On 16 Aug, 07:48, 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.
I found nothing in it to take personal offense to. I take it from this, that you, like me, are left-handed. As the old saying goes...we're the ones in our 'right mind'!! - Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text -
