Hmmm, "maybe a little eccentric". Perhaps, yes, at least a little. Some of us do not have a problem with the word "crazy" -- just to give you a heads up in case the word should appear in responses to your OP. On the other hand, you have been generating more threads on TPF lately -- all to the good. I'm sorry to hear that THIS is your only source of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Have all the libraries closed? Is there no educational television? No National Public Radio (like the 1A. or Fresh Air?)

Don't let your disability become a second disability. There are good reasons for people to have disability status -- and I'm not knocking it. But it is important for persons who are disabled (or retired, or unemployed, or otherwise not working) to have on-going "work" of some kind which is meaningful. Your involvement in TPF is an example of on-going work.

I'd be a little concerned about being at home all the time, eating and laying in bed (wallowing). I think you should get out a bit more--exercise, social contact of some kind, sunshine (vitamin D), etc.

Some of us do not have a problem with the word "crazy" -- just to give you a heads up in case the word should appear in responses to your OP. — Bitter Crank

Oh, well I just treat it as the F-word, or another way of saying STFU. It's really meaningless if a trained professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist won't ever use it.

On the other hand, you have been generating more threads on TPF lately -- all to the good. — Bitter Crank

Yeah, thanks!

I'm sorry to hear that THIS is your only source of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. — Bitter Crank

Well, nothing to be sorry about, really. Why do you say that?

Have all the libraries closed? Is there no educational television? No National Public Radio (like the 1A. or Fresh Air?) — Bitter Crank

Well, the libraries are still open; but, just home is just a matter of preference for me to stay home and read stuff online or play League of Legends or post here and actually interact with people in a safe and distant manner. I don't watch that much TV. Sometimes Bloomberg, about the economy. Don't like the radio that much either.

Don't let your disability become a second disability. — Bitter Crank

It doesn't bother me. Just who I am, and I've come to terms with it. As of recent I've even stopped going to group therapy meetings also.

There are good reasons for people to have disability status -- and I'm not knocking it. But it is important for persons who are disabled (or retired, or unemployed, or otherwise not working) to have on-going "work" of some kind which is meaningful. Your involvement in TPF is an example of on-going work. — Bitter Crank

Meh, I don't know what's all the jazz about work. I used to clean toilets and urinals, pick up trash, and clean the popcorn from kids and parents in a movie theater. To each their own, I figure.

I'd be a little concerned about being at home all the time, eating and laying in bed (wallowing). — Bitter Crank

Well, wallowing is fun in general. You just wallow around haha.

I think you should get out a bit more--exercise, social contact of some kind, sunshine (vitamin D), etc. — Bitter Crank

Don't get the idea that all of this is dysphoric in some sense. It's not depression, not some form of existentialism. Just trying to reality test my own thoughts against yours or someone else.

I think I can somewhat understand you here. In my opinion, you need to find something you are passionate about and will make you want to move forward. Sometimes we are far too easily pleased with ourselves and never accomplish anything because we are satisfied with so little. Do you like animals? Maybe volunteer for something at a rescue. If you enjoy writing, maybe start a blog, as if you work hard enough at it, you might bring in a little cash.

I've sort of come to terms with everything in my life, I don't struggle anymore. — Posty McPostface

Your trepidation over your stated satisfaction belies your claim to satisfaction. That's not psychoanalysis. That's just logic.

If you're looking for someone to condemn your shiftlessness, you won't find it here, mostly because none of really know your capabilities and it's really none of our business.

I do echo Lone Wolf's sentiments though.

In my opinion, you need to find something you are passionate about and will make you want to move forward. — Lone Wolf

Perhaps, it's because I'm passionate about philosophy, that has given rise to all these sentiments.

Sometimes we are far too easily pleased with ourselves and never accomplish anything because we are satisfied with so little. — Lone Wolf

Is that a bad thing? I don't think being satisfied with less is an issue. Maybe, I'm just splitting an infinitive here.

Do you like animals? — Lone Wolf

Yes, I do. :_)

If you enjoy writing, maybe start a blog, as if you work hard enough at it, you might bring in a little cash. — Lone Wolf

Yeah, maybe. I don't really have much to say though about anything in particular.

Thank you for entertaining my trite and mundane babble.

You might want to read Bertrand Russel's Pursuit of Happiness. It's not philosophy, and it's certainly not the final word on the topic, but I think that you will find what he has to say about the role of work in a contented life relevant to your situation.

Your trepidation over your stated satisfaction belies your claim to satisfaction. — Hanover

Hmm, good point. Although, "trepidation" is not the right word here, in my humble opinion. Maybe, doubt or uncertainty or lack of confidence would be more appropriate here.

If you're looking for someone to condemn your shiftlessness, you won't find it here, mostly because none of really know your capabilities and it's really none of our business. — Hanover

A very strange way to perceive issues, don't you think? Maybe you don't care about all this babble; but, seemingly others do. If it's none of your business then, why bother at all?

Is that a bad thing? I don't think being satisfied with less is an issue. Maybe, I'm just splitting an infinitive here. — Posty McPostface

It can be a bad thing. Because you posted this thread, I'm not entirely convinced that you are truly satisfied.

Yeah, maybe. I don't really have much to say though about anything in particular.

Thank you for entertaining my trite and mundane babble — Posty McPostface

Hm, you said you were passionate about philosophy, so perhaps you could write on that. The possibilities are great, as there are many topics to work with there. :)

A very strange way to perceive issues, don't you think? Maybe you don't care about all this babble; but, seemingly others do. If it's none of your business then, why bother at all? — Posty McPostface

Not strange, just being honest. It's not my business. In order to really answer your question about what you ought to do next would require a true understanding of your disability, which would require far more information than I'm actually entitled to or able to evaluate remotely and as an amateur, regardless of how well intentioned.

If someone posted that they're disabled due to a digestive disorder, I'd just take it at face value. How would I know how debilitating it is, and who would I be to tell them to push themselves farther than they currently are? My best advice would be to get real advice. Your situation is complicated.

On the other hand, if someone posted some run of the mill problem that was fairly self-contained and just of momentary importance, I'd hazard a response, but telling you to ask your doctor for direction seems the real response to all you're saying because your problems are not the run of the mill I'm referencing.

By "work" I don't mean formal, or even informal "work". I really mean a personal project that engages you. "Work" sucks -- that's why they have to pay people to do it. I say you don't even have to be "passionate" about it. I haven't been passionate about much in decades.

Do you like animals?
— Lone Wolf

Yes, I do. :_) — Posty McPostface

Are there squirrels around where you live? Gray squirrels are actually fairly eager to become acquainted with people. Humans are a handy source of free food, and it's fairly easy to entice them to eat out of your hand (peanuts work well for this). It's an opportunity to establish relationships with the rodent wing of creation and as members of that group, Sciurus carolinensis are a lot cuter than rats.

When I lived on Prior Avenue, I coaxed several squirrels into eating out of my hand. They'd sit on the porch and look into my kitchen window, waiting for me. I'd go outside, sit on the step and one would sit on my knee while the others waited impatiently for their chance.

Don't expect a deep relationship. Squirrels are pretty shallow creatures -- probably why they get along so well with us. Shallow but persistent. The gray squirrels on the U of M campus feel entitled. They follow people, and if you give them any encouragement they'll crawl right up your pant leg, if you have a McDonald's bag in your hand.

Another nice thing about squirrels is that they tend to die off In the winter or get run over, so you don't have the tedious business of breaking off summer-time relationships. Of course, you probably don't have a Season of Squirrel Death where you live, so let's hope you have lots of traffic.

These sorts of irrelevant asides are how I make it through my day. You?

The only thing left is Infinity.

I figure, that if I have stated that I am content/happy/satisfied with my current state of affairs, then there is no point in questioning those feelings, although I do like to question almost everything.

Anyway, as always thanks for the tips, advice, and input.

If you're happy, you're winning. The end. Better to find that out now than when you become "successful" and realize you're actually miserable because you sold yourself out to the social dream.

(People that set conditions on their happiness inevitably find out not only that they cannot be happy unless they've met those conditions but also that they can't be happy if they do because the basis for their happiness is socially conditioned guilt/fear and everything they do to achieve their goals on the basis of those feelings magnifies them further.)

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/being-a-couch-potato-may-change-your-personality1/
Something to think about.

I vote for going back to college and studying philosophy--tough degree to get a job with, but apparently you don't need one? You'd get all the fun of the forum with more rigor and you'd get out of the house :)

There had to be a topic somewhere that @Hanover and I agreed upon. :D

Without knowing you in the flesh it's just hard to say. We all can edit our text here and choose what we say. There's not enough information to give good advice.

That being said I will say that if you are content then there's nothing to address. @Baden said it best to me.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/being-a-couch-potato-may-change-your-personality1/
Something to think about. — NKBJ

Interesting, thanks. I guess I have wallowed as much as possible and that needs to change.

I vote for going back to college and studying philosophy--tough degree to get a job with, but apparently you don't need one? You'd get all the fun of the forum with more rigor and you'd get out of the house — NKBJ

Well, I have registered for a community college class this summer. So, I will at least have something to do that is edifying. I'm just wary of college, and going into debt anymore. Though, I will have to reconsider that idea, and since I take this whole philosophy thing so seriously, then maybe I should go deeper into it. Thank you for the show of support!

Without knowing you in the flesh it's just hard to say. We all can edit our text here and choose what we say. There's not enough information to give good advice. — Moliere

Well, that's a topic worth exploring. If you and I assume that we are both being honest and sincere in our postings, then I don't think you have a better image of me than anyone else can perceive if they knew me in person. Make no mistake, I honestly think lives are changed on these forums given how intimate and profound philosophy can be to a person. My posts are almost entirely devoid of pretension or false ideas about myself.

I think so too -- but I think there is something to a physical relationship as well. And what you are asking after I would be more comfortable having a physical relationship with you. (as awful as that sounds -- I know the implications -- I just mean meeting you for a beer vs. reading you words here)

I think so too -- but I think there is something to a physical relationship as well. And what you are asking after I would be more comfortable having a physical relationship with you. (as awful as that sounds -- I know the implications -- I just mean meeting you for a beer vs. reading you words here) — Moliere

Not sure about that. Physical relationships are governed by different rules. Here we are allowed to (to some detriment) be more open and forthcoming about our beliefs and held prejudices about ourselves, the world, and other such matters. Despite, this being a different form of communication, there's still a lot being understood and thought about. You form a mental image of me, and so do I of you based on your held beliefs. I might not entirely understand you; but, that should not be a limiting factor in us trying to arrive at some common ground or goal.

Well, sure. I think there are advantages here too. But you're asking something more personal. Something I would want to know more about you in the flesh before I said anything. There is something to knowing one another together roughly in the same area that changes everything.

I guess. It's just that it is hard to find people who don't want to project their own assumptions and such, instead of understanding the other.

Basically, the super-ego is more apparent here (or not), than a real life interaction in my humble opinion. Maybe, I'm just reading too deep into our interactions on this forum; but, it's hard to find people with common interests as the ones displayed hereabouts.

The cat in your avatar is awesome, BTW.

Here's my candid view, and it's what makes this psychological talk very uncomfortable for me. This is the internet, where there are people from backgrounds extremely unfamiliar to many of us, where we meet people far outside our social groups who we have very little understanding or appreciation for. People share with us, including you, that they have many serious psychological issues, many of which doubtfully are addressable by talk therapy, but are matters where medication is required. Where talk therapy might be beneficial, none of us I believe are qualified to give it, and if any of us were, I really doubt we'd be as reckless to offer it through public postings through the tidbits we gather in these posts.

I also believe that postings in this forum can be a manifestation of the psychological condition at play, meaning that responding and even offering validation for someone's feelings could be an enablement of the condition, making us a part of whatever is at play.

What I am saying is that I have taken it upon myself to be difficult to anyone who attempts to use this forum as a psychological sounding board when the matter goes beyond mundane questions like "how do you think I should I ask Betty Sue out" or other innocuous sorts of quandaries. I don't say this as a mod, but as someone who just thinks the sort of talk in this post are at best a waste of time, and at worst part of an unhealthy episode.

That I think that my comments here might be harmful to your psychological state, whatever it may be, (and I sort of do) is even the more reason why we shouldn't tread in these waters at all.

Here's my candid view, and it's what makes this psychological talk very uncomfortable for me. This is the internet, where there are people from backgrounds extremely unfamiliar to many of us, where we meet people far outside our social groups who we have very little understanding or appreciation for. People share with us, including you, that they have many serious psychological issues, many of which doubtfully are addressable by talk therapy, but are matters where medication is required. Where talk therapy might be beneficial, none of us I believe are qualified to give it, and if any of us were, I really doubt we'd be as reckless to offer it through public postings through the tidbits we gather in these posts. — Hanover

Fine, that's the rational thing to do. It's none of your business to try and remedy the problems of the world. Its just that behind all of what you're talking about is a seemingly lack of concern or care for other people. TimeLine took her job too seriously, but, there's something praiseworthy to be said about her efforts.

I also believe that postings in this forum can be a manifestation of the psychological condition at play, meaning that responding and even offering validation for someone's feelings could be an enablement of the condition, making us a part of whatever is at play. — Hanover

Yes, and it is imperative that we do not just brush aside these so called "manifestations".

What I am saying is that I have taken it upon myself to be difficult to anyone who attempts to use this forum as a psychological sounding board when the matter goes beyond mundane questions like "how do you think I should I ask Betty Sue out" or other innocuous sorts of quandaries. — Hanover

Yeah, well I do what I can around here and try and empathize with other people's concerns and problems, not that I'm Jesus or anything like that. I'm not so high or deluded to think that I will change every mind or dissuade people from irrationality or some such matter.

I don't say this as a mod, but as someone who just thinks the sort of talk in this post are at best a waste of time, and at worst part of an unhealthy episode. — Hanover

So, you're in contradiction or not?

That I think that my comments here might be harmful to your psychological state, whatever it may be, (and I sort of do) is even the more reason why we shouldn't tread in these waters at all. — Hanover

OK, I agree to disagree. I do recall you taking your time and addressing my problems and issues in the past PF and around here, for which you have my gratitude. I'm not asking you to be a surrogate father of sorts, just a little more compassion? In all honestly, I find this forum and the contemplative state of mind that it puts a person in, highly therapeutic, and a source of potential benefit for others, for which I hope others might notice, utilize, or benefit from.

People share with us, including you, that they have many serious psychological issues, many of which doubtfully are addressable by talk therapy, but are matters where medication is required. — Hanover

Individuals have to be at least reasonably mentally intact to state here that they have a serious psychological condition for which medication will be required. People in a psychotic state won't be posting here often, and if they do, it will most likely be obvious that the poster is non compos mantis. In any case, they won't be getting the wrong medication here.

Where talk therapy might be beneficial, none of us I believe are qualified to give it, and if any of us were, I really doubt we'd be as reckless to offer it through public postings through the tidbits we gather in these posts.

There are a batch of people here who are insightful enough to give free advice to people with garden variety mental illnesses. I haven't seen anybody say anything downright awful to a troubled person here, though I haven't agreed with some of the advice given.

Actually, the set-up of a moderated board is the equivalent of a walk-in DIY support group. People find such things useful. Look at AA.

Actually, we hand out advice that might be more dangerous than some of our psychological 'text therapy'. Like, "you should go back to college." Sure, go back to college, get a degree and end up hip deep in debt, maybe with poor job prospects.

People who say they are depressed are usually still functional and are perfectly capable of testing reality. Depressed people feel like shit, aren't sleeping well, can't concentrate, and so on -- but they are not incapable of sorting out really bad advice from advice which might be useful, or might not be. Depressed people aren't going to send you all their money, for instance, just because you said that would be nice.

Those with more major mental illnesses (like schizoaffective disorder, bi-polar people in mania, etc.) usually come off as very disturbed people, disturbance evident to just about everybody.

Besides, your average TPF internet psychiatrist usually refers the disturbed to a doctor anyway.

I can give my complete assurance that I am of sane and rational mind in case anyone is wondering if I'm off my rocker. I take my medication as prescribed for my own issues, which from henceforth I won't bring up. Everything I have said is true and accurate in this thread. Having said that, if the moderators feel that this thread has no further purpose, then I think it be wise or diplomatic to lock it up.

One issue that has appeared in this thread, is the fact that talking about issues seems to be some taboo on a forum like this, for whatever reason. I hope we can come to terms with the fact that the entertainment of 'philosophy' is specific to some people who have their own issues and bouts of doubt about their own sanity, given reasonable accommodations. I hope we can be more understanding of those (not all) who do experience such pangs of self-doubt or uncertainty in their own lives in a more formal or tactful manner, if at all possible.

That's all I have to say. Thanks. Time to sleep for me.

There's no mod issue with the discussion. It's fine for the lounge. There is a line of course and when someone seems to be very disturbed we might shut down a discussion on the principle of "First do no harm". That doesn't appear to be the case here.

Also, I think your personal situation raises important issues: How does modern society (competitive and capitalist as it is) delimit our capacity for happiness? Is there a point at which happiness is considered a mark of insanity because we live outside the accepted limits of the conditions widely regarded necessary for it? Is this "insanity" maybe a desirable thing if it allows an otherwise socially impermissible happiness? Is there a sense in which society itself is "insane"? And so on.

I would stick by my earlier point that we need to problematize the social conditions for happiness because "success" as circumscribed in modern society is too narrowly defined and certainly isn't contiguous with contentment (as your case illustrates). I'd just add the caveat that we are always moving whether we like it or not and the correct orientation is neither fully navel- or horizon-gazing but somewhere in between, so we need to constantly recreate the conditions which we have found lead us to happiness and if they change adjust ourselves promptly. (Back to storms and icebergs again).

If you're happy, you're winning. The end. Better to find that out now than when you become "successful" and realize you're actually miserable because you sold yourself out to the social dream.

(People that set conditions on their happiness inevitably find out not only that they cannot be happy unless they've met those conditions but also that they can't be happy if they do because the basis for their happiness is socially conditioned guilt/fear and everything they do to achieve their goals on the basis of those feelings magnifies them further.) — Baden

:up:

I think this sums it up well. If Posty is happy in his current predicament then why in the world would we not be supportive of that? Maybe his values don't align with ours - or with those typically respected in our society (school, work, money...death) - but overcoming an excessive concern with how others perceive us can be a great achievement in itself.

(I'm reminded of the story of Diogenes parading around town with an Olympic wreath he made for himself, and then, after nearly being assaulted by angered townsfolk for the affront to actual Olympians, declaring that his victory over being enslaved to their opinions was even more difficult and glorious than any involving physical achievement. I may have got some details wrong, but that's the gist of it.)

The "way of being" that he finds most congenial, at this moment at least, clearly isn't the cookie cutter recipe for success ostensibly applicable to everyone: it's particular to his idiosyncratic personality and should be judged accordingly. And his judgement on how best to live his life is the one that matters most. If I had one issue here it'd be precisely that: this matter is too personal to solicit the advice or look for confirmation from others. I know that's not necessarily the spirit of his inquiry, but it could be interpreted as such.

It would be much more complex, of course, if he had children or others whose well-being he was responsible for, or if his happiness was tied in with self-destructive behavior, etc. But nothing I've read from him indicates this to be the case, although I may have missed some relevant information as I've only skimmed this thread.

So, what are your thought given the above? — Posty McPostface

My own experience is that a certain amount of dis-content motivates me, and oddly enough, contentedness is quite bad for me in the medium-term. A challenge eggs me on.

Hello.

Do whatever you want, as long as it is not unethical, that is, it does not break the Golden Rule of Ethics. But note, the Golden Rule is not the negative form "Don't do unto others as you don't want them to do unto you", but the positive form "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you." In that sense, doing nothing is unethical. The Golden Rule is a call for action, the duty to help others in whatever way you are able to do.