Note that I am in no way advocating total optimism; I still abide by my rationalist philosophy. But, most often, the negative conclusions that people (who call themselves realists) come to are not rational. Get that for a second – they often accentuate the bad and are not looking at the situation rationally, as they form a (pessimistic) conclusion, then justify it afterwards. The rational (wo)man would assemble all of the “evidence”, and then piece it together to form a conclusion. And, though they think of themselves as rational, they are not.

“My mind wasn’t channeling any of its usual negative energy – energy, it turns out, it picked up from paying too much attention to the media.” —Ah, we have a convert!

“My posts were so filled with negative energy that it dragged me down…” —Indeed. When we’re plugged into the Matrix, as you say, it can really affect our mental states. That’s why I limit my news exposure to 5-minute radio soundbites—UNLESS the radio says something major and/or interesting is going on, in which case I’ll tune in to one o’ them left-wing radical cable news outlets to see if I really am interested. I time myself, though, and if I’m not feeling engaged or happy after 15 minutes, off it goes!

I agree with your definition of insanity. It’s sometimes difficult to pull oneself out of that loop, but it’s worth every effort to do so.

Personally, I have no idea whether the system sucks, or not; I tend to think that’s really none of my business. I just do what I feel called upon to do, and engage where it feels right. I think your realization that you cannot change IT is brilliant. There are many that would not agree with you or I on this. I don’t expect change from “others”, just from myself.

I love how nature contributed to your introspection. Sounds like the worst of it was being cold. {shiver}

We’ll you’ve got me going! I’m very pleased to know you are back, and better than ever. I look forward to reading more of your ideas and experiences.

Will: Turns out being a classic liberal is very close to being libertarian. But, in my definitions of the two terms, I am a classic liberal. Which is why I love my country, but hate my government (well, the people in government). Unlike some libertarians, I acknowledge the necessity of the state to protect its citizens using one code of law. In the anarchic strain of libertarianism, people magically work themselves out, or private entities resort to deciding what is law. I think that doesn’t work, thus I am a classic liberal in the vein of the Founding Fathers.

I didn’t know that you classed yourself as a classic liberal, Brett – I always took you as a libertarian. Oh well, I know we all can be wrong – and I am wrong a lot of the time. lol.

Good to see you’re good and safe.

i’ve always been apathetic to politics, and the very few times that an issue strikes a chord with me, i mostly get indignant and upset. that’s one of the reasons why i don’t really take an active role to know politics more.

as for your definition of insanity, i’m afraid i have to say i’m very, very insane according to your definition. will i change that of myself? well, change doesn’t happen in a day, or a week. but i’m aware of my flaws, and i suppose awareness is the first step to anything!

you go to school? i thought you’re working… so i suppose because of the ice storm, you’re now fitter physically and mentally with all that working out and reading!