Own Worst Enemy

“Thrilled to Death” 

by Dr Arch Hart PhD

Originally posted on 29th February 2012 here

It seems obvious. We are stressing ourselves out to a point that we can no longer enjoy life.

Psychology researchers are catching on to what Hart has been talking about for a long time. They’re emphasising that we need to slow down, relax, sleep, take pleasure in the small things. Otherwise life goes by with a flash and there is nothing to show for it.

Hart defines the clinical condition of anhedonia and points out its dangers. Anhedonia being a condition where one has sought so much pleasure that the pleasure centre in their brain no longer functions properly.

It is important to acknowledge the presence of anhedonia so that we can avoid it and live fulfilling lives. Hart gives 7 steps to do just that or to get out of it all together.

It all seems like common sense. Unfortunately common sense has become increasingly uncommon. It is why we need a psychologist to point out what we should already know.

Update to 2020:
I've worked in healthcare now for 12 years.  The one field of health that is growing is mental health.  People aren't coping with life.  The cause is not a simple answer as it is multi faceted.  The truth is still there though, that we need to stop and give our brains a rest, seek help if it is needed.

Free to Speak

“In Defence of Freedom of Speech”

edited by Chris Berg

Originally posted 10 February 2013 here

This is a book created by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA).  It was sent to every Federal Member of Parliament and Senator.  It was also distributed to the general public at the same time.

Its intention was to illuminate various attacks on the liberties of individuals that were being perpetrated primarily by the Labor govt.

You can be sure that it was read by some of its intended target as then Greens leader, Bob Brown, referred to it during an address to the National Press Club.  His snide remarks about the book had no essence of truth in them.  But that didn’t matter to him.  Nor did the IPA mind that he misrepresented their work.  It just went to show how set in their anti liberty ways the Greens really are.

It is one thing to have someone disagree with you.  It is a completely different thing to take measures to stop them from saying it, even though it might be true.  The vast majority of criticism for the current government has been absolutely justified, but they don’t like their faults being pointed out so they try and stop people from criticising.

The book describes a history of freedom of speech from ancient Greece to modern times in Australia.  It describes why the various acts were performed and their consequences.  It’s surprising to see how much has been done in the name of liberty and also protectionism. 

Over the course of history there were no groups that shone brightly as bearers of the liberty torch.  In all eras there fluctuations in freedom and protectionism.  Even Christian groups, who I thought would be bastions of freedom of speech, had fallen for the protectionist ideology at times.  When liberties were taken away it was usually due to the institution of totalitarian regimes.

What this book has shown me is that freedoms are important and not to be messed with by any government entity.  It’s a slippery slope when governments think they can mess with liberties.  It stems mainly from the intellectually elitist ideology that you are too stupid to make educated decisions for yourself if given certain liberties.  This ideology is both demeaning and insulting.  I’m glad we have institution such as the IPA that took on the cause of freedom of speech with such vigour.

Update to 2020:
Have things gotten any better?  Well, no, in fact they have gotten worse.  Conservative voices are are being forced off college campuses and labelled hate speech.  Like who gets to define hate speech.  People say that they are all for free speech with an exception clause.  Except all the speech that I don't want to hear.  Either you are for free speech or you are not.  No exception clauses..