Preference...

[Nocturne]

So. What does it mean when we say we "like" something, in the context of enjoying/ being passionate in a non-sensual way towards something.
E.g.- I like music.

Do we like it because we are good at it? What if we are bad at that particular "something", do people still like it? How do know if we really "like" something?

(When I read this over, the topic seems overly simple...)

But, nonetheless, feel free to add more, comment, etc. (I wonder how this thread will turn out....)

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I, myself, hold an unusual preference for reptiles of the order Testudines.

 

[AlisaD]

Heh. Good topic. Unfortunately very hard to discuss.
As with all the big questions in life, I guess you can go into all kinds of in depth analysis of all the factors that can influence preferences: there's the environment, which I must say, I would expect to be the biggest factor, but then you can break environment into factors of: geography, climate, economics, culture, religion, social environment, emotional environment, culture....
Then, of course, one can argue that some preferences are genetically predisposed, you can also discuss the changes in preferences we all experience with personal growth, and I'm sure someone more interested in the whole typology thing can develop all kinds of theories about how preferences develop depending on the type.

And that's only what I came up with in 5 minutes of considering the subject. The thing is, there are so many options, and they all hold bits of the truth, but the tools we currently use to analyse processes of this kind are so crude it makes me want to cry. Doing a social or psychological study measuring a limited number of parameters is much like trying to determine distances on the atomic level using a bucket and a ball of yarn.
So, the only thing I can say on the topic that may be of any use is - you like what you like - just go with it, there is probably a good reason why you like it

On a side note, I find it funny that I'm currently at work where I should be analysing all kinds of crap, and not only am I not doing that, but I'm also advocating boycott of analysis on here

 

[Meddle]

I like music. It IS a sensual thing.

Whether you like something is a value judgement and yet it is different from whether it is cool and both are different from 'good'. I guess like = good for you, good = good for everyone, cool = ???

Dig?

 

[Jesse]

So are you like a robot? And here was I thinking liking something was a universal experience.

 

[Words]

Having grown from a severely traditional and authoritative environment, the only logical explanation I can figure for my more than odd preference(an interest in the foreign) and equally odd dislike (anti-community) is an internal constant model that is most likely inherited. Granted, I do have some environmentally-caused conservative inclinations such as listening to familiar music or favoring an antique system.

 

[Cognisant]

Positive association.

Ever listened to Middle Eastern, Asian or Indian music?
Acquired tastes to say the least, especially J-pop... no forget it, that's just rubbish.

 

[JarNew]

Uh I used to like music which gave me the illusion of an individual identity.

Now I like music which is relaxing.

The majority of thins I like, are on FaceBook. HARHAR

 

[Nocturne]

Facebook? Nooooo!!!!

 

[Yet]

I, myself, hold an unusual preference for reptiles of the order Testudines.

same here ...

and -->
trees: love 'm
violin
Rammstein
moss (the soft green stuff)
I like foggy whether a hell of a lot & also thunder and lightning
water (look, sound, physics)


haven't got a clue why though

I do not know whether it is determinable why people 'like' things. Seems a bit random most of the times. It has probably got something to do with associations.

 

[Trebuchet]

Donald Norman has written about this extensively, and has convinced me that the reason is

Affect makes us smart, that's the lesson of my current research into the role of affect.​

He uses the term "affect" instead of "emotion" to be more precise. As both a design engineer and a psychologist, he has some surprising insights into this topic. "Attractive things work better."

"Negative affect," he says, "focuses the mind, leading to better concentration. In cases of an immediate threat this is good, for it concentrates processing power upon the danger. When creative problem solving is required this is bad, for it leads to narrow, tunnel vision. Positive affect broadens the thought processes, making it more easily distractible. When the problem requires focus, this is bad, but when the problem is best addressed through creative, out-of-the-box thinking, then this is precisely what is needed."

If you like music, presumably music makes your life go better in some way. Or turtles, or the color yellow. If it gives you pleasure, it broadens the thought process. Emotion is part of our decision-making process, and people with damaged emotion areas of the brain have a harder time making decisions. "Liking" is therefore a very real thing, our emotional system doing part of our thinking and judging about something.

This isn't a perfect answer. I like cats, but my cat is right now making it much harder to type by sitting in the way. On the other hand, I'm using some very creative posture to get around him.

 

[pjoa09]

Positive association.

Ever listened to Middle Eastern, Asian or Indian music?
Acquired tastes to say the least, especially J-pop... no forget it, that's just rubbish.

Indian Music is simply painful, Ryuichi Sakamoto is good? Some of it? Nujabes and Far East Movement seem sane. But Indian Music is like finding a pin in a hairstack. Whole lotta bullshit.

I like go-karting and used to like basketball. I love checking out cars. All are very sensual.

 

[Yet]

If you like music, presumably music makes your life go better in some way. Or turtles, or the color yellow. If it gives you pleasure, it broadens the thought process. Emotion is part of our decision-making process, and people with damaged emotion areas of the brain have a harder time making decisions. "Liking" is therefore a very real thing, our emotional system doing part of our thinking and judging about something.

ay the great motivator and (to certain extent) subconcious 'push-about-the-world-er'

and if we think of it ... a roll in the development (the growing into) intelligent behaviour.
(if we wouldn't enjoy we wouldn't move (be motivated) and wouldn't explore)

 

[Lobstrich]

I like the word Mushroom.

 

[Lobstrich]

Positive association.

Ever listened to Middle Eastern, Asian or Indian music?
Acquired tastes to say the least, especially J-pop... no forget it, that's just rubbish.

Yes, I do listen to Middle Eastern music. The Egyptian Arghoul is a wonderful instrument, I have one myself. I like The Setar as well, which is/was a Persian string instrument.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I like the word Mushroom.

*brofist*

 

[Lobstrich]

*brofist*

Back at you, hehe.

 

[Nocturne]

My friend and I were talking today about how she hates it when people exagerate their passion about their hobbies or interests. But really, how can you express you passion for your interests clearly? How can you make other people understand how you feel about that passion/ interest/ hobby?

 

[EyeSeeCold]

But really, how can you express you passion for your interests clearly? How can you make other people understand how you feel about that passion/ interest/ hobby?

Get them to live it.

 

[Nocturne]

Get them to live it.

Hmmm... How? They just don't get the same kick out of it like I do.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Hmmm... How? They just don't get the same kick out of it like I do.

Of course they don't. Like a beginner won't appreciate a black belt if they haven't gone through the journey to get there.

You have to take them through the steps that made you enjoy whatever you enjoy and then they'll be able to see it through your eyes.