Studying human behavior makes me feel weird

[rry6961]

OK i already knew that people were biological machines but actually analyzing what that means in your own life gives me a weird feeling. I feel detached and nauseous when I think about why my friends are my friends. Same when I think about our interactions. As I change my avatar, people (including friends) treat me different and I act different. I know we act the way we do for evolutionary reasons but I can't shake the bad feeling of how manipulative it all is. I'm supposed to be the alpha male or tribal leader but I feel weird acting like that because it's not really me. The desire for status feels weird although I notice how I respond poitively to people of high status. Maybe it's just because I havnt slept in a while lol

[Poetry]

That's not really you? Quite the opposite; getting to know human behavior and how interaction plays an integral role in our relationships makes you that much more alpha than the rest. If you look at any great leader, you notice (Even with military might) that they were intelligent and strategic about their cause. Napoleon, who took command of his army -- was one of the best strategists the world has seen (even though his lust for a particular woman was made quite apparent.).

I was where you were now at one point. I thought to myself, "Wait, so if this is how it works -- who is really genuine and who isn't?" The answer was made clear when I realized that all behavior is genuine in some way. Although some people can be manipulative (Especially angry women), most of your daily interactions aren't scripted and are based on years of social interaction.

I once questioned my friends too -- until I thought about all the shit we've been through, the ups and downs; it's when you notice that you see that your friends are your friends because you've been there for one another, apparent or not. If you haven't, I wouldn't call you friends at all.

I understand what you're saying -- but knowing how people act is just another tool in life. Ultimately, it's you who goes through with things -- not anyone else.

[rry6961]

i know that my friends are genuine with their feelings but it still bugs me that me and them are only genuin because of evolutionary reasons like survival

[Poetry]

Originally Posted by rry6961

i know that my friends are genuine with their feelings but it still bugs me that me and them are only genuin because of evolutionary reasons like survival

Nahh, you're friends because of your experiences with one another. So what if a million years ago we needed friends to survive? Now we don't -- it's a choice we make to make ourselves social and have support when we need it.

If you're having problems because you think everyone is hardwired to behave a certain way, you are thinking TOO literal.

[Sean John]

Personally, understanding human behavior makes me feel EMPOWERED. How many people in the world are unhappy with their lack of social skills and do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to improve it? That's not the life for me.

[Poetry]

Originally Posted by Sean John

Personally, understanding human behavior makes me feel EMPOWERED. How many people in the world are unhappy with their lack of social skills and do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to improve it? That's not the life for me.

I agree 100%

[Dynamism]

Originally Posted by Poetry

I agree 100%

Seconded.

We even manipulate ourselves in our thinking and limited beliefs. Can you see that?

There is nothing weird or strange about it. This stuff exists because we exist. It is not something supernatural or alien. It is reality. How else can I explain it?

Not learning this is limiting yourself beyond what you can imagine. I personally do not understand the detachment some people feel from what reality is (in terms of what works).
We've all been told how bad it is to be manipulative yada yada yada but it all falls down that other people don't want you to know what you know because there's more competition like that. That's why a minority of people are as successful because they know something other's don't.

If you still feel that's weird, so be it.

[rry6961]

dude reality is pretty fucking weird. consider big bang, quantum mechanics, etc

i know my life is going to be changed dramatically by learning this stuff but it still alienates me. id rather have it be unconscious like a natural

[sigma]

If this is how you feel then you must address it. Don't justify it using the facts, address your feelings.

You know why you feel this way, now question why...

Why does knowing this stuff, and studying human interaction make you feel manipulative ?

the answer will shock you.. but post it for me before I jump to conclusions

[Brody]

On the contrary, I think understanding human behavior is pretty interesting. While you might look at it as manipulative, you should stop seeing it like that. Look at it as a light leading you through a dark path - you dont have to guess anymore.