Simon Funk ([info]simonfunk) wrote,
@ 2004-09-20 23:58:00
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[index] Monday, September 20, 2004 - Half Empty, or Half Full?

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[info]radiantsun
2004-09-20 09:25 am UTC (link)
My response to that question has always been, it doesn't matter, it is there for me to drink! (even tho that might not be true either)

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well
[info]patrissimo
2004-09-20 01:42 pm UTC (link)
It doesn't seem like a fair evaluation for you to assume the half-empty person reacts correctly and the half-full person doesn't. Why can't someone say "my glass is half-full", and then make a good evaluation of how soon to call for more?

There may well be some perceptual distortion. Half-full may be more likely to incorrectly delay ordering more. But half-empty may be more likely to incorrectly order more too soon for exactly the same reasons. If both involve distortion, I'll take the happier one...

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Re: well
[info]simonfunk
2004-09-20 04:27 pm UTC (link)
Why can't someone say "my glass is half-full", and then make a good evaluation of how soon to call for more?

The decision to call for more is entirely based upon the acknowledgement that the glass is at least somewhat empty. To avoid using the word "empty", but then to order more, is only to bury its useage one layer out of sight, and is just an attempt at self-deception.

This, in my opinion, just encourages people to fear an empty glass.

Say it is half empty or half full depending on the context as appropriate, and say either with equal comfort.

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[info]brkvw
2004-09-20 06:40 pm UTC (link)
With a full glass, you have no room for fresh water.

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[info]mauitian
2004-09-21 10:58 pm UTC (link)
The glass is twice as big as it needs to be. ;)

But your point is well taken: maximizing happiness over time requires making accurate predictions. However, I think leaning toward optimism, at the expense of a little realism, may maximize happiness overall, simply as a result of psychology. What do you think of that statement?

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[info]sharryfairy
2005-05-07 09:24 am UTC (link)
Am reading your old stuff.

I've always answered this saying with that other saying about the stairs: When you're only halfway up you're neither up nor down.

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