Anti mask protest in Berlin

As a German I know that the Germans try to be perfect at whatever they do. This includes turning the world to ashes and promoting stupidity. If they're at it, they're hard to stop. The majority of those is right wing by the way but there are some lefties, too.

Easy Money wrote: I was just looking at an anti-mask protest in Berlin. Around here (southern US) the anti-mask people tend to be angry rednecks and country bumpkins. A friend of mine in Lithuania tells me that the anti-maskers in Europe tend to be anarchists and antigovernment lefty types. Just curious to hear what others have noticed in Northern Europe or elsewhere.

I do understand why intelligent people can be very skeptical when it comes to the stuff that gets to us through mainstream media, and that includes what is sold to us as "scientific". In fact there's so much wrong with science communication I don't know where to start. Uncovering some of the stuff that doesn't wash is a nice challenge and some may get quite obsessed about it. Once you realise that "official storytelling" is far from consistent, you may look for a more consistent story elsewhere. People who start by telling you the stuff that you had earlier discovered yourself have a good chance then to get you on their side. History (and in fact the social environment of most of us) has enough examples on offer that show that intelligence will not protect people from a one-sided view, and that some intelligent people will end up among the most extreme.

Lewian wrote: I do understand why intelligent people can be very skeptical when it comes to the stuff that gets to us through mainstream media, and that includes what is sold to us as "scientific". In fact there's so much wrong with science communication I don't know where to start. Uncovering some of the stuff that doesn't wash is a nice challenge and some may get quite obsessed about it. Once you realise that "official storytelling" is far from consistent, you may look for a more consistent story elsewhere. People who start by telling you the stuff that you had earlier discovered yourself have a good chance then to get you on their side. History (and in fact the social environment of most of us) has enough examples on offer that show that intelligence will not protect people from a one-sided view, and that some intelligent people will end up among the most extreme.

Lewian wrote: The question is, are there better alternatives? Silly Puppy always goes on about the thousands of hours of research he has put into this, and his competence by education and intelligence to tell apart what's more and less trustworthy. I do not agree with him on most things, but I do accept that an intelligent person can put in more effort than others to get a broader view, and then come to the conclusion that mainstream media are not the source to go by, and that such a person is not necessarily impressed when somebody who has seen less and maybe thought less tries to tell him what's right and what's wrong. I remember when I was in a French course in France long ago (I've forgotten most of it alas), and there was a very intelligent and well informed Chinese guy who worked for the Chinese government, something to do with the UN. There was much talk about democracy and how China didn't respect the human rights (the French language teachers weren't exactly shy to talk about their political convictions even at the risk of offending some students, and neither were some of the mostly western students), but the level of argument and general knowledge they had was just miles away from what this guy would have to say. He didn't convince me that the Chinese system was all fine, but he illustrated to me that the most intelligent and knowledgeable people can appear pretty much on any side of any argument.

This is not surprising. The Chinese bloke you spoke of was a trained politician. They are good at making people believe in whatever is not true. 

SteveG wrote: Lewian wrote: The question is, are there better alternatives? Silly Puppy always goes on about the thousands of hours of research he has put into this, and his competence by education and intelligence to tell apart what's more and less trustworthy. I do not agree with him on most things, but I do accept that an intelligent person can put in more effort than others to get a broader view, and then come to the conclusion that mainstream media are not the source to go by, and that such a person is not necessarily impressed when somebody who has seen less and maybe thought less tries to tell him what's right and what's wrong. I remember when I was in a French course in France long ago (I've forgotten most of it alas), and there was a very intelligent and well informed Chinese guy who worked for the Chinese government, something to do with the UN. There was much talk about democracy and how China didn't respect the human rights (the French language teachers weren't exactly shy to talk about their political convictions even at the risk of offending some students, and neither were some of the mostly western students), but the level of argument and general knowledge they had was just miles away from what this guy would have to say. He didn't convince me that the Chinese system was all fine, but he illustrated to me that the most intelligent and knowledgeable people can appear pretty much on any side of any argument.   This is not surprising. The Chinese bloke you spoke of was a trained politician. They are good at making people believe in whatever is not true.

Most politicians are self-serving con artists.  The more intelligent, the shrewder the con, which is likely to be more dangerous.

I'm still wearing a mask when I go into shops but its noticeable that less people are wearing them in where I live (not surprising as they are no longer mandatory anyway). My Mum a 83 yr old 'rebel' doesn't wear one because she finds them uncomfortable and they steam up her glasses. I suspect Vaccines and not Masks will get on top of this thing . Australia and NZ have done everything they can to keep it out but it still gets in somehow.

And what does this prove? That most PHD's are idiots? I'll go with that. 

Edited by SteveG - August 30 2021 at 08:59

CosmicVibration wrote: Some people question everything while some believe and follow blindly. We need less indoctrination and more free thinkers.. and definitely more honesty.

Yes, we need honesty. First, from your "type".

I know your way of questioning things. I really do.

I trust in Science. And I'll remain to do so. Unless I see REAL evidence of the misanthrope, villainous nature of the ones who "control" the Science. 

Your slippery stance would be the least trustable thing for me in my whole life. I assure you.

Please answer with honesty... I'm being honest here, first. I really question lots of things, perhaps everything. Then, I choose the most plausible conclusion, and go on my way. Unless I see proof that proves me wrong.

What do you really question? Have you ever questioned all those delusional vibrations, astral bodies etc.? I believe you did, but chose to believe those.

Believe me, we are the same. With a big difference. We are logical and reasonable.

Edited by Shadowyzard - August 30 2021 at 09:50