Indeed, you cannot control the hoi polloi, they lack simply the capacity to reflect, and change. Best you do is lead the flock by nudging it in the direction you want.
This seems to overlook the situation where your intellect helps another achieve their desired outcome. I find people very accepting of ones intellect in that case. As far as criticisms go, I think people want to know you care about them first before they are willing to hear where they may be lacking.
That makes me laugh. One time someone corrected me and said I should put my coffee cup back in the saucer at a restaurant and I am sure that they are right. But that ended our nascent relationship. Hahahah.... I guess I would have had no friends if I were in the high brow European culture. :)
Standing by and watching stupid and ignorant people lead the world to ruin doesn't seem like a good philosophy. I've often hoped to one day become confident and assertive enough to stand up to those people. In reality I'm usually too apathetic or cowardly, but I've never tried to justify my lack of action as correct.
Great explanation. Short, elegant and wise. I have a question, doesn't one risk being egoistic and arrogant by calling others fools and not giving a second thought to them? I recognise the danger of walking around thinking that you're the saviour of humanity and trying to change the world. But is there really no single situation, where pointing out the other person's opinion has a fallacy may be beneficial?
Perhaps when someone has wronged you. You might try to correct the wrongdoer, show the err's of his/her ways. If they don't listen, then bring a witness or two to also explain the facts/truth, and if that doesn't do it bring him/her in front of the public/court/church/acedemia of knowledge and explain the fact/truth, and if that doesn't do it treat him/like a nobody, ignore them. They are helpless fools. (a loose paraphrase from Mathew ch.18, verses 15~17)
Indeed, you cannot control the hoi polloi, they lack simply the capacity to reflect, and change. Best you do is lead the flock by nudging it in the direction you want.
This one is awesome!!
This seems to overlook the situation where your intellect helps another achieve their desired outcome. I find people very accepting of ones intellect in that case. As far as criticisms go, I think people want to know you care about them first before they are willing to hear where they may be lacking.
That makes me laugh. One time someone corrected me and said I should put my coffee cup back in the saucer at a restaurant and I am sure that they are right. But that ended our nascent relationship. Hahahah.... I guess I would have had no friends if I were in the high brow European culture. :)
How do you even know that you are right? Just a bit of humility. There is a time for advice too, however.
rihbolg
Standing by and watching stupid and ignorant people lead the world to ruin doesn't seem like a good philosophy. I've often hoped to one day become confident and assertive enough to stand up to those people. In reality I'm usually too apathetic or cowardly, but I've never tried to justify my lack of action as correct.
Darn it, I mess this one up after awhile. When another opining to me gets too outrageous to ignore. But I should.
Politicians aren't fools, make sure to speak and point out their foolishness imposed upon you.
Just see the bullshit and that itself avoids the imposition. Only those who believe lies suffer their impositions.
Great explanation. Short, elegant and wise. I have a question, doesn't one risk being egoistic and arrogant by calling others fools and not giving a second thought to them? I recognise the danger of walking around thinking that you're the saviour of humanity and trying to change the world. But is there really no single situation, where pointing out the other person's opinion has a fallacy may be beneficial?
Perhaps when someone has wronged you. You might try to correct the wrongdoer, show the err's of his/her ways. If they don't listen, then bring a witness or two to also explain the facts/truth, and if that doesn't do it bring him/her in front of the public/court/church/acedemia of knowledge and explain the fact/truth, and if that doesn't do it treat him/like a nobody, ignore them. They are helpless fools.
(a loose paraphrase from Mathew ch.18, verses 15~17)
overhearing fools, perhaps it's better to not eavesdrop in the first place
Most of us listen to invisible daddies in the sky and politicians. There is no hope.