I shall not argue with ANYONE about ANYTHING for a year.
This is inspired by John Francis, who famously held a personal oath to not speak for 17 YEARS. Based on the sole realisation that he wasn’t listening to anyone, because he was so taken with the idea of winning the argument.
I have been plagued by that curse for what must’ve been 8 years now.
I think it’s time to change.
Or at least try to.
Francis’ story shook me up. I have always felt that I was taking everything for granted. I am very unaware of things that happen around me, and I am always ready to impose my own set of standards and opinions onto others.
I have always known that a good storyteller is emphatic, and I have, more than once, enjoyed a good conversation.
The good ones are the ones where I keep quiet and LISTEN.
I think I have the fortitude to see this through, but I am afraid of letting subjectivity get the better of me. As such, these are the guidelines:
1. No arguments; “arguments” defined as sustained efforts to convince someone else of something they’re not originally keen of.
2. Engaging is fine, as long as I do not attempt to convince or push a personal opinion.
3. Questions are fine, but they must never be sarcastic.
4. I draw a loose line with humor. My stance is very much aligned with the Monty Python philosophy: when I attempt a joke, it means I respect your intelligence; that you will be mature enough to take it as a joke, nothing more, nothing less.
5. No day of rest loopholes.
6. Answering questions are okay, I can defend, retreat, but never attack.
Very few people read my blog, so this is mainly for myself, you arrogant bastard. Drill this into your head.
If this goes well, maybe I’ll keep doing it for the next 16 years, or the rest of my life.
