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tump
ban the undead



Registered: 03/17/16
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why do we remember only the bad.
#23402986 - 07/02/16 02:53 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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If i had a time machine and went back to 1920 to kill Hitler and take his place. Only i don't bluid a political party based on hate. So i still come to power and still reform New German with no World War 2,no holocost. And make the first space program and get people to the moon. Would anyone remember the name Hitler then?
Is it not human natural to pick out only the evil and wrongs in the world with no regard to good
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MycoGawd
Stranger

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23402997 - 07/02/16 03:05 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Not always... depends on your perspective and which one is more memorable.
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quinn
some kinda love


Registered: 01/02/10
Posts: 6,799
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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23403264 - 07/02/16 07:09 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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there are plenty of 'good guys' as popular as hitler like mandela, ghandi, the dalai lama etc etc ??
-------------------- dripping with fantasy
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: quinn]
#23403442 - 07/02/16 08:37 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I don't think we do. I remember an equal amount of good as I do bad in my time here.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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Citizen X
Call me Pepper,,

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: Jokeshopbeard]
#23403462 - 07/02/16 08:46 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I don't think that's true neccesarily I tend to not dwell on the bad parts of my past. I think of them as scabs, in that picking at them will only cause it to get worse and bleed.
Personality differences/traits
--------------------
Rate me here
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clock_of_omens
razzle them dazzle them


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23403549 - 07/02/16 09:24 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
tump said: Would anyone remember the name Hitler then?
Yes.
Quote:
Is it not human natural to pick out only the evil and wrongs in the world with no regard to good
No.
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laughingdog
Stranger

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23405462 - 07/02/16 10:04 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
tump said: ...
Is it not human natural to pick out only the evil and wrongs in the world with no regard to good
In the case of post traumatic stress disorder it is not a matter of consciously picking things out. Conditioning has taken place at a deeper level.
Like wise with more ordinary processes, like riding a bicycle, it has become unconscious.
So to make our minds a pleasant place takes either luck and mostly happy circumstances, or some effort. And they say what is in the mind influences perception of reality. Fortunately if we understand this we can make the effort to cultivate those qualities that lead to happiness for ourselves and others.
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23405690 - 07/02/16 11:38 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
tump said:
Is it not human natural to pick out only the evil and wrongs in the world with no regard to good
It's very functional for an animal to focus on the negative.
In the wild, an animal can be attacked at any moment. To focus on the negative is highly adaptive.
Scientists call this the “negativity bias” of the brain =
“The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positives ones.”
We have thousands of thoughts every day, and many (or most) are negative.
This trait has helped our species survive.
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demiu5
humans, lol


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23405739 - 07/02/16 11:54 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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i can't speak for anyone else, obviously, but i feel as if i tend to [over-]glorify the past, often times reveling and living in it, as opposed to the present.
that isn't to say i don't often dwell on negative experiences with people, but it is generally overshadowed
when taking stances on larger events, those that affect more than just myself, i would have to agree with you. why this is i can only guess it is in attempt to continue learning from those events or because one desires the outcome(s) to be different
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: demiu5]
#23405756 - 07/03/16 12:01 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I tend to give more weight to the past than the present.
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pineninja
Dream Weaver



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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23405761 - 07/03/16 12:02 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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You may we don't.
-------------------- Just a fool on the hill.
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: pineninja]
#23405768 - 07/03/16 12:04 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Your cognitive habit is to focus on the present and the positive?
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pineninja
Dream Weaver



Registered: 08/17/14
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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: RJ Tubs 202]
#23405784 - 07/03/16 12:12 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Im not being chased by tigers so usually yes.
-------------------- Just a fool on the hill.
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: pineninja]
#23405796 - 07/03/16 12:17 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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In the US, we spend $100 billion a year on drugs, to try to neutralize our depression and anxiety.
So you are one of the lucky ones.
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: RJ Tubs 202]
#23406131 - 07/03/16 05:53 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
RJ Tubs 202 said: Your cognitive habit is to focus on the present and the positive?
IME, those that can achieve this state for anything more than say, 30% of their waking hours, are either extremely gifted or have spent years mastering how to stay in the present.
I once read something that went along the lines of 'if you can keep your focus on an object such as your breath, a candle, colourwheel, etc, for more than 60 seconds without your mind wandering, you are already an extremely gifted meditator'.
I've not spoken to any man who can achieve this '60 seconds' without practice.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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redgreenvines
irregular verb


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: Jokeshopbeard]
#23406193 - 07/03/16 07:04 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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it usually takes about 5 minutes to half an hour to get in the zone where 60 seconds of concentrating on one thing works. this can fall apart in an instant. distraction is the norm. beginning again is the practice that helps you begin again and again.
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_ 🧠 _
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: redgreenvines]
#23406204 - 07/03/16 07:19 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I actually find it easier to maintain in my first few minutes of meditation. It generally becomes harder the longer I sit, although I have reached breakthrough moments which might equate to the physical 'runners high' when committing serious time to practice.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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drolman
Dimension Jumper

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: redgreenvines]
#23406212 - 07/03/16 07:25 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I believe a lot of people focus on the negative. I think their is also a lot of emphasis on the negative. If I stole a car, hit five other cars and was arrested in my town, everyone would remember me for that. Now if I got a 3.8 gpa and volunteered in my town, It would be of little remembrance. Now if I did the first scenario but then turned my life around and did good things, I would still be remembered for the bad. Stereotyping also comes in with this and we only focus on those negatives.
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: Jokeshopbeard]
#23406220 - 07/03/16 07:29 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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My understanding is there's no goal in meditation. To gave a goal would be counterproductive. We are not trying to focus on anything exclusively or keep the mind from wandering, but to observe our thoughts so we don't get swept away by them.
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: drolman]
#23406224 - 07/03/16 07:32 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
drolman said: I believe a lot of people focus on the negative. I think their is also a lot of emphasis on the negative. If I stole a car, hit five other cars and was arrested in my town, everyone would remember me for that. Now if I got a 3.8 gpa and volunteered in my town, It would be of little remembrance. Now if I did the first scenario but then turned my life around and did good things, I would still be remembered for the bad. Stereotyping also comes in with this and we only focus on those negatives.
yeah
If we're walking down the street and there's one couple making out on the corner and another couple across the street having a rip roaring screaming fight, which couple are we more interested in?
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: RJ Tubs 202]
#23406236 - 07/03/16 07:38 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
RJ Tubs 202 said: My understanding is there's no goal in meditation. To gave a goal would be counterproductive. We are not trying to focus on anything exclusively or keep the mind from wandering, but to observe our thoughts so we don't get swept away by them.
I agree. It's the ability to keep from getting swept up in them for more than 60 seconds to which I refer. It's taken an awful lot of practice to be able to do so IME.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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RJ Tubs 202


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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: Jokeshopbeard]
#23406266 - 07/03/16 07:55 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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I still habitually try to make goals of meditation.
Many people struggle with judging themselves, "I'm such a crappy meditator"
Random thought =
When I began to meditate a few years back, I was reminded of the album by Ministry, "The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste"
(Not sure you are of the age to know or appreciate that reference)
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Jokeshopbeard
Humble Student

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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: RJ Tubs 202]
#23406554 - 07/03/16 10:10 AM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Not of the age to remember it (32) but certainly of an age where I can likely appreciate it. As long as it's not death metal.
-------------------- Let it be seen that you are nothing. And in knowing that you are nothing... there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to gain. What can happen to you? Something can happen to the body, but it will either heal or it won't. What's the big deal? Let life knock you to bits. Let life take you apart. Let life destroy you. It will only destroy what you are not. --Jac O'keeffe
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tump
ban the undead



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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: Jokeshopbeard]
#23407703 - 07/03/16 04:39 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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The one making out
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pineninja
Dream Weaver



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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23408132 - 07/03/16 07:12 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Its a choice not an absolute, empowered with this knowledge happiness can ensue.
-------------------- Just a fool on the hill.
Edited by pineninja (07/03/16 07:12 PM)
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ripT
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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: pineninja]
#23408658 - 07/03/16 10:13 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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We don't remember only the bad, we remember extremes on every side of the spectrum, good and bad.
It's a good question to why we only remember the extremes though.
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Duncan Rowhl
Fiducia Christum



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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: tump]
#23420307 - 07/07/16 01:55 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
tump said: If i had a time machine and went back to 1920 to kill Hitler and take his place. Only i don't bluid a political party based on hate. So i still come to power and still reform New German with no World War 2,no holocost. And make the first space program and get people to the moon. Would anyone remember the name Hitler then?
Is it not human natural to pick out only the evil and wrongs in the world with no regard to good
If you done those things, you'd be remembered, documented in tens of thousands of books and recalled in literally every quiz show.
Being remembered and having fame is only important if you are heavily invested in this existence. For many who aren't, their only concern is themselves remembering the divine source in an effort to return to it.
Edited by Duncan Rowhl (07/07/16 02:01 PM)
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once in a lifetime
sun child



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Re: why do we remember only the bad. [Re: Duncan Rowhl]
#23420364 - 07/07/16 02:14 PM (7 years, 6 months ago) |
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so - hey all - there is one mechanism about the human ( and mammalian , i believe this is true for most mammals )
we remember. . . . well -- here is the thing - there's a mechanism to remember painful events more sharply or clearly than average events...
from an evolutionary view, the general idea of it is that we'll learn to be careful, etc. --
but -- in our new environment ( and even for a couple hundred years ) this has to be adjusted or adapted. . .
simply knowing about it is a huge help, though - psychologically speaking, it is a significant factor of life - means, a strong resilience to those events, and or - a strong connection to the positives and so forth,
in other words - this evolutionary mechanism ( for survival ) can almost backfire when it comes to day to day life and so forth . . . but -- and this is the huge but -- (lol, no pun intended),
understanding this aspect of nature is half the battle in transcending it, and so forth. . .
-------------------- Innocent, Oldfield & Hegerland Julia Delaney, Bothy Band Rasta Girl, Sister Carol Genesis, Jorma K I Wish You Peace, Lawrence Laughing Do Your Thing, Moondog large . . music garden . . veryall peace them hiStarhouse - main Time Traveler's Guide
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RJ Tubs 202


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Quote:
once in a lifetime said:
... there's a mechanism to remember painful events more sharply or clearly than average events.
Neurologists call this the "negativity bias" of the brain. An adaptive feature indeed.
The phenomenon that negative experiences have a greater effect on one's psychological state than neutral ones.
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