Contrarian - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity */

2025-02-20T15:49:38Z

The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 20 February 2025
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	It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].		It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].

	This video breaks down how uncannily the descriptions of the Antichrist from the Bible reflect the common attributes of [[fascist]] movements.		[https://www.benjaminlcorey.com/could-american-evangelicals-spot-the-antichrist-heres-the-biblical-predictions/#google_vignette This article] and related video breaks down how uncannily the descriptions of the Antichrist from the Bible reflect the common attributes of [[fascist]] movements and [[leaders]].

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://youtu.be/ZslyAoQ7b2k\|\|center\|What the Bible Predicts About the Antichrist\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://youtu.be/ZslyAoQ7b2k\|\|center\|What the Bible Predicts About the Antichrist\|frame}}

Fractalguy: /* Horseshoe Contrarianism */

2025-02-20T11:54:39Z

Horseshoe Contrarianism

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:54, 20 February 2025
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	[[File:Contrarian-always-do-opposite-of-what-government-says.png\|thumb\|450x450px\|Contrarianism happens whenever lack of [[trust]] meets intellectual laziness]][[wikipedia:Horseshoe_theory\|Horseshoe theory]] attempts to explain why those on the far-left of the political spectrum often share views with the far-right. Many left-wing [[podcasters]] and activists have joined the alt-right in recent years, and not all of them were receiving funds from Russia to do so. [https://apnews.com/article/russian-interference-presidential-election-influencers-trump-999435273dd39edf7468c6aa34fad5dd][https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-tenet-media-right-wing-influencers-justice-department/][https://www.vox.com/politics/370323/tenet-media-russia-what-happened-tim-pool-dave-rubin-benny-johnson-lauren-southern]		[[File:Contrarian-always-do-opposite-of-what-government-says.png\|thumb\|450x450px\|Contrarianism happens whenever lack of [[trust]] meets intellectual laziness]][[wikipedia:Horseshoe_theory\|Horseshoe theory]] attempts to explain why those on the far-left of the political spectrum often share views with the far-right. Many left-wing [[podcasters]] and activists have joined the alt-right in recent years, and not all of them were receiving funds from Russia to do so. [https://apnews.com/article/russian-interference-presidential-election-influencers-trump-999435273dd39edf7468c6aa34fad5dd][https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-tenet-media-right-wing-influencers-justice-department/][https://www.vox.com/politics/370323/tenet-media-russia-what-happened-tim-pool-dave-rubin-benny-johnson-lauren-southern]

	Contrarianism is the best explanation for horseshoe theory. The common thread between the far-left and far-right extremes is [[distrust]] of the [[institutions]] of [[society]], and the [[belief]] that they are broken beyond repair. Therefore, they are willing to support any sufficiently [[revolutionary]] movement that seeks to destroy those [[institutions]], prioritizing this over any other motives or [[ideologies]]. This has been described as "[https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/brokenism-alana-newhouse Brokenism]." [https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/brokenism-alana-newhouse][https://wheatandtares.org/2025/02/12/brokenism/][https://arnoldkling.substack.com/p/the-brokenism-axis]		Contrarianism is the best explanation for horseshoe theory. The common thread between the far-left and far-right extremes is [[distrust]] of the [[institutions]] of [[society]], and the [[belief]] that they are broken beyond repair. Therefore, they are willing to support any sufficiently [[revolutionary]] movement that seeks to destroy those [[institutions]], prioritizing this over any other motives or [[ideologies]].

			This has also been described as "[https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/brokenism-alana-newhouse Brokenism]" since their view of the system being fundamentally broken is the commonly held belief on left and right that enables this unexpected alliance. [https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/brokenism-alana-newhouse][https://wheatandtares.org/2025/02/12/brokenism/][https://arnoldkling.substack.com/p/the-brokenism-axis]

	== Double Negative Contrarianism ==		== Double Negative Contrarianism ==

Fractalguy at 11:48, 20 February 2025

2025-02-20T11:48:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:48, 20 February 2025
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	It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].		It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://youtu.be/ZslyAoQ7b2k\|\|center\|~~The~~ Antichrist\|frame}}		This video breaks down how uncannily the descriptions of the Antichrist from the Bible reflect the common attributes of [[fascist]] movements.

			{{#ev:youtube\|https://youtu.be/ZslyAoQ7b2k\|\|center\|What the Bible Predicts About the Antichrist\|frame}}

	== Extreme Contrarianism ==		== Extreme Contrarianism ==

Fractalguy at 11:45, 20 February 2025

2025-02-20T11:45:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 20 February 2025
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	It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].		It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].

			{{#ev:youtube\|https://youtu.be/ZslyAoQ7b2k\|\|center\|The Antichrist\|frame}}

	== Extreme Contrarianism ==		== Extreme Contrarianism ==

Fractalguy at 13:20, 14 February 2025

2025-02-14T13:20:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 14 February 2025
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	[[Universal health care]] is the cure for this, because it separates medicine from the [[profit]] motive, removing a huge number of [[wikipedia:Perverse_incentive\|perverse]] [[incentives]]. Contrarian misplaced [[skepticism]] has unfortunately affected too many people to make this [[politically]] viable in the US.		[[Universal health care]] is the cure for this, because it separates medicine from the [[profit]] motive, removing a huge number of [[wikipedia:Perverse_incentive\|perverse]] [[incentives]]. Contrarian misplaced [[skepticism]] has unfortunately affected too many people to make this [[politically]] viable in the US.

	~~== Devil Advocacy ==~~
	While playing the [[wikipedia:Devil's_advocate\|devil's advocate]] can be useful for examining the other side's [[perspective]] in a [[debate]], it is common for contrarians to do it in a way that seems more [[like]] [[trolling]], or just taking the devil's side. The one can become the other if not careful. While some amount is [[necessary]] for making [[wikipedia:Straw_man#Steelmanning\|steel man arguments]], [[moderation]] in devil advocacy is recommended to avoid being annoying or accidentally advancing the devil's agenda.

	== Horseshoe Contrarianism ==		== Horseshoe Contrarianism ==
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	It seems much more likely that this will be how the current contrarian [[wikipedia:Zeitgeist\|zeitgeist]] will be resolved. [[wikipedia:Cognitive_complexity\|Cognitive complexity]] will not be increased, simply reversed once again as people realize the folly of contrarianism and exchange it for marginally better anti-contrarianism. It's as good as we can [[hope]] for without significant improvements in [[education]].		It seems much more likely that this will be how the current contrarian [[wikipedia:Zeitgeist\|zeitgeist]] will be resolved. [[wikipedia:Cognitive_complexity\|Cognitive complexity]] will not be increased, simply reversed once again as people realize the folly of contrarianism and exchange it for marginally better anti-contrarianism. It's as good as we can [[hope]] for without significant improvements in [[education]].

			== Devil Advocacy ==
			While playing the [[wikipedia:Devil's_advocate\|devil's advocate]] can be useful for examining the other side's [[perspective]] in a [[debate]], it is common for contrarians to do it in a way that seems more [[like]] [[trolling]], or just taking the devil's side. The one can become the other if not careful. While some amount is [[necessary]] for making [[wikipedia:Straw_man#Steelmanning\|steel man arguments]], [[moderation]] in devil advocacy is recommended to avoid being annoying or accidentally advancing the devil's agenda.

	== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==		== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==

Fractalguy: /* Horseshoe Contrarianism */

2025-02-14T13:13:11Z

Horseshoe Contrarianism

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:13, 14 February 2025
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	[[File:Contrarian-opposites-devils-advocate-critical-thinking.jpg\|thumb\|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xweiQukBM_k Always taking the opposite side is not attractive]]]		[[File:Contrarian-opposites-devils-advocate-critical-thinking.jpg\|thumb\|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xweiQukBM_k Always taking the opposite side is not attractive]]]
	Many people call themselves "free thinkers" but are actually [[wikt:contrarian\|contrarians]] who define most of their positions in opposition to a perceived [[In-group\|enemy]] rather than their own [[Reason\|reasoning]] or [[evidence]].<blockquote>''"Inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist."'' -[[wikipedia:George_Carlin\|George Carlin]]</blockquote>[[Trolls]] are the classic contrarians, and their influence on [[social media]] and Internet culture has infected a significant amount of normal discourse. [[Atheists]] are contrarians when it comes to [[religion]]. ~~And a lot~~ of the [[right wing internet]] is contrarian because it exists as a critique of liberalism rather than the [[promotion]] of any [[positive]] alternate [[ideology]]. Leftist contrarians are known as "[[wikipedia:Tankie\|Tankies]]."		Many people call themselves "free thinkers" but are actually [[wikt:contrarian\|contrarians]] who define most of their positions in opposition to a perceived [[In-group\|enemy]] rather than their own [[Reason\|reasoning]] or [[evidence]].<blockquote>''"Inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist."'' -[[wikipedia:George_Carlin\|George Carlin]]</blockquote>[[Trolls]] are the classic contrarians, and their influence on [[social media]] and Internet culture has infected a significant amount of normal discourse. [[Atheists]] are contrarians when it comes to [[religion]]. Much of the [[right wing internet]] is contrarian because it exists as a critique of liberalism rather than the [[promotion]] of any [[positive]] alternate [[ideology]]. Leftist contrarians are known as "[[wikipedia:Tankie\|Tankies]]."

	Understanding how much people's [[political]] positions pivot whenever a [[Trust\|mistrusted]] [[institution]] makes a claim will ~~make a lot of things make sense that don't when~~ you ~~look for a~~ [[rational]] or [[ideological]] interpretation.		Understanding how much people's [[political]] positions pivot whenever a [[Trust\|mistrusted]] [[institution]] or [[authority]] figure makes a claim will help you understand their mentality much more than any [[rational]] or [[ideological]] interpretation.

	== Contrarian Democracy ==		== Contrarian Democracy ==
	~~[[File:Contrarian-always-do-opposite-of-what-government-says.png\|thumb\|450x450px\|Contrarianism happens whenever lack of [[trust]] meets intellectual laziness]]~~
	While references to contrarianism in this [[wiki]] do not refer to [[wikipedia:Contrarian_investing\|Peter Thiel's investment strategy]], there is significant overlap between [[Crypto-bros\|those who employ it as investors]], [[Libertarian\|libercontrarians]] who [[believe]] [[selfishness]] is [[altruism]], the right-wing [[manosphere]] that thinks [[misogyny]] is [[Sex\|sexy]], [[propaganda]] and [[misinformation]] intended to deceive, and [[trolls]] who [[just]] do it to mess with people before eventually becoming the very thing they originally sought to mock. All of these groups share a fundamental [[mistrust]] in [[institutions]] and the liberal [[democratic]] world order, and reflexively reject any [[ideas]] they [[associate]] with it.		While references to contrarianism in this [[wiki]] do not refer to [[wikipedia:Contrarian_investing\|Peter Thiel's investment strategy]], there is significant overlap between [[Crypto-bros\|those who employ it as investors]], [[Libertarian\|libercontrarians]] who [[believe]] [[selfishness]] is [[altruism]], the right-wing [[manosphere]] that thinks [[misogyny]] is [[Sex\|sexy]], [[propaganda]] and [[misinformation]] intended to deceive, and [[trolls]] who [[just]] do it to mess with people before eventually becoming the very thing they originally sought to mock. All of these groups share a fundamental [[mistrust]] in [[institutions]] and the liberal [[democratic]] world order, and reflexively reject any [[ideas]] they [[associate]] with it.

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	== Contrarian Public Health ==		== Contrarian Public Health ==
	Contrarianism is also having a huge impact on public [[health]]. The loss of [[trust]] isn't wholly unjustified, since there have been so many cases of FDA [[wikipedia:Regulatory_capture\|regulatory capture]] by the pharmaceutical industry, private [[health]] systems that prioritize [[profits]] over patients, and a [[media]] that puts ratings and sponsorships over consistent, [[evidence-based]] advice. However, that is really not a [[good]] [[reason]] to question vaccines, which are one of the few places that affordable one-[[time]] cures are actually produced. Expensive long-term treatments of the symptoms are much more profitable, and research priorities reflect this. Our [[healthcare]] system tends to overmedicate, but that doesn't mean you should ignore doctors while blindly accepting the advice of anyone who professes a [[skepticism]] of "western [[medicine]]." Sometimes the regulatory [[authorities]] say something is [[Pseudoscience\|bullshit]] because it really is, not because they are in a [[conspiracy]] to suppress the herbal cure for cancer in order to maintain their [[Capitalism\|profits]].		Contrarianism is also having a huge impact on public [[health]]. The loss of [[trust]] isn't wholly unjustified, since there have been so many cases of FDA [[wikipedia:Regulatory_capture\|regulatory capture]] by the pharmaceutical industry, private [[health]] systems that prioritize [[profits]] over patients, and a [[media]] that puts ratings and sponsorships over consistent, [[evidence-based]] advice. However, that is really not a [[good]] [[reason]] to question vaccines, which are one of the few places that affordable one-[[time]] cures are actually produced. Expensive long-term treatments of the symptoms are much more profitable, and research priorities reflect this.

			Our [[healthcare]] system tends to overmedicate, but that doesn't mean you should ignore doctors while blindly accepting the advice of anyone who professes a [[skepticism]] of "western [[medicine]]." Sometimes the regulatory [[authorities]] say something is [[Pseudoscience\|bullshit]] because it really is, not because they are in a [[conspiracy]] to suppress the herbal cure for cancer in order to maintain their [[Capitalism\|profits]].

			[[Universal health care]] is the cure for this, because it separates medicine from the [[profit]] motive, removing a huge number of [[wikipedia:Perverse_incentive\|perverse]] [[incentives]]. Contrarian misplaced [[skepticism]] has unfortunately affected too many people to make this [[politically]] viable in the US.

	== Devil Advocacy ==		== Devil Advocacy ==
	While playing the [[wikipedia:Devil's_advocate\|devil's advocate]] can be useful for examining the other side's [[perspective]] in a [[debate]], it is common for contrarians to do it in a way that seems more [[like]] [[trolling]], or just taking the devil's side. The one can become the other if not careful. [[~~Moderation~~]] in devil advocacy is recommended to avoid being annoying.		While playing the [[wikipedia:Devil's_advocate\|devil's advocate]] can be useful for examining the other side's [[perspective]] in a [[debate]], it is common for contrarians to do it in a way that seems more [[like]] [[trolling]], or just taking the devil's side. The one can become the other if not careful. While some amount is [[necessary]] for making [[wikipedia:Straw_man#Steelmanning\|steel man arguments]], [[moderation]] in devil advocacy is recommended to avoid being annoying or accidentally advancing the devil's agenda.

			== Horseshoe Contrarianism ==
			[[File:Contrarian-always-do-opposite-of-what-government-says.png\|thumb\|450x450px\|Contrarianism happens whenever lack of [[trust]] meets intellectual laziness]][[wikipedia:Horseshoe_theory\|Horseshoe theory]] attempts to explain why those on the far-left of the political spectrum often share views with the far-right. Many left-wing [[podcasters]] and activists have joined the alt-right in recent years, and not all of them were receiving funds from Russia to do so. [https://apnews.com/article/russian-interference-presidential-election-influencers-trump-999435273dd39edf7468c6aa34fad5dd][https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-tenet-media-right-wing-influencers-justice-department/][https://www.vox.com/politics/370323/tenet-media-russia-what-happened-tim-pool-dave-rubin-benny-johnson-lauren-southern]

			Contrarianism is the best explanation for horseshoe theory. The common thread between the far-left and far-right extremes is [[distrust]] of the [[institutions]] of [[society]], and the [[belief]] that they are broken beyond repair. Therefore, they are willing to support any sufficiently [[revolutionary]] movement that seeks to destroy those [[institutions]], prioritizing this over any other motives or [[ideologies]]. This has been described as "[https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/brokenism-alana-newhouse Brokenism]." [https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/brokenism-alana-newhouse][https://wheatandtares.org/2025/02/12/brokenism/][https://arnoldkling.substack.com/p/the-brokenism-axis]

			== Double Negative Contrarianism ==
			The contrarian mindset is like an [[wikipedia:Inverter_(logic_gate)\|inverter logic gate]]. When the [[brain]] sees enough examples of [[institutional]] [[corruption]] that the [[concept]] becomes [[wikipedia:Generalization\|generalized]], a switch is flipped and a new rule is adopted: "Everything the [[out-group]] does is wrong." The self-satisfied [[brain]] is [[happy]] about all the [[time]] it will save not thinking now.

			[[Inevitably]], there will be many instances where this lack of [[reasoning]] conflicts with [[reality]]. It seems unlikely that addressing the underlying lack of [[critical thinking]] will be effective, but can enough counter-examples lead to double-contrarianism? When contrarian [[logic]] fails again and again, can it lead to an anti-contrarianism where the popular contrarian [[perspective]] becomes the antithesis view?

			It seems much more likely that this will be how the current contrarian [[wikipedia:Zeitgeist\|zeitgeist]] will be resolved. [[wikipedia:Cognitive_complexity\|Cognitive complexity]] will not be increased, simply reversed once again as people realize the folly of contrarianism and exchange it for marginally better anti-contrarianism. It's as good as we can [[hope]] for without significant improvements in [[education]].

	== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==		== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==
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	[[Grifters]] often encourage people to turn their [[skepticism]] into contrarianism. Since the [[government]] is the main [[institution]] that we have that can prevent and punish [[grift]], [[grifters]] have a vested interest in undermining our [[faith]] and [[trust]] in it.		[[Grifters]] often encourage people to turn their [[skepticism]] into contrarianism. Since the [[government]] is the main [[institution]] that we have that can prevent and punish [[grift]], [[grifters]] have a vested interest in undermining our [[faith]] and [[trust]] in it.

	The contrarian is the ultimate mark. They are incredibly predictable, easily manipulated, and have bypassed their rational faculties. Just tell the contrarian that your snake oil is banned by the FDA and they see it as a selling point instead of a red flag. It's too easy!		The contrarian is the ultimate mark. They are incredibly predictable, easily manipulated, and have already bypassed their [[rational]] faculties. Just tell the contrarian that your snake oil is banned by the FDA and they see it as a selling point instead of a red flag. It's too easy!

	Do not be tempted to make easy money this way. While many contrarians are assholes, it is still unethical to take advantage of them. If enough people do it, you end up with [[fascism]], and that sucks for [[everyone]].		Do not be [[tempted]] to make easy [[money]] this way. While many contrarians are assholes, it is still [[unethical]] to take advantage of them. If enough people do it, you end up with [[fascism]], and that sucks for [[everyone]].

	== The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity ==		== The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity ==

Fractalguy: Opportunistic contrarianism

2025-02-14T12:20:00Z

Opportunistic contrarianism

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:20, 14 February 2025
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	== Contrarian Public Health ==		== Contrarian Public Health ==
	Contrarianism is also having a huge impact on public [[health]]. The loss of [[trust]] isn't wholly unjustified, since there have been so many cases of FDA [[wikipedia:Regulatory_capture\|regulatory capture]] by the pharmaceutical industry, private [[health]] systems that prioritize [[profits]] over patients, and a [[media]] that puts ratings and sponsorships over consistent, [[evidence-based]] advice. However, that is really not a [[good]] [[reason]] to question vaccines, which are one of the few places that affordable one-[[time]] cures are actually produced. Expensive long-term treatments of the symptoms are much more profitable, and research priorities reflect this. Our [[healthcare]] system tends to overmedicate, but that doesn't mean you should ignore doctors while blindly accepting the advice of anyone who professes a [[skepticism]] of "western [[medicine]]." Sometimes the regulatory authorities say something is [[Pseudoscience\|bullshit]] because it really is, not because they are in a [[conspiracy]] to suppress the herbal cure for cancer in order to maintain their [[Capitalism\|profits]].		Contrarianism is also having a huge impact on public [[health]]. The loss of [[trust]] isn't wholly unjustified, since there have been so many cases of FDA [[wikipedia:Regulatory_capture\|regulatory capture]] by the pharmaceutical industry, private [[health]] systems that prioritize [[profits]] over patients, and a [[media]] that puts ratings and sponsorships over consistent, [[evidence-based]] advice. However, that is really not a [[good]] [[reason]] to question vaccines, which are one of the few places that affordable one-[[time]] cures are actually produced. Expensive long-term treatments of the symptoms are much more profitable, and research priorities reflect this. Our [[healthcare]] system tends to overmedicate, but that doesn't mean you should ignore doctors while blindly accepting the advice of anyone who professes a [[skepticism]] of "western [[medicine]]." Sometimes the regulatory [[authorities]] say something is [[Pseudoscience\|bullshit]] because it really is, not because they are in a [[conspiracy]] to suppress the herbal cure for cancer in order to maintain their [[Capitalism\|profits]].

	== Devil Advocacy ==		== Devil Advocacy ==
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	== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==		== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==
	[[wikipedia:Godwin's_law\|Godwin's Law]] states that any sufficiently long online discussion will eventually lead to Hitler comparisons. A corollary of this rule is that any sufficiently contrarian position will eventually lead to [[fascism]] and Hitler apologetics. Support for Hitler is the final frontier of contrarianism. If the mainstream is wrong about everything, they must be wrong about Hitler, too. Therefore, Hitler wasn't the most evil person ever to live, in fact he had some pretty good ideas.		[[wikipedia:Godwin's_law\|Godwin's Law]] states that any sufficiently long online discussion will eventually lead to Hitler comparisons. A corollary of this rule is that any sufficiently contrarian position will eventually lead to [[fascism]] and Hitler apologetics. Support for Hitler is the final frontier of contrarianism. If the mainstream is wrong about everything, they must be wrong about Hitler, too. Therefore, Hitler wasn't the most [[evil]] person ever to live, in fact he had some pretty good ideas.

	[[Fascism]] is reactionary and should be understood as a contrarian reaction to a corrupt system where too many bad actors have eroded [[trust]] in [[institutions]], leading people to reject both [[truth]] and falsehood alike, so long as it comes from their perceived [[out-group]]. Trying to identify motives based on internal goals and [[ideologies]] is impossible, because they are defined only by what they oppose.		[[Fascism]] is reactionary and should be understood as a contrarian reaction to a corrupt system where too many bad actors have eroded [[trust]] in [[institutions]], leading people to reject both [[truth]] and falsehood alike, so long as it comes from their perceived [[out-group]]. Trying to identify motives based on internal goals and [[ideologies]] is impossible, because they are defined only by what they oppose.

			== Opportunistic Contrarianism ==
			[[Grifters]] often encourage people to turn their [[skepticism]] into contrarianism. Since the [[government]] is the main [[institution]] that we have that can prevent and punish [[grift]], [[grifters]] have a vested interest in undermining our [[faith]] and [[trust]] in it.

			The contrarian is the ultimate mark. They are incredibly predictable, easily manipulated, and have bypassed their rational faculties. Just tell the contrarian that your snake oil is banned by the FDA and they see it as a selling point instead of a red flag. It's too easy!

			Do not be tempted to make easy money this way. While many contrarians are assholes, it is still unethical to take advantage of them. If enough people do it, you end up with [[fascism]], and that sucks for [[everyone]].

	== The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity ==		== The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity ==
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	From this [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A24-43&version=NIV bad seed] is sowed a [[politics]] of pure greed and ambition, where the wants of the [[rich]] outweigh the needs of the poor, and any attempt to use the [[wealth]] of the nation to fulfill the message of Jesus is opposed. This is not Christ, it is Antichrist. [[Literally]]!		From this [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A24-43&version=NIV bad seed] is sowed a [[politics]] of pure greed and ambition, where the wants of the [[rich]] outweigh the needs of the poor, and any attempt to use the [[wealth]] of the nation to fulfill the message of Jesus is opposed. This is not Christ, it is Antichrist. [[Literally]]!

	Beyond [[selfish]] anti-[[tax]] sentiments, the contrarian sees [[virtue]] in all of the faults of the Antichrist. By not pretending to tell the [[truth]], their [[lies]] are seen as [[honesty]]. By not pretending to be [[faithful]], their lack of [[loyalty]] and [[ethics]] is seen as strength and [[conviction]]. The contrarian Christ will naturally embody the opposite of everything we were told Jesus stood for. Pointing out the [[contradiction]] only reinforces the contrarian's belief in the Antichrist.		Beyond [[selfish]] anti-[[tax]] sentiments, the contrarian sees [[virtue]] in all of the faults of the Antichrist. By not pretending to tell the [[truth]], their [[lies]] are seen as [[honesty]]. By not pretending to be [[faithful]], their lack of [[loyalty]] and [[ethics]] is seen as strength and [[conviction]]. The contrarian Christ will naturally embody the opposite of everything we were told Jesus stood for. Pointing out the [[contradiction]] only reinforces the contrarian's [[belief]] in the Antichrist.

	The Antichrist is not a bad person who pretends to be good. They are a person who says bad ''is'' good. The Antichrist is a contrarian, and all contrarian Christians are following the Antichrist.		The Antichrist is not a bad person who pretends to be good. They are a person who says bad ''is'' good. The Antichrist is a contrarian, and all contrarian Christians are following the Antichrist.

	It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the nature of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].		It seems possible that the [[wikipedia:References_to_the_Antichrist_in_ecclesiastical_writings\|biblical Antichrist]] was borne of a keen intuitive understanding of the [[nature]] of contrarianism, and the possibility that a [[leader]] will use their contrarian [[authority]] to the ruin of all. Ancient people had to be familiar with breakdowns of [[institutional]] [[trust]], and the false prophets that [[Grift\|profit on it]]. This is hardly the [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%201%3A9&version=NIV first time it has happened].

	== Extreme Contrarianism ==		== Extreme Contrarianism ==

Fractalguy at 16:56, 7 February 2025

2025-02-07T16:56:43Z

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	== Devil Advocacy ==		== Devil Advocacy ==
	While playing the [[wikipedia:Devil's_advocate\|devil's advocate]] can be useful for examining the other side's [[perspective]] in a [[debate]], it is common for contrarians to do it in a way that seems more [[like]] [[trolling]], or just taking the devil's side. The one can become the other if not careful. [[Moderation]] in devil advocacy is recommended to avoid being annoying.		While playing the [[wikipedia:Devil's_advocate\|devil's advocate]] can be useful for examining the other side's [[perspective]] in a [[debate]], it is common for contrarians to do it in a way that seems more [[like]] [[trolling]], or just taking the devil's side. The one can become the other if not careful. [[Moderation]] in devil advocacy is recommended to avoid being annoying.

			== Godwin's Law of Contrarianism ==
			[[wikipedia:Godwin's_law\|Godwin's Law]] states that any sufficiently long online discussion will eventually lead to Hitler comparisons. A corollary of this rule is that any sufficiently contrarian position will eventually lead to [[fascism]] and Hitler apologetics. Support for Hitler is the final frontier of contrarianism. If the mainstream is wrong about everything, they must be wrong about Hitler, too. Therefore, Hitler wasn't the most evil person ever to live, in fact he had some pretty good ideas.

			[[Fascism]] is reactionary and should be understood as a contrarian reaction to a corrupt system where too many bad actors have eroded [[trust]] in [[institutions]], leading people to reject both [[truth]] and falsehood alike, so long as it comes from their perceived [[out-group]]. Trying to identify motives based on internal goals and [[ideologies]] is impossible, because they are defined only by what they oppose.

	== The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity ==		== The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity ==

Fractalguy: /* The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity */

2025-01-22T17:10:56Z

The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:10, 22 January 2025
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	Contrarians will worship the [[wikipedia:Antichrist\|Antichrist]] because it embodies the opposite of the [[values]] we have been told to uphold. In the contrarian [[mind]], this actually makes more sense. They are so vigilant for the "[[wikipedia:Wolf_in_sheep's_clothing\|wolf in sheep's clothing]]" that they eagerly embrace the naked wolf because of it's [[honesty]]. Anyone who claims to have good intentions is suspect, so the only person you can [[trust]] is the one with no pretenses.		Contrarians will worship the [[wikipedia:Antichrist\|Antichrist]] because it embodies the opposite of the [[values]] we have been told to uphold. In the contrarian [[mind]], this actually makes more sense. They are so vigilant for the "[[wikipedia:Wolf_in_sheep's_clothing\|wolf in sheep's clothing]]" that they eagerly embrace the naked wolf because of it's [[honesty]]. Anyone who claims to have good intentions is suspect, so the only person you can [[trust]] is the one with no pretenses.

	[[Capitalism]], specifically the [[libertarian]], [[wikipedia:Objectivism\|objectivist]] interpretation of it that emphasizes the "[[greed]] is good" mantra of the 1980s, is the bad seed that has created the [[generating equation]] of modern Christian contrarianism. The fact that [[capitalism]] is able to put our greed to productive use does not mean that greed itself should be celebrated. This fundamental mistake turns the [[altruistic]] instinct on its head, where helping becomes hurting and giving becomes taking. The result is a [[political]] [[philosophy]] where any direct action to embody the values of Jesus (helping the poor, [[healing]] the sick) are opposed based on the [[logic]] that these will ultimately do more harm than good. If we take that [[money]] and invest it, the poor and the sick can get [[jobs]], and they will be better helped in the long run than if we help them directly. We'll just ignore the possibility that someone may be too sick or poverty-stricken to be hirable.		[[Capitalism]], specifically the [[libertarian]], [[wikipedia:Objectivism\|objectivist]] interpretation of it that emphasizes the "[[greed]] is good" mantra of the 1980s, is the [https://breakingbreadtheology.com/2020/07/21/the-good-seed-and-the-bad-seed/ bad seed] that has created the [[generating equation]] of modern Christian contrarianism. The fact that [[capitalism]] is able to put our greed to productive use does not mean that greed itself should be celebrated. This fundamental mistake turns the [[altruistic]] instinct on its head, where helping becomes hurting and giving becomes taking. The result is a [[political]] [[philosophy]] where any direct action to embody the values of Jesus (helping the poor, [[healing]] the sick) are opposed based on the [[logic]] that these will ultimately do more harm than good. If we take that [[money]] and invest it, the poor and the sick can get [[jobs]], and they will be better helped in the long run than if we help them directly. We'll just ignore the possibility that someone may be too sick or poverty-stricken to be hirable.

	The proverb "[[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime]]" has contributed significantly to this contrarian [[concept]]. Many people use this saying as if it was from [[scripture]], rather than the [[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|1885 novel ''Mrs. Dymond'']]. Jesus never said that shit. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A13-21&version=NIV Jesus gave people fish].		The proverb "[[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime]]" has contributed significantly to this contrarian [[concept]]. Many people use this saying as if it was from [[scripture]], rather than the [[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|1885 novel ''Mrs. Dymond'']]. Jesus never said that shit. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A13-21&version=NIV Jesus gave people fish].

Fractalguy: /* The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity */

2025-01-22T15:29:32Z

The Antichrist and Contrarian Christianity

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 22 January 2025
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	From this [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A24-43&version=NIV bad seed] is sowed a [[politics]] of pure greed and ambition, where the wants of the [[rich]] outweigh the needs of the poor, and any attempt to use the [[wealth]] of the nation to fulfill the message of Jesus is opposed. This is not Christ, it is Antichrist. [[Literally]]!		From this [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A24-43&version=NIV bad seed] is sowed a [[politics]] of pure greed and ambition, where the wants of the [[rich]] outweigh the needs of the poor, and any attempt to use the [[wealth]] of the nation to fulfill the message of Jesus is opposed. This is not Christ, it is Antichrist. [[Literally]]!

	Beyond [[selfish]] anti-[[tax]] sentiments, the contrarian sees [[virtue]] in all of the faults of the Antichrist. By not pretending to tell the [[truth]], their [[lies]] are seen as [[honesty]]. By not pretending to be [[faithful]], their lack of [[loyalty]] and [[ethics]] is seen as strength and [[conviction]].		Beyond [[selfish]] anti-[[tax]] sentiments, the contrarian sees [[virtue]] in all of the faults of the Antichrist. By not pretending to tell the [[truth]], their [[lies]] are seen as [[honesty]]. By not pretending to be [[faithful]], their lack of [[loyalty]] and [[ethics]] is seen as strength and [[conviction]]. The contrarian Christ will naturally embody the opposite of everything we were told Jesus stood for. Pointing out the [[contradiction]] only reinforces the contrarian's belief in the Antichrist.

	The Antichrist is not a bad person who pretends to be good. They are a person who says bad ''is'' good. The Antichrist is a contrarian, and all contrarian Christians are following the Antichrist.		The Antichrist is not a bad person who pretends to be good. They are a person who says bad ''is'' good. The Antichrist is a contrarian, and all contrarian Christians are following the Antichrist.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:10, 22 January 2025
Line 21:		Line 21:
	Contrarians will worship the [[wikipedia:Antichrist\|Antichrist]] because it embodies the opposite of the [[values]] we have been told to uphold. In the contrarian [[mind]], this actually makes more sense. They are so vigilant for the "[[wikipedia:Wolf_in_sheep's_clothing\|wolf in sheep's clothing]]" that they eagerly embrace the naked wolf because of it's [[honesty]]. Anyone who claims to have good intentions is suspect, so the only person you can [[trust]] is the one with no pretenses.		Contrarians will worship the [[wikipedia:Antichrist\|Antichrist]] because it embodies the opposite of the [[values]] we have been told to uphold. In the contrarian [[mind]], this actually makes more sense. They are so vigilant for the "[[wikipedia:Wolf_in_sheep's_clothing\|wolf in sheep's clothing]]" that they eagerly embrace the naked wolf because of it's [[honesty]]. Anyone who claims to have good intentions is suspect, so the only person you can [[trust]] is the one with no pretenses.

	[[Capitalism]], specifically the [[libertarian]], [[wikipedia:Objectivism\|objectivist]] interpretation of it that emphasizes the "[[greed]] is good" mantra of the 1980s, is the bad seed that has created the [[generating equation]] of modern Christian contrarianism. The fact that [[capitalism]] is able to put our greed to productive use does not mean that greed itself should be celebrated. This fundamental mistake turns the [[altruistic]] instinct on its head, where helping becomes hurting and giving becomes taking. The result is a [[political]] [[philosophy]] where any direct action to embody the values of Jesus (helping the poor, [[healing]] the sick) are opposed based on the [[logic]] that these will ultimately do more harm than good. If we take that [[money]] and invest it, the poor and the sick can get [[jobs]], and they will be better helped in the long run than if we help them directly. We'll just ignore the possibility that someone may be too sick or poverty-stricken to be hirable.		[[Capitalism]], specifically the [[libertarian]], [[wikipedia:Objectivism\|objectivist]] interpretation of it that emphasizes the "[[greed]] is good" mantra of the 1980s, is the [https://breakingbreadtheology.com/2020/07/21/the-good-seed-and-the-bad-seed/ bad seed] that has created the [[generating equation]] of modern Christian contrarianism. The fact that [[capitalism]] is able to put our greed to productive use does not mean that greed itself should be celebrated. This fundamental mistake turns the [[altruistic]] instinct on its head, where helping becomes hurting and giving becomes taking. The result is a [[political]] [[philosophy]] where any direct action to embody the values of Jesus (helping the poor, [[healing]] the sick) are opposed based on the [[logic]] that these will ultimately do more harm than good. If we take that [[money]] and invest it, the poor and the sick can get [[jobs]], and they will be better helped in the long run than if we help them directly. We'll just ignore the possibility that someone may be too sick or poverty-stricken to be hirable.

	The proverb "[[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime]]" has contributed significantly to this contrarian [[concept]]. Many people use this saying as if it was from [[scripture]], rather than the [[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|1885 novel ''Mrs. Dymond'']]. Jesus never said that shit. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A13-21&version=NIV Jesus gave people fish].		The proverb "[[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime]]" has contributed significantly to this contrarian [[concept]]. Many people use this saying as if it was from [[scripture]], rather than the [[wikt:give_a_man_a_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_day;_teach_a_man_to_fish_and_you_feed_him_for_a_lifetime\|1885 novel ''Mrs. Dymond'']]. Jesus never said that shit. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014%3A13-21&version=NIV Jesus gave people fish].