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smart ≠ wise

Remember that, smart alecks! Some more of my core guiding principles around this idea: Truth and fact are two sides of the same coin. They are interconnected but not interchangeable. On a similar note: Truth is complex and often paradoxical. If you think you can lay it out in black and white terms, sorry bud – you don’t have a handle on it. The capacity to hold space for seemingly conflicting ideas is essential. That means letting go of the idea that your truth is the truth. Critique something/someone only from a place of understanding ^ did a whole rec on this. To add to it: if you spend a lot of time criticizing those who you disagree with, whose benefit is it for? Mainly it’s a signifier to those who you do agree with that you’re part of the same in-group. That’s fine and it has its place, but constructively challenging the views and behaviors of those within your own community (including yourself!) is much more valuable. And on that note: Understanding ≠ condoning Most people skip the work of trying to truly understand because they’re afraid they’ll seem complicit. Say someone commits a violent crime. Trying to understand the familial, socioeconomic, and systemic circumstances that factored in – developing empathy for this person – does not mean you condone the behavior or that you care any less for the victim of their crime. You are not doing any good to the cause of peace of justice or whatever you claim to stand for by refusing to understand people (however fucked up and misguided they may be). ——— Ok that’s long enough, maybe I’ll drop some fun ones in another post lol bye

@solomonki

Jul 17, 2024

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nuance and DIALECTICAL thought are key

and that’s the problem, people sometimes lack the nuance that’s essential to well rounded critical thought and engagement. as an hbo prestige television enjoyer, i love a morally gray or even deplorable character as long as the subject material treats the character with the “don’t condemn OR condone” mentality. the same goes for literature imo. its also largely dependent on the context in which the work is being taught (not so much when it was made bc “it was a different time” usually ends up adding fodder to frustrating arguments). for example, junior year of high school i found it really odd that my white teacher decided to use of mice and men to chastise the use of the n word, to a class of mainly black students. very weird and also not the point of the book (but she got better after this and instilled a lot of good stuff in my brain). again, not to link this to the arts as a whole, but i feel the separating the art from the artist narrative exacerbates this as well. nothing is wrong with enjoying work from a morally dubious person but i think separating their art from their morals is a weird way of engaging with work. another example: a musician i really loved who was found out to have very off putting (borderline illegal) behavior towards women but from time to time i will play a song for old times sake. however when i listen, oftentimes i realize, yes these ARE the lyrics of a man who does not take rejection well. the work exists in the contexts of the authors morals but you aren’t and don’t need to be waving a flag saying “I CONDONE EVERYTHING IN THIS WORK”. all in all, a huge key to engaging with classic lit critically is being comfortable with (not sure comfortable is the best term. familiar, maybe?) with gray area and be ready to navigate accordingly.

@deardoveswings

May 9, 2024

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find common ground

ok so I really empathise with you because I work somewhere where a lot of my colleagues have terrible politics and aren’t shy about it. Here’s what I did: Figure out 3-4 things this person likes that aren’t political. So, for example, I’ll often ask people about their kids; what meals they enjoy cooking; what they did on their weekend; and what wildlife they saw (specific but there are tons of animals near where I work). If they get political in spite of your attempts to steer the conversation in a different direction just gently redirect them. Even the most redpilled person can usually take the hint at this point. obviously there are caveats; I find a lot of redpilled people usually engage with that stuff superficially and are not too bad as long as you have good boundaries. But if the guy is an actual fascist you might want to take your business elsewhere.

@murdonner

Oct 23, 2024

Top Recs from @letsgetiton1223

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nightime showers

seriously, what a beautiful thing. i just emerged from one, oh a warm fountain of clean water. it's a real luxury. and a nice oil or lotion and a facial moisturiser. clean pyjamas. what a rejuvenating and lovely thing.

@letsgetiton1223

Jan 22, 2025

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badminton

i have decided us ballerinas of shuttle cocks must continue our fiery fight despite the beast of challengers(2024)

@letsgetiton1223

May 20, 2024

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oscar wilde

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” ― Oscar Wilde (and my library's wall)also i literally dont what it even measn) 'my life is a series of ritualsitic humiliations the likes of which would destroy anyone with a weaker constitution, but i beat on' - rayne fisher quann (this is also my life motto) 'in a dream you saw a way to survive and you were full of joy -jenny holzer good luck diva!

@letsgetiton1223

Mar 24, 2025