Deepness...or blindly inane?

Question

If a person thinks about EVERYthing in life...to the point they ask random questions of "what if fish see correctly...and we see colours wrong...?"....do you think they need to chill out???....


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Answer 1

whether or not our perception is veridical hardly matters if you just want small talk.

WHATS THE ESSENCE OF SMALL TALK?
Is it sexual? Do we need even our words to sympathize with our bodily state? How many forms of small talk are there? Is it a form of Bullshit? What is Bullshit really? Subterfuge? Are there always hidden motives? Are hidden motives bad? Should we always tell the truth? Can we even begin to tell the truth? What is Truth? How do we analyze it if we don't work under the assumption that we can analyze it?

Answer 2

Well, let's take a look at what we're talking about here:

Inane (adj) - vacuously or complacently and unconsciously foolish.

Foolish (adj) - devoid of good sense or judgment; having or revealing stupidity.

From the context of your question, I infer that this person doesn't ask STUPID questions - just questions that may not be entirely relevant or useful. So then the only thing we can really question is whether it is showing bad judgement by thinking of such things or asking them.

Obviously, if this person is busy thinking about fish perceptions when they should be doing something else important, then I would say that it is not only a sign bad judgement, but may be a demonstration of a low-level mania or obsession. Likewise, if these questions are annoying to you or other people, then this person is inflicting social damage on themselves as well. Also not-good.

On the other hand, if the questions only arise when there is free time, and if most people are indifferent to or amused by them, then we could call it eccentric, but no more than that. Studies have suggested that eccentricity of this nature may actually be quite beneficial for a person rather than a sign of mental illness... if you're interested in this possibility, I recommend the book "Eccentrics" by Weeks.

And none of this even touches on the possibility that questions of this nature may actually lead to knowledge that may be beneficial to mankind as a whole... you'd be surprised by the number of inventions and scientific studies that started with a supposedly 'crazy' question!

Answer 3

I suppose you are getting at the idea that some people think too much, or seem to be thinking so much that they don’t take time to really feel anything or experience other aspects of life. Yes, such people would be well-advised to chill-out. One really should stop and smell the roses. But the example you use leads me to suspect that you are being overly critical. I’d say it is GOOD to think deeply, and that we should not place artificial limits on what we allow ourselves to think deeply about. Treasures are often discovered in the most unlikely of places. Your friend’s question is not so random as it may seem. The choice of ‘fish’ is somewhat random, and I personally don’t believe in any right or wrong in the way that fish see the world verse how we see the world. I’d say the fish’s vision is no less “correct” than ours, but aside from this trivial criticism, the basic question is not only fun and interesting, but also important to anyone who wants to live a deep and meaningful life. How reliable is our perception? How close can we get to knowing truth? Sure, you could live your entire life without thinking of these things, but it would be sad if no one thought of them. Questioning is an important part of “being all that you can be,” and if you are going to question, it is best if you have the capacity to question deeply – anything less often does more harm than good. Shallow people often learn just enough to be dangerous. Take politics, for example. Shallow thinking can cause the majority to be gullible for almost any crazy idea that is presented charismatically.

But keep in mind that deep thinking does not have to exclude deep feeling, and depth of whatever sort does not have to mean stuffy, boring, dry, snooty, nit-picking. The deepest thinkers typically discover that most of what the masses believe is just plain stupid. This leads them to take alternative paths, and very often these alternative paths are way more fun than flowing with the mainstream. Intelligence and creativity often open up whole new ways of having a kick-*** good time.

Answer 4

Gee, of course not. Questions like that stir everyones imagination and do no harm I can think of. Supposing Columbus never wondered if the world was round? What if no one ever tried to figure out a way to make fire on purpose? Thinking about odd possibilities often brings true benefit. Not thinking about everything leads to nowhere but status quo and stagnation. Questions that have no clear answer based on certain or scientific knowledge lead to investigation and eventually to answers. I love them myself.

Answer 5

I used to wonder what if everyone sees colors differently but call them the same thing because they were taught to... and we all really have the same favorite color.
I have a contingecy career plan for if I am ever a grackle.
You see that kid staring out the window, into space? There is probably a lot going on inside there.

Answer 6

in order for us to think philosophically we need those type of people that ask random questions all the time which make you think and appreciate their input into the world

Answer 7

these people with their questions are what makes us rational beings and philosophical. it is better to question and to find answers for yourself instead to rely on the words of others. I commend those who question and seek answers.