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PaperclipPerfector  2mo ago (text post)   2572 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for March 23, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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I often have small thoughts I'd like to use as discussion prompts on the Motte, but that aren't explicit questions (for the SSQS thread like this one here) or really suitable for top-level culture war posts. Could I attempt to open something like a "Small observation Saturday" thread, or is that just directionless low-effort posting unsuitable for the Motte?

Can we try some out right here?

I read my aunt's old poetry album from the 60s. Rural Germany, mind you. The poetry was entirely of the wisdom kind; dozens of people all writing down exhortations along the lines of

  • Be pious and pray fervently.
  • You live for others, not for yourself.
  • Work hard to give God something to work with on your behalf.
  • When life sucks, suck it up.
  • Be glad at all times, even when life is hard.
  • Remember the people around you, and the good times you shared.
  • Honor your parents, they won't be around forever.
  • Speak softly or don't speak at all.
  • Do somethign with your life that you are good at.

It struck me as very different from what one would hear as poetic advice nowadays. Not exactly surprising insights, I suppose.

I would expect the modern-day equivalent to have more pop-psych, like "What doesn't kill you still gives you PTSD". Or maybe eco-friendly, like "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints".

See, that's defeatism, not advice. I'm not sure there is a modern-day equivalent, maybe Jordan Peterson?

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