Astronomy Desires, Light Pollution, Public Mentality and AQ scores

[PortableAstronomer]

Hi everyone,

It was discovered (unsurprisingly) last year in this thread...

http://stargazerslounge.com/astro-lounge/105341-explanation-my-astronomy-obsession.html

that we are quite a varied bunch on SGL, which is nice of course, but also showed that on average, the typical SGL member has a more "logical mind", compared to the wider population; and some such as myself even showing some traits of high-functioning autism. No wonder why I love Pixinsight, but that's another thing.

Anyway, more recenly I am reading threads about publicity of light pollution and the rather ignorant and arrogant responses from people on news articles whenever the subject of LP is raised.

This got me thinking, maybe we are up against a World which is dominated by those suffering from Neurotypical Personality Disorder.

Below on the next post, is (what I think) is an accurate diagnosis with particular focus on why astronomy is not compatible with most of the wider public.

This is very tongue in cheek (although my tongue is not in my cheek) and intended for some light relief for us plagued by light pollution, noisy neighbours, and other inconsiderate people that frequently becomes the subjects of many threads here on SGL.

Clear skies all!

[PortableAstronomer]

DSM-IV code 301.27: Neurotypical Personality Disorder

Description

A highly endemic personality disorder affecting a large proportion of the human population, recognised for what is commonly called “The Herd Mentality”. The majority of individuals affected begin presenting the symptoms at an early age, and can suffer from the disorder for the rest of their lives. This can be fuelled by external stimuli such as TV reality shows and fashion magazines, and a common symptom is complete apathy or ignorance regarding the wider World and Universe around them, and lack of desire for similar intellectual knowledge that is found in science subjects.

Diagnostic criteria and Symptoms

* Blindly following social conventions without considering the logical reason behind then, of failing to query if such conventions are good for their being or even useful at all. A particularly bothersome feature to the astronomical community is the desire to form well coordinated groups that campaign for residential areas to become lit with increasingly brighter and brighter levels, such as to eliminate the visual perception of night time. Sufferers believe that it is common for small children and the elderly to be strolling through ghettos at 3 in the morning, and the elimination of darkness would eliminate night time, thus eliminate crime.

* Over-use of idiomatic expressions which has an extremely far-fetched logical link to the intended purpose of their use. For example suggesting if a house has a small kitchen, then one sufferer might express that “there is not enough space to swing a cat”, despite the existence of non-existence of feline species in the property. Persons who do not suffer from Neurotypical Personality Disortder will become confused at the lack of logic in such idiomatic expressions, and the neurotypical person may suggest that they had “better pull their finger out”, even when the observers’ fingers are not submersed inside any object.

* Inability be alone for a period of one hour or more without feeling depressed or bored. For this reason the person needs constant communication with their fellow individuals on subjects that involve no logical purpose. This strong need has been a strong driving force behind the invention of products such as cellphones and facebook. This is often incompatible with the notion of being outside with a telescope under a dark star-filled sky.

* The frequent need to attend to social gatherings on discrete periods of time which serve no functional purpose other than to reinforce the need of belonging to a group. The most common form of these gathering is the so called “party”, although is documented that others exists. Should this individual be shunned from his/her group for any cause (for example, not dressing the appropriate manner) they may suffer from, but not limited to: severe depression, irritability and/or substance abuse. Invitations to pop outside into the garden at night to look through someone's telescope, is regarded as a deviation from the 'herd' ; so even if the suffer at a party might have a brief interest in the night sky, he/she would prefer to "play safe" and stand with the majority indoors , so as not to risk becoming seen as a deviation from the norm or regarded as a nerd.

* Prone to unnecessary small talk. Some of those talks may appear suddenly and/or randomly. It appears this is a response to an anxiety against calmness and peaceful states of mind. For this reason, sufferers would not find observational astronomy a suitable function, as it involves states of calmness and peace with oneself.

* Suffers from ranging levels of Hypocrisy, a concomitant disorder that makes the individual perform fake smiles, lie and/or cheat on a constant basis, and try to get above others on their imaginary “social ladder” without caring for their peers on the process.

* The mentioned “social ladder”; a delusion that some individuals have power over others based on amount of money, clothing, hair style or other perceive factors.

* Becomes heavily exited over trivial matters such as the sight of other humans running around a field chasing a ball (e.g. World Football Cups), as well as other non-productive gatherings or the sight of another neurotypical individual that they may consider “charismatic”, such as a singer or actor. Such trivial matters are rarely found in subjects such as astrophysics, so the observational and photographic studies of such objects, such as the practice of astronomy, bears no interest to such trivially-driven personalities.

* Have a constant and inexorable drive to fulfil their needs and obtain pleasure on destructive activities such as multiple partners, heavy drinking and other forms of intoxication. This is highly incompatible with many intellectual activities involving discovery and intellectual stimulation, such as reading and astronomy.

* Varying degree of IQ ; However regardless of their individual IQ, these individuals have the notion that everything they do, conceive or create is the work of a real genius.

* Some studies show that the above criteria is highly linked with another disorder called “Ego”, which many of the affected patients present on variable degrees.

* Suffers from a severe delusion that all of the above alarming symptoms are "normal" and that any other individual that does not present them is mentally ill, unstable or suffer from a disorder and needs medication and therapy. This explains why an attempt by a non-sufferer to express an appreciation of science, or desire for practices such as astronomy, is often kept quiet in schools, for fear of being labelled a nerd by the NeuroTypical majority.

Prevalence

Studies show that the majority of the modern World population suffer from this disorder.

Treatment

The only cure known for this disorder is taking the individual to solitary confinement for a period of minimum 5 years so the “social link” can be eroded down to a manageable level, so finally they can develop self-awareness and have and value their own opinions.

[symesie04]

Well that is a very thorough piece, and certainly made me chuckle. Although sadly it’s not really funny as its generously an accurate reflection of the carnage that is society. Have to say the bit about drinking and football is a bit harsh though

[ArmyAirForce]

Alarmingly accurate!

[angusb1]

Personally I couldn't give a monkey's about football but I do like drinking, still, each to their own.

"regardless of their individual IQ, these individuals have the notion that everything they do, conceive or create is the work of a real genius"

^^ this bit made me laugh out loud

[PortableAstronomer]

Yes I sometimes need a few beverages myself, and even got into watching the last World Cup especially when Holland got through the semi finals (then played terribly in the final).

Although in my case I take a few beers etc to calm anxiety at house parties, especially if they involve lots of people I don't know. Usually I end up having a good time but can't help looking out the window to see if it's clear out there. I'm sure that sounds familiar to some other members on here !

[richbyers]

suffering from a disorder i thought i was goint to be offended and insulted by this- but i have to say i agree- whether it be jest or no.....people are just stuck in the norm...its so stupid .....im 21 but i neither drink nor socialise often at all, i like my own company and that of my partners and thats about it, im a middle earth geek studying astronomy, i HATE sports, i only seem to be able to connect with people who are at least a decade older than me, and i hate all modern music, i wear clothes that i had from years back that were never in fashion to begin with- im about as far from the norm as i can push myself....

[John]

Interesting stuff and, rather worryingly, that piece has a lot of truth in it I reckon

I wonder if one "barometer" of peoples disposition is how they react to the term "eccentric" when used to describe a person. For me, it's always been an attractive trait in people and I guess I've shown some slight elements of it over the years myself but for many others I think it would be classed as insulting and disparaging. Perhaps an example of "herd mentality" ?

[661-pete]

I wonder how many people know that the phrase:

“there is not enough space to swing a cat”

does not originate from feline maltreatment. Rather, it alludes to the Cat O' Nine Tails, which needed a fair amount of room for maximum effect...

[SFlowers]

I remember doing an AQ test once - mine was alarmingly high but I am a maths geek so I guess that's ok

[jflowers]

I wonder how many people know that the phrase:

does not originate from feline maltreatment. Rather, it alludes to the Cat O' Nine Tails, which needed a fair amount of room for maximum effect...

Not arguing with you personally, But QI certainly does...

- - Tangent: The phrase "not enough room to swing a cat" is a literal phrase and has nothing to do with the cat-o-nine-tails which was invented 40 years after this phrase was made in 1695. Similarly, the phrase "the whole nine yards" is believed to come from World War Two where ammunition belts in American planes were nine yards long. It is not to do with American football where they measure the ground in ten yard sections.

Source QI Series H

Seems plausible to me

Jon

[hunterknox]

Isn't the DSM the medical equivalent of astrology?!

[PortableAstronomer]

Astrology? Hmmm I cannot resist but write another diagnostic criteria and behavioural analysis manual for that one.

Any tips folks?

[Lynxi]

Very interesting stuff indeed and all rather accurate but I think Ive related a little too much there as I've had CBT for anxiety before lol

[richbyers]

Very interesting stuff indeed and all rather accurate but I think Ive related a little too much there as I've had CBT for anxiety before lol

you could stand that CBT? i was offered it but aparently my disorder stops me from seeing the point in it....mmm continous cycle anyone?

[Lynxi]

you could stand that CBT? i was offered it but aparently my disorder stops me from seeing the point in it....mmm continous cycle anyone?

CBT is annoying in my opinion and I thought pointless since I'd originally had to go for Insomnia and then I found out I had anxiety issues andddd then an over active brain o.O

[richbyers]

mmmm agreed....not that i want to go off topic with personal stuff....i was offered it but ended up with a much more satisfactory option which wasnt as much as a 'fob off' from the NHS as CBT was

[Lynxi]

I don't think I got the option but it was some years back

[richbyers]

well it took 6 years of trying

[PortableAstronomer]

Isn't the DSM the medical equivalent of astrology?

Ok here you go, as promised:

DSM 991.5 Diagnostic Criteria : Cosmos Delusion Syndrome (aka “Astrology”)

What is Cosmos Delusion Syndrome (aka “Astrology”) ?

This is a defective trait in individuals which suffer from a more specifc version of Neurotypical Syndrome (see top of this thread), with additional diagnostic criteria detailed below.

Research suggests that it is a pre-requisite to have Neurotypical Syndrome, in order to be at risk of developing Cosmos Delusion Syndrome or study astrology.

Common symptoms between Cosmos Delusion Syndrome and Neurotypical Syndrome

Cosmos Delusion Syndrome shares these conditions with Neurotypical Syndrome. For this reason, astrology-curious subjects are often mis-diagnosed as Neurotypicals, and vice versa.

Diagnostic criteria common to both conditions are

* When in groups, NTs and Cosmic Delusionals are socially and behaviorally stimulated by imaginary or fantasized views of events or objects, and frequently assess the performance of dysfunctional or highly impractical rituals as a way to maintain group identity

* NTs and Cosmic Delusionals find it difficult to comprehend actual physical observations of the universe, and tend to communicate very indirectly to avoid exposing one’s lack of understanding of reality. These subjects have a much higher incidence of bending the truth than neuro-rational individuals.

* NTs and Cosmic Delusionals both maintain a belief that astronomers look through department-store refracting telescopes to observe what are perceived as merely featureless points of light in the night sky. Despite whether these points of light could be a planet, galaxy, or nebula, all such celestial objects are referred to by the individual as ‘stars’, hence the delusional term “stargazing” is used to describe the activities of astronomers, who in reality hardly ever look at stars through a telescope.

* This delusional belief of astronomers observing seemingly featureless white dots, combined with the lack of ability to comprehend the scale of the universe, causes the majority of such individuals to believe that astronomers are somehow dysfunctional in being able to enjoy the observations of such uninspiring white dots above their heads.

* As a generalisation, NTs and Cosmic Delusionals both somehow derive pleasure from reading fictional material such as novels, and despite spending several days on a single book, in some cases very little factual information may be gained. Although proponents of this activity are keen to suggest that doing so improves the readers ability to communicate and express themselves, some keen readers of such fictional material are still incapable of using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.

(continued below)

[PortableAstronomer]

Specific criteria for Cosmos Delusion Syndrome:

• Astrology-curious individuals, and those that have Cosmos Delusion Syndrome, derive pleasure not only from reading fictional material, but want to believe that somehow the events in their life can be predicted through celestial activity, mostly involving planets in the Solar System.
  
• Individuals rely on this belief to make them feel that they are connected to the cosmos.
  
• Many individuals may be unaware that the appearance and shape of constellations, is merely an effect of relative viewing position from our own position within the galaxy.
  
• In some cases, individuals may fill in application forms that require a signature on the bottom. At the bottom of such forms, the label “Sign here _______” is often mis-interpreted as an invitation to quote one’s Star Sign.
  
• As is often shared amongst the journalism industry, which is a promoter of astrology-related content through the appearance of sections entitled ‘Your Stars this week’; the emphasis is on effectiveness of the writers’ articles, rather than accuracy. This focus on effectiveness over scientific accurancy, being popular with journalism, helps to promote the subject of astrology to the masses, especially when compared to relatively low-volume distribution of neuro-rational articles such as those found in astronomy publications.
  

Treatment

The only known treatment is through attendance to Outreach Events. These are public events where (mostly neuro-rational) volunteers are keen to show real observations of the universe, as well as explain the scale of the universe.

Oddly it is the younger generation, particularly pre-teen age range, which are more captivated. This is despite the fact that their parents may have Cosmos Delusion Syndrome. This suggests that parents are keen to give the children a chance to understand and attempt to connect with the real universe, before it is too late. This suggests that Neurotypical subjects are prone to developing Cosmos Delusion Syndrome if they are not capable of connecting themselves with the scale of, and events that can be observed in the real universe. For this reason, Outreach events are often targeted at audiences of pre-teen age, at locations such as schools, although usually all ages are welcomed to such events. It is the same reason why most common vaccines are administered prior to adulthood.

Prevalence and Popularity

Unlike astronomy, most newspaper publications contain a section on astrology, with a notion that some writer is using celestial activities with the prediction of future events in the lives of the readers.

This is often regarded as conclusive evidence that the majority of the population (whether they suffer from Cosmos Delusion Syndrome or just Neurotypical Syndrome) are more interested in a fictional connection between themselves and a fantasized cosmos, rather than attempting to understand their place within the real universe.

Quotations

Sir Patrick Moore: “Astrology proves just one scientific principle. There's a mug born every minute.”

Prof. Brian Cox: “in the interests of balance on the BBC, yes astrology is nonsense”

[richbyers]

yep all that and everything i said on the lounge thread regarding it (however i shall refrain from saying more as the lounge thread is on the balance of being closed..)

[Double Kick Drum]

Enjoyed reading that. It made me smile and think "I must be a schizophrenic!"

Yes I suffer near-Asperger's levels similar to SGL members but also love sport, love art and love the two together (CRICKET).

I love having a chat and putting the world to rights but enjoy long periods of time without company.

I have come to the conclusion that there are two mes. One for the week and one for Sunday best!

[PortableAstronomer]

I love having a chat and putting the world to rights but enjoy long periods of time without company.

I have come to the conclusion that there are two mes. One for the week and one for Sunday best!

hmm, sounds a bit like me, and a few other good people on here.

Maybe I'm Neurotypical after-all, but we can still be very rational-thinking, so I guess that would make us a 'neurorational-neurotypical'. hmm, I like the sound of that. On the other hand, you don't have to have aspergers to use stuff like, say Pixinsight (like I do), but I think it helps.

Cheers everyone, and Clear skies