When I have too much time on my hands I tend to get into trouble. Why not the opposite?

Question

Perhaps others go off and find the cure for cancer when they're bored but from my experience with people the majority of us either get up to no good or wallow in self pity. Nature being nature we should have equal propensity for turning spare time into positive & constructive things as much as we do negative & destructive...I think this phenomena is related to the fact that we report bad news and spread gossip more often too. Any thoughts on human nature and so called civilization? I'll give my 2 cents worth if you give yours...

Answer 1

I have to say, that as being a parent children do tend to get into more trouble when bored.  It seems to be human nature to try to receive attention.  Most people do not receive immediate attention, praise or recognition if they have done anything good or respectful, however, when they have been out of line attention is received immediately, negative that is!.

Possibly it is a learned behaviour from  chilhood, who knows, that is just my opinion.

Answer 2

There is an old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's playground."  

The point is that if there is an old saying about this, then it isn't just limited to you.  

I believe that everyone has something they want to accomplish at one time or another.  When they reach that goal they simply wait around for another one and that can be very boring.  To fill the empty time, they create drama so they will have something to do (like answer questions).  

Find something you want to do that will hold your attention and start doing it.  

There's another old saying, "The people that are rowing the boat are usually too busy to rock the boat."

Answer 3

It's because we realise that we have nothing to do, and so obviously want to do something and that generally leads to something quite extravagant, which can sometimes get you into trouble.

Answer 4

It makes so much sense.  Last night I was stuck in my office with some coworkers past work time because of a tornado warning.  We ended up gossiping about every other person that works in the office.

I also had been really busy the last couple days with work and noticed that I was just grabbing some healthy foods here and there.  When I'm off work and lounging around I stuff my face... CRAZY.