Discuss Definition of insanity

Use this forum to discuss the November Book of the month "If life stinks get your head outta your buts" by Mark L. Wdowiak
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kemp1kor
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Re: Discuss Definition of insanity

Post by kemp1kor »

Doing the same thing in the same way over and over again and expecting a different outcome. It’s difficult not to fall into this cycle sometimes, but I do agree that it is insanity to do so.
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Post by gen_g »

I suppose insanity would be doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different outcome. However, in general, I think insanity is simply something that differs from the societal norm.
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Post by Franc93 »

In a way, that definition is myopic. There are instances where doing the same thing over and over brings forth a positive and different outcome. It necessarily doesn't mean that the doer is insane.
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Post by joshfee77 »

In the sense of not bettering your life, I agree with this definition 100%. I have been "insane" for a long time according to this standard and am only now taking steps to change that.
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Post by vinkipc »

What is the essence of doing the thing that isn't taking us anywhere? According to me, insanity is doing something thinking that it is right yet it opposite is actually the right thing.
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Post by VandaQ »

I'm not sure I can define insanity like this. I would define the sunk cost fallacy as what the author describes insanity to be. The idea behind it is that you get to a point where you have invested time/resources/emotional value into something or someone, that you cannot give up, even though the chances of succeeding are slim. It's like bad gambling. If you lose a substantial amount of money already, you are more likely to invest more. What the author describes, in my opinion, is irrationality. Despite understanding something doesn't work, people don't change because of the belief things will change around on their own - that is irrational, not insane. Insanity, in my view, is a complete loss of sanity or perspective. When something or someone is described as 'insane', I view it as completely removed from reality.
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Post by desantismt_17 »

I would say yes. Nothing drives me crazier than feeling like I keep making the same mistake or doing the same stupid thing over and over. Sometimes, it's tough to find my way out of the cycle because it's driven me so nuts. If that's not insanity (or something close), I don't know what is.
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
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Post by Helen_Combe »

There were lots of debates as to whether Winston Smith in 1984 was insane.
The reader thinks he’s sane because he thinks like them but the characters think he’s insane because he doesn't think like them. Insanity in that case just appears to be whether or not you for in with the crowd.
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Post by Helen_Combe »

Staying in a miserable job that you hate while feeling that you achieve nothing us not insanity, it may be that you are afraid of change and failure. That’s perfectly sane.
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Post by Samy Lax »

To me, insanity is living life with the sole aim of making money and not taking a single day off to actually live life.
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Post by Gotyourbakula »

Fear of failure makes you crazy because you're willing to accept a routine that isn't working. But sometimes you can't see that it isn't working until someone tells you.
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Post by Gemma_15 »

I agree with her statement. You can't expect a change in your life if you are unwilling to change your ways. It's extremely rare that a person's life is changed for the better without them having to put forth any effort.
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Post by Jacci »

I agree with others above. There are plenty of things to try for if what we did shrink. We cannot undo our actions, but we can still move forward in our present time. Failures remain in the past, we still have the present. It's up to you to remain in stack or do something that will alleviate your situation.
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Post by kdstrack »

Many grew up hearing, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." We need to have wisdom to know when and how to apply these sayings.
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Post by Jacci »

kdstrack wrote: 29 Nov 2018, 15:54 Many grew up hearing, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." We need to have wisdom to know when and how to apply these sayings.
I agree! My husband always said, just try this business ideas and we will find out what is the best. Stories of other peope are helpful as well for our success.
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