OPINION:
Blaming others for one’s unhappiness or dissatisfaction seems to be the popular rage in contemporary society. There are vindictive responses to slights, both real or imagined. Wasn’t it philosopher Blaise Pascal who mused that many people live in wretchedness, unaware they are themselves contributors to that state?
Yes, other people can be rude, disrespectful and perhaps even cruel, but should the behavior of others dominate one’s life? Wasn’t Jesus warning against just such an attitude when he advised, “If someone slaps your cheek, let him slap the other”? The other person’s behavior isn’t that important — it is your behavior that will lead to your success or failure.
We seem to have abandoned old truths, replacing them with myopic feelings and impulses of the moment. We are told nothing exists or is of importance which one does not see or feel at the present. This is a boastful and foolish philosophy.
The wisdom of Socrates and, more particularly, Jesus, remains true and is key to one’s ultimate success.
FRANK GARDINER
North Provo, Utah
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