There is a very well-developed field (decision theory), and technology and methods (decision analysis), for hard choices. It's worth everyone's attention.
It is important to visualize future prospects/scenarios as a way of contrasting options. We never compare option A against option B. We compare futures under the assumption of A against futures under the assumption of B. Ideally, we also estimate the differing likelihoods and use this to weigh things.
Concretely, there are simple things to do that address the issues raised here. Almost always the best thing is to devise new options that combine the best (dimensions of value) of the initially-presenting ones. Statically, we find the country house near a road right into the city. Dynamically, we have cereal sometimes, donuts sometimes. Exploring, we try out lawyering for a while, knowing we can change. Synergizing, we work part time at lawyering to fund an artistic life. No matter what we choose, we dive in. And we keep in mind choices are just ways to influence the future; they have consequences, sure, but we can and should choose again.
The proposed technique here -- figure out which option we can 'put ourselves behind/into' -- is quite useful. It's best use is not, however, at the point of choosing. Rather, we inhabit options to better project possible futures, clarify what matters to us, and devise better options. In this way clarity of action can emerge, and the hard choice, while perhaps not easy, can soften.
1 REPLY
FerlondaAug 22, 2014
Most cultures on the planet historically ate a fair amount of meat. Some cultures ate nothing but meat and animal products (Inuit, Masai) with good results. Not everyone can survive or thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet. I can't eat grains, rice, soy or most beans. That leaves me meat and veggies. I agree with you about eating meat being problematic, though, in terms of suffering of animals and humans both. If I could I'd be Breatharian. Seriously. My shamanic training has made it very clear to me that every thing that lives wants to live, even vegetables don't want to be eaten. But, if I don't eat then I die so... there it is.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
There is a very well-developed field (decision theory), and technology and methods (decision analysis), for hard choices. It's worth everyone's attention.
It is important to visualize future prospects/scenarios as a way of contrasting options. We never compare option A against option B. We compare futures under the assumption of A against futures under the assumption of B. Ideally, we also estimate the differing likelihoods and use this to weigh things.
Concretely, there are simple things to do that address the issues raised here. Almost always the best thing is to devise new options that combine the best (dimensions of value) of the initially-presenting ones. Statically, we find the country house near a road right into the city. Dynamically, we have cereal sometimes, donuts sometimes. Exploring, we try out lawyering for a while, knowing we can change. Synergizing, we work part time at lawyering to fund an artistic life. No matter what we choose, we dive in. And we keep in mind choices are just ways to influence the future; they have consequences, sure, but we can and should choose again.
The proposed technique here -- figure out which option we can 'put ourselves behind/into' -- is quite useful. It's best use is not, however, at the point of choosing. Rather, we inhabit options to better project possible futures, clarify what matters to us, and devise better options. In this way clarity of action can emerge, and the hard choice, while perhaps not easy, can soften.
1 REPLY
Most cultures on the planet historically ate a fair amount of meat. Some cultures ate nothing but meat and animal products (Inuit, Masai) with good results. Not everyone can survive or thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet. I can't eat grains, rice, soy or most beans. That leaves me meat and veggies. I agree with you about eating meat being problematic, though, in terms of suffering of animals and humans both. If I could I'd be Breatharian. Seriously. My shamanic training has made it very clear to me that every thing that lives wants to live, even vegetables don't want to be eaten. But, if I don't eat then I die so... there it is.