What are quiet people thinking about?
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I'm a quiet person. This may come as a surprise to some, but I really am. Sure I can shout as loud as anyone else on a sports field or in the pub, but that isn't really my normal mode.
Quiet people like me won't always add our stories or opinions to a discussion. We're often happy with that, as there can be many interesting people for us to listen to. Consequently it is only with close friends that we regularly go much beyond small talk and wisecracking. But that doesn't mean we haven't got interesting things to say. It just takes people who want to listen.
Unfortunately, while some of us only say a small fraction of what we think, public discourse and social media often appears saturated with the opinions of a few who must only think about a small fraction of what they say. This isn't to say there aren't plenty of louder people contributing intelligent opinions to the public sphere- there certainly are. I admire the humour, energy and patience they must have trying to hold rational argument with those who stubbornly refuse to reciprocate. I just don't feel I have the patience for such a course of action.
Still, I do have a few thoughts I like to share from time to time.
I hardly have the most sophisticated belief structure, but there are a few things I believe pretty strongly. One of them is the importance of enjoying life, being thankful for our blessings (such as living in such a wonderful place) and not taking it seriously. In the following pages I share some of the things I love about Tasmania in a (hopefully) humorous way. Hopefully this might provide some people with a few smiles and laughs or even encourage people to go out and try some of these activities for themselves. Please be aware, all the jokes are meant in fun and if anyone is offended by anything I write, please contact me through the quietblog facebook page and I will most likely take it down.
I also really believe that the harm done in this world is as much a result of ignorance as malice. And unfortunately the prevalence of ignorance is easy to understand. Public discourse and news presentation is simplified and jingoistic. For someone who likes to think about all angles of an issue like myself, there is no point arguing with someone who speaks in slogans and soundbites. They rarely have the patience to listen to a full balanced opinion. But I still have opinions on many issues. I have created the Shades of Grey page to share some of these.
If you have ideas about topics you would like me to write about or places you think I should go in Tasmania again, send me an email and I will put it on my list.
Quiet people like me won't always add our stories or opinions to a discussion. We're often happy with that, as there can be many interesting people for us to listen to. Consequently it is only with close friends that we regularly go much beyond small talk and wisecracking. But that doesn't mean we haven't got interesting things to say. It just takes people who want to listen.
Unfortunately, while some of us only say a small fraction of what we think, public discourse and social media often appears saturated with the opinions of a few who must only think about a small fraction of what they say. This isn't to say there aren't plenty of louder people contributing intelligent opinions to the public sphere- there certainly are. I admire the humour, energy and patience they must have trying to hold rational argument with those who stubbornly refuse to reciprocate. I just don't feel I have the patience for such a course of action.
Still, I do have a few thoughts I like to share from time to time.
I hardly have the most sophisticated belief structure, but there are a few things I believe pretty strongly. One of them is the importance of enjoying life, being thankful for our blessings (such as living in such a wonderful place) and not taking it seriously. In the following pages I share some of the things I love about Tasmania in a (hopefully) humorous way. Hopefully this might provide some people with a few smiles and laughs or even encourage people to go out and try some of these activities for themselves. Please be aware, all the jokes are meant in fun and if anyone is offended by anything I write, please contact me through the quietblog facebook page and I will most likely take it down.
I also really believe that the harm done in this world is as much a result of ignorance as malice. And unfortunately the prevalence of ignorance is easy to understand. Public discourse and news presentation is simplified and jingoistic. For someone who likes to think about all angles of an issue like myself, there is no point arguing with someone who speaks in slogans and soundbites. They rarely have the patience to listen to a full balanced opinion. But I still have opinions on many issues. I have created the Shades of Grey page to share some of these.
If you have ideas about topics you would like me to write about or places you think I should go in Tasmania again, send me an email and I will put it on my list.