Self Interest

Self interest is occulted by ideology.

Facts

If one is not entitled to one's own facts, then are we really free?

Buy Nothing

Is a campaign to buy nothing a form of advertising?

Propaganda Studies: Addled Minds

Today, FM has a good post concerning the effects of propaganda, the technical skills behind it (propaganda is not nearly as encompassing without technique), the isolation required to maximize its impact, and some examples, including some very illuminating quotes.  One does not need to buy it all, just enough for the propagandists to be successful in their broader goals.

On Progress

Absent traction, spinning wheels do nothing but burn rubber and consume fuel.

Bloated

A bloated parasite is a rich parasite.

Abundance

Abundance conceals poverty.

Yes, It's True...

The rich are different from you and I, they're heartless scum.

Learning

Although some may possess the ability to simply absorb abstract information, for most (excluding those with a learning disability), one must want to learn something for it to stick.  The necessity of desire is obvious to those whom it applies, for many of the minority that can do otherwise it is an alien concept.  Erroneously, it therefore becomes an issue of just not trying hard enough.  The question of why should someone expend effort on something non-applicable to their daily existence is never considered.  Like most talents, It seems natural learners do not necessary develop insight into its process.

Objectionable People

Rather than be identified with objectionable people, self interest is often discarded.

The Assholocracy

The assholocracy pretty well defines the elite worldwide.

The Better Course

A crisis may be mitigated, but it rarely can be entirely avoided.  Many believe otherwise and will often negate, or at least blunt, measures taken to defuse the situation.  False beliefs are a matter of degree, but can combine with even greater impact than would otherwise be the case where each to be considered in isolation. Bipolar errors are simplistic, but gradational misconceptions are potentially far more destructive.  A heretic is more threatening than an infidel.  A partial believer causes more damage than one who simply refuses to acknowledge party lines.  The former finds an opening whereas the other only encounters a wall.  Commonality is a better foundation for devastating critiques.  Weakness may be exploited by a subtle examination.  Brute force combats inertia; something more subtle deflects.  In the end, a new angle may be the better course.

Sudden Death

Sudden death is a real shocker when it is self inflicted.

Monsters

Why we invented monsters. Some are real.

Motivation

Motivation only has meaning in court; otherwise actions count.