Category: Life lessons

Life lessons, poetry, politics

“Lightning Speaks Through Thunder to Cloud” – a play

James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian
  • God = Lightning (the divine essence)
  • His voice = Thunder
  • The people of Israel = Cloud
  • The setting: Israel (Cloud) is hesitant, torn with fear and grief, while God (Lightning) speaks through His Voice (Thunder) urging them to stand firm and fight against terrorists who attack them with divine assurance and prophetic gravity.

[Stage dark, a low rumble of thunder. Israel (Cloud) is kneeling, hands covering face, trembling with grief. A single spotlight falls. The sound of Thunder rolls like a voice from the heavens.]

Thunder (booming, divine):
 Israel… why do you falter?
Why tremble in despair?
Your enemies rise like shadows,
yet you bow beneath their glare.

Thunder (resonant, unshakable):
 You mourn for sons and daughters slain,
you fear the sword, the fire, the chain.
But bodies break—
[sudden crack of thunder]
—the soul remains,
eternal through loss, through blood, through pains.

[Israel raises head slowly, eyes filled with anguish.]

Thunder (commanding):
 I am God, the Lightning’s flame,
the Lord of Hosts, the Holy Name.
My voice is Thunder, fierce and true,
I speak, O Israel—
—I speak to you!

[Israel clutches heart, whispering, voice full of doubt.]

Israel (hesitant, breaking):
 But Lord… how can we lift the sword?
How can we kill and still be Yours?
Will not the blood of brother stain?
Will not the innocent fall in vain?

Thunder (rolling, stern):
 Your hand is mine, your fight is just,
I breathe through fire, I wield through dust.
The foe is cruel, the wicked rise,
they plot in darkness, with tongues of lies.

To shrink from war is to shroud My name,
to turn from truth is eternal shame.
Israel, rise—stand firm, stand tall,
for I am with you, Lord of All!

[Lightning flash shakes the stage. Israel grips a spear or symbolic weapon, still trembling.]

Thunder (measured, mighty):
 Do not seek the spoils of strife,
do not cling to mortal life.
The harvest is Mine, the work is thine,
strike with strength—
[increasing power]
—by My design!

Thunder (slower, echoing like prophecy):
 Be steady in sorrow, steadfast in pain,
unyielding in loss, unbroken in gain.
Like Zion’s mountain, like Jordan’s stream,
you are My people,
you are My dream.

[Silence. Then Thunder grows immense, cosmic, overwhelming.]

Thunder (roaring):
 I am Lightning—the fire, the flame,
the storm, the silence, the source, the same!
I am the breath of the beating sun,
the Lord of Hosts,
—the Holy One!

Time am I—the ceaseless breath,
the womb of life, the wings of death.
Nations crumble, empires fall,
yet I remain—
[thunder cracks]
—the Lord of all!

[Israel rises to feet, voice shaking but growing louder.]

Israel (resolute, lifting arms):
 Then make us the storm, O God of light,
make us Your sword, Your hand in the fight!
Guide us in justice, guard us with flame,
we fight, O Lord, in Your great name!

Thunder (triumphant, rolling across the stage):
 Yes, Israel—rise! Take your stand!
You are the arrow in Lightning’s hand.
Do not falter, do not delay,
be the storm that clears the way!

Thunder (softer, reverent, almost tender):
 Surrender, Israel—not in defeat,
but where mortal and Infinite meet.
Let Thunder speak, let Lightning guide,
and know My Spirit burns inside.

Thunder (final booming crescendo, echoing like judgment):
 For when you rise,
and strike as one—
the battle is over—
the war is won!

[Lightning flash engulfs the stage. Sound of shofars (ram’s horns) blasts. Drumroll. Silence. Spotlight fades to black.]

animals, change, health, Life lessons

Replacing Habits: Pulling Bad Habit Rabbits Out for Positive Change

James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

Download begins 1 January 2020 12:34am.

Thirty Four minutes into New Years Day, admittedly I had taken a gut full of magic mushrooms and the download occurs. “We are all born with 100 bad habit rabbits up our bum and when they are hungry they stick their heads out and growl. We feed them and they lay content and silent until they reawaken. The goal, shit them out and replace them with happy good habit rabbits that you need to feed.” (Thundercloud Wisdom)

Two days later, I left Rose, Fantasian Eatery our restaurant in Nimbin and went home to begin publishing the poetry that I had written. Jump forward twelve months and I am now living in Guyra running the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame and on the 1st of January 2021 I wrote the following poem.

The Rabbits

A Resolution Was made to shit out my rabbits

The bad habit rabbits and grow good habit rabbits

Because new good habits were what I needed to do

I said “Hasta la Vista baby” on January Two

“see you later princess, I’ve Dragons to slay

So you’re dropped like a bad habit, I’m going away”

I took my peace and love then left with a BOOM

Left a bad habit rabbit ranting in her dining room

Shat a bad habit rabbit out when I did a poo

Fed a new good habit rabbit in its place it grew

Found a town where the new good habit rabbits walked around

Settled down and said farewell to bad habit rabbit town

Make my bed in the morning, exercise and clean my room

All because last new years eve I ate a blue mushroom

The message from the mushroom was something like this

Shit out your bad behaving rabbits and they won’t be missed

Feed your good habit rabbits lettuce and sit them in the sun

Because good habit rabbits love feeling good and also having fun

Another year is here and time to shit me rabbits

Introspect, self reflect and eliminate old bad habits

Plant new good habit rabbit seeds after my last fart

Nurture them and water them with love from my heart

Going forward in the year with good habits that are new

New healthy behaviours adopted and grown by 2022

Here we are in 2024 and one of the bad habits that I had fallen into was waking in the morning and scrolling short videos before I get up to do my yoga and meditation. Upon identifying this pattern I decided not to look at my phone until after yoga and then go for a walk and listen to “Headway” book summaries. Some of the summaries that I have listened to are: “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhig, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.

I have provided a summary below of what I have learnt so far and finish with my latest piece of “habit poetry” “Rabbits Part 2”

Pulling the Bad Habit Rabbits Out of My Ass

 Outline

1. Introduction

   – Overview of the metaphor

   – Importance of habits in daily life

2. Understanding Bad Habits

   – Definition of bad habits

   – Examples of common bad habits

3. The Metaphor of Bad Habit Rabbits

   – Explanation of the metaphor

   – Why visualise habits as rabbits?

4. Identifying Your Bad Habit Rabbits

   – Self-awareness and self-assessment

   – Techniques to identify bad habits

5. The Impact of Bad Habits on Life

   – Physical health consequences

   – Mental and emotional effects

   – Social and professional impacts

6. Why It’s Hard to Get Rid of Bad Habits

   – The science behind habit formation

   – Psychological attachment to bad habits

7. Pulling the Bad Habit Rabbits Out

   – Strategies for breaking bad habits

   – Real-life examples of habit breaking

8. Replacing Bad Habit Rabbits with Good Ones

   – The concept of healthy rabbits

   – Steps to replace bad habits with good ones

9. Conditioning the Good Habit Rabbits

   – Importance of conditioning

   – Techniques for maintaining good habits

10. Feeding the Good Habit Rabbits

    – Consistency in good habits

    – Positive reinforcement methods

11. The Role of Support Systems

    – Family and friends

    – Professional help and therapy

12. The Journey of Self-Improvement

    – Setting realistic goals

    – Tracking progress

13. Success Stories

    – Inspirational stories of habit transformation

    – Lessons learned from others

14. Common Mistakes in Habit Change

    – Pitfalls to avoid

    – Tips for overcoming setbacks

15. Conclusion

    – Summary of key points

    – Encouragement for continuous self-improvement

16. FAQs

    – How long does it take to break a bad habit?

    – What are some effective methods for habit change?

    – Can bad habits be completely eliminated?

    – How do I stay motivated during the process?

    – What if I relapse into old habits?

 Pulling the Bad Habit Rabbits Out of My Ass

 Introduction

We’ve all heard of pulling rabbits out of hats, but pulling bad habit rabbits out of your ass? Now that’s a trick worth learning! Habits, whether good or bad, significantly shape our daily lives. This whimsical metaphor illustrates the struggle of getting rid of pesky habits that do us no good and replacing them with ones that enrich our lives.

 Understanding Bad Habits

Bad habits are those repeated actions or behaviour that negatively impact our lives. They can range from smoking and overeating to procrastination and excessive screen time. While these habits might offer temporary comfort or satisfaction, their long-term effects can be detrimental.

 The Metaphor of Bad Habit Rabbits

Why visualise habits as rabbits? Because rabbits are prolific and, when unchecked, can multiply rapidly. Just like these furry creatures, bad habits can quickly take over various aspects of our lives if not managed. Seeing these habits as rabbits makes the concept tangible and helps in visualising the process of removal and replacement.

 Identifying Your Bad Habit Rabbits

The first step in breaking free from bad habits is self-awareness. Take a moment to reflect on your daily routines and identify actions that negatively impact your well-being. Keep a journal or use habit-tracking apps to pinpoint these behaviour. Techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can also aid in recognizing these habits.

 The Impact of Bad Habits on Life

Bad habits can wreak havoc on your physical health, leading to issues like obesity, heart disease, and chronic fatigue. Mentally, they contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Socially, they can strain relationships and hinder professional growth. Recognizing these impacts underscores the urgency of addressing them.

 Why It’s Hard to Get Rid of Bad Habits

Breaking bad habits is challenging because they are deeply ingrained in our neural pathways. The brain loves routine, and changing these patterns requires significant effort. Additionally, bad habits often provide immediate gratification, making it harder to resist their allure.

 Pulling the Bad Habit Rabbits Out

To effectively pull out these bad habit rabbits, you need a strategy. Start by identifying triggers and replacing the habit with a healthier alternative. For example, if stress triggers you to smoke, try taking a walk instead. Gradual reduction and positive reinforcement can also be powerful tools. Real-life examples include people who successfully quit smoking by gradually reducing their intake or replacing it with nicotine patches.

 Replacing Bad Habit Rabbits with Good Ones

Once you’ve yanked out those bad habit rabbits, it’s time to bring in the good ones. Healthy habits can include regular exercise, balanced diets, reading, or even daily meditation. Start small and build on each success. For instance, if you want to start exercising, begin with a 10-minute walk each day and gradually increase the duration.

 Conditioning the Good Habit Rabbits

Conditioning is crucial for maintaining these good habits. Consistency is key. Set a schedule and stick to it. Use reminders and set achievable goals. Celebrate small victories to keep yourself motivated.

 Feeding the Good Habit Rabbits

Just like rabbits need food to thrive, good habits need consistent effort. Positive reinforcement, such as rewarding yourself for sticking to a habit, can strengthen your commitment. Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid environments that trigger old habits.

 The Role of Support Systems

No one is an island, and having a support system can make a huge difference. Share your goals with friends and family. Join support groups or seek professional help if needed. Therapy can provide tools and techniques for dealing with deeply rooted habits.

 The Journey of Self-Improvement

Self-improvement is a continuous journey. Set realistic goals and track your progress. Celebrate milestones and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

 Success Stories

Hearing from others who have successfully transformed their habits can be incredibly motivating. Look for inspirational stories and learn from their experiences. These narratives can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

 Common Mistakes in Habit Change

Changing habits is not a linear process. Common mistakes include setting unrealistic goals, not having a clear plan, and not seeking support. Avoid these pitfalls by being patient with yourself and adjusting your strategies as needed.

 Conclusion

Pulling the bad habit rabbits out of your ass and replacing them with good ones is no small feat, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset and strategies. Start small, stay consistent, and seek support when needed. Your journey towards better habits is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and enjoy the process.

Bad Rabbits

Pulling the bad habit rabbits out of my ass

I feel so much more comfortable after they pass

Replacing them with healthy rabbits like conditioning

Feeding the good habit rabbits like going to gym

I took out a bad habit rabbit, had an empty feeling

Replaced it with a good habit rabbit as part of my healing

I used to sit and watch, now I plan, act and do

Fast and eat much less and I have more energy too

But there are still bad habit rabbits screaming inside

FEED US We are your dark side you cannot hide

There are times that I feed them just to shut them up

And then I justify to myself that it’s ok to fuck up

It’s not because personal growth is a journey of every day

Change and self improvement in each and every way

And those bad habit rabbits are just patterns learned

Good habit rabbits come from willingness to grow, change, and lessons learnt

 FAQs

How long does it take to break a bad habit?

Breaking a bad habit typically takes anywhere from 21 to 66 days, depending on the individual and the habit.

What are some effective methods for habit change?

Effective methods include identifying triggers, replacing the habit with a healthier one, and using positive reinforcement.

Can bad habits be completely eliminated?

While it’s challenging to completely eliminate a habit, it can be significantly reduced and managed with the right strategies.

How do I stay motivated during the process?

Staying motivated involves setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups.

What if I relapse into old habits?

Relapses are common. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Reflect on the triggers that caused the relapse, adjust your strategy, and keep moving forward.

Life lessons, poetry, politics, writing

The Wokerati: Where Social Justice Becomes Self-righteousness

James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

The term “woke” has morphed from a call for awareness to a stifling dogma threatening free speech and critical thinking. While fighting for equality is undeniably important, the Wokerati’s brand of social justice has become a divisive force. Let’s dissect why:

Cancel Culture: Disagree with a celebrity’s past tweet? “Cancel” them! This intolerance stifles open discourse and drowns out dissenting voices. We can’t erase the past, but we can learn from it.

Identity Politics: Constantly judging individuals based solely on race, gender, or sexual orientation is not only reductionist, but also breeds resentment. We are all complex individuals – judging people based on group identity undermines that.

Safe Spaces: The constant push for “safe spaces” where nobody is ever offended creates a generation afraid of challenging ideas. True learning comes from open debate, not echo chambers.

Political Correctness Run Amok: Language constantly polices itself, erasing nuance and humour in the name of avoiding offence. This stifles creativity and can lead to unintended consequences.

The core message of “woke” – fighting for equality – is a noble one. But when it becomes an ideology focused on shaming and silencing, it backfires. We need to move beyond divisive labels and have open conversations. Real social progress comes from acceptance, respect, tolerance, unity, understanding, and a willingness to listen, not from performative outrage and public shaming.

Where to from Here?

Let’s reclaim the true meaning of social justice. Let’s focus on common ground and respectful dialogue. Let’s judge individuals based on their merit, actions and ideas, not their race or gender. Only then can we create a truly inclusive and tolerant society.

Wokerati

In the kingdom of the Wokerati,

Where righteousness reigns supreme,

The call for justice once so clear,

Now muddied in a divisive stream.

Cancel Culture, its clarion cry,

“Disagree, and you’re out!” they decree.

But can we not learn from the past,

Without erasing history?

Identity Politics, a tangled web,

Where individuals are lost in the fray.

For we are more than just our labels,

Yet they judge us in that way.

Safe Spaces, where minds retreat,

From ideas that dare to challenge the norm.

But growth comes from discomfort’s heat,

Not in sheltering from the storm.

Political Correctness, a double-edged sword,

That cuts through nuance with its blade.

For in its quest to avoid offense,

It stifles the jokes we once made.

Yet in the heart of this tumultuous sea,

Lies a message noble and true.

Equality, the beacon we seek,

But obscured by the Wokerati’s view.

So let us reclaim the essence lost,

In the clamour of righteous zeal.

Let empathy guide our every step,

And understanding be our keel.

For in the end, it’s not about who’s right,

Or who can shout the loudest decree.

But about finding common ground,

And building bridges of empathy.

So let us cast away the labels,

And embrace each other as kin.

For only then can we truly say,

That the fight for justice we’ll win.

Awake never woke.

change, Life lessons, poetry, politics, writing

The Parable of the Owl who thought he knew better.

James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

I have just finished reading Dr Thomas Sowell’s seminal work, “Intellectuals and Society,” in which the author posits a central thesis that challenges the undue influence of contemporary intellectuals on public discourse and policy. Sowell’s critique rests on several key premises:

1. Epistemological Hubris: Intellectuals, particularly those subscribing to specific ideological frameworks, often exhibit an inflated confidence in their knowledge and proposed solutions to societal problems. This overreliance on centralized planning and state intervention, Sowell argues, can have detrimental unforeseen consequences.

2. Empirical Neglect: He emphasizes the importance of grounding intellectual pursuits in robust empirical evidence and historical context. Criticisms are levied against intellectuals for selective data analysis, neglecting opposing viewpoints, and dismissing inconvenient realities that contradict their preferred narratives.

3. Idealistic Abstractions: The book contends that intellectuals are often drawn to utopian visions of social justice without adequately considering the complexities of real-world implementation and potentially negative downstream effects. Sowell champions a more pragmatic approach focused on achievable improvements informed by evidence and existing institutional frameworks.

4. Collectivist Biases: He criticizes the tendency of intellectuals to prioritize collective identities (race, class, gender) over individual agency, often attributing individual struggles solely to pre-existing systemic factors. Sowell advocates for a greater emphasis on personal responsibility and initiative as crucial factors in individual advancement.

While acknowledging the valuable role intellectuals can play in contributing insights and stimulating debate, Sowell ultimately calls for a more measured and evidence-based approach to intellectual discourse and policymaking. His core thesis prioritizes individual agency and pragmatic solutions over grand ideologies and simplistic diagnoses of societal issues.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that “Intellectuals and Society” has generated both praise and criticism. While some celebrate its critique of intellectual arrogance and its focus on historical context and individual agency, others have challenged its broad generalizations about intellectuals, its selective use of evidence, and its perceived ideological bias.

In order to wrap my head around the ides presented, I have written the following parable about an owl who gets rid of all the tree leaves so that the forest floor can receive an equal amount of sunlight.

big tree stump
giant old tree stump

The Parable of the Owl who thought he knew better.

 Or (The double edged sword of intellectual arrogance)  

In emerald halls where sunlight dared not tread, 

where ancient oaks held secrets whispering low, 

Hootah the Owl, with wisdom’s crown upon his head, 

Preached of shadows where the forest should not grow.

His feathered form, a tapestry of speckled night,

His voice, a siren’s song in boughs of aged might,

 He spoke of trees that hoarded golden rays, 

And creatures veiled in gloom, denied their rightful days.

The forest stirred, a ripple of discontent, 

From timid mouse to stoic, lumbering ox, 

Hootah’s words, a firebrand heaven-sent, 

Ignited dreams of light beyond the locks.

He promised justice etched in sunlit lines, 

A grand utopia where shadows dared not creep, 

With shears of justice and with boughs entwined, 

He vowed to banish gloom from slumber’s deepest sleep.

The rabbits danced, their fur ablaze with hope, 

The squirrels clambered, eager to enforce the decree,

But Sowell the Ox, wise with seasons’ patient scope, 

Felt doubt’s first tremor touch his ancient knee.

He’d seen the scars of grand designs laid bare, 

The unintended thorn that grew with borrowed light, 

The parched earth gasping ‘neath a denuded lair, 

Where once the shade had held the sun at bay just right.

But Hootah’s fervor drowned the whispering fear, 

His pronouncements rang like gongs upon the breeze, 

And doubt was swept away, a tear uncried, unnear, 

As branches were chopped, a sacrifice to sunlit ease.

And for a time, the forest shimmered bright, 

The undergrowth, a canvas newly spun,

 But soon the cracks of error came to light, 

As withered branches mocked the rising sun.

The parched earth cracked, a thirsty song, 

The rabbits searched for solace in the dust, 

The squirrels clung to limbs, skeletal shadows long, 

Their dreams of plenty transformed to disgust.

Then Sowell, voice a rumble from the ground, 

Spoke truths etched deep in roots and ancient bark,

 “Hootah’s grand design, with fetters tightly bound, 

Can only steal the dance of darkness and the dark

Of nature’s own design, where sun and shade conspire

 To weave a tapestry where life, in balance, thrives, 

No single thread, however bathed in fire,

 Can mend the broken loom where every creature strives.”

His words, a balm on fevered forest dreams,

Awoke the doubt that Hootah’s vision hid, 

Squirrels’ lost their grip and rabbits’ angry screams, 

A barrage of questions, unanswered by the whizz-kid

Hootah, perched upon his throne of withered pride,

 Saw shadows creeping back to claim their due,

 His grand design, by nature’s hand defied,

His promises dissolved like morning dew.

And so the forest healed, with lessons learned at last, 

That harmony, not schemes, will guide the light, 

That Sowell’s wisdom, whispered on the blast, 

Is nature’s truest song, sung clear and bold and bright.

This tale, a whispered echo in the leaves, 

A song of shadows woven with the sun, 

Reminds that grand designs, like fallen sheaves, 

May wither in the soil where balance has begun.

Can you help the Australian Poetry Film Contest?

Oz on Screen: A Poetry Film Feast in Guyra

Calling all poets and film fanatics! Get ready for the 2024 Australian Poetry Film Festival, a November bash celebrating words on screen in Aussie style. Imagine outback landscapes in motion, love poems whispered by waves, and bush ballads brought to life with modern magic.

This Guyra event welcomes everyone – young, old, poets, filmmakers, all! We especially love fresh takes on our rich bush poetry tradition. Think vibrant images, powerful verses, and stories that crackle with Aussie spirit.

Plus, the festival joins forces with “Poets on the Mountain,” so expect workshops, panels, and screenings under starry skies. It’s a creative melting pot where you’ll meet passionate folks and see the future of storytelling unfold.

But to make this poetry party pop, we need your help! We’re crowdfunding to boost prize money for Best Australian Poetry Film, Best Bush Poetry Film, and even Best Student Poetry Film. Every bit fuels filmmakers’ dreams and lets them share their visions with the world.

So, whether you write rhymes, love movies, or just adore Aussie tales, join us! Submit your film, donate to the cause, or simply come to Guyra in November and witness the magic. Let’s bring poetry to life, one frame, one verse, one epic story at a time!

For film submissions and crowdfunding details, visit:

animals, change, Life lessons

Yes-men, groupthink and lemmings

James Arthur Warren AKA Thundercloud Repairian

Critical thinking, questioning and robust debate are an essential element of innovation, positive change and progress in a society. Being immune to the unfounded opinions of others is essential to engaging in positive social change as opposed to “lemmings” who blindly follow their leaders into oblivion as all the “great” empires have done from Rome to the current collapse we are witnessing with the current collapse and disintegration of the US financial/military/industrial/oligarchic plutocracy. However this phenomenon not just confined to the US and all bureaucratic institutions from government to business, from political factions to the multiple tribal groupings of humanity.

The phenomenon of “yes-men” and “groupthink” even happens amongst so called alternative and progressive “tribal” groups to result in the “self censoring” as discussed below. However lets begin with a fable:

Oh, the yes-men donkeys, they slaved all day, 

Pulling carts and wagons, in the farmer’s way. 

The farmer was stern, and he loved his stick, 

He used it to beat them, when they weren’t quick.

But one day, a new donkey came along, 

He was bright, cheerful and sang a new song. 

He said, “Dear donkeys, there’s a better way, 

To work hard and fast, all through the day.”

“Instead of the stick, let’s use a carrot, 

A reward for hard work, it’s a better start.” 

The other donkeys just laughed and jeered,

 “We don’t need carrots, that stick isn’t feared.”

They were so caught up in their groupthink, 

They couldn’t see the carrot, nor even wink. 

The new donkey was sad, but didn’t give up,

 He knew that someday, they’d fill his cup.

One day, the farmer decided for the best, 

To try the new donkey theory, put it to the test. 

So put him in a field with a carrot, no stick, 

Watched that donkey working quite very quick.

The new donkey worked hard for the carrot, 

And munched away, like a hungry parrot. 

The farmer was amazed, he’d never seen, 

A donkey working this hard, it seemed like a dream.

The farmer decided to try out the carrot, 

With the other donkeys and put it on a hook. 

But the other donkeys still preferred the whip stick, 

Caught up in their groupthink and mentally sick. 

The farmer was disappointed, but he learned a lot, 

He learned about groupthink’s mindset rot. 

Leading yes-men donkeys to make bad decisions, 

Missing opportunities for change with absolute precision.

It’s important to be open to new donkey’s ideas,

Stand up, challenge the status quo, without fears. 

And the best way to get people to work hard, 

Is to reward them, not punish them right from the start. 

Yes-men are people who are known for always agreeing with the people in power, even when they have their own doubts or concerns. Yes-men are often seen as being sycophants or flatterers, and they can be very dangerous, especially when they are in positions of power themselves.

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a group of people makes bad decisions because they are all trying to conform to the group’s consensus. Groupthink can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Illusion of invulnerability: The group believes that it is infallible and that its decisions are always correct.
  • Collective effort to suppress dissent: The group exerts pressure on its members to agree with the consensus, even if they have different opinions.
  • Self-censorship: Group members are afraid to express their dissenting views because they fear being ostracised or punished by the group.

Yes-men can play a major role in groupthink. Because they are always agreeing with the people in power, they can create an environment where dissenting views are silenced and bad decisions are made.

Here are some examples of how yes-men and groupthink can lead to bad decision making:

  • A corporate board of directors may make a bad decision about a merger or acquisition because the CEO has surrounded himself with yes-men who are afraid to challenge his ideas.
  • A government administration may make a bad decision about going to war because the president has surrounded himself with advisors who are afraid to tell him that he is wrong.
  • A sports team may make a bad decision about a trade or draft pick because the general manager has surrounded himself with scouts and coaches who are afraid to tell him that he is making a mistake.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of yes-men and groupthink. If you are in a situation where you feel pressured to conform to the group’s consensus, it is important to speak up and express your own opinion, even if it is different from the majority opinion.

Here are some tips for avoiding groupthink:

  • Encourage dissenting opinions.
  • Be open to new ideas and perspectives.
  • Take time to reflect on decisions before making them.
  • Avoid making decisions under pressure.
  • Seek input from outside the group.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your group makes better decisions.

Lemmings leap and play their part

A runny fart is called a shart

The narrative is the dominant paradigm

Questioning the narrative is not a crime

Critical thinking and research

Makes a lot of peoples brains hurt

as it’s simple not to think for oneself

Lemmings following lemmings isn’t great for lemmings health

The narrator is hidden behind a mask of deception

Misinformation censorship and misdirection

It’s easy floating along in a dream

Takes effort to swim and row upstream

Questioning the narrative and asking “what if”

this river is a waterfall going off a cliff

The Cretin Notelligence Agency taken to task

Own all the media puppets in a mask

Saying, “jump off a cliff and you will fly

if you wave your arms about you won’t die”

Jump off the cliff and I’ll give you a dime

Is the narrative of the dominant paradigm