why are some people so critical

[southernhorizons]

They are critical because it makes them feel better when they put others down.  They are bitter because their life is miserbale, so being critical gives them a little jolt of excitement.

Alternatively, being critical of the unsupported assertions of others often leads to a more accurate assessment of a given situation/premise.  By challenging the validity of a premise, it can often be discerned whetherr or not that premise is accurate.  If it is a false premise, the one presenting it may react with resentment and a feeling of being "put down", (such emotional responses are common however, have nothing to do with the content of the premise refuted).  Quite often, those who dislike having their unsubstantiated 'opinions' challenged will attack the challenger of those assertions, rather than support their own assertions, (by speculating that the challenger is "bitter", "miserable" or gets some sort of "jolt of excitement" from challenging empty opinions).

Why should people be forced to support every feeling or emotion that they have, and every word or premise that they utter? Just because they do not have the time energy, or interest in doing that doesn't mean they have "empty opinions." They are busy living their lives as they see fit, not analysing every jot and tittle.

[timandvicky1]

I think I used to be one of those people that were critical.  I had ended up becoming really good friends with this girl at work, one of the reasons was because of her attitude, she never was judging people, would stay out of conversations criticizing others, I was so impressed, I knew she would be that way if somebody was talking bout me.  I really believe having become friends with her has helped me with my negativity, I am really careful to not say negative things no more.  Thanks Sherry!! 

[falcon9]

Why should people be forced to support every feeling or emotion that they have, and every word or premise that they utter?

There's no 'force' involved in that regard.  Anyone is free to utter or write any supportable or, unsupported statement they wish.  The distinctive difference between those is that the former is empty and debatable while the latter either has substantive evidence or, is inconclusive and debatable.  Again, no one is "forced" to debate, discuss or support their empty assertions.  That doesn't mean that such empty assertions will go unquestioned, unopposed or unchallenged.  Any expectation contrary to that is an unreasonable and heavily biased one.

Just because they do not have the time energy, or interest in doing that doesn't mean they have "empty opinions."

True, the opinion isn't empty merely because the time, (or interest), to back it up with substance is lacking.  An opinion is empty when no supporting evidence is ever presented or, because there isn't any to support it.  Again, anyone is as free to post unsupported, (or supported), opinions as anyone else is to disagree or challenge them.

[falcon9]

I think I used to be one of those people that were critical.  I am really careful to not say negative things no more. 

Critical thinking, (or making judgement assessments), isn't necessarily "negative".  From constructive, ('positive'), criticism to accurately assessing a given situation, judgements are made by anyone faced with decision choices.

[sportsjb2]

usually people who are very critical are actually insecure.

[falcon9]

usually people who are very critical are actually insecure.

Usually, such unsupported opinions get challenged, (even with no particular expectation that the OP will actually support their opinion at some point).  Out of curiousity, are you aware that your "usually people who are very critical are actually insecure" comment is a criticism of those perceived as "very critical" and that this would mean, (according to your empty opinion), that you are "actually insecure"?

[duroz]

Athiest big-wig

Fortunately, I lack the ungodly hairpiece to qualify for that.

Probably a good thing you're lacking that hairpiece.
In the unlikely event you are tranquilized, duct taped, and dragged into (a) church, and should either falcon9 or church burst into flames, the hairpiece would be instant toast.
 

[falcon9]

Athiest big-wig

Fortunately, I lack the ungodly hairpiece to qualify for that.

Probably a good thing you're lacking that hairpiece.
In the unlikely event you are tranquilized, duct taped, and dragged into (a) church, and should either falcon9 or church burst into flames, the hairpiece would be instant toast.

It's possible we both initially missed the crucial factor there; the atheist big-wig _hairpiece_ is apparently the accelerant and cause of any flames.

[duroz]

Athiest big-wig

Fortunately, I lack the ungodly hairpiece to qualify for that.

Probably a good thing you're lacking that hairpiece.
In the unlikely event you are tranquilized, duct taped, and dragged into (a) church, and should either falcon9 or church burst into flames, the hairpiece would be instant toast.  

It's possible we both initially missed the crucial factor there; the atheist big-wig _hairpiece_ is apparently the accelerant and cause of any flames.

Okay all I can think about after reading this is - the late 60's song "Fire", by the band "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown"
(Anyone remember this song? The lyrics were "I am the god of hell fire, and I bring you... Fire!")

Anyway, the lead singer in the band, Arthur Brown, liked to wear a burning hat or helmet.  At one show where he wore a colander soaked in methanol on his head, the methanol accidentally poured over his head and caught fire.  Bystanders poured beer on Brown’s head, dousing the flames, and preventing more serious injuries.

The "Flaming Head" then became an Arthur Brown signature.

[falcon9]

Okay all I can think about after reading this is - the late 60's song "Fire", by the band "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown"
(Anyone remember this song? The lyrics were "I am the god of hell fire, and I bring you... Fire!")

Anyway, the lead singer in the band, Arthur Brown, liked to wear a burning hat or helmet.  At one show where he wore a colander soaked in methanol on his head, the methanol accidentally poured over his head and caught fire.  Bystanders poured beer on Brown’s head, dousing the flames, and preventing more serious injuries.

The "Flaming Head" then became an Arthur Brown signature.

I vaguely recall the song, (but, was previously unaware of the circumstances described).  The first thought to come to mind was, "sure brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'hothead' ".

[samrhett2]

Huh?   I need to pray for a little clarity to try to follow that one.

It basically boils down to the hypocrisy of criticizing others for criticizing others.  Criticism involves judgements, (which may or may not be accurate - e.g., substantiated or, merely baseless opinion).  Everyone judges, despite claims to the contrary. 

As an aside, it's humorous to 'pray' for clarity if a resolution was attributed to a supernatural answer.

Oh, I get it.  If you can't see it, hear it or touch it, it does not exist.  Glad my faith provides a laugh for you today cause at the end of our lives if I am wrong, oh well, but if you are wrong..............

[falcon9]

Huh?   I need to pray for a little clarity to try to follow that one.

It basically boils down to the hypocrisy of criticizing others for criticizing others.  Criticism involves judgements, (which may or may not be accurate - e.g., substantiated or, merely baseless opinion).  Everyone judges, despite claims to the contrary. 

As an aside, it's humorous to 'pray' for clarity if a resolution was attributed to a supernatural answer.

Oh, I get it.  If you can't see it, hear it or touch it, it does not exist. 

Not quite.  There are several things, (or even immaterial concepts), that can't be seen, heard or touched and yet, other evidence of their existence exists.  Mathematical conceptions don't have sensory evidence however, they have functionality if accurate, (and can often be corellated to physically-extant things).  This basis of evidence doesn't apply to hypothetical 'deities', (as they cannot be demonstrated to exist either by sensory or, mathematical evidence).  No evidence having veracity has been presented to support assertions of the existence claimed for 'deities', (beyond 'faith'; which does not qualify under the parameters of _evidence_).
 

Glad my faith provides a laugh for you today cause at the end of our lives if I am wrong, oh well, but if you are wrong..............

I wouldn't say it provided a laugh, (you did imply a request for clarification and it seemed polite to try to clarify, in spite of the apparent spite in the subsequent response you posted).  As far as being "wrong", (contextually, you likely mean about the existence of the 'deity' concept you have in mind); it isn't quite the nonchalant "oh well" if you're wrong about it.  This would be due to wasting a significant portion of life on wishful-thinking, (not to mention the inherent bias involved in a strongly religious attitude coloring such a person's life).  On the other hand, the probability that such "faith" isn't just a pipe-dream is statistically-zero, (pending any substantive evidence).

[duroz]

I vaguely recall the song, (but, was previously unaware of the circumstances described).  The first thought to come to mind was, "sure brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'hothead' ".

Well yes it does!
I did a little reading about hothead Arthur Brown, and he apparently had more than a couple "heated" mishaps involving his "head o' fire".......bad enough to get them kicked off concert tours, banned from doing shows in Italy, etc.

I can't understand what would.....POSSESS....someone to pour a flammable liquid on their head, and then set fire to it (with or without helmet)??  And not just once, but repeatedly...
and by all means, keep doing it after having a close call or six, or endangered other people.

  OKAY, I went WAY off-topic with this. I apologize to everyone for doing so, and will stop immediately.
We now return to our regularly scheduled program.

[jordandog]

Athiest big-wig

Fortunately, I lack the ungodly hairpiece to qualify for that.

Probably a good thing you're lacking that hairpiece.
In the unlikely event you are tranquilized, duct taped, and dragged into (a) church, and should either falcon9 or church burst into flames, the hairpiece would be instant toast.
 

I know this is NOT contributing to this topic in a meaningful way, but that almost had my coffee coming out by way of my nostrils.... Thanks, duroz!

[girlswin2]

I agree with you everyone seems to think they have to have an opinion for everything.  I was always told and taught if you don't have something nice and productive to say then keep your mouth shut.    If you think about it the internet has seemed to bring out all the rudeness in folks.  Just have to say one thing I have beliefs  in God and many other things and others might not.  I have learned to just tune out people that bable rudeness and hate.  Don't let one person or person even worry your little head or let it effect your beliefs in God or anything.  Truth is truth and no one can change it.   God bless you