Would the world be a better place if we could not recognise our own reflection

**NeilMcD** · 18/12/2007, 3:03 PM

Would we be less vain. Would it be as materilistic, what would be the negatives if we could not do this.

**passinginterest** · 18/12/2007, 3:06 PM

Would the world be a better place if people didn't get stoned and post their ramblings on the internet?

**John83** · 18/12/2007, 3:10 PM

Sorry to dip slightly off topic, but this is actually one of the tests used for self awareness. If you put a spot of red paint on an orang-utan's head and show it its reflection, it will touch the spot on itself - it recognises that the mirror is reflecting its own appearance. Ditto with a chimp. Gorillas, oddly not.

Back on topic...
To take your question literally, people would still value how they appear to others.

**Risteard** · 18/12/2007, 3:36 PM

Of course it would.
One of my favourite debates is
Would the world be a better place if everyone said what they think? Yes.
Will do a diatribe on it here if i get the time in a day or two.

**NeilMcD** · 18/12/2007, 3:44 PM

Originally Posted by passinginterest

Would the world be a better place if people didn't get stoned and post their ramblings on the internet?

Would you believe I do not get stoned unless I am in Dundalk where stoned can actually be drunk.

**GavinZac** · 18/12/2007, 5:37 PM

If "we" didnt care how we looked, we'd wouldn't be "us". We evolved to be self-absorbed because it forces us to conform to a "tribe" norm/ideal, which re-enforces our tribal behaviour. we have the ability to think for ourselves, but without a box to think inside or outside of, we would not have evolved to this point either physiologically or culturally.

**kingdom hoop** · 18/12/2007, 6:45 PM

Originally Posted by passinginterest

Would the world be a better place if people didn't get stoned and post their ramblings on the internet?

Definitely not, variety is the spice of life.

To have an attempt at Neil's poser, I don't think it would be a better place. The vast majority of people are happy (or grow to be) with their appearance, and exude self-confidence as a result, which makes the world a better place in my opinion.

If we couldn't recognise ourselves then you'd be taking away that assuredness, you'd always be curious what you looked like no matter what people said, and such uncertainty would lead to unhappiness, which would make the world a worse place. That would be my take on the question.

Tricky, but interesting question Neil. Love those sociology teasers. But where the hell did it come out of?

**NeilMcD** · 18/12/2007, 11:48 PM

Not sure where it came out of but like yourself I do like these sort of issues and questions. I think at times we take things for granted and fail to take a look at the world and society and how it comes about that people do what they do and behave how they behave. But there were no drugs that caused this way of thinking.

**Stevo Da Gull** · 19/12/2007, 1:45 AM

GavinZac's answer makes sense, John83's answer is also true.
A lot of animals don't recognise their own reflection... and that can lead to hillarious consequences

But seriously, while it's an interesting question, the answer is the world and `us` would definately be different, we would'nt be who we are. Ignoring evolutionary impact, even if you are the least superficial person in the world, recognising your own reflection is part of what makes you who you are.

**Billsthoughts** · 19/12/2007, 8:24 AM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

Not sure where it came out of but like yourself I do like these sort of issues and questions. I think at times we take things for granted and fail to take a look at the world and society and how it comes about that people do what they do and behave how they behave. But there were no drugs that caused this way of thinking.

Neil McD - the David Icke of foot.ie......

**cheifo** · 19/12/2007, 8:37 AM

There was some amusing story about an Elephant and a giant mirror being shown at the end of the news a while back.Cant remember exactly but I think it started doing actions in front of mirror as it had worked out it was its reflection.

**NeilMcD** · 19/12/2007, 9:18 AM

Originally Posted by Billsthoughts

Neil McD - the David Icke of foot.ie......

You should see my tracksuits. Go on Coventry

**Billsthoughts** · 19/12/2007, 9:57 AM

turquoise????? Is that you Jebus????

**lionelhutz** · 20/12/2007, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by John83

Sorry to dip slightly off topic, but this is actually one of the tests used for self awareness. If you put a spot of red paint on an orang-utan's head and show it its reflection, it will touch the spot on itself - it recognises that the mirror is reflecting its own appearance. Ditto with a chimp. Gorillas, oddly not.

Back on topic...
To take your question literally, people would still value how they appear to others.

Maybe the gorilla likes the spot of red paint and doesnt want to touch it......

**jebus** · 20/12/2007, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Billsthoughts

turquoise????? Is that you Jebus????

Eh????

**Dodge** · 20/12/2007, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by jebus

Eh????

Because you're the first person to use the name

**Jerry The Saint** · 20/12/2007, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by John83

Sorry to dip slightly off topic, but this is actually one of the tests used for self awareness. If you put a spot of red paint on an orang-utan's head and show it its reflection, it will touch the spot on itself - it recognises that the mirror is reflecting its own appearance. Ditto with a chimp. Gorillas, oddly not.

They tried the same experiment with Pat Morley years ago only they used white paint instead of red. So, scientifically speaking, people from Cork are in the same category as gorillas.

**GavinZac** · 20/12/2007, 7:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jerry The Saint

They tried the same experiment with Pat Morley years ago only they used white paint instead of red. So, scientifically speaking, people from Cork are in the same category as gorillas.

Primates? Yeah. If we're different, I'm guessing that means you lot aren't primates.

Rodents seems appropriate.