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A new blog to contain answers to prompts |
| Prompt: "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear." George Orwell Is it easy to tell people something, about anything, that they do not want to hear? And which kinds of things do you think people wouldn't want to hear even if what is said may be the truth or to their benefit? ============= No, it isn't easy telling people negative stuff. Try telling such a thing to your own children, especially when they are teens or young adults. You can't. During those ages, people know everything. Yet, it gets better after they grow up a bit, say when they are in their fifties. Even with friends, believe me it is like walking on thin ice. This is because, mostly, people don't want to hear negative comments about themselves, their appearance, their loved ones, or things they care about. They also don't care much for any advice they didn't ask for. Possibly, that something people don't want to hear could well be the truth. This is understandable, and there are good reasons for this type of a resistance. The first one could point to that ego thing. The ego is a barrier and a defense mechanism. This is because anything that challenges self-perception, beliefs, or decisions is usually taboo. The results of pushing that ego barrier can lead to denial, rationalization, or insults. That's why I'd rather not touch anything that could scrape anyone's ego. Also, when people don't want to hear anything they don't agree with, they may not interpret any feedback or truth as it's intended...even if they trust my best intensions. They may simply misunderstand my words or tone of voice or my speech. Still speaking for myself, I have an inbuilt aversion to confrontation, and I don't like much to be rejected or misunderstood, and neither do I like to turn my good relationships into stinky ones. I also don't like to say something that would trigger defensiveness, anger, or hurt feelings in other people. Plus, I don't trust my own delivery at all, unless I think and plan on it ahead of time. Yet, sometimes, even if years later, the other persons may understand and appreciate anyone's effort to make things better for them. So, I guess, timing and the right words, words and ways that do not blame, as well as attitudes that show empathy and compassion do matter. In short telling anyone what they are not ready to hear is an act of courage and care. For that, sensitivity and skill is immensely needed. As to George Orwell's exact quote, I'd rather not exercise that kind of a personal liberty, unless the others' actions can lead to huge tragedies. After all, most people have very good minds to figure things out for themselves. |
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