Tao of the Day

Feb 12, 2009 10:03

For the Brave ( Read more... )

tao, carpe diem, ursula k leguin

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Comments 4

savannarama February 12 2009, 18:28:05 UTC
Yeah, I have a fundamental problem with that one too, having watched a lot of my friends destroy their lives believing that desire alone is Reason Enough.

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burgunder February 12 2009, 18:40:50 UTC
Yep. It's amazing how often I stand bewildered in front of someone, shouting, "Just do it!"

I know my life rocks for acting on and expressing my (socially appropriate ;> ) desires. The positive reinforcement is so often built in, too.

I do remember when I was afraid of No, and my life rocked a whole lot less. It's a powerful fear and motivator. But it crumbled into dust so fast when I accepted that No is OK and up to other people...

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burgunder February 12 2009, 18:42:29 UTC
(did I totally misunderstand what you were saying? I'm doubting myself as I re-read what you wrote...)

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savannarama February 12 2009, 20:25:03 UTC
Agreed. I'm saying that "Desire = A Good Reason" is simplified and dangerous; desire alone is not a good reason. Desire and Good Reasons may co-exist. It's exciting when they truly are walking hand in hand. But I've seen people invent/retcon all sorts of convoluted reasons and flimsy rationales to prop up hurting others or themselves, directly or as a totally foreseeable side effect.

Desire is a fine feeling. Acting on it is a totally different animal. I'm of the opinion that desire alone should not be imbued with respect greater than it deserves. It is a starting place.

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