About Make Believe Scientists

Post 233:

            Somewhere there’s a scientist studying the effects of tuning out the world. Examples of tuning out:

1.     Watching most network TV.

2.     Viewing the latest superhero movie.

3.     Listening to the latest hit record.

4.     Reading the next big sensation in the world of page-turners.

            This is not me putting on my black robe of judgment. We all tune out the world sometimes. For crying out loud, it’s why those aforementioned things exist. There are days when I thumb through 50 Shades while listening to Rhianna, watching Spider Man Ten on TV and CSI on my phone, all at the same time.

            Not really, but I dabble.

            According to my imaginary scientist, it’s perfectly awesome to dabble. Necessary, a tonic, a refresher, a way to give tired neurons a respite.

            One could say these are like sweets, to use a food analogy. A lot of people can’t resist sweets. I’ve never understood the compulsion. But I have a slew of compulsions that needn’t be brought to the fore. And anyway, I say do what you want.

            But it’s fun to make a habit of challenging oneself, as well. You can’t tune out if you’re rock climbing, because you’ll die. You can’t tune out on a seriously challenging emotional plotline. You can’t tune out when trying to eat kale: it’s too damn disgusting to let you forget.

            To engage or not to engage—that is the question. Hey, don’t blame me. It’s not even my question. I’m speaking on behalf of the scientist guy. Cheers. See you after.