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Thread: Recommend some must-read literature

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    Default Recommend some must-read literature

    Recommend your favorite books. I look forward to reading them.

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    You won't like what I read; I read mostly non fiction books, biographies and psychology books.

    I'm reading Quiet, a book on introverts, by Susan Cain, now.
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    The State by Plato, Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, The Little Prince, Tao Teh Ching.
    “I tell you, freedom and human rights in America are doomed. The U.S. government will lead the American people in — and the West in general — into an unbearable hell and a choking life. - Osama bin Laden

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aquagraph View Post
    The State by Plato, Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, The Little Prince, Tao Teh Ching.
    Terry Pratchett has been recommended to me by a friend.

    Which book should I start with?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jinxi View Post
    Which book should I start with?
    Basically anything from the Discworld series. The quality is pretty stable from one book to the other.
    “I tell you, freedom and human rights in America are doomed. The U.S. government will lead the American people in — and the West in general — into an unbearable hell and a choking life. - Osama bin Laden

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    If I could only ever recommend one book, now or forever, I'd recommend "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz. By far better than any book I had to read growing up for school, through college, etc. I know some people may think I'm gung-ho about success principles. But truly, if you want a better life, in whatever you do, want to be more successful, however you define success, I recommend that book. In particular, Chapters 2, 12, and 13 will push your mindset way ahead of your peers.

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    Heart (Cuore) by Edmondo De Amicis

    http://www.amazon.com/Heart-School-b...dp/1410103153/

    The diary of this schoolboy portrays real life situations that trace a natural roadmap for character building, compassion, solidarity, courage, integrity. This all comes about as the best choice a person can make as soon as he/she realizes that, rich or poor, bright or dull we are of the same stuff. The essential brotherhood or all persons becomes the center choice of its characters. Also this wonderful story never depends on myths and religion to teach generous attitudes and integrity to youngsters. The book tells one, without any superfluous discourse, that ethics and morals are human choices that we do choose because they are obviously the harbingers of harmony between people and a source of lasting joy.
    This italian novel, written in the mid 19th century and dealing with the fictional diary of a boy during his third year at a school might seem a bit sentimental and moralizing to modern audiences. It reminds us of a time when literature saw as one of its missions to try to inculcate certain moral values on its readers, values that might seem old fashioned today. Like being a good citizen, loving your country, being nice to the less fortunate than you, working hard, studying hard, etc.
    I read a copy of this book long time ago, and it stayed in my memory forever since.
    “Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.”

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly
    You've done yourself a huge favor developmentally by mustering the balls to do something really fucking scary... in about the most vulnerable situation possible.

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    American Gods by Neil Gaiman. My favorite book ever. Since high school I've read it at least once a year.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    If I could only ever recommend one book, now or forever, I'd recommend "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz. By far better than any book I had to read growing up for school, through college, etc. I know some people may think I'm gung-ho about success principles. But truly, if you want a better life, in whatever you do, want to be more successful, however you define success, I recommend that book. In particular, Chapters 2, 12, and 13 will push your mindset way ahead of your peers.
    Posts like this are interesting because they show how different people nurture different values and priorities, and it reminds me to appreciate diversity, regardless of personal ideals.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    In particular, Chapters 2, 12, and 13 will push your mindset way ahead of your peers.
    The way you think/talk about "getting ahead" of others is a bit distasteful to my liking.

    And your general forum presence doesn't fit the ENFp sociotype at all. Maybe you're just pushing your mindset way ahead of us. Don't try too hard though.
    Last edited by Park; 02-20-2012 at 06:56 AM.
    “Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.”

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly
    You've done yourself a huge favor developmentally by mustering the balls to do something really fucking scary... in about the most vulnerable situation possible.

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    The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
    The Winds of Light series by Sigmund Brouwer
    The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
    The Dictionary by Webster

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ritella View Post
    Over here, we'll put up with (almost) all of your crap. You just have to use the secret phrase: "I don't value it. It's related to <insert random element here>, which is not in my quadra."
    Quote Originally Posted by Aquagraph View Post
    Abbie is so boring and rigid it's awesome instead of boring and rigid. She seems so practical and down-to-the-ground.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    If I could only ever recommend one book, now or forever, I'd recommend "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz. By far better than any book I had to read growing up for school, through college, etc. I know some people may think I'm gung-ho about success principles. But truly, if you want a better life, in whatever you do, want to be more successful, however you define success, I recommend that book. In particular, Chapters 2, 12, and 13 will push your mindset way ahead of your peers.
    Ohhhh PLEASE this is NOT literature, SIGH.
    Obsequium amicos, veritas odium parit

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    Hermann Hesse - Siddhartha
    Gabriel García Márquez - One Hundred Years of Solitude
    John Kennedy Toole - A Confederacy of Dunces

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    Quote Originally Posted by Parkster View Post
    The way you think/talk about "getting ahead" of others is a bit distasteful to my liking.

    And your general forum presence doesn't fit the ENFp sociotype at all. Maybe you're just pushing your mindset way ahead of us. Don't try too hard though.
    Oh really? Distasteful to your liking? Good for you and your opinion.

    Why wouldn't you want to 'get ahead'? You're not a 'everybody should be equal' socialist, are you, Parkster?

    By the way, "Last edited by Parkster; Today at 02:56 AM." I saw what your originally posted. Why you felt the need to change your post to something more insulting, 2 hours later at night, is beyond me. But yes, it teaches integrity too.

    Quote Originally Posted by FDG View Post
    Ohhhh PLEASE this is NOT literature, SIGH.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jinxi View Post
    Recommend your favorite books. I look forward to reading them.
    I believe it qualifies as a "book" and fits the context of this thread. Perhaps if you read it, FDG, you'd understand why I recommend it.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Saberstorm View Post
    <<<I really do not think Mountain Dew is an ENFp.>>>
    Then start a new thread if you wish, don't derail the topic on this one.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    Oh really? Distasteful to your liking? Good for you and your opinion.
    Did you take offense at that, MD? Would you rather have me lie and tell you I like/agree with it? Maybe you would prefer if I kept every negative thing to myself.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    Why wouldn't you want to 'get ahead'? You're not a 'everybody should be equal' socialist, are you, Parkster?
    No, but there are certain aspects of humanity in which I do regard and do my best to treat everyone as equals. Some people have called me libertarian in the past, even though I do not subscribe to any particular philosophy.

    And it isn't about "wanting" (or not wanting) to get ahead, it's about the concept of thinking about life as a horse race that goes against some of my values.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    I saw what your originally posted.
    Okay.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    Why you felt the need to change your post to something more insulting, 2 hours later at night, is beyond me.
    I didn't feel the need to change my post to something more insulting, so back off with your assumptions. I returned to the forum, read the post, and thought of something that better reflects how I felt about you said. I didn't think about it in terms of whether and/or how much insulting it is going to be received as. Emotional connotations are something I rarely ever think about (consider) when writing or talking to people. What matters to me the most is to be truthful and accurate in depicting my views/opinions/feelings/etc. If you* get insulted in the process, I don't care. If you think I said something with the intent to insult you, you're probably wrong. And if you insist on thinking I intentionally insulted you after I tell you I didn't, you're a douche.


    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    But yes, it teaches integrity too.
    Good.


    *impersonal "you"
    “Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.”

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly
    You've done yourself a huge favor developmentally by mustering the balls to do something really fucking scary... in about the most vulnerable situation possible.

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    Ups to k0rp

    Anything by Herman Hesse. A prophet if there ever was one, and one of the most brilliant storytellers in our history.
    But, for a certainty, back then,
    We loved so many, yet hated so much,
    We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

    Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
    Whilst our laughter echoed,
    Under cerulean skies...

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Parkster View Post
    Would you rather have me lie and tell you I like/agree with it? Maybe you would prefer if I kept every negative thing to myself.
    I'd rather you control what you say. I'll simply quote the great Lou Holtz on this one: "Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them."

    Quote Originally Posted by Parkster View Post
    No, but there are certain aspects of humanity in which I do regard and do my best to treat everyone as equals. Some people have called me libertarian in the past, even though I do not subscribe to any particular philosophy.
    Yes, I believe in some aspects we are all equal. I believe people can put themselves in a position to win, however.

    Quote Originally Posted by Parkster View Post
    And it isn't about "wanting" (or not wanting) to get ahead, it's about the concept of thinking about life as a horse race that goes against some of my values.
    *edit* I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive. Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place? Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Maritsa33 View Post
    You won't like what I read; I read mostly non fiction books, biographies and psychology books.

    I'm reading Quiet, a book on introverts, by Susan Cain, now.
    That sounds interesting. How is it going?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    *edit* I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive. Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place? Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.
    lol, wat?
    Obsequium amicos, veritas odium parit

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    I don't think the world should be a horse race either.

    Hmm two books I've read lately both coincidentally are set during the Holocaust: Sarah's Key and The Book Thief. Both very good.
    It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aquagraph View Post
    The State by Plato, Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, The Little Prince, Tao Teh Ching.
    Damn I was gonna recommend The little Prince too! haha. One of the most amazing books I have reread for a long time.

    I read an interesting book by Louisa May Alcott called A long fatal love chase. It's very interesting. It's part of the Gothic Romanticism Era literature. I like Anne Rice. She proves you don't need to be born in an era in order to belong to it. She is mistress of Gothic Romanticism. It's one of my favorite eras..age of enlightenment following after.

    Gosh there are lot's to think of.... Aristotle's Metaphysics... George Orwell, Marcel Proust (Incredible work.... just incredible) H.G Wells and Jules Verne. Interesting connections between the latter twos work.

    Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman and Stephen Hawking's books are amazing! If you are interested in those subjects.

    What do you like to read?

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    Let's fly now Gilly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    I'd rather you control what you say. I'll simply quote the great Lou Holtz on this one: "Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them."
    Wow, you're a douche.

    I mean, it's not like I LIKE hearing my girlfriend and friends and people on the forum bitch, it sucks and brings negative energy, but as long as it's not excessive, it's a very healthy practice to vent frustrations and negative feelings. Not doing so is a recipe for nothing but self-hatred, anxiety, and emotional isolationism.

    I just removed my first answer, perhaps it could be viewed as offensive. Mind if I ask, Parkster, are you independent, working and paying all your bills, rent etc., have your own place? Your not wanting the world to be a 'horse race' just makes me feel like you're not independent yet, or experienced what it's like.
    Lol wow, you presumptuous ass. I actually don't get along with Parkster but I have to stand up for him on this one.

    You, my friend, are a relic of the 1950s and what was once again reflected in the 1980s: sterile American success-idealizing who's-the-best-ant mentality and it's rather pathetic. In fact I personally find it repugnant. I can see it in your face in your avatar; you have the glazed look of someone who has been seduced to believe that he will be happy or get what he's looking for as long as he follows a certain formula. It's a lie and it will make you die unhappy and emotionally alone, whether you wind up in an expensive high-rise condo or a bougie mansion with 4 kids. Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere. You are being jerked around by your dick and I hope you realize it before you wind up with an even emptier look in your eye in exchange for a full bank account.
    But, for a certainty, back then,
    We loved so many, yet hated so much,
    We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

    Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
    Whilst our laughter echoed,
    Under cerulean skies...

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    Let's fly now Gilly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kent Lorne View Post
    Damn I was gonna recommend The little Prince too! haha. One of the most amazing books I have reread for a long time.

    I read an interesting book by Louisa May Alcott called A long fatal love chase. It's very interesting. It's part of the Gothic Romanticism Era literature. I like Anne Rice. She proves you don't need to be born in an era in order to belong to it. She is mistress of Gothic Romanticism. It's one of my favorite eras..age of enlightenment following after.

    Gosh there are lot's to think of.... Aristotle's Metaphysics... George Orwell, Marcel Proust (Incredible work.... just incredible) H.G Wells and Jules Verne. Interesting connections between the latter twos work.

    Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman and Stephen Hawking's books are amazing! If you are interested in those subjects.

    What do you like to read?
    +1 to Carl Sagan. Joseph Campbell is a treat as well.
    But, for a certainty, back then,
    We loved so many, yet hated so much,
    We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

    Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
    Whilst our laughter echoed,
    Under cerulean skies...

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    Let's fly now Gilly's Avatar
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    If you want to read the most poignant short stories you'll ever encounter, read The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Absolute genius.
    But, for a certainty, back then,
    We loved so many, yet hated so much,
    We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

    Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
    Whilst our laughter echoed,
    Under cerulean skies...

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    +1 to Carl Sagan. Joseph Campbell is a treat as well.
    Joseph Campbell is amazing! Oh the things he can do to your soul...

    I have personally never read The Illustrated Man. I'll take that recommendation too Gilly. Sounds wonderful. Thanks!

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    I mean, it's not like I LIKE hearing my girlfriend and friends and people on the forum bitch, it sucks and brings negative energy, but as long as it's not excessive, it's a very healthy practice to vent frustrations and negative feelings. Not doing so is a recipe for nothing but self-hatred, anxiety, and emotional isolationism.
    Yeah Gilly. My ex-boyfriend said the same quote to me once that Mountain Dew did. Then I remember why I broke up with it. (I think I purposefully used 'it' and not him because not only does it make me not like you romantically much (much) more importantly than that it takes away your humanity in my eyes -- yes I don't forgive pretentious snobbery very easily.) I am an emotional person. If you are going to get all uppity and emo and my emoness we'll make a horrible match.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    I mean, it's not like I LIKE hearing my girlfriend and friends and people on the forum bitch, it sucks and brings negative energy, but as long as it's not excessive, it's a very healthy practice to vent frustrations and negative feelings. Not doing so is a recipe for nothing but self-hatred, anxiety, and emotional isolationism.
    I can understand where you're coming from. I thought the quote was rough the first time I heard it, but then I realized, anytime you vent to get out negative, it's only a short-term relief. It creates a bad cycle of needing to vent to feel better. It's tough to hold back at first, but when you can overcome your problems on your own, you become more confident and more independent. I don't feel the need to vent anymore about anything, I'm quite relaxed. I feel bad for others who still *need* to vent to overcome, sorry that they haven't discovered peace of mind yet.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Lol wow, you presumptuous ass. I actually don't get along with Parkster but I have to stand up for him on this one.
    I asked him a question to confirm my suspicion. I left the door open to being wrong, so I didn't just "presume" I was correct.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    You, my friend, are a relic of the 1950s and what was once again reflected in the 1980s: sterile American success-idealizing who's-the-best-ant mentality and it's rather pathetic. In fact I personally find it repugnant. I can see it in your face in your avatar; you have the glazed look of someone who has been seduced to believe that he will be happy or get what he's looking for as long as he follows a certain formula. It's a lie and it will make you die unhappy and emotionally alone, whether you wind up in an expensive high-rise condo or a bougie mansion with 4 kids. Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere. You are being jerked around by your dick and I hope you realize it before you wind up with an even emptier look in your eye in exchange for a full bank account.
    I believe in empowerment, not 'compliance and subservience' which you "presume". In fact, I stand against people feeling like a 'hamster' or running the 'rat race' in life, I encourage people to think and take control of their lives. Any time you change, or step outside your comfort zone, it can be uncomfortable, Gilly. I'm going somewhere in my life, going to be successful financially, emotionally, spiritually, personally, etc., and would like others to come along. But hey, you're entitled to live your life however you want, and if you want to stand on the sidelines and criticize how I pursue my goals, you're more than welcome to.

  28. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by BulletsAndDoves View Post
    Yeah Gilly. My ex-boyfriend said the same quote to me once that Mountain Dew did. Then I remember why I broke up with it. (I think I purposefully used 'it' and not him because not only does it make me not like you romantically much (much) more importantly than that it takes away your humanity in my eyes -- yes I don't forgive pretentious snobbery very easily.) I am an emotional person. If you are going to get all uppity and emo and my emoness we'll make a horrible match.
    I disagree with you, but I like that you stood up for what you believe in. The world would be boring if we were all the same.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Prescribing a "recipe for success" is what institutions like religions are based upon: setting false expectations in order to encourage compliance and subservience. These values are promoted by the wealthy or those in positions of power or influence to make people feel as though their hamster wheel is going somewhere.
    I fully agree. Institutions like the church or the state set up lifestyle ideals in the name of "society" and tell you how to achieve them. However, they always profit themselves from your hard work to reach the said goal. You're better off if you question those ideals seriously and think about if that's what you really want.
    „Man can do what he wants but he cannot want what he wants.“
    – Arthur Schopenhauer

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    I can understand where you're coming from. I thought the quote was rough the first time I heard it, but then I realized, anytime you vent to get out negative, it's only a short-term relief. It creates a bad cycle of needing to vent to feel better. It's tough to hold back at first, but when you can overcome your problems on your own, you become more confident and more independent. I don't feel the need to vent anymore about anything, I'm quite relaxed. I feel bad for others who still *need* to vent to overcome, sorry that they haven't discovered peace of mind yet.
    Lol, it's not "rough;" quit coming from this condescending perspective, like you know the road, and oh it's hard, but we must try...what the fuck is that? Stop reassuring yourself.

    It's funny that you think I advocate people expressing themselves any time they want; don't misrepresent my position, that's a logical fallacy.

    But maybe I haven't elaborated on my position fully. Personally I do NOT believe in expressing whatever whenever; that's selfish and counter-productive to both emotional health and healthy relations with the people you express yourself around. But it's NOT healthy to hold it all in. Any therapist will tell you the same; people go crazy that way. You have to dig down and be real or else you will wind up an empty shell of yourself with a heart burning in self-righteous contempt for the rest of the world. There has to be balance and compromise.

    I asked him a question to confirm my suspicion. I left the door open to being wrong, so I didn't just "presume" I was correct.
    The self-congratulating quotes in your signature imply otherwise.

    *bunch of memes*
    You can say whatever you like, but your attitude speaks louder than your words.
    But, for a certainty, back then,
    We loved so many, yet hated so much,
    We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

    Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
    Whilst our laughter echoed,
    Under cerulean skies...

  31. #31
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Lol, it's not "rough;" quit coming from this condescending perspective, like you know the road, and oh it's hard, but we must try...what the fuck is that? Stop reassuring yourself.
    Have you tried calming yourself by doing something other than 'venting' and cursing? I've tried both, and I can compare and see which things have worked, and which haven't.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    But maybe I haven't elaborated on my position fully. Personally I do NOT believe in expressing whatever whenever; that's selfish and counter-productive to both emotional health and healthy relations with the people you express yourself around. But it's NOT healthy to hold it all in. Any therapist will tell you the same; people go crazy that way. You have to dig down and be real or else you will wind up an empty shell of yourself with a heart burning in self-righteous contempt for the rest of the world. There has to be balance and compromise.
    And how do therapists get paid? By curing people. What if everyone is cured? Wouldn't they lose their jobs and go out of business? It seems they have an incentive to keep people coming back... if you want to talk about 'compliance and subservience', I believe coaches and mentors who have an incentive in seeing you succeed, not holding you back like certain therapists, are the best people to listen to.

    Generally, I agree with you. You should never feel like you are 'holding something in', I just found healthier ways of expressing myself than venting. There are specific people in my life I can talk with about problems. I don't dump my problems on anyone willing to listen, though.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    The self-congratulating quotes in your signature imply otherwise.
    Quotes from other people about me are not 'self-congratulating'.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    You can say whatever you like, but your attitude speaks louder than your words.
    I agree.

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    Glorious Member mu4's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    I believe in empowerment, not 'compliance and subservience' which you "presume". In fact, I stand against people feeling like a 'hamster' or running the 'rat race' in life, I encourage people to think and take control of their lives. Any time you change, or step outside your comfort zone, it can be uncomfortable, Gilly. I'm going somewhere in my life, going to be successful financially, emotionally, spiritually, personally, etc., and would like others to come along. But hey, you're entitled to live your life however you want, and if you want to stand on the sidelines and criticize how I pursue my goals, you're more than welcome to.
    You've kinda of wrapped up the mechanism of your own control in the words of empowerment. It's newspeak and doublethink. (Read Orwell)

    Terms like empowerment and taking control of your own life is in actuality removing the responsibility and roles played by the rich and powerful, the government, and various other organizations which influence your life. However by placing the full responsibility on the individual, it places all the full blame on the individual as well. It's quite dissocative to think this way.

    The truth of one's individual control and sovereignty has always been a non-absolute, one takes upon a role, and performs that role in exchange for good/services/power/influence, and whatever benefit one might derive from that role. Empowerment is understanding your current role in society, and choosing the role you will play or won't. And it's not like you can even escape this role, even the rebel plays a role.

    I think Shakespeare puts it pretty well in his work "As you like it"(Read Shakespeare)

    Quote Originally Posted by Shakespeare
    All the world's a stage,
    Quote Originally Posted by Shakespeare
    And all the men and women merely players:
    They have their exits and their entrances;
    And one man in his time plays many parts,
    His acts being seven ages. As, first the infant,
    Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
    And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
    And shining morning face, creeping like snail
    Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
    Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
    Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
    Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
    Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
    Seeking the bubble reputation
    Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
    In fair round belly with good capon lined,
    With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
    Full of wise saws and modern instances;
    And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
    Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon,
    With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
    His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
    For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
    Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
    And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
    That ends this strange eventful history,
    Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
    Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
    Anyways, empowerment always entails a bit of rebellion, a good analogy is the rebellion of Lucifer against God, even through Lucifer was the best Angel, his rebellion against God is necessary. Al-through the conventional Christian interpretation is to remain a slave to God and worship God wholeheartedly without question. The empowering option is to rebel and question the authority of God and to not worship God but find one's own path to goodness. Metaphorically, the great writers have always been more or less on the side of Lucifer, for he is a more apt representative of man and in a way, the correct representative of man. (Read Paradise Lost)

    Quote Originally Posted by Paradise Lost
    Into this wilde Abyss,
    The Womb of nature and perhaps her Grave,
    Of neither Sea, nor Shore, nor Air, nor Fire,
    But all these in their pregnant causes mixt
    Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight,
    Unless th' Almighty Maker them ordain
    His dark materials to create more Worlds,
    Into this wilde Abyss the warie fiend
    Stood on the brink of Hell and look'd a while,
    Pondering his Voyage; for no narrow frith
    He had to cross.
    John Milton was a writer who was supportive of the deposing and execution of King Charles the I during his time so this story is with Lucifer as the protagonist.
    This passage is about Lucifer going on a quest from Hell to Earth. This particular passage is used as the namesake of Philip Pullman's book series(read His Dark Materials).

    In many ways, this story is similar to the story of man and the individual, the understanding of our roles in life, which we rarely choose and understand unclearly, and a rebellion against it, for good and ill.

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    I believe in empowerment, not 'compliance and subservience' which you "presume".
    You do not *truly* empower people because you fundamentally do not respect them. That's what its coming across like to others, it's this core empathy that you lack and any lack of empathy is always annoying no matter who it's coming from. People see your cheesy grin in that avatar and they want to troll you and light your skin on fire so you cry along with the rest of the human race. Sometimes all people need is an ear to bitch/listen to but you go straight for 'advice/fixer upper mode.' It's sort of a narcissistic self-defense mechanism to keep you from having to connect with people. My ex used to do that and it was a form of abuse to me. You become sorta that 'king of anything guy' Sara Barellisas sings about. It's like Buffy Season 7, the only reason why Buffy's empowering speech worked is because she tried for years after doing it the hard way and being a downer/trying to connect but failing. Your big 'advice givin moments' should be earned more or something.

    You can't be a business man and this "inspirational person" at the same time unless you somehow make it really big in Hollywood, which actually combines socialism with capitalism. You come off as phoney. Leave the 'advice giving' to the artists who aren't selling themselves out to a company that's known for scamming others and should have been shut down long ago.

    If you really want to be this dude that helps people and gives real inspiration, then I think you will listen to mine and Gilly's constructive criticism. Understanding how you emotionally effect others his *huge* when determining your own success. You do not want to piss off your customers after all, they are the ones that are always right because it is they who will make you the star, not the other way around.

    I will back off you for now because I don't really like tearing into people even though it's fun in the moment. I like to be gentle but the only way I know how to make you change is to tear into you.

  34. #34
    Let's fly now Gilly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
    Have you tried calming yourself by doing something other than 'venting' and cursing? I've tried both, and I can compare and see which things have worked, and which haven't.
    Certainly. Have you missed the countless times I've recommended people try meditation and the like? I rarely "vent" or "curse" in real life.

    And how do therapists get paid? By curing people. What if everyone is cured? Wouldn't they lose their jobs and go out of business? It seems they have an incentive to keep people coming back... if you want to talk about 'compliance and subservience', I believe coaches and mentors who have an incentive in seeing you succeed, not holding you back like certain therapists, are the best people to listen to.
    Oh jesus, really? Do you know any therapists?

    Therapists don't "cure" people. Nobody gets "cured" of psychological afflictions, and most any therapist you ask will tell you the same. Therapists help people function. People can be made to be more functional, but real disorders don't just "go away;" you have to cope with them. Seeing a therapist is just like taking medication or hormone therapy. There's a reason people go back to them again and again: it works.

    Generally, I agree with you. You should never feel like you are 'holding something in', I just found healthier ways of expressing myself than venting. There are specific people in my life I can talk with about problems. I don't dump my problems on anyone willing to listen, though.
    Wait, so first you suggest that therapists are inherently fraudulent, then confess to essentially using their methods. Is this discussion or a circle jerk?


    Quotes from other people about me are not 'self-congratulating'.
    So true, but there's nothing more self-infantilizingly arrogant than parading it around like a gold star.
    But, for a certainty, back then,
    We loved so many, yet hated so much,
    We hurt others and were hurt ourselves...

    Yet even then, we ran like the wind,
    Whilst our laughter echoed,
    Under cerulean skies...

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    Surving Socionics,
    Apostles of Socionics,
    Monkey Business,
    Socionics Harlequin,
    I Solved Socionics.

    I wrote them all, pretty good piece of literature and available now for free on 16types.info.

  37. #37
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    Quote Originally Posted by hkkmr View Post
    Terms like empowerment and taking control of your own life is in actuality removing the responsibility and roles played by the rich and powerful, the government, and various other organizations which influence your life. However by placing the full responsibility on the individual, it places all the full blame on the individual as well. It's quite dissocative to think this way.
    EXACTLY. Take control of your own life, taking full responsibility, you CHOOSE where you're at! If you're don't like where you're at, CHANGE it! Although you seem to want to blame others' power over you, and you seem to want a handout from the rich and powerful.

  38. #38
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    Quote Originally Posted by BulletsAndDoves View Post
    You do not *truly* empower people because you fundamentally do not respect them. That's what its coming across like to others, it's this core empathy that you lack and any lack of empathy is always annoying no matter who it's coming from.
    I choose who I respect. And no, I do not respect the average person who argues how others should do things for them, and doesn't take responsibility to improve your situation. I can't respect someone who isn't willing to work. So if you get that vibe from me, you're absolutely right.

    Quote Originally Posted by BulletsAndDoves View Post
    People see your cheesy grin in that avatar and they want to troll you and light your skin on fire so you cry along with the rest of the human race.
    You have issues.

    Quote Originally Posted by BulletsAndDoves View Post
    If you really want to be this dude that helps people and gives real inspiration,
    That's not what I want.

    Quote Originally Posted by BulletsAndDoves View Post
    then I think you will listen to mine and Gilly's constructive criticism.
    No. I think you give good advice, if I were truly trying to change your opinions here, or motivate you guys, but I am not.

  39. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Certainly. Have you missed the countless times I've recommended people try meditation and the like? I rarely "vent" or "curse" in real life.
    Could have fooled me, since you seem to enjoy venting and cursing here.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Oh jesus, really?
    I'm flattered, but I am not your God.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Therapists don't "cure" people. Nobody gets "cured" of psychological afflictions, and most any therapist you ask will tell you the same. Therapists help people function. People can be made to be more functional, but real disorders don't just "go away;" you have to cope with them. Seeing a therapist is just like taking medication or hormone therapy. There's a reason people go back to them again and again: it works.
    There's a reason people smoke, to give them that short-term relief, or who drink on the weekends, to take away their short-term problems, both of those things work. Doesn't mean long-term, big picture, that they're going to do any good for actually solving your problems.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    Wait, so first you suggest that therapists are inherently fraudulent, then confess to essentially using their methods. Is this discussion or a circle jerk?
    My mentors are not therapists, and they do not tolerate problem-dumping either. I go to them for constructive criticism, if I need it.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
    So true, but there's nothing more self-infantilizingly arrogant than parading it around like a gold star.
    I'm flattered for someone with over 21,000 posts on this forum to pay attention to my signature, it's a compliment for you to pay so much attention to me.

  40. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kent Lorne View Post
    I think being in a state of empowerment and control shouldn't create a blame game within yourself. If you are in control, you can change the outcomes. That's an empowering feel. Now you have the power to change what you don't like. You don't need to wait for others to change it for you. But that most certainly doesn't mean that everything around us is our fault and the government takes no responsibility at all. That's taking it a bit too literally. If education systems are poor, you don't suddenly tell yourself, oh my god! What have I done! But, yes when we ALLOW a system to continue, then maybe that's something to change. What's the saying... it takes good people to do nothing, for evil to survive? I think when you have power, don't fret over blame, just feel good that you can change what went wrong. No power like that power that can change wrongs to rights. Blame and guilt happen when there is no control and no way to make things better.
    I like this, but taking control is not something I blame myself for or feel guilty for. 'Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.' I agree, of course there are factors you can't control. I, however, do take full responsibility for the situation, regardless if it's completely my fault or not.

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