Jul
03
2008
What are opinions but thoughts of one’s own to be shared but at times best kept at heart. Those who speak too much of their own are deemed contentious but too little makes one appear detached.
Opinions formed into words have the ability to offend if not cautiously kept at bay. However, we have no claim to be annoyed if the opinion attempts to correct our wrong actions. But corrosive opinions which do little to help are better off disregarded.
Take away these opinions then, and resolve to dismiss thy judgment about an act as if it were something grievous, and thy anger is gone. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 11, No. 18
In other words, let opinions be taken away, and nobody will think themselves wronged. If nobody shall think themselves wronged, then wrongness cease to exist. The emperor-philosopher Marcus Aurelius suggested that when you feel exasperated and out of patience, be reminded that “this mortal life endures but a moment; it will not be long before we shall one and all have been laid to rest”. What a gloomy thought to carry around!
Jan
14
2008
As a human race, we seem almost indistinguishable on the cellular level. But as an individual, we are distinctive and unique with disparate characteristics. We are beings with a myriad of differences in characters, personalities, attitudes, interests, and beliefs. As individuals, we can always strive to improve our shortcomings and adapt to our ever-changing environments. We can attempt to embrace a positive outlook to life even if our minds are swarming with bleak thoughts. We are malleable creatures who have learned to accept our own and one another’s differences, or not.
Even if we have accepted that each individual or a collective group of people is unique, we are still at odds with one another. Sometimes, differing personalities, attitudes, and beliefs result in irreconcilable ideas or interests that cannot be resolved. Since I tend to hover over the middle and rarely take sides, I can relate to and identify with arising conflicts. And I always wonder what strong convictions people have that they cannot be swayed by other ideas or refuse to bend to another’s beliefs. But lately I became aware that it is these convictions that give a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and meaning to the unyielding mind.