Nonsense: It’s Plainly Pride

[DISCLAIMER]

I view many events through the proverbial lens of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Herein, I’ll provide a psychoeducational lesson that involves thinking and believing which is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason), or not (i.e., irrational), as it regards REBT.

Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable, and “reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. For instance, a modus ponens syllogism uses the following logical form: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.

Before I provide an example, it may be useful to know that one source states, “A theory is, in general, any hypothesis or set of ideas about something, formed in any number of ways through any sort of reasoning for any sort of reason.” Colloquially, a “theory” alludes to a mere belief.

If every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p), then every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q). Every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p). Therefore, every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q).

This proposition follows logical form; yet I argue that it isn’t reasonable, because what could be isn’t necessarily what is. Thus, I consider this syllogistic belief as that relating to irrationality. Nevertheless, I have little doubt that at least one person on this planet disagrees with my outlook.

Noteworthy, my worldview is subjective (characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind). Thus, not everyone agrees with what everybody else deems as rational or not. Irrespective of advocacy for equality, not everyone maintains the same views.

Also, a rational perspective for one person may not be considered rational by members of a group. For example, people dedicating themselves to the practice of science may fervently disagree with referring to a mere belief as a “theory.” I agree! Yet, this is my subjective view.

Regarding a type of irrationality, one source states, “Nonsense is a form of communication, via speech, writing, or any other formal logic system, that lacks any coherent meaning. In ordinary usage, nonsense is sometimes synonymous with absurdity or the ridiculous.”

For an example of nonsense, I invite you to consider that when listening to electronic dance music (EDM) DJ set by Little Vxen, I heard her spin the track “Leader of the Pack” (2024) by Mha Iri, as lyrics state, “I’m the lion in the jungle; so ambitious. I’m the leader of the pack!”

This proposition is nonsensical! For context, one source states, “Even though the lion is sometimes referred to as the ‘king of the jungle,’ lions actually only live in grasslands and plains.”

Per another source, “The African savannah is a realm where the majesty of the lion reigns supreme. These iconic big cats are known for their power and grace and their strong and unbreakable bond with their pride members. They are the only big cats that live in family units (prides).”

Given this information, let’s examine an adjusted belief associated with lyrics of “Leader of the Pack”. For this assessment, let’s use a modus ponens syllogism (if p, then q; p; therefore, q).

If lions live on the plains and within prides (p), then it’s nonsense to claim that lions dwell in the jungle or operate within a pack (q). Lions live on the plains and within prides (p). Therefore, it’s nonsense to claim that lions dwell in the jungle or operate within a pack (q).

Unlike the rational proposition I’ve outlined above, the nonsense belief expressed on the EDM track is worth disputing or dismissing, as is done when using the ABC model of REBT. It’s plainly pride that one would reject my rational perspective.

For clarity, the American Psychological Association defines pride as “a self-conscious emotion that occurs when a goal has been attained and one’s achievement has been recognized and approved by others. It differs from joy and happiness in that these emotions do not require the approval of others to be experienced.”

If one’s goal is to proudly express nonsense, then pride of this sort may be driven by irrational beliefs. For instance, “I absolutely must always be right, so I don’t care whether or not lions live in the jungle or within packs. I’ll proudly state otherwise!” That’s dumb (lacking intelligence)!

To be fair, I’m using a lighthearted approach to “Lion of the Pack”, as I understand that many people maintain ignorance (lack of knowledge, education, or awareness) regarding information addressed on the track. Nevertheless, I’ve used the content to provide a relevant lesson on REBT.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost EDM-influenced REBT psychotherapist—promoting content related to EDM, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, Designed by Magnific, fair use

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