Discussion on Shame ()
| Author | Message | |
|---|---|---|
 johnpaddy |
Date sent: Fri 27/02/26 10:18:57
Dick presented key points from a psychiatric article titled "The Harming Power of Shame ." The core distinction drawn was between shame (feeling like a bad person, triggering withdrawal and self-concealment) and guilt (feeling you did something wrong, which can motivate making amends). Shame was discussed at multiple levels: neurologically (involving the brain's cingulate gyrus, cortisol, the autonomic nervous system, and the gut brain axis), psychologically (worthlessness, social withdrawal, explosive anger), and socially (varying across cultures, with collectivist societies like Japan placing greater emphasis on public shame).We explored how shame can be adaptive — reinforcing social norms and cohesion — or maladaptive, especially when weaponised through public humiliation (e.g. Trump's dressing down of Zelensky, a consultant shaming a junior doctor in front of colleagues). Mick shared a personal school memory of being humiliated by a maths teacher for asking a question, which the group analysed as the teacher using a false invitation to assert dominance. The article's advice for dealing with shame — building capacity to tolerate it, rebuilding connections, and confidential feedback channels — was briefly noted. We briefly discussed whether a society that removes shame entirely (e.g., through extreme liberalism) would become a "mess" or whether shame is a necessary social obligation. The conversation ranged widely from there, touching on: Public figures and shame: Prince Andrew, Mandelson, and Trump as examples of people subjected to (or impervious to) public shaming; the role of media in weaponising shame for political ends. Referencing economic theory; we discussed the difference between "econs" (idealised rational actors in a free market) and "humans" (who make energy efficient snap judgments)’ Heuristic vs. Algorithmic Thinking: We explored two ways of thinking: "heuristic" (quick, stereotypical judgments) and "algorithmic" (slow, logical, and more accurate pathways), noting how these apply to medical diagnostics. Trump and cognitive decline: Whether his simplified vocabulary reflects deterioration, using the linguistic concept of type-token ratio . AI and technology: Uses of AI to debunk conspiracy theories; AI in military simulations defaulting to nuclear solutions; Perplexity vs ChatGPT; AI's effect on human cognition. Energy and hydrogen: A local planning application for a plasma gasification plant near Manston that would produce hydrogen and deal with landfill waste; wider discussion of the UK energy grid, wind farm contracts, solar harmonics, and the politics of infrastructure Transport nostalgia: Trams, trolleybuses, Beeching's cuts, and the political/financial interests behind dismantling public transport. Space and health: The physical effects of long duration spaceflight (bone loss, cardiovascular changes). Epstein and elite networks: Brief, speculative discussion about money, power, and impunity. We wrapped up with light chat about past members, cycling gadgets, and a suggestion for the next meeting topic — a book on management and power (including a tongue in cheek recommendation to "murder your boss"). |  0
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