Yet another five...
...things to improve your life. This time some common sense sub-buddhist wisdom for the modern age.
Been a minute since we added a list to this here site so we thunk it was time to do a new one. This time we bring you 5 things you ought to know that sometimes we don't learn as early on in life as we should.
- 1) All media represents the prejudices of a small number of people.
- No matter how it likes to portray itself there is no such thing as impartial media. It all is the product of somebody's agenda. Think of an example of "good" journalism. How closely does it correlate with or inform a world view or political leaning that you already held? Thought so. Ask yourself "who made this program, newspaper article, website? How? What made them pick this subject?". If you can't answer these questions pick up a copy of "Flat Earth News". But remember that has an agenda too. And so does this website.
- 2) Sometimes the herd is right.
- We all know the masses are idiots. They vote for the wrong people, have the wrong priorities, read tabloid shit that they believe causing them to form dangerous opinions. We should reject anything populist because it was clearly made that way by a bunch of tools. Except for when it's actually good. Sometimes the hivemind gets things right. Don't reject it just because the idiots also like it. In other words I finally gave in and bought an iPod and I'm glad I did.
- 3) It doesn't matter what people think of you. Except when it does.
- Colleagues telling you you've "sold out" doesn't matter. Your boss telling you you are acting like an idiot does. See the difference?
- 4) Some of the coolest people you will ever meet don't like the same music as you
- It's amazing how hard this is for some people to get to grips with. By all means join a tribe based on your love of metal, happy hardcore, shoe gazing indie wank...whatever just don't assume everyone else gives a toss how you identify yourself. And don't allow the prejudices of your "tribe" influence your opinion of others.
- 5) Read Alot
- Personally I aim to get through of books a month. Mix fiction and non-fiction. Occasionally pick subject matter that you think you disagree with, don't allow authors to simply preach to the converted. Remember step 1.
And there you have it. More from th rough guide to life.
Be a better person.