I see what you're saying here Ash and can't help but think that all of our reality must be defined mathematically. If I fart in a public place and call the guy next me a nasty bastard, he'll denie that he passed gas. If I just shrug my shoulders and imply that I'm in fact the nasty basard who done the deed the effect is the same... everyone smells my stench and I'm still the nasty bastard. If you come to my house for dinner and lick the plate I would't think any less of you but please excuse yourself before passing gas or you will not be reinvited. No one wants to smell ass at the dinner table. The point is that we each have our own formula for relationships and when we process the information correctly the result comes out within reasonable tolerances.
On Aug 16, 2:48 am, Ash <[email protected]> wrote: > On 8/9/2010 9:52 AM, Pat wrote: > > > > > I think that usage is not particularly scientific but more > > colloquial. Deane answer, below, is more the scientific view. Also, > > we must remember that "good person" couldn't possibly apply to those > > that are not "Homo Sapiens", yet evolution applies to ALL species. > > Thus, even if I train my dog to have perfect "Western" table manners, > > it's still not a 'good person'--might be a great dog and a helluva > > canine, but not a good person. And, of course, table manners are no > > show of evolution despite the fact that there are people who display > > them who feel that they are "a product of better breeding"; whereas, > > in truth, it might just be better 'training' (i.e., table manners is > > little more than 'stupid human tricks' and certainly doesn't > > demonstrate whether or not a person is 'good' or have any bearing on > > their evolution). As an aside to this and to link them together in a > > sideways kind of way, I suppose the habit that Englishmen have of > > 'holding the knife with the right hand' whether or not the individual > > is using it, MAY actually BE good evolution, as it affords them a > > better chance at defending themselves if attacked whilst eating!! > > I think this thread has covered habit, habitat and now habituation :), > and I agree often walking and talking like one may be a sign, but then > what is this 'duck' anyways? > > Surprise a southpaw might keep the knife in the right for more practical > reasons, one might want to reserve the greatest asset to flexible use, > in a split second how many people will drop a knife for one of the > dozens of other effective weapons at a dinner table. Well the thought > crossed my mind recently when I wondered why I was cutting awkwardly > with my right. I switched for ease but was annoyed at the fact this gave > away tactical information. After consideration I decided it is best to > keep a hot cup of coffee at the table, glass plates, and preferably a > table/chairs with wooden legs and not bolted to the floor. There's large > numbers of people around, all pretending to be caught up in little > table-worlds, conspicuous consumption at it's best. Worst of all, I > can't lick my plate. :( I should stand up before leaving and do that > sometime just to see what it feels like, would I feel the cruching > anxiety of people judging me or would I feel free? I could think to > myself I feel free of judgement, while the onlookers would say look what > society is devolving into. My secret is while most people would think > this doglike behavior, I have pride in it, I remember how little most > know of dogs (people, or reality) or what it is like to starve like one. > Nothing directed at you personally Pat, just ranting somewhat in context.- > Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text -
