It seems easier

[HDRider]

To point out the flaws of another's ideas. The faults are so much more apparent in the actions, manners and demeanor of others.

Why is that?

Why can't we take an idea for what is worth, and make it better. Not by finding it failings and taking pride in pointing them out, but rather build on it like stacking stones until it takes shape to serve a utility or for their aesthetic value.

To destroy is easy. To build is hard.

[plowjockey]

Since humans are beings, based on thinking, The quest for intellectual superiority, has always been in our DNA. Doesn't even matter we are not smart, we think we are.

You're out in the bush and there is a lion waiting to attack. You want to run this way to safety, but your friend says its better to run that way? There's no time to debate the options.

Who's way is the right way?

[copperkid3]

Originally Posted by plowjockey

Since humans are beings, based on thinking, The quest for intellectual superiority, has always been in our DNA. Doesn't even matter we are not smart, we think we are.

You're out in the bush and there is a lion waiting to attack. You want to run this way to safety, but your friend says its better to run that way? There's no time to debate the options.

Who's way is the right way?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
for you to let your 'friend' run that way. Lions love to chase (and catch)

fleeing prey. You then walk the 'other' way to safety. Problem solved!

[mmoetc]

Originally Posted by HDRider

To point out the flaws of another's ideas. The faults are so much more apparent in the actions, manners and demeanor of others.

Why is that?

Why can't we take an idea for what is worth, and make it better. Not by finding it failings and taking pride in pointing them out, but rather build on it like stacking stones until it takes shape to serve a utility or for their aesthetic value.

To destroy is easy. To build is hard.

Because its always easier to criticize than to come up with good ideas. At the same time criticism of ideas can lead to better things. Sometimes it is as much about the attitude of the originator as it is with the naysayer. If you dig your heels in and aren't open to any suggestion for improvement, you are just as much at fault. I've almost never seen an initial plan that couldn't use improvement. I have seen many plans fail because the planner dismissed criticism of their plan as criticism of themselves. Separation of idea from self is critical on both sides. I have also seen many plans made better when leadership has been open to alternatives and open discussion.

As for the lion. I don't have to outrun it, only my companion.

[I_don't_know]

The picture shows what we are capable of.
Our society shows what we do.

A shame.

[watcher]

Because humans are evil at their core which means you must fight to over come it. And those who don't want to over come it get a bit ticked off when you point things out to them.

If you saw someone driving down the interstate at 70 mph with a nearly flat tire would you try to let them know there was a problem? Why? Would it not be easier to not bother them?

[Harry Chickpea]

Perhaps you haven't watched enough "America's Funniest Home Videos."

Ideas ARE corrections of flaws. In the picture, the stone arch is because someone thought the scene was flawed without a pretty stone arch.

Some ideas have good points that outweigh the bad points, and some have more bad aspects than good. The ones that have too many bad aspects may be best off being abandoned.

Ignoring the bad points invites disaster. For instance, in that rock arch picture, the arch is transient and unstable. It wouldn't be a good idea to scale that up and build a road over it, no matter how pretty it is.

"To destroy is easy. To build is hard."

More accurately, it is easy to build poorly constructed things that are easily destroyed or fall apart on their own. To build something with style that lasts is incredibly difficult. Compare the little rock arch to the Roman aqueducts.

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by watcher

Because humans are evil at their core which means you must fight to over come it. And those who don't want to over come it get a bit ticked off when you point things out to them.

If you saw someone driving down the interstate at 70 mph with a nearly flat tire would you try to let them know there was a problem? Why? Would it not be easier to not bother them?

Funny you use that example. I can't count the times I have told drivers of low tires or that their brake light was out.

A lot of these responses are very insightful.

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by Harry Chickpea

Perhaps you haven't watched enough "America's Funniest Home Videos."

Ideas ARE corrections of flaws. In the picture, the stone arch is because someone thought the scene was flawed without a pretty stone arch.

Some ideas have good points that outweigh the bad points, and some have more bad aspects than good. The ones that have too many bad aspects may be best off being abandoned.

Ignoring the bad points invites disaster. For instance, in that rock arch picture, the arch is transient and unstable. It wouldn't be a good idea to scale that up and build a road over it, no matter how pretty it is.

"To destroy is easy. To build is hard."

More accurately, it is easy to build poorly constructed things that are easily destroyed or fall apart on their own. To build something with style that lasts is incredibly difficult. Compare the little rock arch to the Roman aqueducts.

[watcher]

Originally Posted by HDRider

Funny you use that example. I can't count the times I have told drivers of low tires or that their brake light was out.

A lot of these responses are very insightful.

Same here. They do tend to look at you like you have 3 arms and say 'Uh. . .ok' don't they.

Try having your kid make a sign and hold it up as you pass telling them their tire is really low.

[MO_cows]

I don't think people point out flaws simply to be mean, but mostly to be helpful. Just like if the person next to you at the crosswalk starts to go before the light turns green, you gonna point out their error or just let them walk into traffic?? It is a lot kinder to point out the error, isn't it?

Constructive criticism has its place.

[HDRider]

I think a lot of the posts here prove we favor destruction of an idea rather than construction of an idea.

Maybe the ability to collaborate is not innate??

[plowjockey]

Originally Posted by HDRider

Maybe the ability to collaborate is not innate??

Seems to be the case. DS attended a "new" high school, where instead of the usual classroom lecture, the learning is "group project based" we're 6-8 students worked towards a shared goal with a "team" grade, for every member.

It usually ended up where one or two did most of the thinking and work, to get a good grade, while the rest complained and skated along, for the ride.

[Karen]

Originally Posted by watcher

Because humans are evil at their core which means you must fight to over come it. And those who don't want to over come it get a bit ticked off when you point things out to them.

If you saw someone driving down the interstate at 70 mph with a nearly flat tire would you try to let them know there was a problem? Why? Would it not be easier to not bother them?

I don't think people are evil at their core at all. They make mistakes and often want their own way, but evil? No way! The proof of that has been all the disasters we've had recently. Look at how many come running to help, putting aside their own wants and needs, and even their own safety, to come to the aid of someone else.

With regards to your interstate scenario, it's apples and oranges. When someone is in danger and you very kindly let them know because they may not be aware of it, that isn't criticizing. But when someone point fingers, get snarky, self-righteous and judgmental and belittles another, that's just mean spirited, unkind and serves absolutely no purpose or help. Very, very big difference.

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by plowjockey

Seems to be the case. DS attended a "new" high school, where instead of the usual classroom lecture, the learning is "group project based" we're 6-8 students worked towards a shared goal with a "team" grade, for every member.

It usually ended up where one or two did most of the thinking and work, to get a good grade, while the rest complained and skated along, for the ride.

That is very enlightened concept.

In my years in corporate America you see different kinds. You got natural leaders, creative idea people, worker bees and then you got work-evaders. It is best when you know which one you are and sometimes you play different roles. Most of the time each are rewarded accordingly.


That school approach should serve your son well. The biggest lessons is learning who he is. As once said - Know yourself.

[HDRider]

Originally Posted by Karen

I don't think people are evil at their core at all. They make mistakes and often want their own way, but evil? No way! The proof of that has been all the disasters we've had recently. Look at how many come running to help, putting aside their own wants and needs, and even their own safety, to come to the aid of someone else.

With regards to your interstate scenario, it's apples and oranges. When someone is in danger and you very kindly let them know because they may not be aware of it, that isn't criticizing. But when someone point fingers, get snarky, self-righteous and judgmental and belittles another, that's just mean spirited, unkind and serves absolutely no purpose or help. Very, very big difference.

My life theory is that at any given moment good and evil are always present in equal measure. And always at war with each other.