I saw some people fishing the other day in 16 degree Fahrenheit (-9 Celsius) weather at 4:30AM. They were not ice fishing with a little hut, but standing at the base of a bridge with no shelter or campfire. People are at that bridge fishing regularly when it is cold but that was the coldest temp I have seen so far. Why is it so appealing to them?
Enduring suffering to cause suffering. Truly an enlightened activity
You’re right, but you’re ignoring a crucial part of the equation which is the person who is suffering enjoys it or else they wouldn’t be doing it.
It’s my belief that everyone is a masochist to a certain degree, and those who don’t realize it are in denial.
I drive a vehicle that burns gasoline and contributes to pollution. I purchase products that come in plastic packaging. I participate in an economy that can only exist by taking advantage of people in other countries where labor is “cheaper.” These are all things that I enjoy doing even though I know they’re inflicting suffering on people.
If I don’t do these things I pretty much won’t be able to function in society. And I certainly wouldn’t be able to contribute anything that I think is valuable.
One option would be to end myself, but that would inflict suffering on all my friends and family.
Another option would be to believe that the good I’m doing will outweigh the suffering I inflict on other people.
I’m interested in your thoughts on this. Do you think it’s possible to live a life where you don’t inflict suffering on anyone else?
It’s not the fishing that’s the reason. It’s the wife at home.
I do not understand relationships like this. My father would leave for hunting for 3-6 weeks at a time to get away from my mother, but would not divorce her. It made my childhood miserable.
If it was bad enough you think they should have been divorced, there was likely more going on there. But I kinda think in general a lot of these boomer humor wife-bad jokes come from the usual anxiety one can feel with people they live with. I often have similar feelings about my roommate, particularly when he hasn’t gone to the office for work in a while.
I originally meant it as a joke but thins is just sad! I am sorry for you my dude. Hope you are doing well nonetheless
Get out of the house, get away from the SO, enjoy the outdoors, the thrill of catching a big fish that fights like hell, acquiring food for practically nothing, socially acceptable pretext for casual morning alcoholism, light rain is good for fishing, cloudy weather is good for fishing, some people like to start the day off slow and relaxing and that can be hard to do in some households.
I don’t even fish, but I know people who do and it makes some sense to me.
Love of hurting fish.
I’m kidding, but I don’t get it and really those poor fish…
People don’t realize it but most fish that are thrown back die from their injuries.
I can’t find any sources to back up that claim, do you? The highest estimate I found was from Wikipedia
A metastudy in 2005 found that the average catch and release mortality rate was 18%, but varied greatly by species.[17] During an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation study, up to 43 percent of fish released after being caught died within six days as a result of inadequate holding and weigh in procedures during tournaments.[18] More recent studies reported in Montana estimate that approximately 20% of released trout die from injuries or stress and for those that do not die, their injuries may significantly reduce their ability to feed and grow.[19]
Haha, agreed. I used to love “going fishing” with my grandparents until I actually caught a fish, then I just felt terrible. I used to have nightmares where there would be fish hooks in my food.
Now “going fishing” to me just means hanging out by the water and being peacefully bored while other people enjoy the things they enjoy.
What other “sport” involves getting drunk and taking a three hour nap after eating a cold cheeseburger, all while waiting on the line to move?
