Sorry for reviving a 3 month old thread, but I had to add in my views here.
I agree completely with the original topic. But this is a side effect of the world, with advertising aimed at making people insecure so they think they need those products and so on. I've never bought into this myself and I admit I look down a bit on those that do, but my already high tolerence has grown even more since then so I don't let it get to me anymore.
On the subject of being wrong... that's a bit interesting. I don't have a problem with admitting that I'm wrong. However I do have a problem with leaving myself upon to attack. Unfortuntely often the former leads to the latter, so what I do is not say anything, but admit it to myself and also indicate by my actions that I've learned from my mistake. Which the person tends to be too dense to notice, but oh well. Of course if I don't need to worry about it being rubbed in my face I have no reason not to admit it. Besides, I do a good enough job of beating myself up for my mistakes without their assistance.
This is more of a principle thing really, I can deal with it but that doesn't mean I want to.
On the subject of lying... I try to be as honest as possible, only lying if backed into a corner and forced to. I don't like doing this even then, but it happens far more often than I'd like and seems to be the only way I can protect myself in those situations. I'd prefer to be completely honest, but I can only do so where it's safe. I believe here is safe so I avoid lying here, but elsewhere... I'm slow to trust, that's why I haven't posted much about spirituality yet. Although I did talk about it to individual members via AIM, PMs, etc...
Thing is if I am forced to they come out pretty damn elaborate, someone once called them a "Grand Illusion", and the term fits. Stems from having too much practice I guess, not something I'm proud of. :(
I also agree if someone has a problem they should do something about it instead of just complaining because that is a pointless waste of everyone's time.
I think I covered everything here, well one more thing. Don't hurt me too badly for the necro post. B)
Edit: 1 more thing I just remembered.
About thinking things through... your experiences have not been the same as mine Mircea. I'm not saying you're incorrect, I think both can be true depending on the person perceving it. (I mean no offense by the term person, I hope none is taken) For me if I think it through I tend to accomplish whatever goal I'm aiming for if it's within my ability to do so. Which could be good or bad, depending on what I was intending to do. If I just charge in though I end up causing pain though to myself and/or others while likely not accomplishing what I set out to do. Could be physical, could be emotional... But it is pain nonetheless. The thinking does not necessarily have to come from my brain, but things just don't work out for me if I don't think at all about it beforehand. Using the fire example, yes jumping in to save them works. But so do several alternative methods. Of course thoughts can be bad whether they are intended to or not. But thoughts are tools, and this is true of all tools. It depends on the wielder.