Paranoid?

[04man]

Quail season has ended and I'm picking up my bow again. Bought another bow too! But that's another story...
Visiting my archery website for updates,news, and just to hang with like-minded people. Like here!
There is one sub forum that dives deeply into paranoid views and I have to view it now and again just to shake my head. Like something too painful not to watch.

Why do folks torment themselves making up worries? Sure it seems like your freedoms are under attack and if we give an inch they'll take an entire foot. But nuclear war with Iran, N. Korea, who else? The devaluation of the dollar stirring up a currency war....so I'll spend my retirement on a secluded farm and be self sufficient not needing any government, not needing to worry about their policies.

I honestly think government is so disfunctional that I can't give them credit for any manipulative plan. They can't agree on how much to over spend for Chris' sake.

I bring this rant here for discussion because I find this community evenly balanced.

Now pardon me while I calm myself practicing friction fire and archery. At the same time if need be!

[04man]

I'll tell ya, I find the same type of people at work. They may spend more brain power making up worries than coming up with solutions.

[Old Philosopher]

Personally, I'm glad to hear there is a lot of talk like that going around. It shows people are starting to pull their heads out of...the sand.

[xj35s]

The sand, right. I work with a guy that is so paranoid he red tags equipment all the time. We have some of the best trucks and trailers on the road. I have never had to red tag anything. H e has some conspiracy theories that delv into all aspects of life. You know the government poisons all our food with toxic waste so it can be broken down and disposed of?

Seriously. Sometimes you wish people would just have a coronary already.

[woodsrunner]

personally, i think the government is the biggest fear monger out there...thats how they gain and maintain control...or maybe i'm just being paranoid ...woods

[Moe M.]

  Just because someone seems paranoid doesn't mean he doesn't have cause to be worried, it could be that he's more aware of what's going on around him than the person who's forming opinions of him.

  That said, this thread might be better moved to the Private Discussions board,  the topic is such that it could become heated within a very few posts.

[MnSportsman]

04man,
    I think people tend to gossip about things quite a bit when given the chance. Folks talking about others, & talk about subjects they think might be of concern ,whether that subject(s) is actually true or untrue, has prolly been going on since the beginning of man.. I think folks like to do that stuff to keep the focus off of them, and how crappy things they think things are going for them, much like the nightly "news" doesn't seem to really be news at all, since they seem to wear out and beat to death, whatever story/subject is the most current. Not necessarily covering stories that actually should concern a lot of folks. ( is that paranoid to think that? LOL ) Generally, I don't participate in those possibly"paranoid" discussions. If I hear of something that merit further investigation,I may follow up. But if I don't see the subject that is being discussed really affects me,or mine,  then I just forget about it & carry on..
 
Interesting to hear what folks think on this subject!
 


A Joke about paranoia > "I really don't think I am paranoid. Then I think to myself...Am I paranoid for thinking that?"
LOL@meself.. I have a strange sense of humor I think..
 


Edit(s): removed some content. I may replace it later, but want to review it again.

[wolfy]

I was going to comment on your post, MnS, but I had to leave after briefly reading it.   In returning and gathering my thoughts, hitting "refresh" to see if there were thoughts from others, I find you had 'second thoughts' about what you had posted earlier. 

Thank you!  It saved me from banging out a lengthy reply that probably would have been misconstrued anyway

[Old Philosopher]

The sand, right. I work with a guy that is so paranoid he red tags equipment all the time. We have some of the best trucks and trailers on the road. I have never had to red tag anything. H e has some conspiracy theories that delv into all aspects of life. You know the government poisons all our food with toxic waste so it can be broken down and disposed of?

Seriously. Sometimes you wish people would just have a coronary already.

  Just because someone seems paranoid doesn't mean he doesn't have cause to be worried, it could be that he's more aware of what's going on around him than the person who's forming opinions of him.

  That said, this thread might be better moved to the Private Discussions board,  the topic is such that it could become heated within a very few posts.

I agree with Moe. At least in that section the subject could be explored fully.
XJ, some of the discussions in the Private Discussions section deal with the "paranoia" of which you speak. The conversations there have been intelligent and dignified. Perhaps requesting membership there might give you some insight into just "who is out to get whom". FWIW.

[04man]

I had no intension of this thread turning 'dark'. I think that's what I'm trying to get away from. You guys want to resume this some place else then have at it.

[Old Philosopher]

I had no intension of this thread turning 'dark'. I think that's what I'm trying to get away from. You guys want to resume this some place else then have at it.

Please correct me if I'm wrong...which happens more and more these days. But what I got from the OP was that people should adopt the "Don't worry...Be happy" attitude, and quite dwelling on the negative aspects of life and society. I applaud that sentiment.

But reality is what happens when you've made other plans. A little healthy paranoia is what keeps things from sneaking up behind you.

Fish are a good example. Fish are paranoid. They see a shadow fall across their pond, and they flee for cover. Some are extremely paranoid when presented with bait. They smell it, nudge it, swim all around it, and if things just seem a little odd, they swim away.  Others are less discerning. They see a free meal and rush to it. Sometimes they are so eager to ignore the potential threat that they take the bait "hook, line and sinker".  We know how that works out, don't we?  If I were a fish, I'd rather be the one floating under a lily pad than sizzling in a hot frying pan somewhere.

(BTW, I love parables.)

[Moe M.]

I had no intension of this thread turning 'dark'. I think that's what I'm trying to get away from. You guys want to resume this some place else then have at it.

Please correct me if I'm wrong...which happens more and more these days. But what I got from the OP was that people should adopt the "Don't worry...Be happy" attitude, and quite dwelling on the negative aspects of life and society. I applaud that sentiment.

But reality is what happens when you've made other plans. A little healthy paranoia is what keeps things from sneaking up behind you.

Fish are a good example. Fish are paranoid. They see a shadow fall across their pond, and they flee for cover. Some are extremely paranoid when presented with bait. They smell it, nudge it, swim all around it, and if things just seem a little odd, they swim away.  Others are less discerning. They see a free meal and rush to it. Sometimes they are so eager to ignore the potential threat that they take the bait "hook, line and sinker".  We know how that works out, don't we?  If I were a fish, I'd rather be the one floating under a lily pad than sizzling in a hot frying pan somewhere.

(BTW, I love parables.)

   Me too,  I keep mine in the fridge.   

[Old Philosopher]

   Me too,  I keep mine in the fridge.   

Good idea! Nothing worse than a moldy, stale parable.

[Moe M.]

   Me too,  I keep mine in the fridge.   

Good idea! Nothing worse than a moldy, stale parable.

  Did I read that wrong.   

[Old Philosopher]

   Me too,  I keep mine in the fridge.   

Good idea! Nothing worse than a moldy, stale parable.

  Did I read that wrong.   

One of us is confused. 

[Moe M.]

   Me too,  I keep mine in the fridge.   

Good idea! Nothing worse than a moldy, stale parable.

 
  Did I read that wrong.   

One of us is confused. 

  I assume complete responsibility.   

[Bearhunter]

personally, i think the government is the biggest fear monger out there...thats how they gain and maintain control...or maybe i'm just being paranoid ...woods

Agreed


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

[Moe M.]

personally, i think the government is the biggest fear monger out there...thats how they gain and maintain control...or maybe i'm just being paranoid ...woods

Agreed


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

     That was easy.

[Old Philosopher]

personally, i think the government is the biggest fear monger out there...thats how they gain and maintain control...or maybe i'm just being paranoid ...woods

Agreed


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

     That was easy.

No it wasn't.  Is BH agreeing with the statement about fear mongering, or is he agreeing that maybe Woods is paranoid?

[madmax]

Woods is paranoid.  And I'll jump into the foxhole with him.  With firepower.

Who gives a what other's think?

[Bearhunter]

personally, i think the government is the biggest fear monger out there...thats how they gain and maintain control...or maybe i'm just being paranoid ...woods

Agreed


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

     That was easy.

No it wasn't.  Is BH agreeing with the statement about fear mongering, or is he agreeing that maybe Woods is paranoid?

Nah... I don't think Woods is paranoid


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

[Moe M.]

personally, i think the government is the biggest fear monger out there...thats how they gain and maintain control...or maybe i'm just being paranoid ...woods

Agreed


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

     That was easy.

No it wasn't.  Is BH agreeing with the statement about fear mongering, or is he agreeing that maybe Woods is paranoid?

Nah... I don't think Woods is paranoid


Sent from my vintage rotary pay phone

   Like they say in Canukistan (I stole that),  Neither me,  I saw no paranoid,  though I have noticed a little nievate' at one point.   

[04man]

There's no doubt it would be foolish to wander through life without worry. Paranoia is a condition that strikes you down, averts your attention away from ......?

That's it!
The smoke and mirrors are distracting me from something I ought to be paying attention to! Now what could that be?

[MnSportsman]

04man,
    Many folks make topics that, given the right "tone" by anyone, can get"dark".
I think that this one can remain true to the subject, without anyone making it "dark", unless it is by accident. If it get "dark" intentionally, then folks will see that & moderation would probably be the result. As that is the purpose of moderation isn't it. Perhaps even a good part of the definition of moderation too.
 
 
Am I paranoid for thinking that? LOL
 


-----------------------------------------------------

Fish are a good example. Fish are paranoid. They see a shadow fall across their pond, and they flee for cover. Some are extremely paranoid when presented with bait. They smell it, nudge it, swim all around it, and if things just seem a little odd, they swim away.  Others are less discerning. They see a free meal and rush to it. Sometimes they are so eager to ignore the potential threat that they take the bait "hook, line and sinker".  We know how that works out, don't we?  If I were a fish, I'd rather be the one floating under a lily pad than sizzling in a hot frying pan somewhere.

(BTW, I love parables.)

Good one!
 

Who gives a what other's think?

99% of the time, I agree with that statement. But, sometimes, when I think of my Ma, or my older sisters & brothers... I really do care what they think of me.
 

[04man]

I do get tired of it all. Sometimes the only news I want to hear is the weather forecast.

[kanukkarhu]

I for one was enjoying seeing OP and Moe get all that sorted out. It was approaching a "Who's on first..." thing there for a minute. (I'd a loved to work graveyards with those two on shift... )

Here's what I think about paranoid people (all the 'govt stuff' aside): they wear me out. Cautious people don't; even overly cautious people don't.
But truly paranoid people make me tired just thinking about it.

It's actually a sad place to be, IMO.


Tapatalked from my batphone.

[Old Philosopher]

As with all discussions, for it to be meaningful we need to define our terms.
Let's define "paranoia".

par?a?noi?a  [par-uh-noi-uh]      noun

  1. Psychiatry.
a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others, sometimes progressing to disturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission.

2. baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.   

"Systematized delusions", or "baseless suspicion", huh?  So the way I see it, if you have a body of evidence that indicates that someone (or some entity) is directing acts against you in a way that is detrimental to your well being, then by definition you are NOT paranoid, because the acts are neither delusions, nor baseless suspicions.

[kanukkarhu]

Unless.... There's a group of paranoid people, as in a conspiracy type thing, who choose to believe in an unsubstantiated... um, something.

 


Tapatalked from my batphone.

[Old Philosopher]

Unless.... There's a group of paranoid people, as in a conspiracy type thing, who choose to believe in an unsubstantiated... um, something.

 

I understand what you're saying...I think. But the 'unsubstantiated' part is subjective. "Proof" of just about anything is in the eye of the beholder.

[madmax]

On a more serious note than my first flippant remark (sorry),  I have some acquaintances that are paranoid.  And they've acted on it.  They turned prepping for a disaster or collapse into delusional scenarios that they obsess on.  And yes they do wear me out and I avoid them.

Legit prep is a good thing.

[Saintnick001]

My OCD doesn't allow we to entertain thoughts of social breakdowns, economic collapse, nuclear war, etc. anymore. Once I get going I can't stop. Sorry to say but sometimes I NEED to bury my head so it doesn't explode.

[madmax]

My OCD doesn't allow we to entertain thoughts of social breakdowns, economic collapse, nuclear war, etc. anymore. Once I get going I can't stop. Sorry to say but sometimes I NEED to bury my head so it doesn't explode.

I hear ya brother.  Sometimes ya just gotta walk away.   

[04man]

I've had two acquaintances that were paranoid and its tough! Poor guys just couldn't get rest worrying about stuff. The news isn't satisfied unless the story is sensationalized. Weather isn't interesting unless its tied to global warming and there is a fatality percentile, and cost.

Maybe just watching the news and the commercials for anxiety is enough to put you on meds.

[joebill]

Concern and action based on the theory that your govenment is concerned with it's best interests instead of your own? NOT paranoid.

Concern and action based on the ever-more-popular theory that a coordinated attack by killer zombies is eminent.....paranoi d.

As for paranoia about the government, it is wearysome in lots of people, because they can't seem to talk about anything else, and no theory is too far out for them to consider. On the other hand, even more mistifying to me are those who think everything in Washington is hunky dory. We are seeing things that make orwell's 1984 seem tame, and few in the news media seem to even remark on them.

Worst of all, though, and most dangerous, are those who think ALL evil in the world is to be blamed on (pick or add your group) One political party, smoky car engines, Jews, Christians, southerners, gays, probably SOMEBODY blames it all on unicorns. The tendency of societies towards mass hysteria and group hatreds are a constant wonderment to me, and the politico's unembarrased goading of those emotional brush fires make me embarrased to belong to the same species.....Joe

[MnSportsman]

   One of the reasons I like to get out in the sticks(Wilds), is to get away from the BS that accompanies the same things we are discussing here in this topic. (Paranoid type BS that some folks like to "hold forth" about...)
I do not work with many folks in my trade. A small crew of 3-5, or many times working alone, or with one other person. Sometimes with other tradesmen who working other trades. (Electrician/Painter/Plumber/HVAc,etc) Most of the time we don't even talk about TV shows, politics, or other stuff like that. We talk about trips we have taken, ones we plan to take, or things that affect our wallets; like the price of fuel changing , or if there is more work for all of us coming up vs. things getting slower meaning less work, & less $$. Fishing,Hunting, or family activities, like someone taking their kid to a hockey/baseball/football game, are themost likely subject to be discussed..


     Mostly, the only time I run upon discussions about what might be considered "Paranoid", or what some might call, "conspiracy" type subjects, is in some tavern I stop in on the way home,or on the weekend when going from one errand to another, stopping just for lunch, or to meet someone to go elsewhere.(hunting /fishing usually. ). I guess what I am trying to say is that," It is rare that I am around folks who discuss, "paranoid", or "conspiracy" type subjects.".


   04man, I know you mentioned a"sub-forum", at an archery website you look at... the place where these subjects are discussed...


But for anyone else...


  Where are you hearing these type of conversations, if not at work? Internet sites?
Taverns/bars/nightclubs?  Grocery/hardware stores?  Bowling alleys?


I am curious where folks are hearing these type of things. People have gossiped for a long time, about all kinds of things, in all manner of venues. I am curious where many of those who are posting, hear about these "paranoid/conspiracy" type discussions. Since I am not usually privy to hearing them, unless in a setting where a cocktail, or two, is being imbibed & enjoyed. If, for nothing else...medicinal purposes only...LOL I am sure ya know what I mean..


04man brought up the original subject for this topic. But I think the questions I asked are reasonable, in regard to this "Paranoid" subject.
Anyone want to chime in, & may be answer my questions? I'd guess that I am not the only one that is curious about what I asked.


 

[beanbag]

   
But for anyone else...


  Where are you hearing these type of conversations, if not at work? Internet sites?
Taverns/bars/nightclubs?  Grocery/hardware stores?  Bowling alleys?


I am curious where folks are hearing these type of things.

Sounds like you get out a lot MNS- Nice.

The reality is this kind of paranoia and conspiracy theory stuff has really reached new highs with the advent of the internet.

The fact is you don't have to look much further than the "Private" section of this very forum.

[MnSportsman]

LOL Beanbag...I might have let the cat outa the bag now, eh?


 


I wish to take advantage of the 5th Amendment to the US Const. /Bill of Rights on saying anything else, BB.
 
As far as I am concerned...I was just using hyperbole in my last post...
maybe...


LOL.
 

[04man]

It's a fluke that I started this thread. I don't get involved with people's strong feelings 'cause its usually a train wreck waiting to happen. I suppose I was feeling overwhelmed that night with all the negativity!

Okay, where is this private forum?

[Old Philosopher]

....  or things that affect our wallets; like the price of fuel changing , ...

  Where are you hearing these type of conversations, if not at work? Internet sites?
Taverns/bars/nightclubs?  Grocery/hardware stores?  Bowling alleys? ...

Honestly? Friends, neighbors...the old Vet at the bar.... Just mention the price of gas at the corner pump and get an ear full about price fixing and, and, and....
Most of the folks I've met in rural Montana are here (if they're not natives) to get away from the madding crowds. They have a sense that things just ain't right anymore.

[kanukkarhu]

....  or things that affect our wallets; like the price of fuel changing , ...

  Where are you hearing these type of conversations, if not at work? Internet sites?
Taverns/bars/nightclubs?  Grocery/hardware stores?  Bowling alleys? ...

Honestly? Friends, neighbors...the old Vet at the bar.... Just mention the price of gas at the corner pump and get an ear full about price fixing and, and, and....
Most of the folks I've met in rural Montana are here (if they're not natives) to get away from the madding crowds. They have a sense that things just ain't right anymore.

OP, you figure any of that is new? I mean, IMO, people have been acting that way since Adam moved out. But for some reason, I'm kinda linking this to 'today' and the extreme end of day preppers and whatnot, but in reality people have always been distrustful of their govt, gods and others (etc.)

For some folks, there's always been something "not right anymore."

Saying that, I reckon things just ain't right anymore...

EDIT: Folks, I said "extreme" preppers. (See Madmax's post earlier. I believe he said it well.) I mean no offence to those who feel they need to be ready for something big etc.  I'm not a prepper, by the way, but I don't necessarily blame those who are, given their various conditions and locations etc.

Tapatalked from my batphone.

[Old Philosopher]

Some government classified documents are automatically downgraded and ultimately declassified over time. The availability of those, and other 'sanitized' documents available since the Freedom of Information Act came about, show a pattern of behind-the-scenes activities that would make some Hollywood movies seem tame. Anyone with a little curiosity can educate themselves on the activities of organizations that operate 'under the radar'. The "black projects" for which Congress allocates money without even knowing what they are, under the guise of "National Security".

My point is, it doesn't take much research to understand that there are operations and agendas taking place that are kept secret from the general population. THAT is not being paranoid...it's being aware.

But yes, under the psychological definition of paranoia, there are some extremists who are completely delusional. Their psychological disorders usually show up in other ways, too.

[04man]

Things aren't right anymore! Things just continue to get more retarded!

[madmax]

I'll draw some lines.  With apologies to the OP. 

Guns, ammo, food, water.  Legit prep.

Middle Earth reptile men invasion prep.  Paranoid.

Gardens and livestock to feed yourself.  Legit.

Zombie Apocalypse prep.  Paranoid.

EMF, earthquake, hurricane, social collapse, etc. prep. legit.

And although I believe there is an U.S. Alien Invasion Protocol,  paranoid.

     

[Old Philosopher]

...

And although I believe there is an U.S. Alien Invasion Protocol,  paranoid.

LOL! Planning for all contingencies is what the military does. It's their job.
As far as paranoid? Steven Hawking has warned against "first contact". He suggest we shut down the SETI program, quite advertising our state of technology, and keep our lips zipped at this point in time.
He points out that any "visitors" who might come calling, probably won't have our best interests at heart. He points to our history as to what happens when an advanced civilization meets a more primitive society (Europeans in the Pacific Islands, Meso-America, etc.). It didn't end well for the Mayans.   

[madmax]

...

And although I believe there is an U.S. Alien Invasion Protocol,  paranoid.

LOL! Planning for all contingencies is what the military does. It's their job.
As far as paranoid? Steven Hawking has warned against "first contact". He suggest we shut down the SETI program, quite advertising our state of technology, and keep our lips zipped at this point in time.
He points out that any "visitors" who might come calling, probably won't have our best interests at heart. He points to our history as to what happens when an advanced civilization meets a more primitive society (Europeans in the Pacific Islands, Meso-America, etc.). It didn't end well for the Mayans.   

   Knew that one would pull ya in...  LOL.  It's the individual trying to prepare for an alien invasion that I find futile. 

[Old Philosopher]

   Knew that one would pull ya in...  LOL.  It's the individual trying to prepare for an alien invasion that I find futile.

Ah...yeah. Unless, of course, they found a way to turn their sonic toothbrush into a death ray. 

[Frugal Bohemian]

Steven Hawking has warned against "first contact". ......He points out that any "visitors" who might come calling, probably won't have our best interests at heart. He points to our history as to what happens when an advanced civilization meets a more primitive society (Europeans in the Pacific Islands, Meso-America, etc.). It didn't end well for the Mayans.   

Shucks, forget about Meso-America and the Pacific Islands......all he had to do was watch The Twilight Zone marathon on New Years Day to see how dangerous "first contact" can be!  Edit:  Spoiler Alert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Serve_Man_(The_Twilight_Zone)

[Old Philosopher]

Steven Hawking has warned against "first contact". ......He points out that any "visitors" who might come calling, probably won't have our best interests at heart. He points to our history as to what happens when an advanced civilization meets a more primitive society (Europeans in the Pacific Islands, Meso-America, etc.). It didn't end well for the Mayans.   

Shucks, forget about Meso-America and the Pacific Islands......all he had to do was watch The Twilight Zone marathon on New Years Day to see how dangerous "first contact" can be!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Serve_Man_(The_Twilight_Zone)

Haha! Great call! One of my all time favorite episodes.
"We translated the first chapter! The book, To Serve Man, it's....it's....."   (Don't wanna spoil the ending for anyone.)