(no subject)

[stormdog]

Heh. I just realized that, in a way, I'm embarrassed to be reading all this stuff about architecture and engineering because it feels, in comparison to stuff on social theory and urban policy, like 'fluff.' Shouldn't I be reading things that help me make a difference instead of just satisfying my own curiosity?

I dunno. How does one exist as a part of this broken society at this point? Why is life so complicated?

Comments

[cmcmck]

One keeps trying to learn about everything and anything.

The far right hates people with knowledge!

[acelightning]

Most of the time, people consider stuff like architecture and engineering to be "serious", and social sciences to be "fluff". There are equations that describe what forces act on a roof truss, or what the electricity does within a given type of circuit. But human behavior, individually or in groups, is not as amenable to scientific, mathematical analysis - which is why the social sciences are considered "soft" sciences, as opposed to "hard" ones like physics and mechanics and even chemistry.

But I agree with cmcmck; all knowledge is useful in some way, and knowing more than one's opponents is often a great advantage. Besides which, being curious is a good thing, and satisfying one's curiosity is always a rewarding experience.