Kunglangeta: Mind knows what to do, but does not do it.*
*how Inuits describe a sociopath
I'd say the two life-enriching activities of my days off have been hiking/scampering along Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park (beautifulbeautifulbeautiful); and reading Dr. Martha Stout's "The Sociopath Next Door".
I would like to lend this book to everyone. I don't believe in it's opinions whole-heartedly (psychology's "truths" are always in a state of change, after all); but it's sure as hell shed some light on the motivations of people I've/we've known.
And truthfully: it's made me take a long hard look at my own motivations for being "good". After the super-ego and all it's assorted vanities, along with the fear of retribution and legal prosecution are shaved away: my own conscience appears smaller, pinker, and somewhat under-developed.
That's slightly empowering, but moreover depressing.
But dammit, it's there.
No Virginia, I am not a sociopath.
And I'm not a depressive.
I'm not a doctor either, but we'll gloss over that little fact for now. :D
But getting back to Bill Goat Trail: it's a gleefully primal arrangement of winding paths, rock walls, and big boulders for leaping over and onto, as well as squeezing between. And there are waterfalls....great waterfalls. Thanks to Other-Erin and Ladee-Dee for bringing me to such natural delight.
I'd say the two life-enriching activities of my days off have been hiking/scampering along Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park (beautifulbeautifulbeautiful); and reading Dr. Martha Stout's "The Sociopath Next Door".
I would like to lend this book to everyone. I don't believe in it's opinions whole-heartedly (psychology's "truths" are always in a state of change, after all); but it's sure as hell shed some light on the motivations of people I've/we've known.
And truthfully: it's made me take a long hard look at my own motivations for being "good". After the super-ego and all it's assorted vanities, along with the fear of retribution and legal prosecution are shaved away: my own conscience appears smaller, pinker, and somewhat under-developed.
That's slightly empowering, but moreover depressing.
But dammit, it's there.
No Virginia, I am not a sociopath.
And I'm not a depressive.
I'm not a doctor either, but we'll gloss over that little fact for now. :D
But getting back to Bill Goat Trail: it's a gleefully primal arrangement of winding paths, rock walls, and big boulders for leaping over and onto, as well as squeezing between. And there are waterfalls....great waterfalls. Thanks to Other-Erin and Ladee-Dee for bringing me to such natural delight.