Saturday, March 24, 2007
Just a thought
Sun-Tzu says: “Some things in nature remain constant, others only apparently so. One must always know what changes and what stays fixed.” While in our class I wished to keep certain things flexible, some must stay fixed (I thought I had stressed that point recently). What to do when time lags and presence fails? Would intimidation keep things in place? Does my voice command more authority only because it threatens?
8 comments:
Any voice that commands authority would be leaning towards the side of dominance or on macro scope fascism. In saying so, living under such circumstances, as though fear is the only way to control, would be somewhat draining and taxing on the mind making the overall situation worse. On the other hand, it could provide the desired short-term results, but in the area of the long-term (beyond the realm of the classroom), it’s hard to determine what effects would be produced. So maybe an analogy of the bamboo, both flexible and stern, may need to be called upon and utilized. Maybe a sort of intimidation in moderation is in order. Or maybe a simple group discussion of why time lags and why presence fails is what is truly necessary to continue forward.
Agree Adam. And perchance the group discussion happens already as we write these quick sentences.
Although dominance is thought to be necessary at times, it is not needed to bring people together. Discipline, on the other hand, is what must be promoted, and discipline is collectively attained when there are measures that reward or penalize irresponsibility.
A voice doesn’t command more authority only because it threatens. It only commands fear, intimidation and perhaps antipathy. Instead of representing a threat, it should command respect. In order for a leader to command respect, his rules should be set and explained from the beginning, and if these are not followed, consequences should be expected. Maybe a reminder would help the followers to get back on track, but again, if they do not listen, they should expect to pay a cost for their negligence and procrastination. This penalty should be explained in detail and supported with evidence and strong arguments. If the individual who is being accused of procrastination wishes to defend himself, he should be allowed to do so. If he has no arguments, he should accept his penalty.
Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta.
One cannot explain the consistent occurence of one offering a finger and the other taking the whole hand. You can describe human nature as a volatile and chaotic series of actions. However, we cannot simply discount these occurences without the concession that there is somewhat of a lack of respect. The presence of patience in one should be appreciated by another, rather than taken for granted.
often people do things because of the consequences that come with their actions. sometimes intimidation and threat is a major force that drives people to do things. but that shouldnt be. in order to keep things constant and flexible simultaneously we have to learn to love them for what they are. its like when we were talking about treating things as end themselves and not as means to an end.
Many people believe that dominance is necessary at times, but in reality it is not necessary in order to bring people together. I believe that something we should promote like Susana said is discipline. A voice does not command authority because it threatens. The only thing that this type of voice puts into the life of the people that listen is fear,hate, rage, and etc. Instead of representing a threat, it should command respect. For a ruler to really get his subjects respect and obiedience he must be fair, truthful,and loyal to his people and also compassionate. Intimidation all it brings is rebellion and chaos amongst the people and their ruler. If he can show those qualities he will truly rule over the people. Remember "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". (Eleonor Roosevelt) You must rule over others the same way you would have liked to been ruled.
What changes and what stays fixed?
This is one of the most pressing questions I'm facing in my life right now. As I transfer to a university and begin my next phase in life, I know that I will have to answer myself. Whatever conclusions I arrive to (I'm aware that I'm writing this in a very general, and broad manner), I believe that the journey to towards those conclusions will be as valuable, if not more valuable, than the conclusions themselves.
-daniel
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