Are you a sad raven?

I like the concept of emotional contagion. I was recently indulging absurdities on a job by complaining about age related pains. By the end of the day, I had a weeping goiter and my work partner was suffering hips so bad it sounded like he could fall over at any moment. It made the time pass, and we laughed, despite the growing awareness of age.

More recently, I was expounding on how nice it would be to live in a world of robots. Warehouses of the things awaiting my commands. In short order, my casual acquaintance began accusing me of being anti-social. It surprised me when he construed the absurd into a distorted judgment.

Many are pessimistic ravens, susceptible to emotional contagion, attacking willy-nilly. But the good road is paved in contemplation. Why do they resort to harsh and damming condemnation and name calling? Detach, maybe dangle some carrots and tease with kibbles to see what hurts.

With that out there, I am ready to focus on something I enjoy.

[arstechnica.com]