Semi-Normal

Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

I would say it depends on whether the glass is in the process of being emptied or filled.

It's much like being halfway between point A and point B. If you're going from A to B, then you're halfway to point B; if you're going from B to A, then you're halfway to A. If the glass in question is halfway through being filled up, then it's half-full. If it's halfway through being emptied, then it's half-empty.

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Tickford

Damn straight...... Im with you.... its all about where you are looking from....

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Jdoe

I've always liked this view-point:

It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full. Just as long as there is a full bottle nearby.

Jdoe

ForgottenKnight

Some people wonder if the glass is half empty or half full. I just wonder who the hell is drinking my beer!?!

I saw that on a T-shirt.

I agree that it all depends on your perspective, which is influenced greatly by the process going on that causes the glass to be half empty or half full.

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Kyo

I say the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

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onetime2

I say it should be a paper cup.

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mb99usa

Does it really matter? It just means its almost time for a refill.

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So, what's your point?

It's not an attitude, it's a way of life.

krwlz

who leaves half a glass of water to be pondered? just drink the damn thing!

Killconey

Its kinda funny reading all of these responses and taking them seriously from a philosophical standpoint. Check this out:

Kyo, you could very well be saying here that our culture has gotten too greedy and that we should simply be satisfied with what we have rather than chase after an inflated dream of everything.

mb99usa, I'm particularly fond of this response because it obviously indicates that there are times in our lives when we have to get back to our roots and realize once again why we are doing the things we are doing. During this time of personal renewal, our soul is refilled and our purpose once again becomes clear.


krwlz, you sound like the kind of person who likes to live life to the fullest with no holds barred. Why ask questions when you'll discover the answers on your own anyway? That is a bold and admirable way to live.

Man, its amazing what people come up with when they're just talking about water.

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The.Lunatic

full clip

half clip

empty clip

not half full or half empty thats self help jargen

just half.

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Lunchbox7

Whats wrong with just saying "half a glass"?

anti fishstick

nice insights kilconey :-D

it depends on the size of the glass. :P

i'd like to think i'm a pessimist trained optimistic. but sometimes my inner pessimism comes out.

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GakFace

actually its neither. I mean no one ever fills their glass to the BRIM.. and thus a full glass isn't quite to the very top. So when you fill it to the "half way mark" its not really half way. So in all technicalities, I simply cannot answer this question.

Besides.. when I get a large glass of milk.. I dont judge it by how much is in the glass, but how much just used to be in the jug... as it really drains the gallon

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Macheath

A utilitarian perspective:

Saying half full is more useful than saying half empty because then you can then in conversation specify exactly what's in it.

Saying "the glass is half full of orange juice" makes sense.

Saying "the glass is half empty of orange juice" makes less sense.

Sleepyjack

half empty makes no sense for me

i made this thread earlier if anyone wants to checkout some other respones?

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...mpty+illogical

Dilbert1234567

there is no glass

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Kyo

I could very well be saying that, but then I would go into a discussion of why the glass is in its current state of fullness/emptiness and whether we should get a refill or not.

Actually, I had a more practical meaning - efficiency. if you are only going to use half the cup, why not save yourself the effort (and the washing) and just get a smaller one. Ultimate efficiency means always using exactly what you need - no more, no less. Why design a boat that can carry 40 people if it will never carry more than 10? It's the principle that all engineers are always striving for.

krwlz

I know that I wasnt aware I said all that... Very insightful though, you pretty much hit the nail on the head.

numist_net

The philosophy of living like there is no tomorrow would dictate that it is halfway to another glass, which I've always liked.

Xell101

You fool! It is at 53%! Bah!

Shpoop

the only answer i can come up with that applies to all scenarios is this: It depends on whether or not we want to drink the water

minyn

perhaps the glass skews the actual amount that is in there. depends on the angel you look at really.

and cant we appreciate what is there? the glass has somethign in it. woo, there ya go.

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gabshu

I think it depends on the day. Today its half full

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musaicmon

If your friends are any kind of friends, the glass will be full when you next go to have a drink. But i do like your philosphy as to whether it's being emptied or filled, isgood!

Jam

i think you people are over literalising this metaphor :P

WireX

what if it is just in a state of being, if their has been no change to the fullness or emtyness of the glass, ever. Then their isn't a favoured direction, and then it is. In that sence, you must look at it as a way your mind works. If you do it without preping yourself, and see what you say.

Doesn't Matter

Wow, very good point.

Brilliance.

vonstalhein

Profound philosophical insights? Maybe it depends on if you need the toilet or not. I'm an optimist, but sometimes the best that can happen is still evidently undesirable. What if you're a nihilist, and you believe that there is no point to there being a glass in the first place, since you can drink from the tap? Anyone believe there is no purpose?

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yournamehere

Half-empty.
Cracked.
Dirty.
Full of germs.
What's the use?

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vonstalhein

Hmm...sounds like someone found a cup from Mc. Donalds.....

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John Henry

it is full: Half of water, half of air.

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Eldaire

That's what I said too!

Torinn

Something I was told seemed to answer this for me. I believe this idea, like all great ideas originally came from Bill Cosby The question isn't half full or half empty, but rather, are you the drinker or the pourer? Its a matter of perspective. If you are the pourer half is more than the drinker deserves. If you are the drinker, you would say half isn't enough. So which one are you in the situation, drinker or pourer?

dragon2fire

half a glass is better then none

what a min that loaf

o well i try

meembo

isn't it obviously both?

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