why do some people whinge so much?

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by marki

Referring to the thread . Not only do we have whinging threads, now we have threads about whinging threads

Mark

It's the echo.

[traveller (Bo)]

Originally Posted by supernova1965

I will have a say all the complain threads get heaps of replies but positive threads are virtually ignored in comparison sad that it is this way below is one example. Lets change that

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=90302

As usual Warren, your comments are given a wide berth.
Now that everyone had a good whinge let's get back to my original question WHY do SOME people whinge SO much?
I whinge as much as the average bloke, but some people seem to relish in it. Don't get me wrong, whinging is good. It brings people together through shared experience and sometimes it's good just have a good whinge.
But there is a fine line, a self fulfilling prophecy if you will, when one whinges because there doesn't seem to be any rational explanation and worse still, the negativity is contagious. Before you know it, mass hysteria takes over and we are all doom and gloom, but for what reason?
I agree with what Trevor said earlier about something's beyond ones control, but its the disproportionate or unrational response and their frequency thats unexplained and it seems to be getting worse.
My $0.02
Bo

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by traveller

As usual Warren, your comments are given a wide berth.

That is something I have noticed before and wondered at Bo maybe I am raining on a good winge but it is true that the negative gets more mileage than the positive a great shame it's like we want to be angry and at each others thoats

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by traveller

As usual Warren, your comments are given a wide berth.
Now that everyone had a good whinge let's get back to my original question WHY do SOME people whinge SO much?
I whinge as much as the average bloke, but some people seem to relish in it. Don't get me wrong, whinging is good. It brings people together through shared experience and sometimes it's good just have a good whinge.
But there is a fine line, a self fulfilling prophecy if you will, when one whinges because there doesn't seem to be any rational explanation and worse still, the negativity is contagious. Before you know it, mass hysteria takes over and we are all doom and gloom, but for what reason?
I agree with what Trevor said earlier about something's beyond ones control, but its the disproportionate or unrational response and their frequency thats unexplained and it seems to be getting worse.
My $0.02
Bo

Hi Bo,

It is an interesting topic whinging. Perhaps that is because good news is simply boring. After all, what can you say to good news, great, well done, that's fantastic...... which are well and good but simply lack traction for a discussion of ideas and opinions. Whinging gives more traction, as we have seen on IIS, and I make no claim to be innocent in this regard either. Even when something positive happens, there are always those that will have differing opinions.

Although I am no philosopher, giving this some thought I feel that we are taught, indirectly, to whinge rather than have a positive and rational exchange of ideas. We only have to look at the way our, so called, leaders in our community behave, who are absolutely negative about everything other than themselves, due to their hidden, and not so hidden, agendas. Also, we are often punished for doing wrong, but are never rewarded for doing right, thus reinforcing a negative attitude. Furthermore, look at the balance in the media between good news and bad, the latter being way ahead. Good news just doesn't sell papers, once again reinforcing the negative.

Alternatively, perhaps we are just hard-wired to be negative, after all, if we were completely happy and contented, would we have progressed? Would we ever have had reason to strive to be better? Just look at the wars this world has faced and the technological advances we have made directly because of them, after all military development has made many positive contributions. Sure, they have brought death and destruction, but look at the societies that developed after them, let alone mention all the wonderful technology we now take for granted. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is debatable and isn't the point I am making anyway.

So, are we hard wired to be negative? I think we are, otherwise we wouldn't need psychologists, medical and drugs (legal or illicit) to make us feel better. I know, as I have had to battle depression in the past decade, with a recent decline, and all I strive for is to be positive and happy. And, the one thing I really hate is people telling me that it could be worse, thus reinforcing the negative. Yes, it could be worse, as I am grateful for still being here, but it could also be a lot better.

But then, a philosopher once said, "As great as your sadness, so shall your happiness be. For without one, there is no measure of the other."

[casstony]

I can think of a few things worth having a whinge about: mosquitos, politicians, bureaucrats, illness.

I can think of a few things to be greatful for: kids, dogs, trees, hot & cold running water.

Nothing wrong with having a whinge so long as you don't dwell on the negative stuff.

[traveller (Bo)]

Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA

Hi Bo,


Although I am no philosopher, giving this some thought I feel that we are taught, indirectly, to whinge rather than have a positive and rational exchange of ideas. We only have to look at the way our, so called, leaders in our community behave, who are absolutely negative about everything other than themselves, due to their hidden, and not so hidden, agendas. Also, we are often punished for doing wrong, but are never rewarded for doing right, thus reinforcing a negative attitude. Furthermore, look at the balance in the media between good news and bad, the latter being way ahead. Good news just doesn't sell papers, once again reinforcing the negative.

But then, a philosopher once said, "As great as your sadness, so shall your happiness be. For without one, there is no measure of the other."

thanks Peter, I think you have hit the nail on the head!
Bo

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by traveller

thanks Peter, I think you have hit the nail on the head!
Bo

Maybe Bo, but I doubt the nail would agree!

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

I been following this thread from the sideline ...

OK ...I'll bite

It's because we are all sitting in our own ' chair '

Whattda' mean Flash ...??

Well .... It sure looks different from where I'm sitting....!!
and so it is with everyone else.

Makes sense now doesn't it ..!! And we all have a ' whinge ' ( including me ) because we have a need at sometime to ' voice ' our opinion about something.

Flash

[PCH (Paul)]

[QUOTE=casstony;848632]I can think of a few things worth having a whinge about: mosquitos, politicians, bureaucrats, ...

Tony,

I thought you were listing them in order of intellectual capacity there - starting with the highest

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

Originally Posted by supernova1965

That is something I have noticed before and wondered at Bo maybe I am raining on a good winge but it is true that the negative gets more mileage than the positive a great shame it's like we want to be angry and at each others thoats

Warren , it might have something to do with our English heritage.

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA

Hi Bo,

....But then, a philosopher once said, "As great as your sadness, so shall your happiness be. For without one, there is no measure of the other."

That's a great quote Peter. I shall have to try and think of life's ups and downs more in those terms

[casstony]

[QUOTE=PCH;848651]

Originally Posted by casstony

I can think of a few things worth having a whinge about: mosquitos, politicians, bureaucrats, ...

Tony,

I thought you were listing them in order of intellectual capacity there - starting with the highest

There are similarities - they're all part of the insect family, they all bug you at every opportunity, and nobody misses them if they get squashed

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by PCH

That's a great quote Peter. I shall have to try and think of life's ups and downs more in those terms

Hi Paul,

The quote actually comes from the following, which I have just looked up, but I slightly misquoted it:


THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS - TO BE WHAT EVER YOU CAN BE.

You are not ordinary. You are extraordinary. There will never be anyone like you again.

Do not do what you have always done. Do the things you have never done: those things you thought you could never do.

Life is not predictable. Seek not to make it so. A great joy of living is not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Make each day an adventure.

To be happy you have only to be yourself. To this end, nurture your creativity and spontaneity, for they are the essence of your being.

Remember, as great as your happiness, so shall your sadness be. Without one there is no measure of the other.

Above all, do not allow your spirit to be tamed. It is that which connects you to all things. We are all one - part of a great whole.

When you feel confused, listen to your inner voice and follow your intuition. Remain true to yourself and you will help guide the universe on its way.

Love other persons by allowing them the freedom to be themselves. Have no expectations of them and you will never be disappointed, only pleasantly surprised.

Open yourself to others and they will open themselves to you. In this way are great gifts exchanged and intimate relationships forged.

It is the belief that you carry in your heart that causes you to fear other human kinds. Question your beliefs, for it is in this manner that you learn to love your fellow man.

You are what you are, but it is what you can become that will amaze. Fulfil your destiny. It is never too late.
David Wills 1994

[PCH (Paul)]

Peter,

thanks for going to the trouble of looking that up.

It's a very succinct yet voluminous roundup of what we should strive to be and achieve.

Almost a compilation of Kipling's "IF", and Erhmann's "Desiderata".

In short - beautifully put

[traveller (Bo)]

Originally Posted by PCH

Peter,

thanks for going to the trouble of looking that up.

It's a very succinct yet voluminous roundup of what we should strive to be and achieve.

Almost a compilation of Kipling's "IF", and Erhmann's "Desiderata".

In short - beautifully put

Here, here!
Thanks for sharing Peter, one of the most beautifully written pieces I have seen for a long time.
Bo

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by PCH

Peter,

thanks for going to the trouble of looking that up.

It's a very succinct yet voluminous roundup of what we should strive to be and achieve.

Almost a compilation of Kipling's "IF", and Erhmann's "Desiderata".

In short - beautifully put

Whilst finding that one Paul, I came across another one that I had forgotten that I had stored. Thought people might also appreciate this one:


MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day;
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t a man’s father, mother or wife
Whose judgement upon him must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in his life;
Is the man staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please: never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end;
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test,
If the man in the glass is your Friend.

You can fool the whole world down the pathways of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass;
But your final reward will be heartache and tears,
If you’ve cheated the Man in the Glass.

(This poem was found written on the wall of a cell in death row, in a U.S. jail. It was composed by an anonymous prisoner who was later executed).

Cheers Peter

[PCH (Paul)]

Peter,

yep, that's a good too, and darn true too. Thanks for digging it out Peter, - much appreciated

[blink138 (Pat)]

heh pete if everybody took these beautiful words quite literally........ there would be a hell of alot less depression!
pat

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by blink138

heh pete if everybody took these beautiful words quite literally........ there would be a hell of alot less depression!
pat

Hey Pat, if only it was that easy!

[Ric]

Just been reading this thread and it brings to mind something my Gran always said.

"Don't bother whinging, cos nobody's listening."