Elie Wiesel told a small group of us one evening in 1980, "If you want to know what evil is, put a face on it." I think we might be able to say something similar about what goodness is, put a face on it. When we identify the behaviors of the vicious versus the virtuous, we can take names and kick arss.
This is both excellent, like most everything you write (some are excellent but more on the fun side ;) ), and useful. Sometimes we know where we want to go but the path isn't clear. It's a lesson on character and values and gives clarity around what's needed to become a good person. Because of that, it's something important, and I plan on sharing this with our son. One regret that I have is not paying full attention in school, not participating more. I got by on my talents. I would put in minimal effort, get my B+, and on to the next thing. Only in college did I start caring about learning and doing the work, not to get a better grade but because I wanted to. Thank you for this. It's one of those lessons that can and should be revisited.
Somebody on FB criticized a recent post of yours with the statement, "Well, so much for the tolerant left."
The mistake he makes is that tolerance is not a virtue. Neither is it a talent. It is a social contract governing behavior. And when bigots, racists, misogynists, anti-abortionists, "Christian" nationalists, trump supporters, MAGA liars, and other ne'er-do-wells violate the terms of that social contract, they are no longer entitled to the protections that the social contract of tolerance implies.
Kit, this essay is profoundly beautiful and surgical in such needful ways. Thank you for being such a wise, wonderfully outspoken mentor, and writer with such poignant expertise!!
Indeed!! I sigh as I recall learning experiences throughout my life, lessons encountered and traversed without anyone else's actual guidance, concern, conscience, or beautifully delivered wisdom.
Kit, gratitude good Sir, for graciously paving a path for so many of us to continue the journey of learning and discernment. You are much appreciated!!!
Thanks so much for this one! Once again, I will be keeping this at the ready to help when I get involved in discussions about these topics.
Elie Wiesel told a small group of us one evening in 1980, "If you want to know what evil is, put a face on it." I think we might be able to say something similar about what goodness is, put a face on it. When we identify the behaviors of the vicious versus the virtuous, we can take names and kick arss.
This is both excellent, like most everything you write (some are excellent but more on the fun side ;) ), and useful. Sometimes we know where we want to go but the path isn't clear. It's a lesson on character and values and gives clarity around what's needed to become a good person. Because of that, it's something important, and I plan on sharing this with our son. One regret that I have is not paying full attention in school, not participating more. I got by on my talents. I would put in minimal effort, get my B+, and on to the next thing. Only in college did I start caring about learning and doing the work, not to get a better grade but because I wanted to. Thank you for this. It's one of those lessons that can and should be revisited.
Somebody on FB criticized a recent post of yours with the statement, "Well, so much for the tolerant left."
The mistake he makes is that tolerance is not a virtue. Neither is it a talent. It is a social contract governing behavior. And when bigots, racists, misogynists, anti-abortionists, "Christian" nationalists, trump supporters, MAGA liars, and other ne'er-do-wells violate the terms of that social contract, they are no longer entitled to the protections that the social contract of tolerance implies.
Well if you're gonna quote Nietzsche, I'll just have to be happy about that.
Another valuable essay. Thanks for sharing.
Kit, this essay is profoundly beautiful and surgical in such needful ways. Thank you for being such a wise, wonderfully outspoken mentor, and writer with such poignant expertise!!
I thought I might put some complicated stuff into an easily referenced format. I'm glad it was useful.
Indeed!! I sigh as I recall learning experiences throughout my life, lessons encountered and traversed without anyone else's actual guidance, concern, conscience, or beautifully delivered wisdom.
Kit, gratitude good Sir, for graciously paving a path for so many of us to continue the journey of learning and discernment. You are much appreciated!!!