Raoul's Tuesday Post

Today in class we discussed some interesting ideas that were brought up during our Notes From the Underground analysis. The first idea that sparked my interest was the impossibility of predicting human behavior. The theory of evolution says that humans would do what is best for them; however, time and time again we find that humans, in fact do the opposite. The idea of a smoker warned that he has lung cancer, but he continues smoking was our example for this phenomenon. However, I actually believe that to some degree this does not contradict the theory of evolution. I believe that in some way human's do a calculation of pleasure vs. survival. The smoker might believe that living only six months and smoking is more advantageous (more rewarding) than not smoking and living five more years (or some thing like this). This conversation sparked my thought of a funny paradox. The paradox is that humans are the most logical and intelligent beings; however, the act in the most illogical and irrational ways. Honestly I believe this is because of human's overly powerful consciousness. Any way, the other idea that today's analysis brought up was about the pre made "plan for success". In which kids go to school they get a job and make money. However, the masses never truly question if that is the best path for success, and what is that success.