[quote]Gettnitdone wrote:
[quote]batman730 wrote:
On topic:
I think we all operate under any number of irrational beliefs about how safe/special/secure/invincible we are. In a sense we all assume that nothing really bad will ever really happen to us, until it does. In some ways I think this is a healthy quality that allows us to dare greatly without worrying too much about all the unknowable things that my or may not happen every second of every day. It may even be necessary for our mental health. Like anything else it’s a balancing act and it can get out of hand though.
I take intelligent, managed, physical risks all the time, both for work and recreation. I generally assume it’s going to turn out all right. Even when things start to go sideways, I continue making decisions and solving problems under the assumption that there is a way through and that I will find it. No point in assuming anything else. When my time’s up, it’s up and nothing will save me. However, I keep my insurance paid, my will current, my conscience clear and my questions about the afterlife as covered as they can be.
When that certainty grows into a blindness that makes you reckless, overconfident or prevents you from taking measures to mitigate those risks where possible, it becomes a problem.[/quote]
I think this is a great post, even though I have nothing much to say on the topic.
But let me get to something you said: “When my time’s up, it’s up and nothing will save me. However, I keep my insurance paid, my will current, my conscience clear and my questions about the afterlife as covered as they can be.”
What about accounting for the feelings of the people close to you that love you? I feel your post ignores anything regarding the emotional and relationship side of risk taking.
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If my post came off that way it was not my intention at all. I try to account for the potential emotional and relationship impact of all my decisions. I value my family above everything else on this earth. If anything, my love for my family is what will help bring me through if and when things ever get really bleak and I feel like giving up and accepting my “fate”.
I simply meant that each of us inevitably owes a death and few of us will get to choose the time or manner in which it happens. I have a somewhat fatalistic attitude about these things. I obviously accept that being an idiot has a negative impact on your life expectancy. I am very cautious and considered about how I take risks, but in the end life is risk. I just don’t believe that you will live any longer hiding under your bed than can living your life and taking intelligent risks. IMO your death is out there and it will find you when it’s ready, no matter what you do.
As such I make a point to keep all my relationships in good standing and my affairs at least somewhat in order in the event that mine should find me sooner than I might hope. All I can do to mitigate the emotional impact of my “untimely” death on my loved ones is to love them as well as I can while I’m here. To mitigate the practical/financial impact I have taken those steps I can to minimize the burden for those left behind. I have done everything in my power to care and provide for my family. This is my responsibility and I also feel it makes my survival more likely in critical situations as I won’t be distracted worrying about all those things which will help me concentrate in staying alive.
Similarly, coming to some sort of resolution that you find acceptable regarding questions of “faith” and/or “spirituality” is also a good idea. I believe we have a human compulsion to look for those answers and if we haven’t done so ahead of time we will be scrambling to find them when the shit hits the fan. This is distracting and not at all helpful.
I hope that clarifies my stance a little.