I often wonder if we share our thoughts simply for the sake of speaking, as if shouting into a cave as we await the echo of our own voices, listening for the sounds of our own ideas to be affirmed and resonated back to us in a self-seeking way. Or if we share ideas—that is, insert our thoughts into a digital conversation—for the sake of actually being understood.
I question whether we care more about affirmation of what we already believe, or if bridging understanding with those whom we might more regularly disagree is actually the goal.
If our intentions are more noble and altruistic, and our insights may actually help others who often misunderstand us or others find understanding amongst each other, I think many of us could use basic lessons in kindergarten-level kindness and rhetoric.
This doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t share things that we think others will disagree with, or censor everything that someone somewhere may find offensive; that would be an impossible task and cause us to stray from things that may be difficult to swallow but true.
My point in sharing this is simple: can we humble ourselves enough to ask, why do we share what we share?
Is it helpful? Is it hurtful?
What are our intentions?
More scrutiny of our own ideas before we flippantly cast them into the digital pool of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram likely wouldn’t hurt us.
And this lesson is especially important now as we continue to navigate globally one of the most contentious times in modern history.
Be well and think hard, friends.
