On understanding...
On understanding... life.
You may have heard the saying, "Opinions are like ***holes. Everyone has one and they all stink." Everyone has opinions about everything. Likes and dislikes. Strong and adamant opinions. Opinions that people will argue over.
I'm going to make this quick, but it is important. There are many people who don't share our same beliefs. They live different lifestyles. Hold different opinions, and etc. The problem we have is one of understanding. Way too often, people get into arguements or debates over different ideals or principles. Rather than on seeking an understanding. Or often we judge others, based on appearance, acts, etc - rather than understanding that there is a REASON people act the way that they do.
Politics are a prime example of this. Turn the news on to shows like Crossfire, where people--republicans and democrats--are pitted against each other. ARGUING. While maybe only one person wins the argument, both are losers. We are seeking to be right, rather than discussing and seeking to understand each other and the underlying concerns of our nation.
So encourage anyone reading this, to take a step back from your "ideas" and "beliefs" about life, and seek to UNDERSTAND. Discussion is key to understanding, and unfortunately there isn't enough of this in college or anywhere in life it seems. Discussing ideas. Getting to the root or essence of problems, ideas, life.
So don't argue from position or stance or belief, but SEEK TO UNDERSTAND. Don't get defensive. Understand your neighbor, understand the Iraqis, understand the people who hate Americans (the american government).
One of the biggest problems that faces our lives is one of understanding.
You may have heard the saying, "Opinions are like ***holes. Everyone has one and they all stink." Everyone has opinions about everything. Likes and dislikes. Strong and adamant opinions. Opinions that people will argue over.
I'm going to make this quick, but it is important. There are many people who don't share our same beliefs. They live different lifestyles. Hold different opinions, and etc. The problem we have is one of understanding. Way too often, people get into arguements or debates over different ideals or principles. Rather than on seeking an understanding. Or often we judge others, based on appearance, acts, etc - rather than understanding that there is a REASON people act the way that they do.
Politics are a prime example of this. Turn the news on to shows like Crossfire, where people--republicans and democrats--are pitted against each other. ARGUING. While maybe only one person wins the argument, both are losers. We are seeking to be right, rather than discussing and seeking to understand each other and the underlying concerns of our nation.
So encourage anyone reading this, to take a step back from your "ideas" and "beliefs" about life, and seek to UNDERSTAND. Discussion is key to understanding, and unfortunately there isn't enough of this in college or anywhere in life it seems. Discussing ideas. Getting to the root or essence of problems, ideas, life.
So don't argue from position or stance or belief, but SEEK TO UNDERSTAND. Don't get defensive. Understand your neighbor, understand the Iraqis, understand the people who hate Americans (the american government).
One of the biggest problems that faces our lives is one of understanding.
sean,
when it comes to cable news shows, like crossfire, there is a rhyme and reason to the arguing: it promotes good ratings. wait, phone call, gotta run.. more later. Tomorrow we'll talke! :)
Posted by
MW Rice |
9:50 PM