‘Pretty’ things can kill you
“Oh, beauty is a beguiling call to death and I’m addicted to the sweet pitch of its siren.” – Johnny Quid, from the movie RocknRolla
IKNOW this comes from a fictional movie, but the sentiment is spot on. In the movie in question, Johnny Quid, played by Toby Kebbell, is speaking about a pack of cigarettes.
He notes that the particular brand, which shows a crown, is telling one part of our brain something nice.
“You will notice that one of your personalities is seduced by the illusions of grandeur,” the character says.
But Johnny also points out the two words on another side of the box, which give the usual warning about smoking.
“... Written in boring bold black and white, it’s a statement that these neat little soldiers of death are in fact trying to kill you ... ,” he monotones along while playing the piano.
That sets up the quote which started this lecture, and it makes perfect sense.
You ever notice how the people who are hooked on strong drink, and I mean really hooked, know that it’s bad for them but drink it anyway?
That’s because the drink helps them to escape, albeit for only a time, from the horrors of reality.
But you honestly don’t think they are unaware of the effects on the liver and kidney? Yeah, right.
And we don’t have to look at just stuff that we consume (and occasionally abuse) either.
You ever think of one of the reasons why some human beings stay in relationships that really aren’t any good for them?
HALLUCINOGENIC EFFECT
That’s because on one hand, the existence of the other individual, no matter how toxic, may provide you with a particular hallucinogenic effect.
Now, what they’re doing to achieve this effect is another matter entirely.
For some, it’s the fact that the person is quite ‘dynamic’ in the bedroom, or the person knows exactly what buttons to push (figuratively) and what words to say.
But other than that, the individual is an absolute turd. Unfortunately, that 10 per cent (or less) of ‘goodness’ that the person possesses is enough for the partner.
Ever wonder why some people drive so fast? The experts will say the drivers are under the influence.
Oh, they are under the influence all right, the influence of speed (and not the amphetamine of the same name).
GENUINE RUSH
Some people feel a genuine rush (pun both intended and not intended) the faster they go.
Are they well aware of the dangers of going that fast? Sure. Do they know that there is a fair chance they can crash? Absolutely.
And yet, as soon as they get around the wheel, they turn into a different person. I suppose there’s a particular beauty in watching the trees and other objects flying by.
There isn’t for me, but to each his own.
Such is the nature of human beings, I suppose. For some unknown reason, we are attracted to things that can bring about our demise.
I guess it’s like what Puck said in A Midsummer Night’s Dream “... What fools these mortals be!”
You ever think of one of the reasons why some human beings stay in relationships that really aren’t any good for them?