Love Trumps Politics
I'll bet you didn't think I'd be using that word in a positive way today!
In case you haven't noticed, I have somewhat strong opinions about stuff, especially politics and more so this U.S. election. Despite how strong those feelings are, they pale in comparison to those toward my family, friends and fellow humans. I've made a real effort in writing about this election to stick to the issues. If I've failed at any point, please forgive me, as that's never my intent.
A special shout out to my wife for doing her best to tolerate me through this "season", which she dreads.
In the big picture, we are just cosmic critters in the vastness of the universe. We absorb some data, make a handful of observations, swish them around in our little brains with biases born of a lifetime of anecdotal experience filtered through our cerebral firmware to produce an output which we then go into emotional overdrive to shelter. I believe we need to be at least as concerned about protecting our relationships as we are our cognitive output, because in the end, that's really what this is all about. We're just trying to make this marble a little better for us and our loved ones.
To that end, if you've got 18 minutes to spare, I can't urge you enough to watch Jonathan Haidt's TED talk about his "Moral Matrix" concept. Nothing has helped me more in understanding and appreciating how and why others, with diametrically different views than mine, think as they do. That understanding has been crucial in helping me avoid demonizing people for their positions and even strengthening my relationships with them.
Fear not, whatever happens today, I'll still have what to say.
Stuart, you didn't listen to the end. Therefore, you think you knew the conclusion of the talk before he concluded.
Michael, so how would Haidt define "truth"? As GB Shaw once said, "You are entitled to your opinion, but you are not entitled to your facts!" So who is the final arbiter of "the facts"?
I listened to 8 minutes , the fellow is clearly biased and uses humor in a manipulative way . Btw , a true liberal would not stereotype like he does .
My main point I would like to share is what was a liberal/conservative 11 years ago is no longer accurate.