Path to Pleasure

People rather fight than switch. It's because they do not want to give up their pleasure circuits. Someone tells you that being a strong individual, completely self reliant, competitive, always at your best, clever and above all living life with a winning carriage---well, if it works and it brings you pleasure you are not going to give up anything. And you are not going to share. And you could one day become the Speaker of the House.

But what if someone tells you that sharing, being helpful, listening to others, building consensus, feeling like "you belong" and above all being open to new ideas and experiences and others is the most important bunch-o-traits?---if that works and brings you pleasure you are not going to give that up. Certainly not.

People are righteous as hell about giving up their pleasure.

So Obama was cogent tonight. There was a bit of an all-for-one feeling in the chamber (but really, it was just an I-hate-China-and-fear-it-fest of bonding) but underneath it all, people were holding on tight to their pleasure path. La plus que ca change...

I was in the park today and stood by the chain link of the nature conservancy in the southeast corner near the little lake. There were so many birds. I saw a plump cardinal. You can see him-her in the picture if you look closely. It made me so happy. I would be furious if someone tried to dismantle that sanctuary.

Then, near Columbus Circle, still in the park, was a Muslim man in army fatigues kneeling on a waterproof rug in the snow, finishing up his prayers toward Mecca. I am sure feeling at one with Allah and all other E.S.T. Muslims at the exact same time, well, that must feel pretty good. And I bet he would fight like mad if you tried to stop him.

The plastic primate mind is hilarious. And dangerous. But that's how animals are.