Posted on 05/09/2008 12:25:31 PM PDT by avacado
Why are conservatives happier than liberals?
FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:
Conservatives are happier than liberals.
A study published in the journal “Psychological Science” says it’s because conservatives are better at rationalizing inequalities.
Regardless of someone’s income, marital status or church attendance, people with right-wing ideologies report greater satisfaction with their lives than those with left-wing beliefs. Researchers found that conservatives also score highest when it comes to the ability to justify inequalities.
For example, a conservative might support the idea of a meritocracy – that if you work hard and perform well, you’ll move up the economic ladder… and if you don’t, you probably won’t. But the study shows liberals tend to be troubled by this. Inequalities take a greater psychological toll on liberals, apparently because they can’t rationalize away the gaps in society and thus end up more frustrated by them.
(Excerpt) Read more at caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com ...
Here's one from a Conservative:
"Conservatives know that people can think for themselves. The elephant never forgets. Conversely liberals assume that people cannot think for themselves and thus have the burden of having to do it for them. Forget the donkey. Chicken Little is their guy."
So, liberals are disconnected with reality, is that what they're saying?
Reminds me of a guy I saw this morning. Was standing by the side of the road, with a sign that said "Down and Out, please help". Completely able-bodied, looked to be late 30s/early 40s. Had a cigarette dangling from his mouth. I thought "Dude, if you'd stop springing $3.50 a pack, you might not be so down and out".
Guess I was just "rationalising an inequality".
They are happier than liberals because they get to laugh at liberals.
I think it is because for the most part, conservatives want to see EVERYONE work hard and be successful; and they are pleased when they see this happening.
Liberals, on the other hand, prefer to see everyone except themselves and their favorite “chosen” groups do poorly; and they are horrified that it is not happening.
Well if you read FR or DU long enough you’ll realize neither seem to be too happy. Lots of bitching and moaning and angriness all around.
Excellent example!
Someone need to write “Quit whining and get over yourselves” a Self help book for Liberals.
does this mean liberals can’t be rationalize. Wait I knew that already.
I’ll see your two words and raise you one.
Rawr!
Obviously some of the liberal posters are totally ignorant of the facts. They seem to think conservatives have all the money. I just ain’t so. All polling surveys show that the counties with the highest per capita income tend to be the most liberal - and conversely, the least likely to donate to charities. They expect the government to do all the redistributing of wealth. Since liberals are mostly non-religous, I do not imagine that they are aware that Charity is a Divine Virtue!
We have Rush Limbaugh, they have Chris Matthews. What more do we need?
Conservatism is built on self-responsibility. If a change is needed, then make it yourself - usually by changing yourself.
Liberalism is built on societal responsibility. If a change is needed - then you must force everyone to change.
No wonder they’re frustrated! ;-P
does this mean liberals can’t be rational. Wait I knew that already.
“Well if you read FR or DU long enough you’ll realize neither seem to be too happy. Lots of bitching and moaning and angriness all around.”
Yeah, but our side has legitimate issues.
Why not just come right out and say it?
True Conservatives have wider vision; can quickly discern any situation; and being well balanced will quickly bounce back from adversity with undiminished optimism, and a workable plan, while Liberals enjoy rolling in the mud.
The problem is, where are these True Conservatives? :)
I read it and yes you gave the expected angry response I was looking for.
A lot of that bitching and moaning on FR is because of McCain. We would be much happier if anyone but him were the presumptive nominee!
This is libspeak for "they're too stupid to know they should be miserable." See this explained in the comments to the article ("Ignorance is bliss", "they don't know any better.")
Not many things in life more predictable than a lib.
Liberals wouldn’t be happy working in a pie factory even if they could eat every other pie..
The advantage the conservative have over liberals is conservatives understand human nature.
Conservatives believe you can catch more flies with honey, and the liberal way has to be done by force.
I like honey! It makes me happy!
It’s all about free will!
I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart!
Probably has something to do with not being as challenged by reality.
I knew I would find some good pics on this thread.
Conservative women are so much hotter than liberals.
I think that has more to do with working than with pie.
Oh, and thanks for your service.
I don’t recall the original study (showing cons are more happy) getting much press, but this “explaination” sure is getting around the media.
Cons don’t care about others so much that they are the ones who give to charity overwhelmingly while the liberals who care so much about the little guy give less. Hell, look at taxes. Obama and Kerry only pay 25% in taxes, no where near the top margin.
Inequalities are the way of the world, from which wolf gets to eat the deer's liver, to which football star or tycoon gets to bang which red-hot model chick. You'd think a bunch of confirmed Darwinians would have no problem understanding this.
If anything requires "rationalizing", it's the notion that laws and government spending can eliminate such inequalities permanently.
-ccm
Seriously, I believe a survey was released a year or two ago which indicated that conservative areas of the country tend to be more generous with their own money (i.e., individuals tend to support charities more than those in liberal areas do). I believe it is much more satisfactory to see the results of your own effort or the efforts of the charities you support than the results of just one more failed government program (JOMFGP).
Wealth is not an indication of happiness folks. Sure money helps, but when you are free, you are the happiest.
‘I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.’-Philippians 4:11
Happiness is NOT the natural state of man. Wicked conteptuois contentiousness is his natural state. Babies are not taught how to whine and cry, they must be taught how NOT to whine and cry.
Conservatives therefore, are mature, and Liberals are literally unlearned whiny cry babies.
Conservatives are happier than liberals? THAT’S NOT FAIR!
That because conservative women work hard to be hot. Plus they supplement a healthy diet by eating Liberals for breakfast.
That=that’s
there is also the matter of class, which I find missing from many liberal women.
That’s true, but one has to be an adult to really learn to have class. (a feat that most liberals have failed to achieve)
Poor liberals are mired in victiomology...No happiness there.
Elitist liberals are mired in jealousy...There can only be one apex and if you aren’t it you have to settle for a lesser peak.
People are by nature selfish! (Fact)
I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. Ecclesiastes 4:4a
Without the ability to better yourself....No one will try...
Competition is human nature...It’s one of the reasons that elite athletes try to better their own best running or swimming times.
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