(no subject)

[sophiaserpentia]

Guns, like drugs and money, are fleurs du mal of the archons. They yield the opposite of what they promise. But the moment you become aware of this, it reveals a fundamental aspect of human nature we don't much like to talk about -- because this awareness in itself doesn't make you want or need them any less.

Comments

[lassiter.livejournal.com]

I think one issue revolves around perceived vs. actual needs. There are situations in which someone might well need guns, drugs, or money (why does this sound like a Warren Zevon song?). But to believe that one "needs" things that are not actually necessary, and may even be harmful in a given context leads to problems. There are situations where guns are simply inappropriate (elementary schools, maybe?) , drugs are counterproductive (piloting a plane, operating a lathe), and a large amount of money will get you mugged. Mere "wanting" (as in, I want a drink, or a toke, or a couple hundred dollars to buy a toy or a hunting rifle) is fine, but if one's sense of well-being is threatened with collapse if one doesn't have the guns, or the drugs, or (excess) money, then we tend to see a lot of acting out and justifications.

[sophiaserpentia.livejournal.com]

This isn't really so much a value judgment, as in, I'm not saying these things "are bad." Just that they provide benefits with diminishing returns at a cost that can sometimes be higher than the benefit is worth, in terms of "utility." So when utilized by a person out of balance, their cost can go way up.