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Mark Greif (of n+1 fame) has addressed this in a slightly different context: > Many of us try to justify our privileges by pretending that our superb tastes an
by robenkleene 8y ago
Mark Greif (of n+1 fame) has addressed this in a slightly different context:
> Many of us try to justify our privileges by pretending that our superb tastes and intellect prove we deserve them, reflecting our inner superiority. Those below us economically, the reasoning goes, don’t appreciate what we do; similarly, they couldn’t fill our jobs, handle our wealth or survive our difficulties. Of course this is a terrible lie.[1]
[1]: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/books/review/Greif-t.html https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/books/review/Greif-t.html
- MFLoon 8y agoThat doesn't really sound anything like misdirected stoicism... that's just being a garden variety asshole.
- Pharmakon 8y agoThere seems to be significant overlap between the two populations. SV “Stoics” are not the most loveable or even tolerable folks, and it’s not a shock that they draw a degree of scorn, mockery and ire. Where I think that reaction goes wrong is that assigns to malice what is more properly explained by a combination of cluelessness and a lack of social skills. Instead of blaming the cogs who drank the Kool-Aid I wish people would direct their scorn to the people pulling their strings. Recognize it for what it is, a pseudo intellectual means of control for a group that would be largely unmoved by more common religious, or social structures. It’s also a coping mechanism for people working jobs they hate in a place they can’t really afford, while surrounded by the lottery winners of their field.