RoR: Forum

Orion, you wrote: "And rather than ask me why I have such an unusual prejudice towards the average person, I would request that you perhaps ask yourself what sort of people-creatures I have had to endure in the past, in order to have this pre-packaged frame of mind now."

I have asked myself just that, because I'm concerned for you. And I don't want the people-creatures to win by darkening your life; that's the one victory you can give them.

Clearly, you are a human being; and clearly, you have risen above your past suffering. Can't you grant to other people at least the possibility of having done the same thing, the possibility of having virtues worth discovering -- at least enough not to pre-judge them? I'm certain you don't want to pass on to others the pain you have endured. You wrote: " I regard members of the general public as most likely unpredictably volatile, indiscreetly vicious and immature, and so I handle them like I would handle plutonium: apprehensively, gingerly, and always prepared for the very worst, far beyond my darkest imaginings." Don't you think many of them sense that this is how you regard them? -- and are desperately hurt and bewildered by it. How would you feel if the people of Solo regarded you as "vicious and immature," merely because you exist.

I'm not suggesting that you can simply turn off your attitude like a faucet. It has causes. I am suggesting that you give it serious thought. Surely you're not the only exception on the face of the earth, surrounded by wild beasts.

Barbara

Post 21

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 7:43am

Ms. Branden,

Thanks for taking the time to give me that feedback... And yes, I do believe that virtue does exist in the world outside of me. The reason that I like SOLO so much is that I regard the people here as peers, and not as "wild beasts". If I didn't feel that way, I wouldn't frequent this place as much as I do.

Almost always, SOLOists are always willing to take the time to take what is said and thought sincerely, and treat it as something important to be checked for validity. That is, to me, the most important form of caring and kindness. Checking premises and correcting logic are regarded as sacred trusts at this site, and that's why I'm here, because I feel the same way, too. And in response to your wondering how I would feel if I were shunned by SOLOists, then considering the level of regard I hold many of them in with regard to the soundness of their judgment, I would honestly have to reassess myself.

And my decision to regard someone as "vicious and immature" is not simply based on the fact that they exist -- because everyone has a right to exist -- but rather whether or not they are malignant, and inflicting that malignancy upon me or those that I regard as like myself. If and when that sort of thing happens, then as far as I'm concerned, the gloves are off.

(Edited by Orion Reasoner on 10/21, 7:45am)

Post 22

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 7:49pm

Orion, I try to stay away from plugging my poetry book on this message board but in this case It may be helpful. I wrote a poetry book when I was going through similar type experiences that we have been discussing. So if you want to check it out it is called:

"Dogs On Linoleum"

You can check out the premise and link to purchase the book at http://TheHumanSoul.com [yes i purchased the human soul, lol] only $15.00.

Thanks,
JML

Post 23

Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 11:06pm