Why I don’t read newspapers

by Craig Bailey on November 29, 2008

in Main, Personal

I don’t usually read the papers. Or even keep up with current affairs. In general I’m pretty out of touch with what’s going on in the world.

But yesterday I bought the weekend papers. I’m on holidays, and thought it’d be nice to catch up on world events. What a mistake!

Nothing but page after page of depressing economic, political and social doom and gloom.

As I read the articles I continued on, telling myself it was important to have an understanding of what the struggles and problems facing us are. You know, reality.

But then I started wondering what actual benefit this knowledge was going to bring. Would I change any of my behaviours? Probably not. Would I be able to contribute anything more to society now that I had a more informed view? Again, I don’t think so.

Instead, I’m left feeling down, worried about our finances, concerned for people in all parts of the world, and most of all, incredibly helpless. My only change in behaviour is that I’ll probably complain to other people about it (ie this post).

So now I’m convinced that my usual strategy is better. Ignorance is bliss. I’d rather be a mis-guided optimist than an informed pessimist.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Grant November 29, 2008 at 4:06 pm

I’m with you on this one Craig. Nothing but doom and gloom.

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