Voldemort Is Weird, The Psychology of Nuclear Weapons & In Bruges

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Muhsin’s Kebab Club

Random Thoughts: Voldemort Is Just A Weird Guy 🤯

Can we acknowledge that it's unnatural for a grown man to be obsessed with killing a 14-year-old boy? We accepted it as a legitimate battle, but at its very core, the story is about a petty man who has dedicated his life to murdering a boy. Strange guy. Imagine being Voldemort's wife...." babe lets go out this weekend, do something nice", "I can't I have to haunt harry in his dreams"..." honey, this is ruining our marriage."

Also, a quick trip to Turkey could change Voldemort's perspective on life. A cheeky rhinoplasty to fix his nose eroded by hatred for children. Some new teeth. If it's good enough for Gary from Essex, it's good enough for the dark lord. And while we are at it, a new hairline. That egg-shaped head would turn any man murderous.

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Science Corner: The Psychology of Nuclear Weapons and Mutually Assured Destruction

Nuclear weapons are often seen as humanity's ultimate threat. They're symbols of power but also peril, and their psychological impact extends far beyond the threat of physical destruction. At the core of nuclear strategy is a concept known as "mutually assured destruction" (MAD). This paradox has shaped international relations and the psychology of power since the Cold War.

The Power and Fear of Nuclear Weapons

For nations that possess them, nuclear weapons represent the ultimate deterrent—an assurance that others will think twice before attacking. This deterrent effect, however, comes from an unsettling place: the knowledge that any conflict involving nuclear weapons could destroy both the attacker and the defender. The mere possession of these weapons is psychologically powerful, allowing countries to project strength without direct conflict. But, with that power comes fear—not only of foreign threats but of mistakes, accidents, or irrational decisions that could unleash unprecedented devastation.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

MAD is a strategic doctrine that says if one nuclear-armed country launches a strike, the other will retaliate with equal or greater force, leading to the destruction of both. This creates a standoff where neither side wants to strike first, knowing it would also mean their own destruction. Ironically, the fear of mutual destruction has contributed to peace among nuclear states—an uncomfortable peace resting on the threat of catastrophic retaliation.

Why Do We Accept MAD?

MAD relies on the psychological principle of deterrence: the knowledge of a severe consequence that discourages any action that would lead to it. On an individual level, people experience a similar psychological effect when faced with extreme outcomes, like severe punishment deterring crime. In the nuclear context, MAD raises this globally, tapping into deep survival instincts. The fear of total annihilation, paradoxically, keeps nuclear powers in check and has prevented direct conflicts.

Cognitive Biases and the Nuclear Threat

However, MAD is not foolproof. Cognitive biases—like overconfidence or groupthink—can still lead to risky behaviour. Leaders under pressure may overestimate their control over situations or misinterpret the intentions of other nations. The "availability heuristic," where recent or vivid images (like past conflicts or nuclear tests) stay sharp in people's minds, can also heighten fear, driving countries to make aggressive moves in the name of "preparation." These biases remind us that human psychology adds a layer of unpredictability to the doctrine.

The Double-Edged Sword of Safety

While nuclear deterrence has prevented large-scale wars between nuclear powers, it's also left humanity living with an underlying existential dread—a lingering anxiety that, despite every safeguard, one mistake could lead to destruction. This awareness has sparked political and psychological movements toward disarmament, aiming to reduce this threat. People are often caught between feeling protected by nuclear arsenals and perpetually under their shadow.

Conclusion

The psychology of nuclear weapons is one of the paradoxes: power tempered by fear, security built on the threat of mutual destruction, and peace maintained through the threat of violence. While MAD has been effective in preventing nuclear war, it also underscores our responsibility to manage these weapons carefully and consider the psychological weight they impose on humanity.

Muhsin’s Fav Content This Week

I highly recommend the film In Bruges. It's a dark comedy about two hitmen hiding in Bruges's quiet, fairytale-like city after a job goes wrong. The story is layered with phenomenal comedic writing that balances wit with gritty realism. There's no real "good guy" here—both main characters are deeply flawed, and the plot spirals into increasingly absurd conflicts that reveal their callousness and moral ambiguity. The humour doesn't just entertain; it sharpens the characters' flaws and captures their struggles surprisingly poignantly.

And that’s it for the Kebab Club this week

Maybe a smile crept across your face, or a stray thought decided to take up residence in the back of your mind. Perhaps, just perhaps, these words provided a delightful escape from the relentless march of chores that seem determined to overwhelm you.

Your’s truly

Mushin