How do you determine the difference between fantasy and reality?

[InfiniteNature]

I know this must be a daily battle here at SYM, especially in the gamer crowd, for me its a daily struggle not to be tempted into that lovely realm of dragons and elves, and whatever, so much so that I tend to shirk my work, when I really shouldn't and would probably do a lot better in life then I would. Its just that the world frankly depresses me, its not just politics and the environment although those are valid considerations, its that there is so little magic to it(magic being the best way I could describe it), reality is a place of dirty stupid people convinced they are the center of the universe, and it is one where they are winning. At least in the game or book, or whatever fantasy there is, you can convince yourself otherwise, where you can believe if only for the moment that magic exists, or its science fiction equivalent, that you can be something other than what you are or what people wish you to be, or think you should be.

Reality is a place which is pointless, one without redeeming qualities, humans are the same way, simple silly stupid children animals who learn not at all from what they do, and unfortunately all so depresslingly predictable. Men, women, children, trees being continuously cut down and in their place stupid ugly repulsive houses looking precisely exactly like every other house or mall or restraunt. Where is the cultural charm, the beauty of nature is obviously not as important as building more ugly houses, breeding more and more people who frankly have few if not any redeeming qualities other then simply consuming and breathing. There's no bloody point, its all rather a exercise in futility saying otherwise, reality is a ugly predictable depressing conglomeration of entropic decay. Love hate, anger, rage, lust all are simply there so people can keep on going longer to make more people.

I can't believe in a lie, to me substituting something full of holes and inconsistencies like most any religion, is repulsive, at least when I read or when I game I know it is a lie, but for just a moment I can believe otherwise and that that is the temptation, that is the lure, and as a consequence I find myself sacrificing reality for the unreal, for the fantasy realm, for the dreams in my head, I tend to sleep a lot more simply because I prefer the dream life to reality.

People make reality far uglier then it should be, so what beauty I do see in reality is marred by meddling in what should not be meddled in.

I wasn't arguing here, I wasn't looking for one, just simple understanding, so if I have offended anyone with my remarks about the general nature of reality or people, I apologize for any insult but this is just how I feel.

So the question I ask, is how do you keep from coming unhinged, from emphasizing to much on the fantasy, what keeps you in reality, what keeps you coming back, what lures you out from the haze of dreams and fantasies into the real?, in short what motivates you to live?

[C Elegans]

IN, this world is depressing indeed, but it is often inspiring too.

I don't find reality pointless, since everything I do, my every thought and act, affect others. My acts have consequences. In fantasy, nothing has real consequences, nothing lasts longer than for the moment.

I love life. I love reality although it' s ugly, depressing, unfair, cruel. I believe in working towards changing the world to a better place, by doing what I can do. To me it's not a struggle to stay away from the fanatasy world, since even if it's a happier world, it cannot develop, nothing can happen there. And nothing gets better, in my life or others, by me clinging to a fantasy world.

I guess I cope with the horrors of reality by trying to make a serious effort to change things for the better. This can be done in many different ways.

[Aegis]

What can I say. My general pessimisim towards people knows no bounds. Personally, I believe every person in my town, if not my country are a bunch of Savages, as a whole. Quite ironic, really, seeing as people as individuals are actually somewhat tolerable.

[fable]

Quote:

Originally posted by C Elegans I love life. I love reality although it' s ugly, depressing, unfair, cruel. I believe in working towards changing the world to a better place, by doing what I can do. To me it's not a struggle to stay away from the fanatasy world, since even if it's a happier world, it cannot develop, nothing can happen there. And nothing gets better, in my life or others, by me clinging to a fantasy world.

I think this is an extremely sane position.

[Der-draigen]

I said fantasy, for the following reasons (mostly referring to gaming):

1.) If you die, you can get resurrected countless times!

2.) You get to choose and assign attributes to yourself. For example, I'd like to have a modest Strength score of, say, 12 or 13, rather than the meagre 8 I have now.

3.) You get plotlines and storylines to follow; assigned quests let you know exactly what you have to do. Whereas in real life, I at least have tended to spend my entire life wandering aimlessly, without a clue of what I should do.

4.) In the fantasy world you can gain a real sense of making the world safe, by rescuing the innocent, mashing monsters, and making sure good people get into positions of authority. Whereas in real life, the only way most folks have of really trying to change anything is to vote the bad guys out of office; and then more bad guys just end up coming in to replace them anyway.

5.) One word: SPELLS!!

6.) In fantasy (gaming), you get a choice of responses to give people. You're not left fumbling for words or regretting having said certain things. (And if you do regret them, you can always re-load!)

7.) You can take control of your financial assets by downloading one of the "keepers" and giving yourself loads and loads of cash!!

8.) Via the nifty "custom portrait" feature, you can even assign yourself the look you've always wanted!

9.) Just imagine how cool it would be to have a name like "Indrahal". And infravision!!

10.) You could be an inch away from death, but one good night's rest in a fancy hotel room and you'll be good as new in the morning!

But perhaps the number one reason to prefer fantasy over the mundane world...

It gives us inspiration to make our real lives better

[Weasel]

In the play world, my goals will be without any reason...

[Nightmare]

I said fantasy, but I think a bit of both is what I'd really want...

If I wanted fantasy all the time, I'd be a stoner.

[Beldin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Nightmare I'd be a stoner.

I fail to see the problem ..... .....

I LIKE my own personal world... Reality is SOOOO depressing....most of the time...

No worries,

Beldin

[Tom]

Quote:

Originally posted by C Elegans I love life. I love reality although it' s ugly, depressing, unfair, cruel. I believe in working towards changing the world to a better place, by doing what I can do. To me it's not a struggle to stay away from the fanatasy world, since even if it's a happier world, it cannot develop, nothing can happen there. And nothing gets better, in my life or others, by me clinging to a fantasy world.

Quote:

Originally posted by fable I think this is an extremely sane position.

So she fooled you as well - I guess she has had years of practice - but still I am surprised. She is mad MAD I tell you. She is giving you drugs that blur your ability to distinguish reality from fantasy – just look at IN.
But I can tell the difference, I take my little pink pills and wear my foil hat that protect me from NSA mind control beams.
That is how I can tell difference between fantasy and reality. As to the question which one I prefer; I think that is irrelevant. I would rather know the truth and be unhappy than living a fools dream.
Best wishes from the other animals in the Hundred Acre wood.

[C Elegans]

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom So she fooled you as well - I guess she has had years of practice - but still I am surprised. She is mad MAD I tell you.

Bah, you just watch what you say or I'll come after you with the Brain Extraction Tool I got from my colleagues at Rigshospitalet
!

[Gruntboy]

If I pinch it and it slaps me, its real. If not, it must be fantasy.

[Beldin]

Quote:

Originally posted by Gruntboy If I pinch it and it slaps me, its real. If not, it must be fantasy.

http://gamebanshee.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://gamebanshee.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://gamebanshee.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Good one !


No worries,

Beldin

[Tom]

Quote:

Originally posted by C Elegans Bah, you just watch what you say or I'll come after you with the Brain Extraction Tool I got from my colleagues at Rigshospitalet !

Waaay ahead of you baby. You are too late - once again I foil your clever plans.

[C Elegans]

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Waaay ahead of you baby. You are too late - once again I foil your clever plans.

I'll bring it to London in May Looking forward to see you!

[frogus]

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I found sex with Aerie rather unfulfilling