I am Me and You are You
Posted on 19. Nov, 2009 by Ruda in Society
Photo by Philipp Klinger
The rules and ideals we hold to be true for ourselves and the ones we seek to impose on others must mirror one another. To do otherwise is hypocrisy. To expect a certain treatment while we treat others differently is hypocrisy. When this imbalance exists, the reactions we have to rules and ideals are meaningless. A rule that is not applied to oneself and others in the same fashion ceases to be a viable rule.
To make my point more clear, I offer the following example. In my classroom building, the elevators are always quite busy. As the doors are closing, more people will often run up and open the doors to get inside. At other times, when I have been inside the elevator when this happens, I notice people grumbling about the delay this causes. This is so common that now, when a person comes in at the last minute, they will apologize as they enter. This is baffling to me. Why would a person find it necessary to apologize for exercising the right that they have to use the elevator? I asked this person why they apologized, and they told me that it was because people have complained in the past. I have been using these elevators for over 2 years, and I know that most people have rushed in at the last minute at some point in the course of their schooling here. The same people who complain about late comers have most likely been in the same situation themselves.
Why complain about someone else doing a thing that we ourselves will do in the same situation? These hypocritical complainers must view their actions as being excusable because it serves their own interest. But the actions of the other person are not excusable, because it hinders their own interests. This practice of taking whatever actions benefit ourselves most creates countless inconsistencies. To me it is ridiculous to expect to be treated differently than how we treat others. If everyone were to live in this way, society would cease to function. This same sort of thinking applies to many other everyday situations. Cutting people off in traffic and getting angry when cut off. Taking to long in a line and complaining of others who do the same. Why can we not think that maybe they are in the same situation we were in when we did the same?
We cannot elevate ourselves above everyone else in how we apply our principles. If we live by ideals meant to rule only ourselves, then they are not ideals at all, but simply living in a self-serving manner. If we can notice and eliminate these hypocrisies, a lot of everyday annoyances and frustrations might be eliminated. Treating others as we expect to be treated. This lesson is taught since kindergarten, and yet it is one that is not remembered. I think it’s time to re-apply it.
Hello! I suppose you couldn't resist trying to catch a glimpse of the person writing all this nonsense. If you want to learn more about me, check out the "About Me" page. Self-explanatory I guess.
Adriane
Nov 19th, 2009
For various and sundry reasons, many people have cut off their ability to empathize with each other. Usually it is a behaviour learned very early on and never unlearned… it is a survival instinct and stems from what I will call the reptile brain.
It is amazing how a shift in paradigm can provide a different view-point, but that shift requires a willingness to see another’s point of view… or rather *see from* another’s point of view… wear their shoes, if you will. When we realize that We are One, perhaps the dysfunction apparent in every pocket of humanity will once again find its proper flow. Shifting from the Head to the Heart is a good place to start.
Namasté,
Adriane
dren
Nov 20th, 2009
I think this is common in our NOW society because and many people have lost the practice of patience. If everyone was not always in such a rush then people would maybe not be so self centered.
I think that when people to begin look at things from a spiritual point of view, they will become more heart centered. This in and of itself will definitely impart some real understanding and encourage practice of patience.