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Tools: Use One or Be One

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Categories: Humor and sarcasm; Experiences and daily life; Human nature

Word count/read time: 452 words; 2 minutes

Most of us think of tools as physical objects like hammers or screwdrivers. In the broader definition it is anything that helps accomplish tasks whether building a house, writing computer programs, or using medicine for saving lives.

Imagine the shock when humans discovered we aren't the only species using them. Other primates have been doing it longer than humans have existed. Crows and other birds have eons of experience as do otters, elephants, and octopuses. While we can teach certain animals these skills, the genius of them figuring it out themselves is remarkable.

One would optimistically think that tools are created for noble deeds. History has shown that we pervert them with destructive or morally questionable uses almost immediately.

For that matter, how many tools are created exclusively for malicious purposes? Nerve gas, weaponry, malware, financial products like derivatives and options. Those are tools of control, power, oppression, and subjugation. Splitting the atom for energy? Wrong! Let's make an atomic bomb to wipe out millions at a whack and threaten every other living entity.

I'll focus on tools that help identify gold and silver. As tools and analyses advance, the non-thinkers who rely on them become less intelligent and more stupid, two different concepts entirely but intimately linked.

I can't count how many times sellers have wrongly claimed something was solid silver because their XRF machine, one of the most advanced tools for this purpose, said so. Or their silver test kit. Or their mother, grandmother, aunt, or other non-male figurehead. Did they test it right next to the silverplate hallmark?!

When you trust test results in light of incontrovertible evidence to the contrary then you have a crippling cognitive flaw that will never be fixed. Never. As in never. Forever defective. Even drugs can't cure this malady. Since this mentality permeates all areas of life, it's a wonder how some people manage!

Anyone can be victim to their own stupidity and ignorance, present company included. However, for a seller (or buyer) to not even bother to check the hallmark or do a basic internet search like we teach six-year-olds is disturbing.

Worse, the number of sellers who continue their fraud after fact-based information disproves their claims is appalling. Too dumb to search, too dumb to read, too dumb to listen, too dumb to act. But not too dumb to rip you off and lie! Arrogant, stupid fools are dangerous.

Simply, owning a fancy tool doesn't mean you know how to use it. Rulers and scales, one might think, are idiot-proof but never underestimate the inabilities of an imbecile.

Tools should only be for competent, intelligent people. When you lose control of them, they control you. You have become the proverbial tool.

Posted by M: May 23, 2025

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