Why Are Humans Inherently Crazy? (doom, evolve)

[Sunstone]

When one takes a hard look at human behavior, it is obvious that madness is a deeply ingrained human characteristic. Rationality is not the natural state of man, but a mix of rationality and irrationality. There is an inherent insanity in human nature. Perhaps, we are even the most insane of all the Great Apes.

Why is that? Why do we have this mix of rationality and irrationality?

How did this mix of rationality and irrationality that is human nature evolve?

What does it mean for the human prospect?

Can a crazy mind conceive of anything other than a crazy deity? Are our deities doomed to be as crazy as we are?

[standing_on_one_foot]

I wouldn't go so far as to say crazy, for the most part, although the phrase "highly illogical" does come to mind. But I figure a lot of it comes from the fact that really, it's very difficult to think about everything you do and still function. A lot of it generally goes on autopilot, with mixed results...

And the world is a pretty crazy and confusing place. One would expect it to rub off a little.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by standing_on_one_foot

I wouldn't go so far as to say crazy, for the most part, although the phrase "highly illogical" does come to mind. But I figure a lot of it comes from the fact that really, it's very difficult to think about everything you do and still function. A lot of it generally goes on autopilot, with mixed results...

And the world is a pretty crazy and confusing place. One would expect it to rub off a little.

You don't think humans are often and frequently crazy? Just look at politics. What do you see when you look at politics? Rational behavior?

[standing_on_one_foot]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

You don't think humans are often and frequently crazy? Just look at politics. What do you see when you look at politics? Rational behavior?

You'd have to define crazy. Sure, phrases like illogical, self-serving, or short-sighted are often applicable, but I wouldn't necessarily qualify that as crazy. Sometimes crazy. But I think to just call it that is severly oversimplifying matters.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by standing_on_one_foot

You'd have to define crazy. Sure, phrases like illogical, self-serving, or short-sighted are often applicable, but I wouldn't necessarily qualify that as crazy. Sometimes crazy. But I think to just call it that is severly oversimplifying matters.

I think of illogical, self serving and short sighted as crazy. I'm not talking about a clinical definition here. There is no clinical definition of crazy. I just mean crazy in a common language way.

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

You don't think humans are often and frequently crazy? Just look at politics. What do you see when you look at politics? Rational behavior?

Childish behaviour.

I think standing is right; you'll have to be more specific as to what you define as crazy. Personally, I think it's crazy just to participate in politics.

[Bright-ness' Shadow]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

When one takes a hard look at human behavior, it is obvious that madness is a deeply ingrained human characteristic. Rationality is not the natural state of man, but a mix of rationality and irrationality. There is an inherent insanity in human nature. Perhaps, we are even the most insane of all the Great Apes.

Why is that? Why do we have this mix of rationality and irrationality?

How did this mix of rationality and irrationality that is human nature evolve?

Irrationality is not separate from rationality; it is a faulty process of rationality. It can arrive from faulty observation, inferior education, or combining "apples and oranges". It is a triumph of the non-world over reality.

What does it mean for the human prospect?

It would require better education (even to the self-taught) and peer review.

Can a crazy mind conceive of anything other than a crazy deity? Are our deities doomed to be as crazy as we are?

Yes to both questions. "In his image" is correct when "his" means humanity.