One of the things that really irritates me is when people block the passing lane on the interstate. Maybe they think the "Keep Right Except to Pass" signs were put up as a vision test???
Another of my pet peeves is when people write off grand ideas with the "That will never happen!" response.
Someone might suggest, for example, how nice it would be if all of our streams and rivers were free of pollution. Admit it, that phrase went through your mind, am I right?
It's a knee-jerk reaction, and one I have had countless times myself. It is a "write-off" reaction, a conversation-ender. And since I took a semester of college psychology 25 years ago, I'm obviously in a position to fully analyze it. Holy SHIT! 25 years ago? [In case you weren't paying attention, that was the curse word]
With the exception of those few folks who can actually predict the future, here are the three possible meanings behind that phrase:
1. "It is unlikely to happen in my lifetime" - Now, this may be a reasonable conclusion in many situations. I am knocking on the door of 50, and statistics suggest I'll make it to 70 or 80, maybe even 90. In that timeframe, for example, it is logistically impossible that we would fully restore even a small portion of old-growth forests, assuming everyone agreed that was a wise effort. Maybe that's too short a timeframe to completely eliminate poverty, or reduce the murder rate to zero. Maybe those things would take 100 years, or 1000 years, or 10,000 years. But does that mean we shouldn't wish for it?! Or work toward it?! Or plan for it?! So instead of saying "That will never happen," try saying "That won't happen in my lifetime and I don't care about future generations so let's don't even try." It will be an equally effective conversation ender and a more accurate statement.
2. "That will never happen because we're on a path to anarchy and destruction" - It's true, there is some evil shit taking place in this world (sorry, that one slipped out). But there are also people of great courage, intelligence and compassion working to make things better, in ways small and large (almost certainly including you). And the possibility of new technologies solving some of our big problems cannot be discounted. And even if we are on a path to destruction, do you believe human society could not rise from the ashes? And that the lessons we learn and solutions we develop today would not inform future generations?
3. "That will never happen and I'm certain because I actually CAN see the future" - Got any stock tips?
The next time some romantic dreamer makes a wild statement about world peace or clean water or ending hunger, consider a different response. How about "What's your next step?" or "How can I help?"
But most importantly, please spread the word about the "Keep Right Except to Pass" thing. That's REALLY irritating.
I feel your pain with the "keep right" problem. In fact, I have someone I am very close to who is notorious for driving on the left and when I get to the point that I no longer care I am passenger seat driving, I say something about it. As for the "write off" comments, you make a good point. I think more people than we might think share our same big dreams, and if we would all just work together, rather than blow each other off, maybe we could accomplish those dreams a little quicker. I guess it is always the "how to" accomplish those dreams that get us at odds with each other. I love your photo in this post.
ReplyDelete