tjadams

The edge is more thrilling. I've always, always been in control of my
emotions & bottled up my lazy dark emotions. I"ve always avoided
confrontation-it just isn't worth the elevated blood pressure, but I'm
finding out that being nice gets you treated equally with those who
get to pop off and do all those 'bad' things.
I make a living not speaking my mind to students, and members here,
and hold my tongue. It doesn't pay to be nice anymore. I've had 50
years of being nice. Hmmm buy a red convertible?

Solidaire

Which reminds me of "Gandhi 2 - no more mister nice guy"


Sorry for the comic relief, I couldn't resist.

sylla1

Besides, please remember that the archetypical rebellion of the Hero against the world by which he/she is so utterly misunderstood is mostly just that, an archetype, an ideal myth, as it was so cleverly explained by Joseph Campbell since so long ago.


The Hero's Quest @Web English Teacher

When properly examined, the careers of the vast majority of heroic historical figures seem to have actually been quite respectful of legality, at least from the perspective of the side of the revering narrative.

Aside of any heroic annihilation of any purported pure evil regime as narrated by their successors, of course.

Rasta

At the same time, it has been the renegades who have prompted social change.

tjadams

Loved it!

vera

That is correct, they may not be enthusiastic about it if it clashes with their own values.

For example, emotionally I consider him a bloody short-sighted idiot to do what he did, but I cannot but feel respect for his decision to stand up for what he believed in, even at a terrible price to himself. The two are not connected.

vera

Isn't it usually so?

To achieve something drastically different you must choose to not follow the standard and accepted. It is impossible to do out of obedience.

Naomasa298

Wwbbd?

vera

Well, there is no reason to be black-or-white here. Nobody says or supposes that it must either be total obedience or total disobedience.

But those who bring change are much more inclined to follow their own truth and belief than to be obedient to authority, and when they are - it is merely because that authority doesn't propose anything they seriously disagree with.

Rasta

Yes, I think you are right.