Comments on: What if I know? http://www.commontone.net/2008/03/23/what-if-you-know/ Ever notice that some of the best discoveries, the clearest thinking and the best discussions take place in coffee houses or with a hot beverage in hand? While reading this blog take the chance to relax, drink something warming and be. While you’re here put your over-active brain to rest and let the moment wash over you. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:11:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.3 By: Richard http://www.commontone.net/2008/03/23/what-if-you-know/#comment-3123 Richard Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:46:31 +0000 http://www.commontone.net/2008/03/23/what-if-you-know/#comment-3123 Nick you're one deep mother. I'm still not sure exactly I know what his post is about. The easy thing to say would be to ignore the expectations of others - and do what leads you to happiness so long as it isn't illegal or harms others/the world. But we're social animals, and what others think of us matters to us - it's called empathy and if you're not aware of what others may be thinking/feeling, that makes you a sociopath/psychopath. The expectations of others will influence us throughout our lives, unless we decide to become hermits in the woods somewhere. The art of living, I guess, is finding that balance between what we know most deeply fulfils us and our need for the love/respect/contact of others. Sometimes we'll disappoint people because we run off and do something they dont want us to do. Sometimes people will love us for doing stuff we hate doing. It isn't a tradeoff or a conflict, it's just something we negotiate every day as part of being human. Peace Nick you’re one deep mother. I’m still not sure exactly I know what his post is about.

The easy thing to say would be to ignore the expectations of others - and do what leads you to happiness so long as it isn’t illegal or harms others/the world. But we’re social animals, and what others think of us matters to us - it’s called empathy and if you’re not aware of what others may be thinking/feeling, that makes you a sociopath/psychopath. The expectations of others will influence us throughout our lives, unless we decide to become hermits in the woods somewhere.

The art of living, I guess, is finding that balance between what we know most deeply fulfils us and our need for the love/respect/contact of others. Sometimes we’ll disappoint people because we run off and do something they dont want us to do. Sometimes people will love us for doing stuff we hate doing. It isn’t a tradeoff or a conflict, it’s just something we negotiate every day as part of being human.

Peace

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