eikonabridge wrote:
In this context, "selfishness" and "autism" are antonyms. Autistic people, almost universally, lack strong sense of self. It's a direct consequence, and typical characteristic, of autism.
Take a look at the case of Bob Dylan or Grigori Perelman. Bob Dylan, when given the Nobel Prize, disappeared for two whole weeks. He dragged his feet to provide the required lecture. Everyone else provided their lecture in person. Bob Dylan sent it in with a video upload, barely 6 days before the final deadline. Grigori Perelman was awarded the 1-million dollar Millenium Prize, plus the Fields' Medal (equivalent to Nobel Prize in math). He declined both, and preferred to be poor and live in a tiny apartment with his mom.
Like racism, selfishness can be taught or acquired. So don't be surprised to see some selfish autistic people. But on a "statistical basis," those cases should be rare.
Even though I would agree with most of your comment, I am still unconvinced by the scientific objectivity of the emphasised sentence (in bold), finding it rather subjective, and therefore less suited to bear the generalising tone. Stating that autistics "lack strong sense of self", followed by two examples which cannot be undoubtedly endowed to become support for the statement, seems to at least partially justify my disagreement.
If you could please elaborate for clarity, I'd be very thankful.
All the best.
You can also google for "talking in third person" and "autism". Diminished sense of self in autistic people is well-known.
26 Aug 2017, 6:41 pm
