Irresistible

[outlier_lynn]

Have you ever had an irresistible impulse? In psychology, an irresistible impulse is a strong, spontaneous and irrational motivation to action. Every school of psychology considers this a problem in each and every case.

I don't.

We all have strong motivations for certain actions in our lives. And we consider being strongly motivated as a great asset.

We also consider spontaneity as asset. We generally associate this with our ability to have fun and our ability to adjust to rapidly changing circumstances.

If it's not "strong" or "spontaneous" that gives irresistible impulse it's bad name, the problem must be with irrational.

Here's the definition for irrational: not governed by or according to reason.

Must everything be governed by reason? Lord, I hope not! That would put the breaks on all things physically pleasurable from eating to sex. It would put the lid tightly on all things creative.

Way too much credit is given to "reason" as a source of behavior.

I say up with irresistible impulse and down with rationality. At least, sometimes. :)

Comments

[orangekiss206.livejournal.com]

I agree totally :)

though the sometimes part is the most difficult to control :)

<3

[firecat]

If it's not "strong" or "spontaneous" that gives irresistible impulse it's bad name, the problem must be with irrational.

Actually, I think it's "irresistible" that's the problem. I'm just find with strong, spontaneous motivational impulses that I can choose to follow (and I'm willing to make choices for emotional reasons as well as rational ones).

But if I really don't have a choice about the action, and especially if it's something that keeps me from doing other things I want to do, or causes harm, I'm not happy.

[bluemoonpnw.livejournal.com]

I have them.

Like the time I was driving home from shopping/errands.
The sprinklers were on in the park.
It hit and I stopped, got out and ran and played in the cool water.
A kid (around 12-14,'prolly ditching school) was dumbfounded.
As I headed back to the car, damp, cool and happy, he says,
"Are you supposed to play in the sprinklers when you're in a dress?"
"That's the great thing" I say, "I can play in them anytime I want in
whatever I'm wearing, I bought'em, I wash'em I can play in them!"
His mouth was still hanging open when I drove off.
Moon

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

If it's not "strong" or "spontaneous" that gives irresistible impulse it's bad name, the problem must be with irrational.

no, the problem is with "irresistable". :) and i personally do have a definite problem with that, while neither spontaneous nor strong nor irrational are per se an issue. i prefer choice, not being driven.