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Quote of the day: Discuss amongst yourselves!
Well, dig me with my big declaration of independence about how this was MY blog and I was going to moderate it MY way. Boston.com changed my software, and now I pretty much can't. That's what happens when ethics go up against engineering, folks. Engineering wins!
That's also why all your previous comments disappeared. I'm really sorry about that. I wasn't notified of the exact timing of the change, so I couldn't warn you. I loved our discussion on romance! I still have those comments, in some form, and could put them in a document on my other blog if any of you want that. Let me know.
Anyway, I thought we'd have another discussion today, that would give me a chance to see how the new commenting system works in practice. The topic is also timely, as we are in Olympic season, with the notion of friendly competition among nations. Here is a quote from Theodor Herzl that I have always found intriguing:
"Universal brotherhood is not even a beautiful dream. Conflict is essential to man's highest efforts."
Do you agree? What about changing "conflict" to "competition"? What do you think the balance is, in human nature, between our drive to cooperate and our drive to compete? Can we recognize the humanity of others while also respecting differences, and root proudly for "our team" without dehumanizing "their team"?
Personally, I'm kind of on Herzl's side with this one. I believe we're a tribal species, and there will never be universal brother-and-sisterhood on earth unless aliens land, and we have a different kind of "other" to deal with! But I recognize the dangers of this kind of thought, as well.
What say you?
About Miss Conduct Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine.
contributor
Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine. Robin, who has a PhD in psychology from Boston University, has worked as a theater publicist, organizational-change communications manager, editor, stand-up comedian, and professor of psychology and English. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given annually for achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think.
Who is Miss Conduct?
Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine. Robin, who has a PhD in psychology from Boston University, has worked as a theater publicist, organizational-change communications manager, editor, stand-up comedian, and professor of psychology and English. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given annually for achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think.
