Hard Hindsight

February 7, 2006

An economist's life lessons. Holds true in general. Ask, What is really happening here? What is my role?

It's fine to be used. Everyone needs to be useful, and utility is what earns our pay. But know what you're being used for. And try to get involved in something measureably productive. We noticed this a while ago. Many of the most unhappy people in Studs Terkel's Working held jobs the successful performance of which had no independent measure except others' opinion. Our idea of Hell.

And, cultivate excellence and substantial confidence.

Via Marginal Revolution

BTW, one way to say to a male You were right! is to allow him to enjoy revenge for wrongs done. The neurology of being right has a pleasure payoff.

The morality of pursuing this pleasure is another matter. Small bites only, please.

Richard John Neuhaus in January 2005 First Things sets a more generous standard than I would have expected.

There is a thin line between Schadenfreude, which I take to be measured satisfaction in the discomfiture of opponents, and the sin of morose delectation.

St. Paul walks the line: charity...rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. / Doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.

The relief of accuracy, not ego-game endorphin-quaffing.