THE IDES OF APRIL 2018
Aloha;
Each person holds their own personal view of the world, which is generated and informed by their senses. As the senses are our primary access to what reality may actually be. The input we receive from them, and the way we respond to that information; first considers how what we sense affects us.
The conclusions and beliefs people ultimately adopt as valid, are not easily abandoned; once they are blended with their desires and beliefs. And the decisions they make, with the actions they take, are generally a response. Which is formed from their understanding of what behavior is proper, for the reality their perceptions show them.
Proper for assuring their survival or proper for assuaging needs, and satisfying wants. Or proper for avoiding discomfort, and obtaining gratification. This reality is their grasp of what the truth of existence actually is. For people need a working reference, to get things done.
We know that being alive brings with it an inherent set of needs, and drives. Breathing, drinking, eating, sleeping, and more; impinge upon our feel of reality and our need to protect self. In our society, we have cooperatively developed several complex systems to help manage, and address, providing for many basic needs.
These are conventions people rely on, and incorporate as a dependable aspect of reality. They are part of the background structure of stability which confirms their sense of reality. And these systems work well when everyone understands and abides by, the rules which allow these social mechanisms to work.
With the aid of our communication skills, however; we have created many other systems which extent our reach. This allows us to collectively gain, and realize, greater understanding and control, of and over the perceived existence around us. It is important, as control appears to be very popular among ‘first-person oriented’ minds. Each person has a singular understanding of the best environment for their personal well-being.
Given free choice, and the ability to control the outcome, it is likely they will always cause those conditions to occur. In fact, it may be the reason why compromise exists. As it is impossible for every person, to have every thing they want; the way they want it, all at the same time. This limitation creates immediate tension over whose perception of reality is considered and acted on, first. Over human history, this question has been resolved both with combat, and cooperation.
Societies have struggled to reduce strife, throughout recorded history. Many forged agreement on what is important. And the relative importance of each to each other. This is underpins some of the rules we follow today. Yet while many will respect rules of social comportment, and conduct; that pledge is not universal.
Rules such as speaking the truth when speaking. Hearing when others speak. Listening (with as little bias as possible), when others speak. Communicating with the goal of relaying information, or creating, or solving problems. Again, there are others who see this cooperative system from a different perspective.
Generally speaking, each personal view of reality holds within it the idea which suggests that view of reality should continue. In order for existence to continue, certain requirements must be met. Thus each person has a built-in agenda. Meaning, each person has a set of desires, wants, urges, or needs; which they must address in some way, if they wish to live.
When people consider the agendas of others on an equal footing with their own, the possibility for compromise and cooperation exists. This works well when agendas are openly stated. When people aren’t willing value the agendas of others as equal to their own, they do not desire compromise.
Their plan is using these commonly accepted rules to steer people, and manipulate events. So they can pursue, or advance their own interests. Often it is done without concern or consideration of its’ social cost. They use their words and behavior to hide, or distort, their true motivations and agendas; rather than announcing them.
To the extent they are successful, they cause waste, or harm, or merely damage to the good will and mutual respect many people have for one another. This not necessarily done because they are evil, or bad people. It is likely done because they are thinking of themselves, first and only. From that frame of reference, their actions may seem appropriate.
However their interest, their agenda if you will; is a self-directed, self-satisfying mission. Which is usually of benefit to others, only by accident. Understand, we are not saying that having an agenda is a bad thing; in fact, people need agendas to survive. But we do recommend you remember this, as you engage with people throughout your day.
Everyone has an agenda of some kind. Stated agendas are usually not a problem. You either choose to participate or not. Be mindful of where people seek to guide you, with their words, and deeds. Make sure the agendas you are furthering, are the result of your assessment of reality. Not someone else’s.
Respectfully Yours,
J. A. Stubbs, Editor-In-Chief
Forgotten Lore Publishing, llc