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Rob (c137)'s avatar

Great point about being able to be in any group.

I've met people of every class at wedding parties and got along with them even though we disagreed on a topic. Instead we talked about things in common. In the times there was nothing deep in common, talking bullshit about sports etc is ok too.

Build rapport with people and later on they'll listen to you.

It also helps me build my humility as I too used to think I could change minds.

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Rob D's avatar

Great point Rob (c137)! I really like what you said, "...as I too used to think I could change minds." I think we've all been there. Thanks for reading! And thanks for contributing. Always appreciate your point of view.

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AndyinBC's avatar

Thank you for the suggested addition to this winter's reading list. I even found it on several non-Amazon sites!

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Rob D's avatar

I think you will like it AndyinBC. I should have put some links up. But yes, you should be able to get it used as well. It was updated a bit (I can't remember which year), but the basic premise is the same. If you are like me, when you read it you may be saying to yourself, "wow... I had already thought about that, but just never realized that it was something I should be doing" among other revelations. I thought it was a great book and really helped me through a tough time in that despicable year(s). Thanks, as always, for stopping by!

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Fat Rabbit Iron's avatar

Yeah, I'm beginning to think that all we can do is set a good example and possibly sow the seeds of doubt in somebody's mind. Direct argument just doesn't work anymore.

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Brian Lincoln's avatar

I agree that setting an example is likely the most effective, long term action we can take today. I think about that approach with my grandchildren. Warning: do not look for immediate gratification. : )

Everyone has reasons for living the life they live. When someone lives "for the greater good" they generally have a hard time identifying specific, meaningful/logical underlying reasons for their compliance.

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The Word Herder's avatar

Rob D you speak it well. YES, indeed, I am going through very similar kinds of thinking.

And I'm finding that giving up the idea that our FEAR of what will happen-- in times like this it's so easy to be afraid of the future, especially the very near future-- and to simply allow the Great Spirit, or God, or the Divine, or the Creator, or whatever name/title/idea you may have-- just to LET GO and give ourselves to the Cause of Good and Righteous Living, ie, Freedom. FREEDOM. yeah, baby, it ain't just for breakfast anymore!

Great post!

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Rob D's avatar

Thanks Word Herder. I hope things are starting to "normalize" for you a bit. :)

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The Word Herder's avatar

They ARE indeed! I’m back to living in my car! LOL

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Rob D's avatar

Oh man. Well, I've done that in my life as well. It was better than sleeping under a bridge! (I've done that too! lol). You'll get things figured out.

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The Word Herder's avatar

Fangks, my bud feller. I refuse to fink of myself as a poohead. ;)

I only miss the comforts, butt who nose!

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Brian Lincoln's avatar

Thanks Rob. As always you inspire me to learn and/or reinforce my thinking. Found this while doing so. https://ammo.com/articles/freedom-liberty-difference-understanding-negative-vs-positive-rights

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Rob D's avatar

I like that! I haven't read it through completely, but I saved the link so I can read later. Yes! People really don't have a grasp as to the definition of freedom and liberty. They are two different things. I heard it best defined (a layman's definition) this way: A person is free to do whatever they want, but they may not be at liberty to do whatever they want. In other words, I am free to walk over right now and steal my neighbor's lawnmower, but I am *not* at liberty to do that. This whole "It's a free country" excuse used by people doing things they should *not* be "at liberty" to do drives me nuts! If it's 3 am and I am still partying and playing music so loud that my neighbors are all pissed and calling the police on me... was I really "at liberty" to do that? Or should I have used some common sense and used the freedom that I have to act more responsibly? I don't know if I'm stating it the way I understand it in my head. Yeah... we can do whatever the hell we want. But, in a truly free society, people always keep others "freedom" in mind as well. My neighbors should be free to live a life in which they aren't kept awake at 3 in the morning because I'm "exercising my freedom". Well, I may be opening up a can of worms here and I didn't mean to. I love the article and look forward to reading it more thoroughly when I get time. Thanks Brian!

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