A Moment of Seriousness
First, in a classic show of "me-ness", allow me to say that this is not going out to anyone in particular. At least no one who reads this dialog of drivel o' mine.
Why must we persist in the spreading of rumor? Why must we, upon hearing a tale, not only believe it without checking on the validity, but spread it out and about as well? Is this a desireable trait in people? I think not.
Secondly, and in direct relation to the last, remember that every tale has two sides. Well, in my opinion, there are actually three. There is side A, side B, and the absolute truth, unfettered by opinion, emotion, or feeling. When you hear a tale, you'll be well served to remember this. Before you keep the life of the tale alive, believe it as gospel, and pass it on, ask yourself this: Do you have all the pieces of the story? Were you there? For the whole thing? Does it benefit you to pass on this tale? Does it make you a better person to tell tales? Does it benefit anyone whatsoever? Hmmmmm?
Life is entirely too short to be spent on speculation and rumor. Too short for small minds. Too short for hate. If you dislike someone, then ignore them and move on with your life. You'll be better off for it, as will they.
Personally, I like to believe in the best of everyone. Yes, I am often disappointed, but at least I give others the chance. Believe in the worst of someone, and that is probably what you are going to get.
Okay. End seriousness.
Why must we persist in the spreading of rumor? Why must we, upon hearing a tale, not only believe it without checking on the validity, but spread it out and about as well? Is this a desireable trait in people? I think not.
Secondly, and in direct relation to the last, remember that every tale has two sides. Well, in my opinion, there are actually three. There is side A, side B, and the absolute truth, unfettered by opinion, emotion, or feeling. When you hear a tale, you'll be well served to remember this. Before you keep the life of the tale alive, believe it as gospel, and pass it on, ask yourself this: Do you have all the pieces of the story? Were you there? For the whole thing? Does it benefit you to pass on this tale? Does it make you a better person to tell tales? Does it benefit anyone whatsoever? Hmmmmm?
Life is entirely too short to be spent on speculation and rumor. Too short for small minds. Too short for hate. If you dislike someone, then ignore them and move on with your life. You'll be better off for it, as will they.
Personally, I like to believe in the best of everyone. Yes, I am often disappointed, but at least I give others the chance. Believe in the worst of someone, and that is probably what you are going to get.
Okay. End seriousness.
posted by Turtle at 12:38 AM
1 Comments:
Forgive me, but your rant reminds me of this oft emailed tale:
In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.
One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three."
"Three?"
"That's right, "Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"
"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."
"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"
"No, on the contrary...."
"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?"
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third test -- the filter of usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"
"No, not really...."
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"
The man was defeated and ashamed. This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.
It also explains why he never found out that Plato was banging his wife.
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