Pavlov!
A few months ago, I realized that my regular alarm clock was not doing the job. Whether it didn't wake me up, or it woke me up just enough to turn it off without gaining consciousness, or it just plain didn't work, it had to be replaced. So I started using my cell phone, and set the alarm to vibrate/ring, so it'll buzz for a few seconds before ringing. It works about 97% of the time. So what's the problem, you ask?
I now get depressed when my phone rings. That's right, I've conditioned myself to hate the buzzing sound of a vibrating phone. It's terrible - if my phone is on a table or something and it goes off, I actually feel this wave of doom pass over me. It doesn't last very long, but it's still pretty awful. And also pretty funny.
But this got me to thinking - how else can I condition myself? Or, why doesn't this work for more (positive) things. For instance, I've fallen asleep just about every time I've tried to read for government. So why don't I get happy when I pick up Rousseau? Shouldn't the conditioning apply?
Or, if I listen to music while I read, will I eventually grow to hate it or fall asleep when I hear it? Has anybody seen Clockwork Orange? Yeah, it would be something like that. Tragic, and at least slightly disturbing, I have to say. So no Ludwig Van for me, thanks.
posted by John @ 12:22 PM
5 Comments:
When not being used as an alarm clock, turn the phone to Ring only, no vibrate. Then the two events, being woken up, and receiving a phone call, will be completely different.
Duhhh, I thought of that already. But I need to leave it on vibrate becaue if I don't it's bound to ring in class or in the movies or something. And who wants that?
Clockwork Orange gives me the heebie jeebies.
-Rach
First of all, who says that?
Second- Honestly Jesse, do you expect me to remember to turn my phone to vibrate every time I walk into a classroom or restaurant or work? No chance. Also, I tend not to hear my ring in loud places (where it is most acceptable to have it on ring), and so I'll miss a call if I don't have it on silent. I'm telling you, I've thought it all through, and I know my own limitations.
I thought if I got any comments making fun of me, they would be along the lines of comparing me to a dog. But you people chose to quasi-help me, to no avail.
By the way, because I already mentioned it, anybody who makes a dog reference is a tool, even though I left myself more than open to it. Time has expired.
Hi John, hope you have figured our how to de-condition yourself by now! You should read the book version of A Clockwork Orange, it is much more fascinating. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home