I’m certainly not trained in behavioral psychology but a
truism is that liberals, and especially liberal politicians, seems to think
that education is always the magic carpet that will turn around a societal
ailment, undesirable condition or human attribute, or whatever. “We need to
spend more on education, and then people will understand the problem and we’ll
solve it.” Of course education and being
properly informed is always part of the equation, but not usually the silver
bullet that works in the absence of other efforts. Nor does it work too well
solo when an issue runs counter to our societal and individual free wills – what we want to do vs.
what we really should do.
A
great example out today in a poll conducted by AP-NORC
Center for Public Affairs Research related to how the public views
saving energy and whether they put knowledge into action. With many issues we
face, we often don’t take actions, even when we’re quite clear on the knowledge
part.
4 comments:
Amen. Education as a solution works well for politicians, but reality, not so much.
I think education is one of the biggest correlation/causation screw ups there is....people who benefit from education would probably come out on top if the entire school system was blown up tomorrow.
Cindy Shriner, a retired teacher from Lafayette, Ind., buys energy-efficient light bulbs and her 2009 Subaru Impreza gets nearly 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Still, she keeps her house at about 73 degrees year-round, despite government recommendations to turn thermostats to 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer.
"I'm terrible," Shriner, 60, said in an interview. "In all honesty we have extreme weather in all seasons" in Indiana, she said, and her thermostat settings keep her comfortable.
I beg to differ with Ms. Shriner. I have split my life between New England winters and Texas summers, so I have ample experience with extreme weather. I feel more comfortable going "al clima" - minimal energy use. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter. This means that I don't get shocked with I go outside. [Downstairs temp is 81-84 without AC, which is comfy in shorts and short sleeved cotton/linen.]
Were I to visit Ms. Shriner in the summer, I would feel frozen. Were I to visit her in the winter, I would beel hot and stuffy. I would have to take off my sweater, at least. A sweater is not comfortable in 73 degrees.
Gringo - I could be very happy at a constant 68 degrees, summer and winter. For me it's too hot when the temps reach 71 or 72.
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