QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the
correct way, the only way, it does not exist."
--Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, (1844-1900) German philosopher
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Nietzsche hit upon a subject that we encounter daily. We judge actions as right or wrong. We judge people as being right on, all wet, out of touch, or something in between. We judge and are judged by some standard that is set in our's and other's minds. What standard? It is usually a standard that is based on bias and prejudice. A standard that comes from unquestioned beliefs and ignorance. A standard that breaks down as we become more accepting of differences and diversities. There are very few absolutes. According to Nietzsche, there are no absolutes. People's behavior or way of doing things that is different from ours does not mean that it is wrong. It does not mean there is only one right way. Their way may, heaven forbid, be even better than ours. Does this mean we give up our values or beliefs? On the contrary. It means that part of our values is to value the differences, to encompass them, and to welcome them into the fullness of our lives. When we do so, we then become able to receive the gift of true knowledge and growth in a way that narrow thinking does not allow.
Today, as all days, we will have opportunities to let go of our "my way is the only way" attitude and open up to understanding others. What happens then is the synergy of coming together: making something that is greater than the sum of each person's ideas. Go for it! Do it! It will be a win/win experience.
Blessings and Love,
Allen Schmeltz
Copyright © 1999 Allen F. Schmeltz. All rights reserved.
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