(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

[azaz-al.livejournal.com]

All drugs?

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Quite true.

[ziasummer.livejournal.com]

I agree in many ways. There needs to do an awareness well beyond the average sense of self to owner and to operate a firearm...or take drugs...or even have a car.  the benefits can be healthy and benefit many or costly, unhealthy and deny resources that could be useful otherwise.

[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.