We have decided some brain quirks are disorders (and get accommodations, as is compassionate), whilst others are flaws (and get slurs). But no one picks their hardware. You cannot earn a better prefrontal cortex or deserve a calmer amygdala. Nor does one get to pick the environment they are born in, which will inform their choices later in life. Even the capacity to “learn better” is a roll of the dice, some brains start the race with sprinting shoes, others with lead weights.

So when we call someone stupid, lazy or insane we are not describing a choice, but simply announcing which kinds of unlucky we’ve decided are worthy of scorn.

  • oreoreore@lemy.lolOP
    71·
    2 days ago

    Oh if only humanity did have an universally agreed upon meaning and point, so much strife could be avoided. Alas, such a thing does not exist in reality, but only in the minds of people. Those ever malleable and shifting minds.

    I do as I do because because I am compelled, indeed! Because I wish to see less cruelty in the world. It is simplicity itself. And if I spoke in full truth, I would never say anything at all.

    • Gathorall@lemmy.world
      12·
      2 days ago

      Cruelty implies a choice. It doesn’t exist in a world without free will. So you’ve succeeded, seeing the world is free of cruelty. What is next for you?

      • oreoreore@lemy.lolOP
        3·
        2 days ago

        Cruelty is merely a label we put upon an action we find harmful. Like every word, it is made up.

        No word is the thing it points to. Except perhaps the word, “word” itself. Every word I have written is a small lie.

        One does not go around licking recipes in order to taste the dish.

        • Gathorall@lemmy.world
          12·
          2 days ago

          Well, then use the words you mean. Cruelty was clearly an incorrect one. We can’t exchange ideas effectively of you refuse to use words with their assigned meaning.