[mmasters]

Too many to name but I used to think universities, religion (when I was really young), banks, politics, and all the other institutions of our world were legit. I used to believe in the US and the US political system was the best and could not be corrupted. I thought 911 was legit early on. Thought the global conspiracy once was laughable and inane. I used to think our civilization was simply too advanced to falter within my lifetime.

So what strong opinions did you once have that have turned out to be REALLY wrong?

[sjn]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mmasters', 'T')oo many to name but I used to think universities, religion (when I was really young), banks, politics, and all the other institutions of our world were legit. I used to believe in the US and the US political system was the best and could not be corrupted. I thought 911 was legit early on. Thought the global conspiracy once was laughable and inane. I used to think our civilization was simply too advanced to falter within my lifetime.

So what strong opinions did you once have that have turned out to be REALLY wrong?

[threadbear]

Decades ago, I wondered if blacks were just a bit inferior. I didn't "believe" they were, I just wondered. Since that time I can see how untrue that is, but also understand how whites fall into this self reinforcing delusion.

[Denny]

I was really a believer in the extreme forms of capitalism in my twenties , influenced by the writings of Ayn Rand. One may simply call the philosophy the "virtue of selfishness". Mainly because I clearly saw the mess that govnerment made of things back in the 60's and 70's.

I now believe more in the idea of a mix of social and private investment and ownership. Some things are natual monopolies and these need strong government oversight, not necessarily ownership.

[Specop_007]

I used to think this guy I knew on a forum, mmasters, was a real smart dude that really had it together.

Man was I wrong.



Mainly though I agree with your ideas of the US political system.

[roccman]

Great idea for a thread !!

Back in my enlistment days with the Marines I thought by serving I was making a positive difference...you know "spreadin democracy"...

Man was I wrong.

[ExtractionEngineer]

Cool thread.

I used to strongly believe that truth was relative and that some "enlightened" life-philosophies existed that were not ultimately based upon faith (in whatever). Dead wrong on both counts!

[jdumars]

I reaaaalllly thought Sulu was straight.

[ExtractionEngineer]

Thought Michael Jackson was one of the coolest dudes on the planet....Thriller era.

It turned out not to be true.

[mobil1]

Stock markets were headed for a MAJOR crash in early 2000's.

Precious metals and other commodities were going to explode upwards in early 2000's.

I lost way too much money in early 2000's betting on these things.

Now I don't play the market anymore and am very dissappointed I had the right ideas about commodities and PMs but was too early and didn't have the patience and non-emotionality to ride it out.

[auscanman]

I used to think that the vast majority of people had the ability to grasp logic and make sensible decisions, based on realistic assessments of their future.

My attempts to discuss peak oil with people have convinced me that the exact opposite is the truth!

[cualcrees]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mmasters', 'T')oo many to name but I used to think universities, religion (when I was really young), banks, politics, and all the other institutions of our world were legit. I used to believe in the US and the US political system was the best and could not be corrupted. I thought 911 was legit early on. Thought the global conspiracy once was laughable and inane. I used to think our civilization was simply too advanced to falter within my lifetime.

So what strong opinions did you once have that have turned out to be REALLY wrong?

[Eli]

I used to be a Christian Zionist. I thought Israel had an unquestionable right to exist and that they could do whatever it takes to defend themselves. I was always on the side of Israel in every argument.


Now? not so much. I think they can be bastards just like all of us, and there is no religious reason for Israel to exist yet. It was interesting to discover that Hasidic and other Orthodox Jews believe it is the Messiah that is supposed to restore Israel and lead the Jews back into Jerusalem.

[ExtractionEngineer]

auscanman,
You are so right about logic. In the modern (and postmodern) world, logic and reason are largely dead. We homeschool our kids and two of our staples are formal logic and the socratic method (one in the same really). It is nice to have kids who can easily spot fallacious reasoning, and who are capable of applying logic to situations in their lives. I wish I had been instructed in these things earlier.

We could use a wise philosopher-king right now.

That being said, I have an acquaintance who logically understands peak-oil but he will not talk about it or even think about it much. Cognitive disonence and self deception are also very real.

[Pretorian]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Eli', 'I') used to be a Christian Zionist. I thought Israel had an unquestionable right to exist and that they could do whatever it takes to defend themselves. I was always on the side of Israel in every argument.

[auscanman]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ExtractionEngineer', 'a')uscanman,
You are so right about logic. In the modern (and postmodern) world, logic and reason are largely dead. We homeschool our kids and two of our staples are formal logic and the socratic method (one in the same really). It is nice to have kids who can easily spot fallacious reasoning, and who are capable of applying logic to situations in their lives. I wish I had been instructed in these things earlier.

We could use a wise philosopher-king right now.

That being said, I have an acquaintance who logically understands peak-oil but he will not talk about it or even think about it much. Cognitive disonence and self deception are also very real.

[FreedomSlave]

A basic level of intelligence and good nature in my fellow humans.

The belief in a benevolent supreme being (or one at all).

Complete delusions...

I have since come to my senses.

[threadbear]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Eli', 'I') used to be a Christian Zionist. I thought Israel had an unquestionable right to exist and that they could do whatever it takes to defend themselves. I was always on the side of Israel in every argument.


Now? not so much. I think they can be bastards just like all of us, and there is no religious reason for Israel to exist yet. It was interesting to discover that Hasidic and other Orthodox Jews believe it is the Messiah that is supposed to restore Israel and lead the Jews back into Jerusalem.

[Zardoz]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Pretorian', 'B')ut anyway, aren't Jews are supposed to go to Hell and burn alive forever after they die, according to Christians? Why bother with them now?