Charger
Member
I've noticed since focusing on maximizing a high dopamine, low serotonin, low cortisol state that I've become much more passive regarding topics that I was much more fired up about a few years ago. I've spoken of having much more (far) right leaning views during the most stressful periods of my life, I suppose stress can promote a 'misery loves company' mentality where you're likely to be in favor of politics that may result in others being put in a more difficult situation or being inflicted with whatever perceived pain or stress you're currently under or have experienced.
Basically, I'm aware that we live in a world that is imperfect with many problems. But I notice when observing the behaviors of my peers, that they will get fired up over seemingly minute issues, and in some cases, issues that don't even exist, fired up over pure speculation in some cases.
A few examples:
- “The president is going to get us in a war.” that I hear almost every time a new president is elected.
- Acting as if their paychecks are now going to be funneled directly to minorities now that a Democrat is in office.
- Blowing out of proportion sensationalist headlines of how offended our society has supposedly become as if the average person walking around really cares what's in a Dr. Seuss book.
It's as though people get caught up in the sensationalism of things, as if they're taking positions they don't really believe in because they see others reacting similarly. It's hard to empathize because I either perceive these problems as non-existent, easily solved, not intrusive to most people's day-to-day lives, or simply something that can't be realistically influenced and therefore isn't worth stressing over.
I'm not sure if this passivity is a direct result of low-stress hormones and thus empathy, or simply a subconscious way to avoid extra stress, as I've noticed I also do not seek out media that would previously put me in a stressed state of mind. Sometimes, I wonder if these are genuine issues and I'm in a state of delusion because I can't relate to the reactions of those around me.
At one point, I almost took these feelings (or lack thereof) as a sign that I was low in androgens. I think men get conditioned to think that running on adrenaline or being high-strung over petty issues is a direct expression of testosterone, it's been the opposite in my experience.
How has Peating influenced your own perceptions of politics or social issues?
Have your positions changed or are they the same regardless?
Do you find it takes more effort to 'care' about political issues in a low-stress state?
Do you consider passivity a bad thing and what problems in particular do you think deserve your energy, attention, and empathy?
Basically, I'm aware that we live in a world that is imperfect with many problems. But I notice when observing the behaviors of my peers, that they will get fired up over seemingly minute issues, and in some cases, issues that don't even exist, fired up over pure speculation in some cases.
A few examples:
- “The president is going to get us in a war.” that I hear almost every time a new president is elected.
- Acting as if their paychecks are now going to be funneled directly to minorities now that a Democrat is in office.
- Blowing out of proportion sensationalist headlines of how offended our society has supposedly become as if the average person walking around really cares what's in a Dr. Seuss book.
It's as though people get caught up in the sensationalism of things, as if they're taking positions they don't really believe in because they see others reacting similarly. It's hard to empathize because I either perceive these problems as non-existent, easily solved, not intrusive to most people's day-to-day lives, or simply something that can't be realistically influenced and therefore isn't worth stressing over.
I'm not sure if this passivity is a direct result of low-stress hormones and thus empathy, or simply a subconscious way to avoid extra stress, as I've noticed I also do not seek out media that would previously put me in a stressed state of mind. Sometimes, I wonder if these are genuine issues and I'm in a state of delusion because I can't relate to the reactions of those around me.
At one point, I almost took these feelings (or lack thereof) as a sign that I was low in androgens. I think men get conditioned to think that running on adrenaline or being high-strung over petty issues is a direct expression of testosterone, it's been the opposite in my experience.
How has Peating influenced your own perceptions of politics or social issues?
Have your positions changed or are they the same regardless?
Do you find it takes more effort to 'care' about political issues in a low-stress state?
Do you consider passivity a bad thing and what problems in particular do you think deserve your energy, attention, and empathy?
Last edited: