Tag: psychology

The Paradox of Political Correctness

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Political correctness, on the surface, seems like a noble cause. Its primary goal is to foster inclusivity, promote respect, and prevent offence by regulating language. But beneath this well-meaning exterior lies a paradox: in the pursuit of protecting sensitivities, political correctness often ends up infringing on free expression and alienating those who feel their voices are being restricted. The very thing it seeks to prevent—offence—is often shifted to the speaker, creating a moral stalemate where no one truly wins.

The Intent vs. The Outcome

The fundamental intention behind politically correct (PC) speech is clear: to prevent harm. By urging people to avoid potentially offensive language, the aim is to create a more harmonious, respectful society. But as the adage goes, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” What PC speech often forgets is that words are not merely tools for appeasement. They are vessels for meaning, clarity, and sometimes emotional impact.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

In practice, what we see is a growing gap between intent and outcome. People become so focused on using the “right” terms that they lose the authenticity of their expression. Conversations become stilted and disingenuous, with individuals more concerned about offending someone than engaging in genuine dialogue. The paradox here is unavoidable: PC speech seeks to protect the object (those who may be offended), but in doing so, it often offends the subject (the speaker). What starts as an attempt to preserve harmony creates an environment where truth and clarity are sacrificed for the sake of politeness.

Disingenuous Communication

Euphemisms and “sanctioned” terms have a way of watering down language. Whilst they may soften the potential impact of certain words, they also strip away their power. In the name of not offending, PC speech dilutes the very thing that makes communication effective: its ability to convey raw, unfiltered meaning. When language is sanitised to the point of blandness, it loses its ability to provoke thought, challenge ideas, or evoke emotion.

This leads to a culture of disingenuous communication. Rather than engaging in sincere conversation, people tiptoe around topics, afraid of crossing invisible lines. Ironically, this creates more division because what could have been an open exchange of ideas is reduced to a polite, surface-level interaction where no one says what they truly mean.

The Subjectivity of Offence

Here’s the kicker: offence is subjective. What offends one person may not even register for another. And yet, PC culture operates on the assumption that offence is both predictable and universal as if we can map out exactly what will offend whom in every scenario. The reality is far messier. People come from different backgrounds, have varying sensitivities, and interpret words through their own unique lenses.

The subjectivity of offence makes it impossible to predict or avoid entirely. We’re left with a scenario where everyone is constantly second-guessing their language, afraid to say the wrong thing, yet never truly sure of what the “wrong” thing even is. This arbitrary nature of offence doesn’t lead to more thoughtful conversation; it leads to silence, where people are too cautious to express themselves at all.

A Zero-Sum Game

At its core, political correctness sets up a zero-sum game. On one side, you have positive freedoms—the freedom to feel included, respected, and protected from harm. On the other side, you have negative freedoms—the freedom from censorship, restriction, and the fear of saying something wrong. The trouble is, that these freedoms are often in direct conflict. Protecting one group’s sensitivities inevitably means infringing on another’s freedom of expression.

This isn’t just an intellectual debate—it’s a moral impasse. PC speech has created a situation where no one comes out on top. The speaker feels censored, the listener feels offended, and the conversation stalls in gridlock. The result is that both sides suffer. In the relentless pursuit of an all-or-nothing outcome, we lose the chance for compromise or meaningful dialogue. What we get instead is an “us versus them” mentality, with each side digging in and claiming the moral high ground.

The Pendulum Effect

This rise of PC culture is part of a broader cultural shift toward collectivism, where the needs and feelings of the group are prioritised over individual freedoms. In many ways, this shift was necessary. After decades of unchecked individualism, society needed a correction—an acknowledgement that words can cause harm and that we owe each other a certain level of respect.

But as with all cultural shifts, the pendulum can swing too far. What started as a necessary push for inclusivity has morphed into something more restrictive, where individual expression is sacrificed at the altar of group harmony. This disequilibrium has left society in a state of tension, where both sides are dissatisfied. As history shows, cultural trends ebb and flow, but until the pendulum swings back, both sides are left feeling uncomfortable and marginalised.

Human Nature: The Eternal Bickering

At the end of the day, bickering is just part of human nature. No matter how hard we try, there will always be conflict when people feel their moral or intellectual territory is being encroached upon. Political correctness, in its current form, exacerbates this natural tendency by setting up a battleground where both sides feel aggrieved. The PC police push for language policing, whilst the anti-PC camp fights back against what they see as an attack on free speech.

The sad truth is that this bickering will likely continue as long as both sides insist on an all-or-nothing solution. In a world where compromise seems like weakness, and where both sides claim the moral high ground, there’s little room for meaningful progress.

Counterpoints for Balance

It’s only fair to acknowledge that PC speech has done some good. In fostering a more inclusive society, it has given a voice to marginalised groups and helped reduce harm caused by thoughtless or malicious language. There’s also a valid argument that some regulation of language is necessary to prevent hate speech and maintain civility in increasingly diverse communities.

That said, the overreach of PC speech—the constant pressure to conform to an ever-shifting set of linguistic rules—has created a stifling environment. What began as a movement for respect and inclusivity has become a barrier to free expression and a source of division.

Conclusion

In the end, the paradox of political correctness is this: it aims to create a more inclusive, harmonious society, but its current form stifles free expression and fuels division. As long as we continue to prioritise group sensitivities over individual freedoms, we’ll remain stuck in this cycle of conflict and resentment. It’s time to recalibrate—finding a balance between respect for others and the right to speak freely whilst accepting that offence is inevitable in an open society.

MBTI Defined

Posted in identity, intelligence, perception, psychology, societyTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Full Disclosure: I don’t subscribe to pop psychology, pseudo-psychology, or psychology. But I repeat myself. Of course, that’s just what an INTP would say anyway. So predictable.

I was introduced to the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) in the late ’80s as an undergrad Psychology student and then in Organisational Behaviour classes. I read about the foundations in the ’90s when I read the works of Carl Jung’s, Archetypal psychology.

I take the test every few years, and I consistently come up as INT. The P and J flip now and again. The last test I took was a P. Some tests have added an A or T dimension. There are also sub-factors. I’ll get to those presently.

MBTI is a personality assessment tool designed to categorize individuals into one of 16 distinct personality types. Based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types, MBTI helps identify how people perceive the world and make decisions. Each personality type is derived from a combination of four dichotomies:

  1. Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) – Describes where individuals prefer to focus their energy. Extraverts are outward-focused, gaining energy from interaction, while Introverts are inward-focused, drawing energy from solitude.
  2. Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) – Defines how people process information. Sensing types rely on concrete details and present realities, while Intuitive types focus on patterns, possibilities, and abstract thinking.
  3. Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) – Describes how decisions are made. Thinking types prioritise logic and objectivity, while Feeling types consider values and emotional impact.
  4. Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) – Describes lifestyle preferences. Judging types prefer structure and closure, whereas Perceiving types favour flexibility and keeping options open.

Cognitive Functions

Each type has a specific “cognitive function stack” that explains how these preferences play out in everyday life. These functions are divided into:

  • Dominant Function: The most natural and frequently used function.
  • Auxiliary Function: Supports the dominant function, offering balance.
  • Tertiary Function: Less developed but still important, often emerging later in life.
  • Inferior Function: The least developed function, which tends to show up awkwardly, especially under stress.

The eight cognitive functions are:

  1. Introverted Thinking (Ti) – Internal analysis and logic refinement.
  2. Extraverted Thinking (Te) – External organisation and efficiency.
  3. Introverted Feeling (Fi) – Personal values and internal authenticity.
  4. Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – Social harmony and emotional dynamics.
  5. Introverted Sensing (Si) – Recalling past experiences and valuing tradition.
  6. Extraverted Sensing (Se) – Engaging with the present moment and sensory details.
  7. Introverted Intuition (Ni) – Focusing on future possibilities and deep insights.
  8. Extraverted Intuition (Ne) – Exploring ideas and brainstorming possibilities.

Assertive (A) vs. Turbulent (T) Dimension

The A-T dimension adds a layer of emotional self-regulation to MBTI types. It describes how confident or self-critical individuals are in their decision-making and handling of stress.

Turbulent (T) types tend to be more self-critical, stress-prone, and driven by perfectionism and external validation.

Assertive (A) types are self-assured, less prone to stress, and comfortable with their decisions.

With this definition in place, I’ll save further commentary for a future post.

Freedom of Speech in the Land of the Loud

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In the United States, freedom of speech is protected by the Second Amendment. Just kidding. It’s the First Amendment. But if we’re honest, the line between speech and violence is thin in practice, if not in law.

Here’s the thing: freedom goes both ways. There’s the freedom to speak, and the freedom from being bombarded by whatever nonsense comes tumbling out of people’s mouths. And that’s where things get messy. The grand defence of speech, in all its uncensored glory, often ignores what we’re giving up—our freedom of peace. You know, that quiet space where we don’t have to listen to the verbal sewage spewed by the uninformed, the unhinged, or just the plain old wankers.

What about freedom of peace?

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Your freedom to swing your fist ends at my nose.” Simple. You can’t punch someone in the face and call it freedom. But what about words? There’s no shield for the nose of the mind. The stupid, the ignorant, the hateful—they get to swing their fists of idiocy without a single consequence. What about freedom of peace?

We’ve all been there. You’re minding your own business, and then—bam!—some blowhard pipes up with their unsolicited, half-baked opinion. And guess what? They’re free to do it. But where’s the balance between their freedom to spew nonsense and your right not to have to listen? Spoiler: it doesn’t exist.

Now, this isn’t an argument for censorship. Let’s not confuse it. No one’s saying we should start gagging people (tempting as it is sometimes). But the conversation around freedom of speech needs a reality check. We defend it like it’s a sacred cow, and in many ways, it is. But that defence is often blind to the other side of the coin. Freedom of speech without the freedom from a constant barrage of verbal rubbish? That’s not freedom. It’s a social endurance test.

Maybe it’s time to rethink what we mean by “freedom”—not to restrict speech, but to recognise the cost of living in a world where everyone gets to say whatever they want, whenever they want. The right to peace is real too, even if it’s less glamorous than the right to shout.

Cannabis, Genetics, and Schizophrenia: Unraveling the Correlation

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A study on genetics and cannabis found a connexion between marijuana use and genetic states. The study claimed to be looking for epigenetic effects and although there were some correlations, the directions of causality haven’t been determined.

Recent research has delved into the complex interplay between genetics and cannabis use, revealing intriguing correlations but leaving some critical questions unanswered. A recent study aimed to uncover the epigenetic effects of marijuana use, suggesting a link between genetic states and cannabis consumption. Whilst the findings offer some fascinating insights, they also highlight the ambiguity surrounding causality.

The Genetic Link

The study in question sought to explore whether cannabis use might influence genetic expression or, conversely, whether genetic predispositions could affect an individual’s likelihood of using marijuana. The results indicated some noteworthy correlations between cannabis use and certain genetic states, yet they fell short of clarifying the direction of causality. In other words, the research raises important questions but doesn’t definitively answer whether cannabis use leads to changes in genetic expression or if genetic predispositions increase the likelihood of cannabis use.

Cannabis and Schizophrenia: A Complicated Relationship

One of the most contentious aspects of the study is its implications for understanding the relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia. The association between the two has been a subject of ongoing debate, with some evidence suggesting a connection. However, the study’s findings underscore the complexity of this relationship. It remains unclear whether cannabis use contributes to the development of schizophrenia or if individuals with a predisposition to schizophrenia are more likely to use cannabis.

The ambiguity stems from the fact that whilst correlations exist, they do not establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Cannabis use might interact with these factors, but pinning down the exact nature of this interaction remains elusive.

What’s Next?

This study serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in unraveling the connections between genetics and behaviour. It highlights the need for further research to elucidate the causal pathways and better understand how genetic predispositions and environmental factors like cannabis use interact. Until then, while correlations provide valuable insights, they are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about causality.

As research progresses, it’s crucial to approach these findings with a nuanced perspective, recognising that the relationship between cannabis, genetics, and mental health is complex and multifaceted. Continued exploration in this area will hopefully shed more light on these intricate connections and help guide future investigations.

Why Democracy is Mathematically Impossible

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In this video, Veritacium discusses why democracy is mathematically impossible, invoking Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem which I’ve mentioned many times here and in other writings. I won’t summarise or comment further save to recommend the video. Let me know what you think if you’re so inclined.

Video: Why Democracy is Mathematically Impossible

Life Consciousness

Posted in consciousness, language, nature, perception, philosophy, videoTagged , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Language is life. Yet, this assertion immediately raises a fundamental question: which came first, life or consciousness? It’s a classic chicken-and-egg conundrum. Physicist Stuart Hameroff posits an intriguing idea—that consciousness might predate life itself. This radical notion suggests that consciousness isn’t merely a byproduct of biological processes but could be an intrinsic feature of the universe. However, there’s a snag.

The challenge lies in defining life and consciousness, two terms that lack universally accepted definitions. The absence of clarity here opens the door to a multitude of interpretations, making it easy to drift into what could be considered ‘airy faerie’ ambiguity. One must beware of the temptation to engage in intellectual exercises that lead nowhere—what might be termed ‘mental masturbation.’ This is a prime example of the insufficiency of language.

Audio: Podcast commentary on this topic.

Life and consciousness, as concepts, are elusive. Unlike straightforward nouns or adjectives—where we can confidently say, “That’s a dog,” “That’s a tree,” or “That’s green”—these terms are far more complex. They are attempts to encapsulate observed phenomena, yet we lack the precise language and understanding to pin them down definitively. The video linked above provides perspectives on various approaches to defining these terms, but none prove wholly satisfactory. This lack of satisfaction might suggest that our conventional understanding of life and consciousness is flawed. To be fair, one might even entertain the idea that life itself is an illusion, a construct of consciousness.

This ambiguity isn’t confined to the realms of life and consciousness. I recently shared a post on the topic of gender, which illustrates a similar issue. Originally, there was no concept of gender. The earliest distinctions made were between animate and inanimate. Over time, these distinctions became more nuanced. Whether or not a proto-word for life existed at that time is unclear, but the idea of animation being linked to life was beginning to take shape. The concept of gender evolved much later, driven by the need to categorize and define differences within the animate category.

The evolution of language reflects the evolution of thought. Yet, when we dig deep into these foundational concepts, we encounter the same problem: how can we argue the precedence of two concepts—life and consciousness—when neither has a solid foundation in language? If our words are inadequate, if they fail to capture the essence of what we are trying to convey, then what does that say about our understanding of the world?

Perhaps it suggests that our linguistic and cognitive tools are still too crude to grasp the true nature of reality. Or maybe it hints at a deeper truth: that some aspects of existence are beyond the scope of human understanding, no matter how sophisticated our language becomes. After all, if consciousness predates life, as Hameroff suggests, then we may need to rethink our fundamental assumptions about existence itself.

Ultimately, this exploration reveals a paradox at the heart of human knowledge. We seek to define and categorise, to impose order on the chaos of the universe. Yet in doing so, we must confront the limits of our language and, by extension, our understanding. Perhaps the true essence of life and consciousness lies not in definitions or categories but in the very act of questioning, the relentless pursuit of knowledge that drives us forward, even when the answers remain elusive.

Multiple Intelligences

Posted in intelligence, language, maths, music, nature, perception, philosophy, poetry, politics, power, psychology, societyTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I engaged in a nice debate recently. Someone suggested that because some executives are smart, they can figure things out. Specifically, she posited that a CTO, Chief Technology Officer, should understand communication and diplomatic skills when interacting with a corporate board because they have the technical skills to get into their current C-level position. I disagreed based on the multiple intelligence theory.

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory posits that intelligence isn’t a monolith, but rather a nine-dimensional construct:

1. Existential (philosophical pondering; questioning the questions of why we live and why we die)

2. Inter-personal (reading people; sensing people’s feelings and motives)

3. Intra-personal (self-awareness; understanding yourself, what you feel, and what you want)

4. Kinaesthetic (mind-body coordination; coordinating your mind with your body)

5. Linguistic (wordsmithing; finding the right word(s) to express what you mean)

6. Logical-Mathematical (quantifying and proving; quantifying things, making hypotheses, and proving them)

7. Musical (discerning sounds; their pitch, tone, rhythm, and timbre)

8. Naturalist (understanding nature; understanding living things and reading nature)

9. Spatial (3D/4D visualisation)

For a deep dive, check out Gardner’s Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Here’s the rub: a CTO with off-the-charts technical skills might be rubbish at diplomacy (interpersonal) or communication (linguistic). It’s like expecting every pro athlete to be a concert pianist – it’s not on.

Assuming every “intelligent” person can max out all intelligence dimensions is bollocks. It’s as likely as training every smart CTO to be the next Shakespeare or Machiavelli. Language and diplomacy are distinct skills, mate.

While we all love a Renaissance man (or woman), peaking in all these dimensions in one lifetime is a pipe dream. It’s not inherently bad, though. When building teams – be it a corporate board or an exploration party – ensure you’ve got a good mix of skills. I’m not saying you need a bard, a philosopher, and LeBron James on every team, but make sure you’ve covered the bases necessary for success.

If you think you don’t need a particular dimension, ask yourself: is it because you’re weak in that area and can’t see its importance? Don’t let your blind spots become your downfall.

In the end, it’s about recognising and respecting diverse intelligences. So, next time you’re tempted to think your brilliant CTO should just “learn to be diplomatic”, remember: they might be better off focusing on their strengths and leaving the smooth talking to someone else on the team.

Ne présumez pas

Posted in art, language, morality, philosophy, politics, power, societyTagged , , , , , , 1 Comment

As I was writing about the immorality of property rights, I began thinking about the distinction between legality and morality.

“Don’t assume that which is legal is moral nor that which is moral, legal.”

Il ne faut pas présumez que ce qui est légal et moral ni que ce qui est moral et légal.

I don’t have much to say on the subject, but I composed the cover image and wanted words to accompany it.

Private Property: A Liability, Not an Asset

Posted in anarchism, economics, equality, morality, nature, perception, philosophy, politics, power, property, psychology, societyTagged , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

In the modern Western world, private property is largely viewed as a cornerstone of economic stability and personal freedom. However, this article challenges this conventional wisdom by reevaluating private property ownership not as an asset, but as a significant liability. This perspective considers the broader implications of property ownership on the Earth and its inhabitants, questioning the sustainability and ethics of our current system.

In fact, all land is “stolen”.

Historical Context and Conceptual Foundation

The concept of ‘property’ did not exist in early human societies. It emerged only when the need arose to distinguish “mine” from “yours.” As human settlements expanded into territories, and later into cities and nations, what was once undivided land transformed into distinctly owned parcels. Initially, all land was communal—effectively belonging to everyone and no one simultaneously.

This shift from communal to private ownership marked a fundamental change in human relationships with the land and with each other. A striking historical example of this shift is the Enclosure Movement in England, beginning in the 16th century. This process converted communal lands into private property, significantly impacting rural communities and agricultural practices. It serves as a stark illustration of how the privatization of once-shared resources can dramatically alter societal structures and individual livelihoods.

The Liability Perspective

Applying the principles of double-entry bookkeeping to property ownership offers a unique lens: every recorded asset (property) must correspond to a liability. However, this liability does not accrue to another person but to the Earth itself. This accounting reveals a perpetual debt—not to previous or current landowners, but to all life that has, does, and will inhabit the Earth.

Consider the following:

  1. Environmental Impact: Private ownership often leads to the exploitation of resources without consideration for long-term sustainability. The World Wildlife Fund reports that about 30% of global forest cover has been cleared, with much of this due to private land use for agriculture and development.
  2. Social Exclusion: Property boundaries inherently exclude others from accessing once communal resources. This is exemplified by the concept of the “Tragedy of the Commons,” described by ecologist Garrett Hardin in 1968, where individual cattle herders, acting in self-interest, would overgraze and ultimately destroy shared pastureland.
  3. Intergenerational Inequity: Current property laws may deprive future generations of access to vital resources. This is evident in the concentration of land ownership. According to a 2020 UN report, 1% of the world’s farms operate more than 70% of the world’s farmland, highlighting extreme inequality in land distribution.

Moral and Ethical Implications

From an ethical standpoint, private property ownership imposes a series of unacknowledged moral debts. These debts arise from the exclusion of community and future generations from resources that were once common heritage. The immorality, then, stems from a system that prioritizes individual ownership over collective well-being and sustainable stewardship of the planet.

Key ethical considerations include:

  • Distributive Justice: How can we justify the unequal distribution of Earth’s resources?
  • Environmental Ethics: Does private ownership encourage responsible stewardship or exploitation?
  • Intergenerational Ethics: What obligations do we have to future generations regarding resource access?

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

Proponents of private property might argue that it drives economic growth, encourages maintenance of the property, and upholds individual liberties. However, these benefits must be weighed against the environmental degradation, social inequalities, and ethical dilemmas that private ownership perpetuates.

Argument for Private PropertyRebuttal
Drives economic growthGrowth at the expense of sustainability is ultimately detrimental
Encourages property maintenanceCommunal ownership can also incentivize maintenance through shared responsibility
Upholds individual libertiesIndividual liberties should not come at the cost of collective well-being

The real question is: can a system that inherently generates liabilities for the planet and its future residents be truly just and sustainable in the long term?

Alternative Models and Transition Strategies

Several alternative models of property ownership exist that emphasize community and sustainability:

  1. Community Land Trusts (CLTs): In Burlington, Vermont, the Champlain Housing Trust (a CLT) has helped over 1,000 families become homeowners while keeping housing permanently affordable.
  2. Ejidos in Mexico: This system of communal land ownership, despite challenges, has helped preserve indigenous communities and their traditional land management practices.
  3. Shared Economy Models: Companies like Airbnb and Uber have shown how shared resources can create new economic opportunities, potentially offering insights into larger-scale resource sharing.

Potential strategies for transitioning away from the current private property system include:

  1. Land Value Tax: Implementing a tax on the unimproved value of land, as proposed by economist Henry George, could discourage speculation and encourage more efficient land use.
  2. Gradual Expansion of Public Land Trusts: Cities like Amsterdam have been gradually buying back land to create a more equitable system, offering a model for transitioning away from private ownership.
  3. Universal Basic Income (UBI): While not directly related to property, UBI trials in places like Finland and Kenya suggest that providing a basic standard of living can lead to increased entrepreneurship and community well-being, potentially easing the transition to more communal forms of ownership.

Conclusion

Reevaluating private property as a liability encourages a shift in perspective—from individual entitlement to collective responsibility. It prompts us to question the long-term impacts of our current property laws and to explore more sustainable and equitable alternatives. This paradigm shift could lead to more responsible resource management and a more equitable society.

The challenge lies in balancing individual needs with collective responsibility and long-term sustainability. By engaging in public discourse on these alternatives and seriously considering transition strategies, we can pave the way for a more just and responsible approach to managing the Earth’s resources.

Sex Sells

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Sexism is indeed a two-way street. On one side of this street, a Computer Science graduate and programmer is eager to share her expertise in her field—Neural Networks, in this instance. This subject popped up in my feed, reflecting my interests.

Video: What is a Neural Network?

Despite some production issues, such as the audio being quieter than ideal, my focus today is on the sexism surrounding the video. The presenter, whom many would consider attractive, is using social media to disseminate her knowledge. However, even when comments address the topic she presents, many also remark on her appearance. It’s evident she had other options for attire and presentation that might have mitigated such comments. I won’t speculate on her intentions, but it seems likely her aesthetic choices were deliberate to draw viewers. I refrain from slut-shaming; her attire is her choice, and she cannot control the reactions. However, I doubt a thumbnail featuring a burqa would garner as much attention or provoke similar comments.

This situation intrigues me because some women—possibly including this presenter—lament being objectified yet assert their right to wear what they find comfortable or appealing. While attraction has cultural elements, it also operates on a largely subconscious level, a phenomenon not confined to humans but seen in the animal kingdom and across genders.

Ultimately, there’s no need to disparage this woman. She is likely aware of the dynamics at play. Should she achieve her goals, she might well challenge the very viewers who objectified her, a tactic observed among actresses as they approach their forties. They capitalise on sexual appeal while possible, only to critique such approaches when they can no longer utilise them. Humans are, indeed, curious creatures.