“Conversation is a lost art, and by showing respect to others, to yourself, people can be free to share ideas without fear of violence.”
I had a Wonderful conversation with The Reverend the other day at the National Memorial Cemetery here in Phoenix, Arizona.
One of the most critical topics encapsulated free thought, learning that, and the subsequent disappointment in society that is increasingly incapable of, or at least incredibly unwilling to do.
I credited then, and even now, my worthless jackass parents for pushing me towards free thought, to forming my views and opinions on ideas. I did the opposite of what they did.
And that spurred a lifelong pursuit of ideals outside of the norms based on the research and internalization of feelings that I was able to create. And it’s funny where these things came from.
First and foremost, and likely most importantly, music. So much great musical impressions between 1986 – 1996. So many great releases say every generation of their heyday. Not a lot of people can say that.
Typically it takes some spark and internalization (used that 2x now) of what is important to them. Something that makes them, well, their ID. Learning is essential; can you embrace it. Should embrace it.
During that time period, I experienced (in no specific order):
What I learned from this is the most important thing …. “Think for yourself, you dumbass.” If you can’t do that and are not willing to do the research, then you are just another drone parroting the latest in echo chamber greatness that sounds like moronic and incoherent chattering.
If you go along with the norm if you think that the headlines of the news you read are accurate and trustworthy if you accept the lies and bullshit that society and media are trying to feed you, if you believe without verification…
You aren’t thinking. You aren’t opening your mind. You are entirely closing your world off. Either people don’t know better or are too stupid to see they do it.
It is so fucking lame and sad and disheartening and just … just pathetic.
The whole point of my post is this … Think for yourself. Do your research. Investigate what you are told. Be skeptical. Use multiple sources. Be a fucking old-school journalist. And the most important of all things, have a conversation. All you need is just a conversation.
No need to be upset about anything. Just have a pleasant, smooth conversation. Listen, absorb, adapt, and ask questions as you’d do so to the kindest of friends.
“Conversation is a lost art, and by showing respect to others, to yourself, people can be free to share ideas without fear of violence.”
The Reverend and I had a great conversation this day, out in nature, on what was a beautiful morning. What made it even more special, perhaps more remarkable, was a fact that we both know to be true.
We’ve had dozens of great chats out in nature, having breakfast, having lunch, and in the kitty ER while I’m freaking out. That’s happened twice, oddly enough. Or, sadly, not sure how to spin that one.
How do you develop a relationship with another human? It’s simple. Follow the most basic rule, something that The Reverend and I discuss in an almost daily ritual … Be Excellent to Each Other.
If you’ve never seen it, watch it. Go now! Nownownownownownow. If you’ve seen it, watch it again. It’s one of the least worst things you can do with your time. And maybe you can open your mind to the core tenant of being a good human. For fuck sake, we need more good humans!
It’s now; now it’s time to put on my thinking cap and question reality.
