I have a hard time myself with the "Bob the crane man" of this world. History has plenty of advice for us to follow if we choose to...".Burning/banning books" lessons from the past can point the way to our downfall if we allow it to continue. There are ways to keep that from happening but getting in the face of "Bob the crane man" probably won't be constructive. We have people running for the school board right now that want to take us down that path so pay attention to who you vote for in this August election.
People, such as Bob, are uncomfortable with questioning their own life choices and values. They feel disempowered and ostracized in a growing and complex society where certain media and 'church" sources send a message that confirms their fears, biases or edicts/"truths" that tells them questioning a policy or faith is sure to lead to "hell". This is scarry stuff. Those media outlets and "churches" understand that the Bobs in this world are uncomfortable with change and spew nonsense to confirm their biases.
The Bobs in this country have the power of choice, the power to educate themselves, the power to run for office, the power to volunteer and see the multiple needs and choices one has to make coming with policies and budgets. In short, life is messy and complicated and wishing it would go away is wishful thinking. Significantly, questioning one's premises, beliefs or faith requires a commitment to reading and learning. The latter takes time and effort. The latter means the Bobs in this world have to cut back on social media, TV or other activities that are marketed to as "fun" or "relaxing" b/c they deserve a break. The price of apathy is high.
I have a hard time myself with the "Bob the crane man" of this world. History has plenty of advice for us to follow if we choose to...".Burning/banning books" lessons from the past can point the way to our downfall if we allow it to continue. There are ways to keep that from happening but getting in the face of "Bob the crane man" probably won't be constructive. We have people running for the school board right now that want to take us down that path so pay attention to who you vote for in this August election.
Excellent as usual so very thoughtful. Thanks for waking me up again.
Thank you, Andre!
Thanks for the reminder that right isn't always who shouts loudest.
Nail on the head!
Excellent Quotes!
People, such as Bob, are uncomfortable with questioning their own life choices and values. They feel disempowered and ostracized in a growing and complex society where certain media and 'church" sources send a message that confirms their fears, biases or edicts/"truths" that tells them questioning a policy or faith is sure to lead to "hell". This is scarry stuff. Those media outlets and "churches" understand that the Bobs in this world are uncomfortable with change and spew nonsense to confirm their biases.
The Bobs in this country have the power of choice, the power to educate themselves, the power to run for office, the power to volunteer and see the multiple needs and choices one has to make coming with policies and budgets. In short, life is messy and complicated and wishing it would go away is wishful thinking. Significantly, questioning one's premises, beliefs or faith requires a commitment to reading and learning. The latter takes time and effort. The latter means the Bobs in this world have to cut back on social media, TV or other activities that are marketed to as "fun" or "relaxing" b/c they deserve a break. The price of apathy is high.
The Bobs in this world have power but also need sufficient humility to self-reflect. Socrates was said to be the wisest man because he knew he knew nothing to too little. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_know_that_I_know_nothing#:~:text=Socrates%2C%20believing%20the,his%20own%20ignorance. The Bobs can aspire to be the Socrates' of this moment and inspire others to question and learn.