3 ms·

I think this is really about what drives thought: some external stimuli, or something internal (seemingly random, but not necessarily). I realize that I, like

by blunte 9y ago

I think this is really about what drives thought: some external stimuli, or something internal (seemingly random, but not necessarily). I realize that I, like most people, may be addicted to being "fed". Even in the bathroom, many of us are accustomed to reading news, watching youtube, etc. It's only when really cut off from TV, internet, etc. that the mind decompresses and starts generating ideas again. (This is not strictly true, as some reactionary thoughts are ideas - solutions to problems presented by external information.) Also, the thought of people not knowing what a phone book is made me realize I'm old. What a strange feeling.

otakucode 9y ago
Phone books are those things that show up every year to fill the extra dumpsters that are put out right at the same time. A beautiful example of exactly how capitalism works in our society. A corporation full of useless sacks of greedy, envious adipose tissue clutch tightly to unwisely made 'perpetual' contracts cities granted a century ago or more, riling with hisses, claws, teeth, and litigation any time their nest is disturbed and cities try to make their product an 'opt in' system or get rid of it entirely. Supply and demand be damned, they have their precious and they'll spit and scrap with anyone who dares to approach their warren. Occasionally you'll see a media distribution company executive pass along the outskirts of their habitat, cribbing notes on tactics that will be needed in their own coming days.
- wincy 9y ago
  Yeah, that's not capitalism. That's government being bad.
  - otakucode 9y ago
    You are sort-of right. It's not 'capitalism on paper' but 'capitalism in reality'. It's what you get when you implement it with real human beings as opposed to conjectured hypothetical actors in a model. I did specifically say 'as practiced in our society.' It was meant as an example of how 'providing the best product for the best price' is used as an excuse only exactly so long as it lines the pockets of those parroting it. The moment that changes and their product is unnecessary, they squeal like babies stuck with a pin and suddenly they need protecting.

by blunte 9y ago

otakucode 9y ago

Phone books are those things that show up every year to fill the extra dumpsters that are put out right at the same time. A beautiful example of exactly how capitalism works in our society. A corporation full of useless sacks of greedy, envious adipose tissue clutch tightly to unwisely made 'perpetual' contracts cities granted a century ago or more, riling with hisses, claws, teeth, and litigation any time their nest is disturbed and cities try to make their product an 'opt in' system or get rid of it entirely. Supply and demand be damned, they have their precious and they'll spit and scrap with anyone who dares to approach their warren. Occasionally you'll see a media distribution company executive pass along the outskirts of their habitat, cribbing notes on tactics that will be needed in their own coming days.

wincy 9y ago
Yeah, that's not capitalism. That's government being bad.
- otakucode 9y ago
  You are sort-of right. It's not 'capitalism on paper' but 'capitalism in reality'. It's what you get when you implement it with real human beings as opposed to conjectured hypothetical actors in a model. I did specifically say 'as practiced in our society.' It was meant as an example of how 'providing the best product for the best price' is used as an excuse only exactly so long as it lines the pockets of those parroting it. The moment that changes and their product is unnecessary, they squeal like babies stuck with a pin and suddenly they need protecting.