Idealism is so seductive. You see a situation that is less than optimal and, naturally, want to improve it, especially if it seems like an easy change. Sometimes you're correct AND have the power to make changes. But, when you lack power, this is how all ideologues are formed - whether you are right or wrong in your "should".
I'm so guilty of "should", especially in my younger days. I spent years tilting at windmills, wasting my time attempting to persuade others to act in their best self-interest, at least as I perceived it.
As I age, I realize that change is incredibly difficult, particularly if it involves more than one person. So, my energy (directed at change) is very focused today. I rarely have a passing thought about attempting to change anyone... Or, expecting they will. "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
It is an ugly truth, but the pragmatic approach is to assess opportunities / situations / people as quickly and accurately as possible. Use hueristics and stereotypes until you have specific information. Then, tailor your actions in accordance with your desires. Is this something you want? If not, move along.
Of course, all competition is relative. Improve your situation my "mixing up", by replacing current with better, be it job, relationship, whatever. Don't try to change your work environment, do what you need to do to shift to a better one.
TLDR - The only "should" worth pursuing is the actions you need to take to get what you want. Simple, not easy.
We should absolutely accept things as they are right off the bat and take actions on that basis. Once you’ve done that and achieved some success in life, then you can think about what change you can drive. People/men can and do influence things, and persuade others and have an impact. Nothing in society just happens by itself; some people, usually a minority, nudge things. Whether a man can have more influence online (not complaining, but persuading!) or by carrying himself IRL in that way he hopes to see things change is a separate matter. Probably should be doing both if you’re really genuine and committed about whatever your shtick is.
You’re influencing people with your writing online everyday. So in a way you’re helping nudge things in a different direction than how they are. Nothing remains static anyway; it’s just a matter of who will push and in which direction.
Idealism is so seductive. You see a situation that is less than optimal and, naturally, want to improve it, especially if it seems like an easy change. Sometimes you're correct AND have the power to make changes. But, when you lack power, this is how all ideologues are formed - whether you are right or wrong in your "should".
I'm so guilty of "should", especially in my younger days. I spent years tilting at windmills, wasting my time attempting to persuade others to act in their best self-interest, at least as I perceived it.
As I age, I realize that change is incredibly difficult, particularly if it involves more than one person. So, my energy (directed at change) is very focused today. I rarely have a passing thought about attempting to change anyone... Or, expecting they will. "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
It is an ugly truth, but the pragmatic approach is to assess opportunities / situations / people as quickly and accurately as possible. Use hueristics and stereotypes until you have specific information. Then, tailor your actions in accordance with your desires. Is this something you want? If not, move along.
Of course, all competition is relative. Improve your situation my "mixing up", by replacing current with better, be it job, relationship, whatever. Don't try to change your work environment, do what you need to do to shift to a better one.
TLDR - The only "should" worth pursuing is the actions you need to take to get what you want. Simple, not easy.
Yes, let’s erase the “World”
Believe it or not, I re-read the body of this thing once or twice to catch any errant typos. The title always gets me
We should absolutely accept things as they are right off the bat and take actions on that basis. Once you’ve done that and achieved some success in life, then you can think about what change you can drive. People/men can and do influence things, and persuade others and have an impact. Nothing in society just happens by itself; some people, usually a minority, nudge things. Whether a man can have more influence online (not complaining, but persuading!) or by carrying himself IRL in that way he hopes to see things change is a separate matter. Probably should be doing both if you’re really genuine and committed about whatever your shtick is.
You’re influencing people with your writing online everyday. So in a way you’re helping nudge things in a different direction than how they are. Nothing remains static anyway; it’s just a matter of who will push and in which direction.