I’m not sure I would classify it as necessarily useful, but I feel like this thought process applies on people who believe in ‘signs from the universe’. Where everything has a potential to mean something, it just depends on what you're looking for and what you consider meaningful. So all objects fall eventually fall under two categories:
A. Things that happen to hold a meaning to the person in question
B. Things that don't
The things that fall into category B are gone unnoticed, as they leave no impact on the person observing them; the only objects then worth noting (and remembering) are those in category A. So the person then seems to think that everything they encounter is some sort of sign, which I guess helps many feel a sense of purpose or connection to the universe?
That's a great example. When the goal—stated or acquired—is to maximize a subjective quality like personal well-being or meaning or purpose, then something like wishful thinking becomes an attractive lens to see the world through. Despite the fact that it hinders and biases one's interpretations of events.
Maybe not only subjective ones, come to think of it. For pioneering builders of things—a new venture, a new industry, a new nation—that tendency can drive them. Many of their actions must seem utterly irrational to someone spectating from afar. The pioneer must possess some warped view of the world that tells them they're destined for success and that every event in the universe serves to somehow corroborate that belief. That's a useful quality to have if in that role.
Thanks, Tracy! Possibly. It's coming together, and the early signs are promising, though it still needs more work. :) I'm really enjoying Substack so far. It's been great to work with.
I’m not sure I would classify it as necessarily useful, but I feel like this thought process applies on people who believe in ‘signs from the universe’. Where everything has a potential to mean something, it just depends on what you're looking for and what you consider meaningful. So all objects fall eventually fall under two categories:
A. Things that happen to hold a meaning to the person in question
B. Things that don't
The things that fall into category B are gone unnoticed, as they leave no impact on the person observing them; the only objects then worth noting (and remembering) are those in category A. So the person then seems to think that everything they encounter is some sort of sign, which I guess helps many feel a sense of purpose or connection to the universe?
So in a religious sense, it’s useful.
That's a great example. When the goal—stated or acquired—is to maximize a subjective quality like personal well-being or meaning or purpose, then something like wishful thinking becomes an attractive lens to see the world through. Despite the fact that it hinders and biases one's interpretations of events.
Maybe not only subjective ones, come to think of it. For pioneering builders of things—a new venture, a new industry, a new nation—that tendency can drive them. Many of their actions must seem utterly irrational to someone spectating from afar. The pioneer must possess some warped view of the world that tells them they're destined for success and that every event in the universe serves to somehow corroborate that belief. That's a useful quality to have if in that role.
Great to see your name pop up in my inbox, Ali! New book on the way, I hope?
Thanks, Tracy! Possibly. It's coming together, and the early signs are promising, though it still needs more work. :) I'm really enjoying Substack so far. It's been great to work with.