Geoff
Lallygag Moderator
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 5,584
- MBTI Type
- INXP
Seems so odd, to me, that as a species we are so attracted to misfortune.
Think about it - stories that only have a happy sequence of events are "sickeningly nice". We laugh at the misfortunes of others - slapstick is probably one of the few elements of humour common to all studied societies.
Why on earth is it so appealing? Is it that we enjoy the misfortunes of others because by inference it is for our own personal advancement (we enjoy watching others eliminate themselves from competition?). Is it that we want to appreciate adversity/a challenge before something has worth?
Do you in fact disagree - it is unappealing, or that something else is the draw?
Here's a relevant quote, from the esteemed Mr Tolkien :
Thoughts?
Think about it - stories that only have a happy sequence of events are "sickeningly nice". We laugh at the misfortunes of others - slapstick is probably one of the few elements of humour common to all studied societies.
Why on earth is it so appealing? Is it that we enjoy the misfortunes of others because by inference it is for our own personal advancement (we enjoy watching others eliminate themselves from competition?). Is it that we want to appreciate adversity/a challenge before something has worth?
Do you in fact disagree - it is unappealing, or that something else is the draw?
Here's a relevant quote, from the esteemed Mr Tolkien :
J R R Tolkien in "the Hobbit" said:Now, it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating and gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling, anyway
Thoughts?