This is not a rant. I usually don't rant unless someone pushes a hard-to-get-to button hidden deep within me...and this forum is good at keeping
those guys under a steel-toe boot. No, this is an observation, a bit of advice, if you will...
Stars. We all like getting them. It means we aren't alone in our thoughts, that someone agrees with us. However, I would like to point out that stars
DO NOT mean you are right. Stars are to let you know that someone either is willing to follow you, or that your opinion is already thought
of.
By following, I mean that they agree with what you say, and are more likely to lean your way. This, to me, is unproductive...to a certain extent. The
goal here is not to agree with everyone, but to argue cases so as to illuminate both sides of the fence. When we see every perspective
available...that's when we know what we're dealing with. That's when the answer is ready to be plucked and refined. Arguing can be unstable,
unbalanced, and flat-out maniacal...but it can also be the most productive thing you have ever done. Anger and distress (under control) is often the
best way to clear the air. No one holds back.
Don't get me wrong, I don't like arguing in anger. I like arguing in curiosity and justification. However, when you get a star, you've gone down a
road people are willing to take. If people are willing to take that road, it isn't hard enough. The most valuable lessons are the ones learned the
hard way. Military employees will tell you that. Missionaries will tell you that. Presidents and nurses, people that have had to make very difficult
choices, can tell you that.
And when I say "already thought of", I say we need to think outside the box. If no one agrees with you, you might be on the right track. After all,
if no one likes what you're saying, it's against societal programming, right? Great. That's the right road. AWAY from the programming.
Again, I don't want to be misunderstood here. Stars are wonderful to get, because it creates a sense of "Oh look, I did something right" or "Hey,
cool, someone knows what I'm talking about."
But look deeper. Stars can be a sign that you haven't pursued the matter far enough, or maybe that you need to take a harder road. Stars are a sign
of conformity. Maybe that's good, maybe that's bad. Humankind tends to like things that are bad for it, so who knows?
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm right. That's for you to decide. After all, you're the ones giving out the stars. I'll just be sure to think twice for
saying, "Cool!"
Stars are not important. Denying ignorance is. Love your stars, but love the truth more. Just thought I'd get that out there.
Peace.