Everyone you meet is fighting a battle...

[Steve]

I don’t think that proverb is suggesting one should be nice but instead attack and defeat such a person because they’re unlikely to be able to handle two battles simultaneously.

Musashi believed in winning even to the point of bashing your enemy’s head in with a rock if you have to. Others thought this attitude was dishonourable and rather beastly but Musashi believed all is fair in war.

I would have to agree.

A healthy perspective if you’re actually in battle or at war. Not sure it’s the best approach, otherwise.

As for the rest, sympathy and empathy aren’t the same thing. And personally, I find being empathetic (or trying to be, at least) is quite helpful for everyone involved. One might say it’s borderline self serving. Giving people the benefit of the doubt, presuming good intent, not stressing the small stuff. All of that leads to getting through the day in a good mood, not angry at every perceived slight.
To be clear, I’m not talking about this laboratory of pseudo-communication. I mean in real world interactions with actual humans. Being nice, giving some grace, going with the flow… helps them and it helps me. There is no down side.

Ultimately, when I read the OP, it just reminds me that it costs literally nothing to be pleasant. And you really don’t know what other people are carrying around.

 

[Gyakuto]

Who likes flat earthers anyway?

…their…mothers?

 

[gyoja]

A healthy perspective if you’re actually in battle or at war.

I guess some people are at war or are preparing for war

 

[gyoja]

…their…mothers?

I don’t know. Maybe their Moms hated them, that’s why they are flat-earthers?

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Ultimately, when I read the OP, it just reminds me that it costs literally nothing to be pleasant. And you really don’t know what other people are carrying around.

I just thought it was funny, that's all. Most people think I'm pleasant. Or I beat the snot out of them until they do.

 

[Steve]

I guess some people are at war or are preparing for war

Some, sure. I think a lot of people think they’re at war or are perpetually preparing for war, when they’re not, and that (IMO) is pretty unhealthy.

 

[gyoja]

Some, sure. I think a lot of people think they’re at war or are perpetually preparing for war, when they’re not, and that (IMO) is pretty unhealthy.

I guess that we hope to have the wisdom to discern the difference.

 

[Steve]

I guess that we hope to have the wisdom to discern the difference.

that sounds ominous. Is something going on down in the bayou?

 

[gyoja]

that sounds ominous. Is something going on down in the bayou?

No. I just consult for those that do. I still have responsibilities as well, as does everyone else in my current status.

 

[Steve]

No. I just consult for those that do. I still have responsibilities as well, as does everyone else in my current status.

Yeah I get that. But that’s just a sliver of the population, right? My impression is that you are a specialist serving a pretty particular niche.

 

[gyoja]

Yeah I get that. But that’s just a sliver of the population, right? My impression is that you are a specialist serving a pretty particular niche.

Myself and most of the retired field grades, and some senior NCOs.

 

[JowGaWolf]

View attachment 31108

I don't believe in Multi-tasking If I'm thinking of one issue then it means that I'm not thinking of another issue. One issue will change priorities through the day.

my withdrawal from society has gotten to the point where I've shut out all my remaining family and most friends. It's just me and my wife and my gardening and karate.

This is pretty much me to date. The only difference is that I don't think I shut anyone out. I'm not sure how much you are into gardening, but I probably have some conversation for that. Are you part of any gardening groups?

 

[Steve]

Myself and most of the retired field grades, and some senior NCOs.

Hey sorry. I don’t understand what you are trying to communicate here. I’m just not getting it.

To try and clarify my own point, I believe folks who walk around girded for battle, preparing for war, and looking for issues where none exist, are probably inviting a lot of unneeded stress. Can’t be good for their blood pressure or general well being.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

This is pretty much me to date. The only difference is that I don't think I shut anyone out. I'm not sure how much you are into gardening, but I probably have some conversation for that. Are you part of any gardening groups?

I'm not part of any gardening groups because I withdraw from society and they want me to do stuff with them. LOL. I probably should join one. My therapist would like it. I went on a group scooter ride this weekend, therapist-ordered. It was fun, but it wasn't easy for me.

As to the gardening, I just like to play in the dirt and try to make things grow. Mostly perennial flowers. I apply my martial arts skills.

 

[Wing Woo Gar]

I don’t know why people seek sympathy from those who are essentially strangers.

Because you are all I have, you bastards.

 

[gyoja]

Hey sorry. I don’t understand what you are trying to communicate here. I’m just not getting it.

And that’s how I know that we are talking about different groups of people.

 

[Steve]

And that’s how I know that we are talking about different groups of people.

Yeah. I’m talking about the majority of regular old people.

As I said earlier, there are some people who see enemies all over. They are convinced they are girding for battle. Heck, convincing people that they are in imminent danger is how a lot of people make a living in the USA right now. I don’t honestly blame people for believing it. But it’s not true and it’s not healthy, for them or anyone else. It’s a disservice, and I feel sad for them. Living in fear has to suck.

I’m not saying you’re one of them. I have no idea one way or the other. But I hope we can agree that folks like this are all too common right now. And it’s a shame in my opinion.

 

[gyoja]

Yeah. I’m talking about the majority of regular old people.

As I said earlier, there are some people who see enemies all over. They are convinced they are girding for battle. Heck, convincing people of that is how a lot of people make a living in the USA right now. I don’t honestly blame them. But it’s not true and it’s not healthy, for them or anyone else. It’s a disservice, and I feel sad for them. Living in fear has to suck.

I’m not saying you’re one of them. I have no idea one way or the other. But I hope we can agree that folks like this are all too common right now. And it’s a shame in my opinion.

I don’t see these guys here, so I’m not familiar with that crowd. I’m in a veteran heavy small town near a military installation.

 

[Steve]

I don’t see these guys here, so I’m not familiar with that crowd. I’m in a veteran heavy small town near a military installation.

I don’t think being a veteran and being one of those guys is mutually exclusive.

 

[gyoja]

I don’t think being a veteran and being one of those guys is mutually exclusive.

Maybe not, but I have yet to meet “one of those guys.”