The world is changing fast. Are you concerned about some of these changes? Do you personally feel safe? Do you have your own “secure den and pack you can trust”?
On a completely different note, have you heard of the new “manly”, no-girls-allowed diet sodas? You can’t blame Dr. Pepper for trying, but do you think the drinks will sell?
And have you heard that the U.S. Army’s new physical training includes yoga and resting? It’s not as macho, but it’s more effective.
The world is indeed changing.
Yes, my major concern is global warming and continuing with unsustainable ways of living. Like the man said: if it’s unsustainable it won’t be.
I think we need options that give people the opportunity to make a perceivable difference. The place to start is with what people are familiar with – the green products that are selling best are household cleaners and organic food is growing at an extraordinary pace.
I think the big changes mean that none of our dens are safe. I think we will need to rely on the pack we can trust.
I guess what I’m concerned most about is the U.S. and other countries wasting huge amounts of money on subsidies and policies that don’t live up to their hype, have unintended consequences, or are based on so-called consensus rather than proven science.
Sure, I feel safe. However, part of the reason I am working after retirement is to extend and protect our investments in this uncertain economy.
Manly drinks? I think the promotion will likely flop. I generally just drink water, coffee, or tea.
I hadn’t heard of the Army’s new physical program, but it makes sense.
Forgive me, Jean. What profanity: The world is changing fast. It always has, always will. The miracle being that we humans adapt to changes so very well – and, often, oh so unreflecting. On a side note: Do you remember that Sixties/Seventies saying of millions of flies eating shit doesn’t make shit more edible (or some such).
Do I feel safe? Yes, I do. And I do trust future generations to make as much of what we leave them as we did of that left to us. Life is a forward motion.
I do not imbibe soft fizzy drinks in cans. Never have, never will. Manly or not. My stomach lining is dearer to me than packing the koffers of Mr Coke and Mr Pepper.
U
Actually, I am very happy with the way events are unfolding. What is happening in the Middle East has got the local Muslim youth thinking. I expect that they will break out of the shackles that their clergy and miserable opportunistic political leadership have put them under. This will do them good as well as the total society good.
I am the pack leader and the den provider! How can I be perceived to be anything but strong and secure?
At this stage of life, I feel like I can sit back securely in my den and watch it all blow by. (Gotta choose a den with a good view.) If I were younger I might feel a need to jump in and get a first hand, insider’s perspective on the upheavals happening here or there.
I’ve always felt safe. During World War 2, I knew I’d be safe no matter what, because Daddy would take care of me.
About that Pepsi ad & movies in general:
The movies are mostly Macho & the more macho, the more *** (stars) they are given. Chick movies are rated low. That’s probably because men rate the movies. But more so because men are the ones who direct & produce movies.
Evan,
I’m less optimistic than you are about how much going green will help… I think the world population is growing too fast. I would love to be wrong.
Mike,
I agree with you about subsidies, ethanol is an egregious example. Going green isn’t simple. Have you read about the attempt to use biodegradable eating utensils in the House cafeteria? It was a noble attempt but the utensils didn’t work as well as the old plastic ones, plus the new method didn’t save energy and cost an extra $475,000 a year. As you say, we have to keep our brains plugged in and evaluate how well ideas work in practice.
Ursula,
“The world is changing fast. It always has, always will.”
How silly is that? Yes, life is always changing, but the rate of change has never been constant. It’s mostly the times of great change that get the attention because they’re the most interesting… but not necessarily the most fun for the people living through them.
rummuser,
I hope you’re right about your local Muslim youth. I also hope it will help the women get better treatment.
Looney,
I’m having a good time watching, too. The internet gives us a good view of what is going on, and I’m also studying a lot of history to put things in perspective. I do like trying to see the big picture.
BHB,
As we’ve already decided, you are not a Six. 🙂
I’m a Two? It’s easy to forget with my Senior Moments.
You’re a One. And it doesn’t matter that you don’t remember. It’s not important.
Yes, I had heard about the biodegradable utensils and the cost.
Contraire. It’s very helpful to know your Enneagram number. Then you can read about yourself & how you react.
You are a two, BHB, and forget all about sixes. I don’t know what I am but once I’ve found out I will let you know.
Jean, what do you mean “silly”? Of course it’s not silly. It’s the way it is. When Galileo Galilei pronounced the sun as the centre of the universe he was laughed out of court and put under house arrest. I have nothing but respect for scientists, not least because they debunk the whole of what constitutes religion, but some of your lot bend it to your own purposes. Jean, we have survived times so much tougher than our current spoilt, sitting in the warmth, belly filled selves experiencing right now: Do you seriously believe that with all that technology at our finger tips we (that is the human race) won’t adapt, survive (whatever that is) till the sun has had it? I hope the sun will have had it some time in a very distant future. Burn us to a cinder.
I am sorry, and I do not mean to be unkind: But when I hear “concern over global warming” – wake up. We have had the ice ages. We are still here. Aren’t we? It’s not just a dream, is it?
Very annoyed this minute.
U
Guilty as charged. I’m a One.
Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing.
Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic.
The warming trend now is not going to do us in. It’s not clear how much we are causing that & how much are other causes. Climates fluctuates through the ages.
Oh, BHB, we are what we are. Took two of those blasted testa online. Am I crazy or something? Why do I waste my time? How many more hours have I got to find out what type I am? Who wants to know? I don’t.
It’s shocking. I took one test and came out as something. Took a far more involved test which took a lot longer and now I don’t want to know myself any more. Including my wing. Let’s see if Jean can guess which card I drew. Bloody hell. Put me down now.
And you BHB are not the ONE, though you are: You are a TWO.
U
U, I’m NOT a Two. I hate people except for you, Jean & my family. I never give anyone anything; don’t care about their problems, & won’t try to please anyone.
🙂 to a little extent.
Ursula,
It’s silly to say the world has always been changing fast. In some periods the change has been very slow compared to human lifetimes. That doesn’t mean the periods of slow change haven’t been hard for the people living/dying through them.
Yes, we’re very privileged and spoiled. I, for one, love it and hope it continues for us. 😀
The purpose of this blog is to get a friendly conversation going. I think the present is fascinating and love to contemplate it with kindred spirits.
I think humans are in for another rough ride. Many species will be wiped out but I think humans and insects will survive for quite a while longer. That’s not much consolation for suffering individuals, though.
bikehikebabe,
As Ursula points out, the Enneagram isn’t for everyone. I’m glad you’re getting some pleasure out of it too.
Ursula,
About the Enneagram–it’s hard to tell from the internet,but you do come across as a bit critical. 😉 You might be a One?
U, I thought the same thing. I’m a One. It’s not so bad.