Making Light:  Logic Puzzle (Open Thread 90) ::: September 08, 2007, 03:48 PM

Paula, please consider Bruce's observation from a personal point of
view, as evidenced in this open thread.  I respect and honor and thank
you for taking the hint about the really virulent rant (not that you
were solely responsible for it).  Then there was the eighteen-year-old
who I thought should be cut some slack for acting immaturely (#712).
I wanted to respond to your ideas (#723) on it--I've greatly enjoyed
some of our past conversations--but I didn't want to engage in an
argument over whether someone in stage fright can look like a bimbo,
or whether eighteen-year-olds bimbos can grow out of their bimbosity
to become thoughtful, engaged adults.

I'm glad your father lived at least a nigh-century, and I offer
sympathy for your recent loss.  But please consider whether constant
rage is a good way to live your life.  It so easily becomes a defense
against engaging with people.  You can concentrate on the your
disagreements and ignore their message, and others may find it
unpleasant enough to stop bothering with you (or if they do engage,
we end up with the virulent, unending rant that gets nowhere).
It sounds like Marshall Rosenberg's philosophy of nonviolent
communication might help.

I picked up Speak Peace in a World of Conflict to look at Rosenberg's
ideas, and I have to say I didn't get very far.  In part, I gave in to
the irritation I feel with his style, which reads like it was written
for morons.  But I have just realized that I am demonstrating the very
thing I am cautioning you against.  So I'm going to felch my pride
and read this now.  And I hope you can find a way to get beyond your
anger.  Please try.  You are worth more than that.