posted
I worded this quite vaguely since I think it's quite applicable across many facets in our lives. But recently, I've noticed more and more how people let other's opinions influence and even dictate what they choose to do and not to do. I've noticed in some friends of mine that they will turn away from their interests because the herd of people that have spoken out about the topic were negative.
Personally, while the logic is sound in the sense that they will save themselves time, I'd question where this saved time is being spent if not on your interests.
Last night I decided to read "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. I've seen several posts here and there about it being amazing, terrible, underwhelming, or whatnot. After reading it, I don't feel an overwhelming sense of self realization by any means, but I wouldn't go as far as talking ill of the book. It can serve to help people experience the "hero's journey" which is the core of many stories out there. It's not terribly dense or difficult to unpack, but I wouldn't devalue the book by any means. I've spent years wanting to read this book because of the hype, but last night I finally did because I saw posts talking less of it.
I enjoyed it. It's akin to The Little Prince. A very straightforward story that can be appreciated by all to some degree. At the least, it will open a door to allow a person to look more introspectively on their lives and to connect with themselves and their virtues. To put such a lesson in an easily digestible book is nothing short of valuable.
So all in all, think for yourselves whether to pick up a book or not. Take the opinions of others always with a grain of salt(even mine for that matter), because your experience will not be theirs. Follow your bliss, and trust in the path you want to take.
Posts: 1 | Registered: Mar 2021
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posted
Back in the day before Rotten Tomatoes but after the “Uncle Orson Reviews” column started, my rule to decide whether or not to see a movie was
1. What does OSC think of it?
2. What does my ex-wife think of it?
On the rare occasions they agreed it was good, the movie was ALWAYS worth watching. Otherwise, I rarely made the effort to see it, if I wasn’t already interested.
I always find reading the 1 and 2 star book reviews on Amazon to be really enlightening.
Posts: 3354 | Registered: May 2005
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quote:Originally posted by steven: Back in the day before Rotten Tomatoes but after the “Uncle Orson Reviews” column started, my rule to decide whether or not to see a movie was
1. What does OSC think of it?
2. What does my ex-wife think of it?
On the rare occasions they agreed it was good, the movie was ALWAYS worth watching. Otherwise, I rarely made the effort to see it, if I wasn’t already interested.
I always find reading the 1 and 2 star book reviews on Amazon to be really enlightening.
How can you still choose from Amazon? I mean, they're too evil.
Posts: 116 | Registered: Jul 2016
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quote:Originally posted by steven: Back in the day before Rotten Tomatoes but after the “Uncle Orson Reviews” column started, my rule to decide whether or not to see a movie was
1. What does OSC think of it?
2. What does my ex-wife think of it?
On the rare occasions they agreed it was good, the movie was ALWAYS worth watching. Otherwise, I rarely made the effort to see it, if I wasn’t already interested.
I always find reading the 1 and 2 star book reviews on Amazon to be really enlightening.
How can you still choose from Amazon? I mean, they're too evil.
I’m enjoying watching Bezos self-destruct. Every dollar I give him sends farther and farther down the path to misery. He ruined the quality of Amazon reviews, which were actually really useful for about 4 years there. He cannot suffer enough for that. LOL
Posts: 3354 | Registered: May 2005
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quote:Originally posted by DevonBirch: I worded this quite vaguely since I think it's quite applicable across many facets in our lives. But recently, I've noticed more and more how people let other's opinions influence and even dictate what they choose to do and not to do. I've noticed in some friends of mine that they will turn away from their interests because the herd of people that have spoken out about the topic were negative.
Personally, while the logic is sound in the sense that they will save themselves time, I'd question where this saved time is being spent if not on your interests.
Last night I decided to read "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. I've seen several posts here and there about it being amazing, terrible, underwhelming, or whatnot. After reading it, I don't feel an overwhelming sense of self realization by any means, but I wouldn't go as far as talking ill of the book. It can serve to help people experience the "hero's journey" which is the core of many stories out there. It's not terribly dense or difficult to unpack, but I wouldn't devalue the book by any means. I've spent years wanting to read this book because of the hype, but last night I finally did because I saw posts talking less of it.
I enjoyed it. It's akin to The Little Prince. A very straightforward story that can be appreciated by all to some degree. At the least, it will open a door to allow a person to look more introspectively on their lives and to connect with themselves and their virtues. To put such a lesson in an easily digestible book is nothing short of valuable.
So all in all, think for yourselves whether to pick up a book or not. Take the opinions of others always with a grain of salt(even mine for that matter), because your experience will not be theirs. Follow your bliss, and trust in the path you want to take.
Perhaps it helps to realize they are not turning away from their own interests, but in fact fitting in with their desired in-group is part of their interests.
Ultimately, what I think is useful is to understand how your interests do or do not benefit yourself and others.
Posts: 1194 | Registered: Jun 2010
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