Like quite a few of us, I wander periodically into the world of computer games. No, not stuff like Tetris or solitaire. I like games like Civilization. For an hour or two, I can create a fake civilization. They develop from wandering tribes to transcendent overlords of their tiny world. For me, it beats lying supine and semi-comatose after ingesting drinks or drugs as a way of dealing with stress.
Years ago, I lived with a bunch of Folkies to whom playing the drinking game Cardinals was the absolute epitome of how you wasted a Friday evening – by getting wasted. So, relieving stress by playing a game is a more healthful release.
What I admire in people is overcoming addictions. Many of us have them: we smoke, drink, overeat, or have other things that form unhealthy, compulsive parts of our lives. Having struggled against mine, I understand the challenge involved and reserve respect for people who succeed in these ultimate challenges. Others worship sports figures, athletes, politicians, or the like. While their achievements may be impressive, the person who has overcome a severe addiction is more likely to garner my admiration. It’s not just a one-time victory. It’s a steady day-to-day display of character and strength.
Carving from the collection of the Shelbourne Museum
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Nice 👌
Yes, overcoming a personal failing like smoking, drugs, compulsive behaviors is victorious! It may be less than engineering a solution that ends poverty on earth, but it is something the person can celebrate and feel good about themselves.
You are right Doug, add to that the improvements that the person has with the people they interact with and the change is even greater – it has a multiplier effect.
Me too. “What I admire in people is overcoming addictions.” I play Sim City and have since the 80s. I had Civilizations in the 90s, but the platform for which I had the (yes floppy discs) no longer existed, so…
I used to be a sim city maniac, but I haven’t liked more recent iterations. For me the original Maxis versions were the best. with Civ I think it”s all been downhill since Civ III.
The original sim city versions were fun. I play the Deluxe Edition with Cities of the Future. It’s a good way to relax and I like the fact that sooner or later things will improve in my city if not in real life. (politics)
I’ve started to back away from Civ VI it seems that everything leads to a war. I may take your tip on the deluxe version of Sim City. I’m ready for a change.
I play the Complete Edition. There are a lot of options in the direction you want to take your city. I like that. I find I make more-or-less the same city over and over. It’s environmentally clean, has a well-educated populace, and only grows so far. Clearly I work out my dreams in my cities, but I think that’s OK. The Deluxe edition is (to me) more difficult but very engaging. It’s good, too.
P.S. I had the same problem with Civilization. the last thing I want to do is go to war, even in a sim game.