Am I a misanthrope?

[Noaidi]

I've been thinking about my views on humans lately, and I'm curious as to what others may make of them.

I am not a great fan of my species. I love and like certain individuals but, as a whole, people depress me. If I watch the news and there is an article about human cruelty and suffering and an article on animal cruelty and suffering, the animal story will affect me much more than the human story. I am a member of a number of charities concerned mainly with non-human organisms and the environment, and I will only give to human charities if there is a wider environmental benefit (Oxfam, for example). I can't understand the concept of 'loving everyone' as promoted by many religions. Humans just don't do it for me.

Are these views strange? Disturbing? All thoughts welcome.

 

[Revoltingest]

You sound well-adjusted & clear-headed.

 

[Noaidi]

Thanks! That's what I thought, too...

 

[McBell]

Are these views strange? Disturbing? All thoughts welcome.

I most certainly hope not.
Reason being that I am in the same boat, as it were.

People on a one on one basis are for the most part ok, with a few exceptions being fine and even fewer exceptions being great.
However, once they start getting into groups, it goes straight down hill from there.

People ask if the the glass is half empty or half full.
When I look at it, I see a dirty glass and realize that if I stick around to long, I am most likely the one going to end up washing the damn thing.

 

[Noaidi]

Good to know I'm not alone on this. Many people profoundly disagree with my outlook on this, and regard me as someone to be avoided or mistrusted.

 

[McBell]

Good to know I'm not alone on this. Many people profoundly disagree with my outlook on this, and regard me as someone to be avoided or mistrusted.

Nope, not alone.
Though I suspect that there are loads who agree, but for whatever reason decline to say so.


I have noticed that many people do the same with me.
At least once the find out that is how I feel.
I get along with most people most of the time.

But I understand that people tend to avoid that which they do not understand, do not like, do not agree with, challenges their beliefs and or faith,etc.

 

[Revoltingest]

Optimists see the glass as half full.
Pessimists see the glass as half empty.
Engineers see the glass as twice the size it need to be.

 

[Noaidi]

Nope, not alone.
Though I suspect that there are loads who agree, but for whatever reason decline to say so.

I'm hoping this thread may bring a few more out of the woodwork and perhaps provide their reasons.

I basically see humans as an arrogant blight on this planet and if we cause our own extinction (by whatever means), then so be it, but I object to us pulling the rest of Nature down with us. That's the fundamental reason for my views.

 

[BeeBooga]

I agree with all of this.
People annoy me, and for the most part I make sure they don't talk to me so I don't go insane.
I can't stand people for too long, and like I said I'm actually afraid of them.

On numerous occasions I've been to dinner out where I can't even talk to the waiter, because he or she is looking at me and talking to me. I just get scared, my throat closes up, and I fail to order food. Haha.

I don't like people :|

 

[McBell]

I'm hoping this thread may bring a few more out of the woodwork and perhaps provide their reasons.

I basically see humans as an arrogant blight on this planet and if we cause our own extinction (by whatever means), then so be it, but I object to us pulling the rest of Nature down with us. That's the fundamental reason for my views.

I look at it this way...
I do what I can for whomever I can whenever i can with no expectation of reward.
I do my best to do right by others.
I do not pretend to be something I am not.

I am who and what I am.
Some people like me.
Some people hate me.
But it seems to me that most people fall somewhere in between those two extremes.

I have flaws, I make mistakes, I have prejudices and biases, and I am hypocritical.
Does that make me a "bad" person?
If so, then everyone is a bad person.

 

[Revoltingest]

I recommend lowering your expectation for human behavior. If you expect little,
then you'll be pleasantly surprised by the few who rise above the slobbering masses.
(Excuse me had to wipe up some drool.)
I hope this helps.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Being misanthropic generally means being honest about our species.

 

[Katzpur]

I've been thinking about my views on humans lately, and I'm curious as to what others may make of them.

I am not a great fan of my species. I love and like certain individuals but, as a whole, people depress me. If I watch the news and there is an article about human cruelty and suffering and an article on animal cruelty and suffering, the animal story will affect me much more than the human story. I am a member of a number of charities concerned mainly with non-human organisms and the environment, and I will only give to human charities if there is a wider environmental benefit (Oxfam, for example). I can't understand the concept of 'loving everyone' as promoted by many religions. Humans just don't do it for me.

Are these views strange? Disturbing? All thoughts welcome.

Your thoughts may qualify as "strange" but I certainly don't find them to be "disturbing" in the slightest. You already know how I feel and that my opinion mirrors yours almost exactly. The odd thing is that I'm a theist and you're an atheist, but on this one very important issue, we totally see eye-to-eye.

 

[Father Heathen]

I've been thinking about my views on humans lately, and I'm curious as to what others may make of them.

I am not a great fan of my species. I love and like certain individuals but, as a whole, people depress me. If I watch the news and there is an article about human cruelty and suffering and an article on animal cruelty and suffering, the animal story will affect me much more than the human story. I am a member of a number of charities concerned mainly with non-human organisms and the environment, and I will only give to human charities if there is a wider environmental benefit (Oxfam, for example). I can't understand the concept of 'loving everyone' as promoted by many religions. Humans just don't do it for me.

Are these views strange? Disturbing? All thoughts welcome.

I feel the exact same way.

 

[Erebus]

I think a little bit of misanthropy is a good thing. It means you are willing to acknowledge the problems humanity causes and thus are more likely to do something about it. Humans are a naturally destructive species and as a collective they aren't particularly likeable, the trick is to not let this fact extend to your judgement of individuals in your life.
Misanthropy is only a problem when it takes over your life.

 

[Father Heathen]

Good to know I'm not alone on this. Many people profoundly disagree with my outlook on this, and regard me as someone to be avoided or mistrusted.

I think those who can look at the condition of society and see nothing wrong are the ones to be avoided and mistrusted.

 

[Alceste]

I always empathize with the underdog in any competition. As far as the earth's inhabitants and their competition for survival are concerned, humans are very much the "overdog", so as far as I'm concerned they're "the Bad Guy".

 

[waitasec]

humans are egotistical beings and i really dislike that quality.
i'm in the music industry and find that people just want to talk about themselves and really don't look you in the eye when they're talking about themselves, ususally there looking around for the next opportunity to self promote...

although there are times when my hope in humanity springs up when i see random acts of charity and then a little ray of sunshine streams in.

 

[Noaidi]

Interesting responses so far. Thanks.
With the exception of a few theists who have responded, there seems to be an over-representation of atheists on this topic! Is that significant? Perhaps we are not bound by commandments to 'love thy neighbour' as featured in some religions.

 

[McBell]

Perhaps we are not bound by commandments to 'love thy neighbour' as featured in some religions.

Since when have Christians been bound by the "love thy neighbor" bit?
Hells bells, about the only time I see it these days is when a Christian is criticizing someone.