These days it is common to find references to the
advantages of optimism and the undesirable consequences of negativism. I
recently came across this article which states that, besides being contagious
and harmful, listening to complaints can actually make you dumb.
The article cleverly outlines the distinction between
relevant complaints (that call attention for issued that need to be solved)
from inconsequent complaints. These, which are the nasty dumbening elements, do
not call for a solution for the problem. In fact they don’t even pretend to,
they simply aim to share the reasons why the person feels miserable or
outraged.
This type of emotional craving is quite commonm
particularly in women. But it is not entirely negative since it is also known
that restraining our feelings (that is, not sharing them) can have an important
and negative impact in one’s happiness. Even in social terms sharing problems,
even unsolvable ones, is a powerful connectivity tool, as well as a proof and
foundation of friendship. The ‘shields’ mentioned by the authoer might be more
costly than it could seem.
As a final note I’d just like to say that the evidence
presented to support the negativism’s dumbening properties theory does not seem
that conclusive. It appears to me to be a huge leap of faith towards unknown
territory, trying to prove some (previously concepted) point.
Filipe Morais
Filipe Morais
In the biological sense, there should be some reason for exagerated concerns - i.e. drama - as for there is certainly one for comedy. This kind of catharis is so old that I wonder how we've learn this kind of emotional display. And more importantly, to which end we've learned it?
ResponderEliminarI'm not quite sure exactly when language as we know it appeared along mankind's history. Before it I guess "whining" was limited to very simple instances (such as "That wild animal tore my torso open, it hurts!" or "I'm hungry") which could be solved or eased. The kind of "whining" we're talking about is much more complex, and requires a much more developed intellect. It might the case that it is not old enough to be relevant in evolutionary terms, so there might just not be any "reason" for this biological reaction.
ResponderEliminarI have to disagree on this one. Just think about it, the act of 'whining' is typical of children/babies. It could be related to babies calling out for their mom's attention (food, etc.). But I do believe the problem you were describing has more to do with stress, i.e. 'tigger hidden in the bushes' dillema. Whining is just our learned-from-childhood manner of coping with stress, having little to do with language development or other intelectual property, imho.
ResponderEliminar