We exist in a highly polarized political world right now, one where it often boils down to Us versus Them, or Me versus You. Every so often I get sucked into a conversation with a Fanatic who holds opposing views and - much more rarely - I try to "reason" with this person. Hoo Dog, what a waste of my time! I have no problem with trying to see an issue from a different viewpoint but where I get into trouble is when I'm engaged with someone who is discarding facts and reason to defend their beliefs. The shit people believe! There's naturally a lot of nuance in deciding whether or not a government should spend this or that amount of money on the military or social programs or health care. That makes sense. But some people refuse to open their minds to an opposing viewpoint, preferring instead to be spoon-fed dubious information that supports their point of view. I'm sure I do it to some degree but Alcoholics Anonymous has suggested that my serenity will be well serviced if I learn to pause and consider, to see if my point of view is supported with facts and reason, and - guess what? - sometimes I'm living on bullshit, too.
No way, Jose.
It reminds me of my first few years in A.A. where you could NOT tell me anything that knocked me off whatever preconceived notions I had. It was only through hard experience and repeated failures that I learned that maybe - just maybe - my way wasn't the best way. Shooting heroin and driving a car? But I'm a good driver! Drinking a twelve pack during lunch break? But I'm a great employee!
"Everything will come and go in front of you, but you will remain the same."
The Buddha
"He lived a short distance from his own body."
James Joyce
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