RoR: Forum

Forum : Article Discussions : Lessons Learned, Lessons Forgotten

Tuesday
July 26, 2005

Lessons Learned, Lessons Forgotten by George W. Cordero

In the years that lie ahead of us, the topic of nuclear proliferation by Islamic theocracies will increasingly dominate the news. Voices from all sides of the political spectrum will lend their expert advice on the issue. The loudest voice that you will hear is the ever-present voice of appeasement and pacifism: the voice of the guilt-ridden and self-hating Western nations. (Read more...)
Discuss this Article (134 messages)

Post 120

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 1:30pm

Link

Edit

If you took this seriously you'd have to conclude that no one is ever to blame for bad manners or verbal cruelty because it's always the fault of the person on the receiving end.

How can one be accused of "verbal cruelty" on an internet forum?

Do you think bad manners or verbal cruelty should be eligible for prosecution in civil law suits? I can imagine it will become the next big fad in the US ;-)

Post 121

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 1:44pm

Link

Edit

"Do you think bad manners or verbal cruelty should be eligible for prosecution in civil law suits? I can imagine it will become the next big fad in the US ;-)"

Heh, maybe not prosecution...but it may earn someone an asskicking in some neighborhoods.

"Take what you want, and pay for it."

Post 122

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 1:50pm

Link

Edit

I'd be in trouble if it were.

Post 123

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:15pm

Link

Edit

Heh, maybe not prosecution...but it may earn someone an asskicking in some neighborhoods.

I see Joe, bad manners are best met with violence. How, um, civil of you ;-)

I'd be in trouble if it were.

Some pubs in England use to have a "swear box". Everytime you swore you would have to put a coin in the box.

Post 124

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:25pm

Link

Edit

Did I say I was doing the asskicking, Marcus? If I had a dime for every shiner I got from mouthing off...

No, Marcus, I do not approve of violence for being insulted. But it doesn't mean it doesn't happen, and it doesn't mean it isn't deserved from time to time.

As for the insulting person not being responsible for the damage done by insults, bull. I've read the Albert Ellis books, I've read the EST material, and I've heard sticks and stone may break my bones as well. And yes, the reciever of the insults can determine how those insults will be recieved. But let's not relieve the insulter of responsibility.

Else people here would have no right to defend Linz's poor feelings when an article is posted about him.

The people who like to claim that they are not responsible for another's response of their insults are looking for the sanction of the victim.
(Edited by Joe Maurone
on 8/03, 2:31pm)

(Edited by Joe Maurone
on 8/03, 2:43pm)

(Edited by Joe Maurone
on 8/03, 2:44pm)

Post 125

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:36pm

Link

Edit

Peter Reidy writes:("No one can make you feel bad without your consent.")
Isn't this quote an answer to the original sin? :)
CD

(Edited by Ciro D'Agostino on 8/03, 2:38pm)

Post 126

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:54pm

Link

Edit

I'm not sure what you're saying, but I think you're pointing out that no one can make you accept a belief without your active assent. That's true, but beliefs and feelings are quite different sorts of objects, and this is one of the differences between them.

Peter

Post 127

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 3:01pm

Link

Edit

You're right, Peter; otherwise, would Ayn Rand have smacked Nathaniel Branden quite so hard?

Post 128

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:37pm

Link

Edit

You're right, Peter; otherwise, would Ayn Rand have smacked Nathaniel Branden quite so hard?

Come on Joe. The smack was a metaphysical imperative. Do keep up! ;-)

I think being insulted obviously does depend on the words or actions of someone else - if and only if - that person mean't to insult you.

If the insult was made by someone unintentionally - once you realize that fact - you are responsible for it yourself.

Post 129

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:55pm

Link

Edit

Well, at least we agree on that.

Post 130

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 6:58pm

Link

Edit

Peter,

If you took this seriously you'd have to conclude that no one is ever to blame for bad manners or verbal cruelty because it's always the fault of the person on the receiving end.

Those who are verbally cruel or ill-mannered should be called on their behavior. But why would a rational person accept unearned guilt, by feeling 'hurt'?

Post 131

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 10:01pm

Link

Edit

"Else people here would have no right to defend Linz's poor feelings when an article is posted about him."

Actually, I've heard he and his NZ drinking friends all had a good laugh when it (and the many outraged posts) came through.

Post 132

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 10:08pm

Link

Edit

Heh, I'd imagine he would.

Post 133

Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 6:14am

Link

Edit

Those who are verbally cruel or ill-mannered should be called on their behavior. But why would a rational person accept unearned guilt, by feeling 'hurt'?

That's correct Robert. There are two different issues being combined into one here.

One is the issue of who's fault is the insult?
(That I have already addressed above).

But the other is, what should the appropriate response be?

I agree, that to carry a chip on one's shoulder about it or feel bitter and hurt - does in fact stem from yourself.

No, that doesn't mean turn the other cheek when insulted, by all means chastise the other person when appropriate.

But also important is to let it pass and get over it!