Although for the most part, we no longer live in an age of kings and queens, we realize, as a population, that we are ranked in terms of social status, intellect, and moral standing. If we are fortunate enough to reside in the so-called middle class, we may have a greater chance of social mobility. But if we sit on the fringes, our path is virtually predetermined. In the extreme world of the highly intelligent and ultra-wealthy, there is little movement, even if their world collapses. You can think of the transcontinental marriages of the Gilded Age. Many people had no liquid assets, but, through marriage, were soon wealthy again. (1)
What is the most pernicious, from a societal standpoint, however, is that the underclasses also have no movement: the poor stay poor. (2) Why? Mostly because they believe they are poor and thus powerless. This was the same phenomenon that kept the European peasantry effectively controlled — though with its infrequent attempts at liberty. One of the most notable was the German Peasants’ War (3) at the time of Martin Luther, the great theological liberator. He, too, ultimately, vouched for the ruling elite and the status quo and endorsed the suppression of the peasants. This was, of course, not in keeping with the Christian message of respect and equality. (4)
That said, even if we consider ourselves advantaged, it is necessary to listen to all and to attempt to nurture everyone to stand firm and hopeful that their piece of life will bear fruit — and it can! Many times, people find themselves in difficult circumstances: the wrong ethnicity, the wrong color, the wrong sex, no money, etc. It is very easy to get “beaten down” and feel like you will never get up again. One forgets that success may be just one chance, one circumstance, away. In other words, if we remain hopeful, all is possible. When I surrender, nothing is. I create my own reality, don’t I?
Therefore, to assist each other as potentially successful human beings, we must listen to all and encourage everyone, no matter how foolish they may seem at the onset. We are all God’s children and deserve “a shot at the brass ring,” so to speak. We must be intelligent enablers of everyone. Given my Givens, (5) I can achieve the success I desire in my life. I must, however, acknowledge and respect the travails and assistance of others along my journey. So soldier on, we live in an age of change and potentiality — be respectful! From Desiderata: (6) Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Albert Einstein leaves us with a thought: I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.
A closing thought: There are times in your life when a friend, simply by listening to you, changes your way of thinking. They are offering you respect by acknowledging your words. They then may proffer their own thoughts, but they have heard you first. This gives an enormous boost to your self-confidence. “I could be wrong, but at least I was listened to.” This allows the individual to “self-teach” how to alter their line of thinking and proceed down a different intellectual path.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about having respect for all individuals, even those we consider socially beneath us.
To be noted: From Vince Lombardi (7) — Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeZWAwJpvkI&list=RDIeZWAwJpvkI&start_radio=1
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeA7QPm8f8g&t=849s
This week, on your curious walk, please ponder why it is necessary to respect all.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: All life has value
Footnotes:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usoQcaJ6spQ
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2XFh_tD2RA
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQQtwbLMbdE
4) Galatians 3:26-29
5) https://existential-therapy.com/existential-givens/