Topic for Discussion

Ken Keyes said: We add as much strife to the world when we take offense as when we give it.

Interesting. That's one of those one liners that can take you in several directions, the more you ponder it. So as not to sway anyone's original thoughts, I'm intentionally not saying anything on it here, but will in the comments.

My question is: What does it mean to you?

Comments

Donna in Alabama said…
I think by taking offense at every little thing, you are limiting or cutting off the other's freedom of speech or just their freedom to be who they are. It has gotten to where everyone takes offense to others or is offensive. Is there no middle ground? Why are somethings taken in such a derogatory way when the people saying such does not intend it to be? So yes, I agree, we add as much strife to the world when we take offense as when we give it.
March 6, 2009 at 3:17:00 PM EST
Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said…
It's like saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" If I had one rule to live by, that just might be it...
March 6, 2009 at 4:08:00 PM EST
Laurie said…
I heard quite some time ago about the idea of "assuming innocence" when hearing what others say and I think it applies here. Unless you know someone is trying to offend you, life is easier if you just assume they have no offensive intent in their words. It keeps you from getting all upset and adding to the strife in the world.
March 8, 2009 at 11:37:00 AM EDT
Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said…
I have an award for you on my blog, if you accept them...if not, just wanted you to know how much I enjoy yours!
March 8, 2009 at 7:18:00 PM EDT
Jinksy said…
'Sticks and stones may break my bone, but words can never harm me' - always worth remembering...
March 11, 2009 at 7:52:00 AM EDT
JB said…
When I take offense, I'm creating negative energy toward another person. If I add shame into the mix, I blame myself, thereby hurting ME. We each act from our inner wounding. So what someone else does "to" me really isn't personal. (I find myself repeating this lately.) When I take offense, I take the victim stance, and then I turn around and make "them" the villain. I'm working with all this because I want off the wheel! One of my favorite sayings is, "Reality is so much kinder than our thoughts about it."
March 23, 2009 at 2:45:00 PM EDT
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