Wow, I have been thinking about this so much lately, as I think irrational anger is one of the primary ills of modern western society, especially in the United States (or at least that’s where I observe it directly). I can think of no better anecdotal example than my tendency to allow myself to wallow in subreddits like publicfreakout or bullybackfire or iamatotalpieceofshit. I find them to be addictive and yet when I finally put down my phone I feel both angry and dirty, and my own personal philosometer tilts away from people are basically good to people are basically evil, and the next thing I know I’m browsing Redfin for 40 acres in the mountains, and I think about purchasing a shotgun to lean up behind the door of my cabin there. None of it is healthy or productive.
Anyway, thanks for this post and I think I’ll buy this book.
Well, anger is a positive emotion after all. We actually like being angry. For one thing, anger masks any underlying emotions that would make us feel more vulnerable (sadness, desire, loneliness, etc.). And then it comes with a rush of energy, and superiority, and a sense of purpose. That’s why I believe Paul Graham says the most dangerous distraction for a founder are disputes. Because anger trumps any goal you have set for yourself, of you let it. Hence those who have no goals at all are often the angriest.
Reddit has really taken a turn towards hate-mongering since 2017, and especially since the pandemic began. Entire new subreddits pop up just to mock and breed contempt for certain segments of the population.
It’s disturbingly powerful, too. For instance, I have a libertarian friend who frequents r/HermanCainAward and is now pro federal vaccine mandate, using an oft touted “I’ve lost patience for these types” attitude. People’s opinions change, of course, but knowing just how much of a limited government libertarian my friend used to be in this regard was really shocking. He’s also looking the other way on how the Biden administration is trying to implement the mandate through OSHA.
Anyway, thanks for this post and I think I’ll buy this book.