So a couple years ago I read this book that so many persons said I should read as every successful person has read it and it had a tremendous impact on their life. I did read the book and the ideas were very powerful and it did have an impact on my life. Interestingly I mentioned that I was in the process of reading the book to someone and their reaction kind of threw me. They said the author was a con man back in the day so his book should not be read. I was lost as to why have this reaction. It happened again when I mentioned a book to someone who didn’t like the book because of the religion of some of the characters. I thought it was an interesting outlook. Didn’t agree with the persons. But thought it interesting. I realized that sometimes we really don’t like the message that we hear and so we will lash out at the messenger. My take on this is please don’t shoot the messenger listen to them and their message. You don’t have to accept everything they say but keep an open mind.
Going back in history it’s interesting that we see this is how humans behaved very often. Look at all major religious leaders and how they were treated. If you don’t like the message then get rid of the messenger and hopefully that will squash the message. It should be noted that it’s not only religious in outlook but political,economic, etc. The thing is that sometimes shooting the messenger does not stop the message, it will just take on a life of its own. Sometimes it gets even larger because others like the message and so it expands. Shooting the messenger didn’t stop the message from being spread.
Is it that we just don’t like the message as it’s not pleasant or is it that it’s just not what we want to hear. Or is it how the messenger gives the message? As said in a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.” Do you agree or disagree?
I really want to know what you are thinking, and I know others do too. Try commenting 👍🏽, but if you are not comfortable, reach out to me via any medium. Your comments let me know how you feel and very often give me a total different perspective on the topic. 😉. And you can never tell your comment might help others.
Always remember life is for living and you must always live your best life. #lifeisforliving #liveyourbestlife.
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One need to know first, what is important, the message, or the messenger. Then decided
But how do we know which is important?🤔. Sometimes it’s with hindsight that the truth is revealed. Sigh.
This can get tricky. eg. Should one spend the time to listen to a known or unknown conspiracy theorist about a long debunked conspiracy theory?
Therefore, in the context where the subject matter warrants a level of importance, by all means, as a general principle, listen to the view of others (at least till there is a reasonable understanding of their position or where it is they are going with the argument).
As human beings we continuously are in evaluation/decision-making mode whether we are conscious of it or not. And in the process we invariably assess/decide things based upon existing information (accurate or inaccurate) that we may have .
A totally true revelation doesn’t always require a totally true narrative to emerge from. True revelations sometimes can and do also stem from fallacious arguments.
So I guess what is critical here is the “assessment” skills that one possesses. Whether or not to listen to the message over the messenger or vice versa will rely heavily on such skills.
Also, if certain “information” is freely available from multiple sources, isn’t one free to decide from which source he/she receives such info. from?
Personally, I first evaluate the “Messenger”. If I then determine that there are demonstrably better or more reliable sources with regards to the content of the info., I then refer to those better sources.
Would I not be justified in doing so? (Assuming that I possess adequate “assessment” skills that is)
Therefore, another valid and joint question would be…. Should the messenger be judged (a better description would be evaluated) before the message or vice versa if any at all?
This makes it even more complicated 🤔. But as you said it really is a personal choice. Can we close our eyes and see beyond the messenger?
I need all sent messages