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I agree that regret can distract you from happier and productive thoughts, but we are probably evolved to feel regret because (1) regretting doing X reminds you
by Bostonian 6y ago
I agree that regret can distract you from happier and productive thoughts, but we are probably evolved to feel regret because (1) regretting doing X reminds you not to do X again (2) you may avoid doing X knowing that will regret it.
Have you read books about philosophers such as Spinoza who thought about free will?
- braddavis 6y agoI've read a bit - not heard of Spinoza. Been down many rabbit holes on Wikipedia on the subject. Yeh, it does feel like its evolved in. I do come across many people who become enraged about random accidents who are completely unreceptive to the philosophy. Whereas for myself, I just think, it was always going to happen, let's deal with it - "it's no use crying over spilt milk.". The only need to express emotion is for other people's sake (discipline, demonstrate group membership), etc. I think "God has a plan" is the alternative philosophy most people ascribe to with a similar goal.
- meiraleal 6y ago> I do come across many people who become enraged about random accidents who are completely unreceptive to the philosophy. Whereas for myself, I just think, it was always going to happen, let's deal with it A drunk person has more chance to hit or be hit by a car than someone sober. "it was always going to happen" is a frequentist thinking while life is Bayesian.
- hw-guy 6y agoRegret, if it is expressed, can also help others avoid making similar mistakes. A form of altruism?