One that comes to mind for me: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is not always true. Maybe even only half the time! Are there any phrases you tend to hear and shake your head at?

  • Jarix@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    I hate how people use this but not the phrase itself.

    Everything DOES happen for a reason. It’s literal, precise, and accurate. Reasons dont need to be mysterious, aloof, or unknowable. They often are because we choose to stop learning but everything does happen for a reason so start looking for better questions

    • Enkrod@feddit.org
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      4 months ago

      The reasons just don’t necessarily come with any moral take away attached.

      Children get bone cancer for purely physical reasons, yes, but there is no plan behind it, nothing that makes the situation better in any way and this is how the phrase is usually being used. It’s people saying: “Don’t be sad, something good will come of it.” to the faces of grieving parents or deathly ill people who have nothing to look forward to but pain.

      Religious/spiritual proselytising has completely alienated the phrase from the methodological naturalism it could express.

      • Jarix@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Children get bone cancer for purely physical reasons, yes, but there is no plan behind it, nothing that makes the situation better in any way and this is how the phrase is usually being used

        My exact point. Im glad you agree with me