Accepting judgement

  It's a subject I have touched upon in the past, this feeling like we know someone, even though we haven't interacted with them for years. It is something that became far more prevalent with the rise of social media. I have connected with old classmates and acquaintances, but it wasn't a reconnection. I say that because for the majority, I was never connected to them in the first place. It is similar to claiming a heritage. That's also become quite the popular thing in recent years. I come from German stock but I'm not German in any way. My only claim to a heritage is what I received from my parents. They were both just your average American people, the everyday folk that make up America. That's my heritage. 

 You hear a lot about people on their journey. That's a common enough thing these days, on my journey. You could say it that way but a journey implies a destination. Just what is your destination? Does your journey end here on earth or does it continue elsewhere? 

 There are plenty of roads you can take. Roads define the destination. Those that I had knowledge of in the past have taken a different road than myself. Yes, a different journey. That doesn't necessarily indicate they took the wrong road, just a different one. The same can be said for myself, I'm no different than anyone else, in that regard. I think perhaps the real difference is in the stops along the way. Are you drawn to every attraction along the roadside, or are you fixed upon the destination? I have a tendency to move along and not linger in any one place for a long period of time. I don't grab at every shiny thing along the way. Steadfast, that is how I like to think of myself. Someone you can count on when the road gets rough. 

 If you are looking for a person that will agree with you in everything you do or say, don't look here. If I believe you are doing something wrong, I will tell you, repeatedly. The truth never changes, morality isn't a conditional thing, and honesty is the most important thing. I won't lie to you, I will tell you the truth. And yes, if I say it is the truth, I believe that to be the truth, and won't change my truth to suit yours. Steadfast. Some call that stubborn. The words are not synonyms however. It is all a matter of perception, and your gut feeling. I do attempt to exercise discretion. That's a judgement call. Yes, I exercise my judgement all the time, some calling me judgmental. I'd rather be that than indecisive or pandering. Pandering is a form of deceit. 

 My perception is that many have just decided to grab at all the shiny objects along the way. Their objective is just in being current and popular. Willing to change their opinions, their truths and their morality at the drop of a hat. The safety of the crowd is what defines those folks. Indeed the message being sent on social media and elsewhere is one of fear. You should be afraid, very afraid of everything and anything. Your only hope lies in following the narrative, completely, without thought or trepidation, just do as you are instructed! Don't worry, there are medications for any anxiety you may experience. Better living through pharmaceuticals. 

 For those folks, acceptance is the most important thing. Don't rock the boat! They are happy as long as they remain convinced that others like them. In order to accomplish that they are willing to surrender their beliefs, their morality, and their best judgement. In fact, it is that lack of judgement that precipitates that very compulsion. The removal of judgement breeds chaos. You shouldn't fear judgement, quite the opposite in fact, you should embrace that. 

 

"Science is a first-rate piece of furniture for a man's upper chamber, if he has common sense on the ground-floor. But if a man hasn't got plenty of good common sense, the more science he has, the worse for his patient." ( Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. )