intentional actions.—If someone, without provocation, punches me in the face. I will blame them.)

Rather than excusing everything, by saying “they cannot help themselves,” I prefer to use a variation on “Hanlon’s Razor”—“Never attribute to malice, that which is adequately explained by stupidity” (or ignorance.)

Our tendency is to follow “programmed behavior,” since that requires the least thought. However (by my way of thinking) true intelligence is the ability to transcend our “programmed behavior.”

Our “programmed behavior” you have identified with the growth imperative. I agree. We are programmed to eat, excrete and breed. To expand the gene pool.

However, as it turns out, we can learn new behaviors (like not using the Thames as an open sewar or not using the Cuyahoga as a chemical waste dump or not building housing developments over hazardous chemical waste.) Yeah, it may take us a while, but we can learn new behaviors.

It’s this ability which may get us through the next century.