SpaceAgeSage

I have been thinking about opposites. I know we US citizens have some polar opposite differences when it comes to how things should be done. Unfortunately, conflict, slamming, and finger pointing seem to reign as our way of dealing with issues. It is as if a number of us feel entitled to think for and judge others because we have something in this country called free speech.

Did you know the first penny authorized by the Continental Congress of the United States 1787 had this motto on it, “MIND YOUR BUSINESS” and that the coin’s designer is assumed to be Benjamin Franklin? There is uncertainty if the words really mean mind your own business or not, but either way, the idea is still keeping the mind on our own stuff and not the stuff of others.

So to my list of opposites. I think you can see the side I view as the Benjamin Franklin one and which also tends to light the candle instead of curse the darkness:

• Tolerance is good for us all. vs. I choose to live my own beliefs in meaningful and fulfilling ways.

• Politics as usual. vs. I will make a difference in my community right now.

• Defensiveness vs. Being comfortable in my own skin

• I’m gonna nail them with this! vs. I opt to use statesmanship in my dealings with others.

• Self-expression is my right! vs. I plan to use measured speech dotted with wisdom to raise awareness.

• We must fight this now! vs. I will pick my own battles and use my passion to make things better.

• Let’s pass a law! vs. I choose to lead by example.

• If that person would just listen to me! vs. I think I’ll focus on my own self-improvement.

• They are wrong! vs. Let’s see where the common ground is and work from there, shall we?

Tags: divisiveness, finding sagehood, opposites, political correctness