This page has been archived and commenting is disabled.
Are Liberals Driven By a Desire for Novel Pleasure and Conservatives by Fear of Pain? If So, How Does that Affect Investing, Politics and Happiness?
Preface: This essay slams partisan liberals and partisan conservatives. If
you think I'm unfairly criticizing "your" side, it might be because
you're falling into a self-destructive pattern of defending your narrow
worldview, which is the whole point of this discussion.
In addition, I would bet that the "conservatives" showing fear are not really conservatives, but
Republican party loyalists and authoritarians, and likewise the "liberals" showing a lack of
discipline are not true progressives but naive, unthinking Democratic party loyalists.
Indeed, some of the bravest people I've ever met are libertarians, and
some of the most disciplined people I've ever met are progressives.
Remember, poll
after poll shows that both national parties are deeply unpopular with
an electorate looking for something new and different. It is those who love one of the two mainstream parties who are the extremists.
Numerous studies have claimed to show that conservatives tend to be more fearful than liberals.
For example, Wired reported in 2008:
In
reflex tests of 46 political partisans, psychologists found that
conservatives were more likely than liberals to be shocked by sudden
threats.
Accompanying the physiological differences were deep
differences on hot-button political issues: military expansion, the
Iraq war, gun control, capital punishment, the Patriot act, warrantless
searches, foreign aid, abortion rights, gay marriage, premarital sex
and pornography.
"People are experiencing the world,
experiencing threat, differently," said University of Nebraska
political scientist John Hibbing. "We have very different physiological
orientations."
The study, published today in Science, has not yet been duplicated, but adds a potentially troubling piece to the puzzle of biology, behavior and politics.
Earlier studies have linked
reflexive responses to threats — which for testing purposes take the
form of loud noises and graphic images — with existing states of
heightened anxiety.
Though the Science study’s authors
cautioned against an overly broad interpretation of their findings, the
results suggest that fear leads to political conservatism.
***
Study co-author Kevin Smith, also a University of Nebraska political
scientist ... agreed that "people with stronger responses are more
sensitive to potential threats in their environment."
And the Telegraph reported last December:
Scientists
have found that people with conservative views have brains with
larger amygdalas, almond shaped areas in the centre of the brain often
associated with anxiety and emotions.
On the otherhand, they have a smaller anterior cingulate, an area at
the front of the brain associated with courage and looking on the
bright side of life.
The "exciting"
correlation was found by scientists at University College London who
scanned the brains of two members of parliament and a number of
students.
They found that the size of the two areas of the brain directly related to the political views of the volunteers.
However as they were all adults it was hard to say whether their brains
had been born that way or had developed through experience.
Prof Geraint Rees, who led the research, said: "We were very surprised
to find that there was an area of the brain that we could predict
political attitude.
"It is very surprising because it does
suggest there is something about political attitude that is encoded
in our brain structure through our experience or that there is
something in our brain structure that determines or results in
political attitude."
A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?
Only time will tell whether the above-described studies are accurate or not.
Assuming they are true for the purpose of this essay raises the question: is more fear a good thing or a bad thing?
On
the one hand, there are real dangers in the world, and Daddy and Mommy
won't always be there to deal with them. The government cannot fix all
of our problems ... we're going to have to deal with most of it for
ourselves.
Our fear instinct is there to protect us and to
spur us into appropriate action. If we never felt fear, we would get hit
by trucks or poisoned by food that's gone bad.
As the Wired article notes:
"Threatening
situations do indeed seem to increase people’s affinity for
politically conservative opinions, leaders, and parties," said New
York University psychologist John Jost.
So
there is an argument that conservatives are people who have had to face
dangers - perhaps early in life - and so have a more realistic view of
the world.
On the other hand, too much fear makes us stupid, and makes us easy prey to those who are trying to manipulate us.
As I've repeatedly noted, the government exaggerates the threat of terror for political purposes.
As the Wired article quoted above notes:
Study
co-author Kevin Smith, also a University of Nebraska political
scientist, demurred at making such a connection. "Historically speaking,
politicians have appealed to the ‘be afraid’ response in the
electorate in an attempt to mine votes," he said. "But in terms of
going from campaigning to what we did in the laboratory, that’s a large
leap."***
Asked whether the findings imply a
fearmongering strategy for conservatives, New York University
psychologist David Amodio responded, "Yes.
And some people believe that they are actively using this strategy."
The Bush administration has been accused of exploiting fears, though it’s hardly a new approach.
"The whole aim of practical politics," wrote journalist gadfly H.L. Mencken,
"is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins."
Jost condemned such tactics. "From an ethical standpoint, conservative
campaigns should not exploit feelings of fear in the general
population," he said.
Are Liberals Novelty-Seekers?
There is some evidence that liberals are more motivated by novelty. For example, the Telegraph article notes:
The
results, which will be published next year, back up a study that showed
that some people were born with a "Liberal Gene" that makes people
more likely to seek out less conventional political views.
The gene, a neurotransmitter in the brain called DRD4, could even be stimulated by the novelty value of radical opinions, claimed the researchers at the University of California
People
who are continually driven to seek novelty will make bad decisions, and
may be more likely to lose money on "novel" investment gambles, to
contract sexually-transmitted diseases, and to face other negative
consequences.
Get Smarter, and Be Happier and More Successful
We
make better decisions when we aren't driven to obsession by a desire
for novelty or scared out of our wits by our own shadows.
For
one thing, we become less susceptible to manipulation. For example, the
powers-that-be try to divide us and demonize the "other side" so that
we won't realize how much we all agree on. See this, this, this, this, this, this, this and this. We can fix our nation if we focus on what we all want.
Moreover, if we reduce the amount that yearnings or fear drive and control us, then we will have more control over our actions. For example, we will make better investing decisions.
And
we will feel better if we lessen our polarity of being either a
yearning-or-desire driven person. As Buddhist psychology has taught for
thousands of years (and as several western psychiatrists have
confirmed), the things that make us most unhappy are:
- Yearning for things we want but can't have
- Trying to avoid things we are afraid of but can't get away from
- And trying to space out and avoid being present in our lives so as to avoid reality
We will be happy to the extent we:
- Let go of the things we want but can't have, and instead appreciate what we do have
- Accept the scary things which we can't avoid
- And are present to the events and people around us
(And see this.)
- advertisements -
I believe that you really are trying to help people cross the partisan barriers placed between us, and I admire the fact that you continue to do so despite the ridiculous amount of flak you take for it. But when you start talking about peoples brains, particularly when it speaks to identity issues, I'm not sure you're doing the cause any favors.
But I could be wrong, lol.
You're 100% right about my motivations. And you might also be right that talking about people's brains is a bad way to go about it ...
This is the key to the kingdom. If people wake up and realize what major issues are in all American's interests, this ponzi would be over in weeks to months.
+10,000,000,000 (with fiat currency, we've got to add a lot of zeros!)
Actually, conservatives are on the left and liberals are on the far left. There is no conservative in office, but one I can think of, who has been against large, unsustainable government and over-spending. But your point on power is spot on!
"...fear leads to political conservatism...."
i can concur with this up to an extent.....low iq leads to fear and fear leads to control....and control leads to tyranny....
sometimes it is wise to be afraid but when fear permeates every decisions - such as the cia literally running the government - then it has gone way way way too far....
however, true conservatism is what was once known as liberalism. such a desire for minimal government is a reliqueshing of control. today's conservatism is associated with imperialism and war because that is the way to control.
I think Thomas Sowell's book, A Conflict of Visions, at amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Conflict-Visions-Ideological-Political-Struggles/dp/0465002056/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299721001&sr=8-1
actually does a better job of explaining the difference in perspectives between conservatives and liberals.
But what about us libertarians?
That's a good book by Sowell. Libertarians? We are the handsome, and thus loathed, stepchild of ugly daddy R and slut mommy D. Tough road, but I'd have it no other way. ;)
My mother was a uber liberal and my grandfather was ultra conservative. I could see at a very early age they were both unyielding douchebags that I should learn from them on what not to do with my life. Of course i couldn't wait to become an adult to make my own choices as my mothers hairbrained ideas led us to nowhere but poverty. I'm happy to be conservative in my finances and liberal in my social life. I just want to live and let live which I don't believe that is the attitude of either party. Thus and independent was born.
Or Cato.
http://www.cato.org/
And never take a cruise around the "horn" unless you have a "contractor" at your side cause your govmint won't be there for you ;-)
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/world/article/797298--pirate-skiff-nears-twice-attacked-maersk-alabama
That's basically a libertarian.
If you want to look into that further, you might try Reason magazine. Here's a link to their on line version:
http://reason.com/
sorry. accidentally posted twice
Amen...
One of the unsustainable entitlements Americans have is the myth of, and pursuit of, perfect security. It is not just Dems who embrace this entitlement, but especially Republicans as it plays into their fearfulness. Fear is the tool of the State and the RNC and neo-cons are completely duped by it. Hail to the security industrial complex.
Oh really? Social Security and Medicare are the majority of the federal budget, and growing mechanically, unstoppably, politically untouchable.
Military and FBI/CIA/NSA type of spending is far inferior, and is subject to every year's new budget.
One of these will crowd out the other, threatening our security, as has already occured in Europe, whose militaries are utterly insufficient to protect them. They'll be naked soon, at the rate the US is cratering.
Agree. But remember, these are unfunded liabilities, whild the MIC is an ongoing cash vacuum. That latter is unsustainable in real time, the formers are merely fantasy.
Also, with about 7 guns for every 10 U.S. citizens, only a fool would invade us. and only a bigger fool would try to disarm us.
Liberals are all about CHANGE LOL!!!
Yes, and so are Republicans... just look at how the new congress is standing up to the Too Big to Fail banks!
Getting smarter has nothing to do with happiness?!? That is a purely liberal progressive ideal. Some of the happiest people I have ever met were in Brazil. Dumber than a sack of hammer, people who fish all day, drink all afternoon by the beach, and have sex all night. They aspire to the KISS method when approaching life. And as for success it is subjective and individual. Western psychiatry, government bureaucracies and television screw individuals lives up.
Wired and the Telegraph?? Really??
non mon ami, as mon grandpere used to say you are expressing your worldview for all to consider, n'est ce pas?
- Ned
Most of the motorcycle racers, rattletrap airplane pilots, and military that liked adventure that I have known, were conservative. Well, some had dread of the Opera and Ballet but most didn’t have that type of woman around for long.
We've done the left right thing since 1913 and were thus oblivious to the grand theft economy that was going on right in front of us. Now it's really marxist vs corporate fascist; both of the extremes are now in play but with no money left for spoils.
+1,000,000
Libs are too stupid to be fearful of things that matter.
Your right GW, I admit I am uncomfortable. Once I get these darn sights adjusted to stop everything going high and left, I'll be relaxed.
You are more than likely pushing (anticipating recoil) and breaking wrist up......
Being liberal is not the answer. Seeing through the left-right divide-and-conquer dog-and-pony show is the answer...
I did studies in college that show most liberals to be blithering idiots
Liberal chicks were more shaggable by a long shot. But then now those chicks have a lot more STD's and disfunctionalities to show for it.
The powers-that-be try to divide us and demonize the "other side" so that we won't realize how much we all agree on. See this, this, this, this, this, this, this and this. We can fix our nation if we focus on what we all want.
Q. What do you call someone who is liberal with other peoples' money and conservative with their own?
A. A politician.
+1,000
All I know is liberals love to spend other people's money and, compared to conservatives, are typically cheap when it comes to donating their own cash to the poor.
hahahahahhahahaha, thats a good one.
As if theres a fucking difference. Keep watching cartoons.
if that's true, then how come the Reagan neocons spent all that OPM? You know, "deficits don't matter"? And if that, as you claim, is all you know then you don't know much. You should learn to park cars or flip burgers so you'll have something to fall back on.
Maybe neocons are not really conservative and neolibs are not really liberal?
Politicians love to spend other peoples money -- its what they do. They just like to spend it on different kinds of things -- welfare vs corporate welfare. They like to take the taxpayers money and buy votes with it -- only thing different it is the constituency. And banks are a prime consituency for either band of theives and whores. (as always, a few execptions)
Yes, Bush's trillions in Iraq, Afghanistan and for big bank bailouts don't count in terms of spending other people's money ... but Obama's do because ... they're different?
How are Bush and Obama different?
god doesn't get tiresome trying to communicate with these neanderthals?
The poster said "liberals" and "convervatives". Not "Obama" and "Bush". Bush is not a conservative, are you kidding? Bush was just like Obama, spending other people's money.
Ebony and Ivory?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78FATeTMDaA&feature=related
You are a total ass. This one sided crap is just sickening from you Gerogie. You got a lottal nerve with a pre-conceived notion that "Liberals are always best" with a moniker like Geroge Washington. Nothing could be further from the truth. Geroge did not LIKE political parties.
Here is a message for you; BOTH DEMOCRAT ASSHOLES and REPUBLICAN ASSHOLES suck, because they all put party and their own self interest above country.
Plain and simple.
So stop posting this shit. Wake up and smell what you are shoveling here.
Oh but allow me to retort-
you are a total ass, and your reading comprehension skills are sadly lacking
+1 Samuel Jackson.
Everyman, if you stop yelling for a minute, you'll see that you and I are saying exactly the same thing!
Can you see that I'm slamming liberals for being novelty-seekers and assuming Mommy and Daddy and big government will take care of everything? Or did your eyes somehow gloss over that part?
No, but basically you're trying to get away with saying that Liberals are Floating Lightbringers or somesuch nonsense without coming out and quite saying so. Of course, it's easy to do that when you can hide behind someone else's "research" (and yes, I used the scare quotes on purpose-who provided the grand money for this bullshit when there are starving banksters who need a supplement in their bonus envelopes?). I mean, come on, man! You're better than this. This is the kind of crap that gave us Obama the Bankster's Poodle back in 2008!
Jesus God, GW. Stick with 9/11 Trutherism. At least you can get a minyan for that!
america is hopelessly in love with the idea of blaming liberals for all their problems since the days of reagan. and a lot of good it has brought them lol. but then again liberals are pretty full of their own nonsense too.
+1 for the Mencken quote.
Reject the premise, faulty research, not worth typing more..fail
Here's a better title for your post:
Studies Show That Liberals Tend To Be Fucking Naive Idiots, And Conservatives Tend To Be Realistic (and therefore "afraid" of actual outcomes). How Does That Affect Investing, Politics And Happiness?
You are as predictable as a bowel movement, GW
The powers-that-be try to divide us and demonize the "other side" so that we won't realize how much we all agree on. See this, this, this, this, this, this, this and this. We can fix our nation if we focus on what we all want.