I think it's because we see ourselves mirrored in the welcome or rebuke with which others greet us. And because we are social animals (primates), we are programmed to crave welcome rather than rebuke. So, if we are greeted with rebuke, we ignore those who welcome us and devote our attention and energy to ingratiating ourselves with the one who rebuked rather than welcomed us.
That's the philosophically scientific answer..
But I prefer the cynical answer: Homo sapiens sapiens is a misnomer, by two "sapiens." ;-)
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2004-07-29 11:17 am (UTC)That's the philosophically scientific answer..
But I prefer the cynical answer: Homo sapiens sapiens is a misnomer, by two "sapiens." ;-)