Macro Vs. Micro

I have been contemplating my macro and micro views on the world and how they differ. I have noticed that for my community, friends, family and those I meet in daily life I am eager to help and learn from them. I don't mind giving financial help or help of a volunteer nature. Perhaps it is that I am able to personally assess that there is a need or if there is something I can do to make their life better. Another key is I can receive their permission to help them. I consider getting permission to help an essential part of the process as many people simply don't want help or alternately won't help themselves.

In the macro scheme of things I am very neutral and take a world view much like that of the 'Prime Directive' in Star Trek. I don't believe in interference in the concerns or problems of other countries and nations. I simply don't believe that we as a nation can claim to know what the implications of our 'help' will be and also, if the population as a whole welcomes our 'interference'.

So, I suppose I can come off as two different people depending on if you know me personally or know me philosophically from something like the ATS boards. I am somewhat indifferent and pragmatic when it comes to 'the World' where as I am actually a kind, helpful person in my personal life.

I wonder if there are others here that feel and act similarly?

a reply to: Metallicus

Good point, I think that it makes sense. People keep forgetting that the net has very different purposes and operating terms. And then they want to pretend it's reality and go into maybe a tailspin over something you said or they did, as if they've got you summed up..

What's worse is when these mini cops actually track down this "you" through an ip address as if you were even hiding it, go and see your other interests and hobbies (ie things you might have said about politics or red wagons in some passing conversation, or maybe stuff) link them all and think they've got "you." Not even cops do that, and I know people on troll sites aren't anyone but fat 40 yr olds.

Too many people here also want to play like they are masters of some sort of "game." They like online, and theres this schoolgirl type hush of play pretend like they're gathering information and waiting...well they are. They're waiting for f-all so that they can collaborate and tell all their troll buds when to star and to wait when the person comes on the thread. And this is all to troll and bother a person, not because of any threat. Not me I have things to do..

a reply to: Metallicus

I think that the step of asking permission to help someone is vital.

Misunderstandings may easily occur and the 'helped' person can feel manipulated or indebted if they don't grant permission.

In macro terms, I think it also applies to nations, too, but getting permission of nations, especially democratically governed ones, is quite a performance and rigmarole.

a reply to: chr0naut

Well and some people just don't need "love or help" unlike what some on here might add. Of course "everyone needs a helping hand" and "love" but we're all able to figure it out in the real world. And some folks in other words amateurs online...should probs not get involved and instead just seek jobs.

Mirco, thing that are so small and complicated, everything move so fast you say it never happened.

Macro, things of unfathomable size, that move so slow, you can say it won't happen, even though it will because you can see it a million miles away.

a reply to: Metallicus

Although you are not using the words Macro and Micro in the way I would use them , I know exactly what you mean.

I am the same. Lots of generosity in face-to-face situations but no interest in helping people at large. I suppose the reason is that I do not trust charitable organisations to deliver the goods to the needy.