# What is Diogenes the Cynic's Condition Called **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 17, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709 "2011-02-17T16:19:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/221 "2011-02-20T14:14:41Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > :rolleyes: Do you really think speed is the issue? ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/222 "2011-02-20T14:42:18Z")
The “issue” was whether or not people are pulled over for going too slow when they are actually going the speed limit. I was skeptical that it ever happened. The web page says it rarely happens even in those ten states where it is possible, because police think it’s a waste of time. Anything else you want to argue about, any other fights you want to win, will require somebody who feels strongly about that position opposite yours. Try Craig’s List. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/223 "2011-02-20T14:47:27Z")
I always preferred the “Dio Zone” myself but hey… I know when to calls it quits. ---
**Author:** ![Cyros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a698b9/32.png) [@Cyros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyros)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/224 "2011-02-20T15:02:23Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > I am extremely skeptical that anyone is ever ticketed for going the speed limit in any lane. If they are, it would be interesting to see a hearing where the crime is obeying the signs. Well, it was not a highway but I was ticketed for going 30kph in a 40 kph zone once. It was icy and I went into a skid when following a turn in the road. I ended up crashing into a telephone pole and was charged with driving too fast for road conditions. Even though you will not be charged with speeding per se, I would suggest that most jurisdictions have a similar catch all, poor driving charge they can stick you with. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/225 "2011-02-20T15:06:45Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > The “issue” was whether or not people are pulled over for going too slow when they are actually going the speed limit. I was skeptical that it ever happened. The web page says it rarely happens even in those ten states where it is possible, because police think it’s a waste of time. Anything else you want to argue about, any other fights you want to win, will require somebody who feels strongly about that position opposite yours. Try Craig’s List. No, the issue was what do you do when someone is blocking the passing lane. Also, getting off track, your post seemed to indicate that you’re against speeders more so than people not following courteous driving behavior. That is really what it’s about: courteous behavior. If someone wants to drive faster than you on the highway, it is _ **not** _ a snub at you at all. So just move over and life goes on. Again, I don’t get the attitude over her (USA) that being passed is somehow a swipe at you. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/226 "2011-02-20T15:17:51Z")
I’m not disputing that, but simply cruising along in the left lane going the speed limit in normal weather does not seem like “reckless driving.” I see plenty of reckless driving, and that’s not it. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/227 "2011-02-20T15:23:01Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > No, the issue was what do you do when someone is blocking the passing lane. Going the speed limit != “blocking the passing lane” > [@](#): > > Also, getting off track, your post seemed to indicate that you’re against speeders more so than people not following courteous driving behavior. > > That is really what it’s about: courteous behavior. If someone wants to drive faster than you on the highway, it is _ **not** _ a snub at you at all. So just move over and life goes on. Again, I don’t get the attitude over her (USA) that being passed is somehow a swipe at you. Off track, off facts, and off sensibility. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/228 "2011-02-20T15:25:04Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > I’m not disputing that, but simply cruising along in the left lane going the speed limit in normal weather does not seem like “reckless driving.” I see plenty of reckless driving, and that’s not it. Agreed. But if you have people queuing up behind you, then move over. I know of someone who had been pulled over and ticketed for that and have seen a few people pulled over hogging the left lane. Just be courteous: don’t hog the left lane, but also don’t tailgate if the person in front is over taking traffic slower than you wish. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/229 "2011-02-20T15:26:16Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > Going the speed limit != “blocking the passing lane” Umm… yeah, it does. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/230 "2011-02-20T15:44:08Z")
If you think as somebody going at a safe and responsible speed in front of you is being rude, blocking the lane, because you are entitled to exceed the speed limit and they have an obligation to enable you, then you may need to revisit this whole idea of courtesy and who is feeling unfairly “snubbed” or “swiped at,” vis a vis yourself and what anyone owes you and whether or not they are out to get you. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/231 "2011-02-20T15:54:15Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > If you think as somebody going at a safe and responsible speed in front of you is being rude, blocking the lane, because you are entitled to exceed the speed limit and they have an obligation to enable you, then you may need to revisit this whole idea of courtesy and who is feeling unfairly “snubbed” or “swiped at,” vis a vis yourself and what anyone owes you and whether or not they are out to get you. Out to get me? The person hogging the lane seems to think someone is out to get them by not moving over. Ever drive outside the US? Speed limits are arbitrary. So, just move over. That’s all. Piece o’ cake. 🙂 See the smiley face? He brings cake when you’re courteous and move the fuck over. (He does other things too, but I try not to think about that too much) ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/232 "2011-02-20T16:39:25Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > Out to get me? > > The person hogging the lane seems to think someone is out to get them by not moving over. Both the “hogging” of the lane and their reasons for doing so are your self-centered conclusions. Perhaps they see themselves as “driving along at the speed limit” and wonder why you can’t ease off the pedal. > [@](#): > > So, just move over. That’s all. Piece o’ cake. 🙂 Just slow down. That’s all. Piece of cake. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/233 "2011-02-20T16:54:38Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > Both the “hogging” of the lane and their reasons for doing so are your self-centered conclusions. Perhaps they see themselves as “driving along at the speed limit” and wonder why you can’t ease off the pedal. > > Just slow down. That’s all. Piece of cake. Your reasoning only makes sense if you feel entitled to hog that lane. My reasoning only makes sense if I expect that lane to be open and for people to stay right, except when needing to pass in that lane. I have assumed, over my 19 years of driving, that everyone knew that slower traffic stayed right. Perhaps you have proved my assumption wrong. Or you’re just a dick and really shitty driver. 🙂 (that’s a sad smiley) ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/234 "2011-02-20T16:59:01Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > Here is a website with traffic laws in every state: [State Traffic and Speed Laws](http://www.mit.edu/~jfc/laws.html) > > I invite you to browse that list and find that state that has a statute forbidding people to go the speed limit in any lane. Any reference I could find to impeding traffic involved going less than a posted minimum speed limit. However, I did not check all fifty states. You’re either being disingenuous or you’re just too damned stupid to live. In several of those states you can be ticketed for driving the speed limit in the left lane. Some for just camping in the left lane, some for impeding other traffic regardless of whether or not that traffic is speeding. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/235 "2011-02-20T17:10:57Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > You’re either being disingenuous or you’re just too damned stupid to live. > > In several of those states you can be ticketed for driving the speed limit in the left lane. Some for just camping in the left lane, some for impeding other traffic regardless of whether or not that traffic is speeding. You put going the speed limit on the same level as camping, but _I_ am the one being disingenuous. “It’s them, right?” - Nathan Thurm ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/236 "2011-02-20T17:15:24Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > And if I was narcissistic, I’d have a lot better self-esteem. No, you are wrong again. A fragile self-esteem is one of the symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. And several or your other posting behaviors such as the need to dominate a conversation, declaring yourself an expert and inability to admit when you are wrong suggest that you fall somewhere in the NPD spectrum. Let’s go to the Mayo Clinic. > **[Narcissistic personality disorder - Symptoms and causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662)** > > This mental disorder includes an unreasonably high sense of importance, a need for excessive admiration, fragile self-esteem, and troubled relationships. > [@](#): > > Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they’re superior to others and have little regard for other people’s feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism. And from the symptoms page: > [@](#): > > When you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful or pretentious. You often monopolize conversations. You may belittle or look down on people you perceive as inferior. You may have a sense of entitlement. And when you don’t receive the special treatment to which you feel entitled, you may become very impatient or angry. This is the answer to the OP. It is science. It is what your condition is called. ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/237 "2011-02-20T17:15:59Z")
From Wa State Patrol Sgt Gundermann this last November: > [@](#): > > Q) Doesn’t this lane-camping law, which requires you to move to the right even if you’re traveling at the speed limit, but still blocking traffic flow, simply encourage speeding? > > A) Absolutely not, Gundermann says. > > “Some people have commented that this is like troopers saying it’s OK to speed,” he says. “That’s not the point. The point is to get traffic moving smoothly. If you’re safely getting by traffic (in the center or right lane) so you can move back to the right, we’re not going to write speeding tickets for that.” and some more > [@](#): > > “Nobody likes traffic flow better than troopers,” Gundermann said. “We want traffic to move smoothly. If we can see that you’re trying to assist with that, you’re probably not going to get stopped.” There’s always the big “however,” however: If you do it in an unsafe manner, at a ridiculous speed, obviously you’re risking a ticket. and some more > [@](#): > > Q) What about enforcement? The ratio of tickets-per-pullover cited in the column, less than 10 percent, seems awfully low. > > A) Gundermann says it’s very possible many of the drivers pulled over for a left-lane violation were, in fact, cited for something else, or even arrested. Lane violations, for example, are often the cause cited by troopers to pull over an erratic driver who might then be arrested for suspicion of DUI or another offense. You can’t assume that all those 10,000 drivers pulled over for a left-lane violation this year were simply let off the hook. > > Beyond that, one of the WSP’s most important roles is education, he says. Often, a driver pulled over for lane blocking might be a safe driver and good citizen who simply was not aware of the law. In those cases, troopers often decide that a stern warning is good enough. Plus there is this exchange: Q) Sure you may be a representative from the Wa State Patrol, but SDMB posters **Dio** and **tnetennba** claim to have better and more knowledge about this topic than you do. A) Gundermann says: “Well, both **Dio** and **tnetennba** have knowledge beyond what most people do. They are tuned into an untapped reservoir of information that our databases wish they had access to. So, if either of those two posters is telling you something other than what I have to say, you should probably believe them as my credibility is merely tied to the fact that I work with this stuff day in and day out, which can be limiting” ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/238 "2011-02-20T17:32:20Z")
It’s not just in the U.S. About a year ago, I was driving on the Ayalon Freeway through Tel Aviv. I was in the left lane, I was driving the limit, with no cars to the right of me and none behind me. Suddenly a cop car mosied up, flicked on his loudspeaker and said, “Move to the right.” I did, with the traditional “sorry, officer” sheepish little wave. He was completely in the right. I had no business being in the left lane. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/239 "2011-02-20T17:34:43Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > No, you are wrong again. A fragile self-esteem is one of the symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I don’t have a fragile self-esteem, nor do I have any other characteristics of NPD Nice try, but a swing and a miss. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709/240 "2011-02-20T17:41:01Z")
I do keep right unless I am passing. I’ll repeat that. I keep right unless I am passing. My wife will get in the left lane and coast at the speed limit. I prod her to get right. I can simultaneously believe that slower traffic keeps right and that you are not entitled to speed. Both are actually just complying with the law and reasonable courteous behavior. Your idea of courtesy is what other people ought to do to accommodate you, not what you owe them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-diogenes-the-cynics-condition-called/571709.md?page=13)