In defense of defeatism

[paredler]

I hear lots of judgment and shame against people who have a defeatist mentality. Blamers claim defeatists are just lazy and lack self control and choose to be down because that way they get handouts. Far from the truth. Defeatists are usually people who, after many years of experience and observation, came to the conclusion they're pretty powerless against the power of nature, laws of physics, and fate. They realized that fighting against natural instincts do more harm than good in the long run and they don't have that much resources to spend in the first place. They lost hope and therefore lost motivation. They focus on surviving with the least amount of pain and prioritize short term survival over long term goals. It's important to approach this kind of worldview with respect and empathy if we want to build a conversation that is based on understanding and promotes constructive criticism.

 

[cosmic_traveler]

I hear lots of judgment and shame against people who have a defeatist mentality. Blamers claim defeatists are just lazy and lack self control and choose to be down because that way they get handouts. Far from the truth. Defeatists are usually people who, after many years of experience and observation, came to the conclusion they're pretty powerless against the power of nature, laws of physics, and fate. They realized that fighting against natural instincts do more harm than good in the long run and they don't have that much resources to spend in the first place. They lost hope and therefore lost motivation. They focus on surviving with the least amount of pain and prioritize short term survival over long term goals. It's important to approach this kind of worldview with respect and empathy if we want to build a conversation that is based on understanding and promotes constructive criticism.

Everything is a choice.

When you wake up in the morning you choose the type of person you're going to be. When faced with a conflict you choose how you're going to handle it. When you accomplish a task you choose how to celebrate.

Our brains are decision making machines. The brain is complicated switchboard that is always trying to predict the future based on the evidence of your past experiences. If you were shocked with electricity every time you bit an apple, you would avoid biting apples.

The same conditioning applies to every aspect of life. Defeatists are conditioned to believe that whatever they might try will fail, which would cause them emotional or mental or spiritual pain. So why would they choose to put their hand in the trap when they know it's going to hurt?

Sorry you're in so much pain. Be well on your journey.