You know Robyn, my mother made an effort. She worked out to Jack Lalane, and I watched her do it. She just gave up. I still have the six pound iron dumbbells she used. Honestly, it is so worth it to do the work.
I am so glad we have so much evidence for the benefits these days as well as many aging role models. In your mums day, she was a pioneer without a tribe.
Like many others I read that post and was puzzled that someone would publish that without making their intentions completely clear. You gave me reason to wonder which of your explanations/ categories suit me. None really land because in my career as a journalist I viewed my interview subjects from a completely objective point of refrenece. I’ve always believed that true objectivity is something that a journalist has but cannot explain to someone who doesn’t have it, nor would they believe it can exist. You’ve given me insight into that. Many writers are not journalists with an objective mind and point of view. That is neither good nor bad. The majority of writers here on substack are writers with points of view that influence every word. I respect that because it reveals who they are, which is what every writer seeks: to share their view. In essence, you’ve given me clarity why I’ve never believed I fit into the writer’s community. Sure, I’ve toyed with fiction and other writing elements. But I’ve come now to believe that I’m a journalist, not necessarily a writer, at least in this context. I’m fine with that. And it helps me view this community through a fresh perspective
Well, that was lovely and thoughtful. Made me think, too, which is why my head hurts. I'm a journalist by training, and do my level best to be fair and balanced if reporting, and clear if something is an opinion. Clarity is power. Sometimes people obfuscate intentionally but that isn't good writing. Thanks so much for the comment.
I can blather with the best of them, HI, and that's in part due to 22 concussions which means I repeat myself a lot (do it in speeches too). But I do try to make sure Dear Reader knows whereof I speak.
I read that article as well and was offended by the tone. I believe maintaining good physical health is as important as emotional and intellectual health. They balance one another. However, I do admit just today I judged a gentleman at the gym who appeared to be going overboard with the amount of weights he was lifting and the noise he was making for emphasis. It was the noise factor in a public place that I was judging, my bad and essentially my problem. Thanks for your take on the need to calm the frick down.
Until I lifted at Planet Fitness it never occurred to me that making a noise could get me kicked out. I had to watch my bean intake after that. Hell, it isn't the noise that gets 'em. The smell knocks them into next Sunday. :-)
Amen, Sister! The sub-title of my current post is "Minding My Mind" and that could be a full time job but I'm not signing on for that. Why people spend time comparing themselves to others and then come up better or worse is beyond me. The ad business rakes in billions on that premise. Someone's opinion, whether of self or another person, is an opinion, a judgment not necessarily based on facts or knowledge. I have used this quote of former Senator Daniel Moynihan several times lately: "You are entitled to your own opinion, Sir. You are not entitled to your own facts."
Yes, a hard sell but we need more people to hold more people accountable and challenge their ill-formed assumptions and opinions without getting into a shouting match or worse. I kept a sentence handy for ready reference years ago when debating with white supremacists: "This conversation has the earmarks of an unproductive discussion from which I beg to be excused." Did I ever share Dietrch Bonhoeffer's quote "On Supidity" with you? If not, let me know and I will send it along. I believe it's where we are with millions in today's environment in the U.S.
"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one's prejudgment simply need not be believed
- in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical - and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison
Interestingly, Gary, this perfectly describes a judge I had in a traffic case. While I won't go into it, when I produced irrefutable facts, she doubled down and doubled my fines. I was stunned. She was both stupid AND malicious.
I saw that too. Thank you for writing this article. I agree It really is difficult to read the tone of what they really meant without knowing the authors usual style of writing and it can be difficult to read someone’s tone/true meaning/ sense of humour. It certainly Made me prickle too! I love going to the gym because I love feeling strong, capable and healthy and that in turn makes me feel much more confident. Plus all the many other benefits mentioned above. The more I think about it the more I think it can only be sarcasm 🤔
I'm at the gym because I care about my longevity and health span. If I can look good while working on that, awesome! No apologies from me. I'm pushing 61, lifting heavy, and I'm stronger than I've ever been. My goals are retaining lean muscle mass (hello sarcopenia!), strong bones, and hopefully warding off the things that can me out like heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. If that makes me a looser, so be it. And FYI....I still occasionally treat myself to a muffin. 🙂
I read the Substack offering that you're referring to and, at first, thought how rude and arrogant to be so judgemental of people working out in the gym. After reading the sentence where the writer went on to say there were no more elliptical available for his/ her use to work their own muscles, I found the sarcastic humor ( irony?) that I'd like to think the writer meant it to be.
Your observations on that composition gave me another perspective ( always welcome) to view it through. Now I'm totally wondering if the writer was being judgemental, self- deprecating, or both!
It wasn't clear, which is why I gave it plenty of room to be both. It's going to land differently on each of us, but it was a great opportunity to make some larger observations. Thanks!
I honestly did read the section you quote from the unnamed writer as self-parody -- but hey, it sparked your article and that's a good thing. Now maybe I'll go gorm a croissant :-)
I read it many times over and tried to watch my reactions. I did see the parody but it still came across as pretty damning. That of course is on me. Now ...for a tragic croissant....
As I age, lifting weights is solving and preventing all sorts of problems. It’s a no brainer for this otherwise intellectual type.
You know Robyn, my mother made an effort. She worked out to Jack Lalane, and I watched her do it. She just gave up. I still have the six pound iron dumbbells she used. Honestly, it is so worth it to do the work.
I am so glad we have so much evidence for the benefits these days as well as many aging role models. In your mums day, she was a pioneer without a tribe.
And she needed a tribe to keep her going. Never thought about it that way, but you're spot on.
Like many others I read that post and was puzzled that someone would publish that without making their intentions completely clear. You gave me reason to wonder which of your explanations/ categories suit me. None really land because in my career as a journalist I viewed my interview subjects from a completely objective point of refrenece. I’ve always believed that true objectivity is something that a journalist has but cannot explain to someone who doesn’t have it, nor would they believe it can exist. You’ve given me insight into that. Many writers are not journalists with an objective mind and point of view. That is neither good nor bad. The majority of writers here on substack are writers with points of view that influence every word. I respect that because it reveals who they are, which is what every writer seeks: to share their view. In essence, you’ve given me clarity why I’ve never believed I fit into the writer’s community. Sure, I’ve toyed with fiction and other writing elements. But I’ve come now to believe that I’m a journalist, not necessarily a writer, at least in this context. I’m fine with that. And it helps me view this community through a fresh perspective
Well, that was lovely and thoughtful. Made me think, too, which is why my head hurts. I'm a journalist by training, and do my level best to be fair and balanced if reporting, and clear if something is an opinion. Clarity is power. Sometimes people obfuscate intentionally but that isn't good writing. Thanks so much for the comment.
I’ll remember “Clarity is power.” A great line that every copy editor should have in their bag of tricks
I can blather with the best of them, HI, and that's in part due to 22 concussions which means I repeat myself a lot (do it in speeches too). But I do try to make sure Dear Reader knows whereof I speak.
I read that article as well and was offended by the tone. I believe maintaining good physical health is as important as emotional and intellectual health. They balance one another. However, I do admit just today I judged a gentleman at the gym who appeared to be going overboard with the amount of weights he was lifting and the noise he was making for emphasis. It was the noise factor in a public place that I was judging, my bad and essentially my problem. Thanks for your take on the need to calm the frick down.
Until I lifted at Planet Fitness it never occurred to me that making a noise could get me kicked out. I had to watch my bean intake after that. Hell, it isn't the noise that gets 'em. The smell knocks them into next Sunday. :-)
Ha! So true.
Amen, Sister! The sub-title of my current post is "Minding My Mind" and that could be a full time job but I'm not signing on for that. Why people spend time comparing themselves to others and then come up better or worse is beyond me. The ad business rakes in billions on that premise. Someone's opinion, whether of self or another person, is an opinion, a judgment not necessarily based on facts or knowledge. I have used this quote of former Senator Daniel Moynihan several times lately: "You are entitled to your own opinion, Sir. You are not entitled to your own facts."
That would be a hard sell in today's fake news world, wouldn't it?
Yes, a hard sell but we need more people to hold more people accountable and challenge their ill-formed assumptions and opinions without getting into a shouting match or worse. I kept a sentence handy for ready reference years ago when debating with white supremacists: "This conversation has the earmarks of an unproductive discussion from which I beg to be excused." Did I ever share Dietrch Bonhoeffer's quote "On Supidity" with you? If not, let me know and I will send it along. I believe it's where we are with millions in today's environment in the U.S.
Fire away!
"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one's prejudgment simply need not be believed
- in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical - and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison
Interestingly, Gary, this perfectly describes a judge I had in a traffic case. While I won't go into it, when I produced irrefutable facts, she doubled down and doubled my fines. I was stunned. She was both stupid AND malicious.
😎
I saw that too. Thank you for writing this article. I agree It really is difficult to read the tone of what they really meant without knowing the authors usual style of writing and it can be difficult to read someone’s tone/true meaning/ sense of humour. It certainly Made me prickle too! I love going to the gym because I love feeling strong, capable and healthy and that in turn makes me feel much more confident. Plus all the many other benefits mentioned above. The more I think about it the more I think it can only be sarcasm 🤔
Frankly, Tracey, I love a good poke in the side, but if many folks can't penetrate the gist, then it's just not good writing.
Yes totally get what you’re saying.
I'm at the gym because I care about my longevity and health span. If I can look good while working on that, awesome! No apologies from me. I'm pushing 61, lifting heavy, and I'm stronger than I've ever been. My goals are retaining lean muscle mass (hello sarcopenia!), strong bones, and hopefully warding off the things that can me out like heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. If that makes me a looser, so be it. And FYI....I still occasionally treat myself to a muffin. 🙂
Precisely. The older we get the better a friend the gym becomes.
I read the Substack offering that you're referring to and, at first, thought how rude and arrogant to be so judgemental of people working out in the gym. After reading the sentence where the writer went on to say there were no more elliptical available for his/ her use to work their own muscles, I found the sarcastic humor ( irony?) that I'd like to think the writer meant it to be.
Your observations on that composition gave me another perspective ( always welcome) to view it through. Now I'm totally wondering if the writer was being judgemental, self- deprecating, or both!
It wasn't clear, which is why I gave it plenty of room to be both. It's going to land differently on each of us, but it was a great opportunity to make some larger observations. Thanks!
I honestly did read the section you quote from the unnamed writer as self-parody -- but hey, it sparked your article and that's a good thing. Now maybe I'll go gorm a croissant :-)
I read it many times over and tried to watch my reactions. I did see the parody but it still came across as pretty damning. That of course is on me. Now ...for a tragic croissant....
Enjoy!
Totally. And it’s actually WAY more fun to get curious about someone rather than being judgmental about them!
Amen to that!
So many different reasons to be at a gym or work out. And if feeling better about your body is one of them, that's fine.
This article made me upgrade to paid.
Wow thank you!
I saw that quote come across my Substack this week too and disliked it for many of the same reasons 🙃 Glad I’m not the only one
I have a feeling that the writer may go back and consider after all this feedback. Or not...