Something to think about today.
No. 138
THE SENSE TO let things settle. Especially when the public, or the private, sea is most turbulent. There come whirlwinds into human traffic, storms of passion, when it is wise to seek a safe harbor with smoother waters: many times is an evil made worse by the remedies used; here leave things to nature, or there to God: the learned physician needs just as much wisdom in order not to prescribe, as to prescribe, and often the greater art lies in doing nothing; the way to quiet the turbulence of a mob is to withdraw your hand, and let it quiet itself, to concede today, may be the best way to succeed tomorrow; it takes little to muddy a spring, nor does it clear by being stirred, but by being left alone: there is no better remedy for turmoil, than to let it take its course, for so it comes to rest of itself.
-- Baltasar Gracian --
from The Art of Worldly Wisdom
I think today could certainly be considered turbulent times, especially in the political world. The major conflict seems to be centered around Donald Trump. The country seems polarized between the pro- and anti-Trump forces. Is Gracian saying we should disengage ourselves from the conflict and adopt a superior view from on high, being above the conflict?
I don't think so. It is one thing to express one's opinion quietly and thoughtfully and
quite another to engage in vicious verbal attacks, whether based on
facts or rumors or just plain lies. It is almost as though there are two distinct conversations going on: one conducted by those who speak or write quietly and rationally and the other by the most passionate adherents in both camps who spend their time shouting and yelling at each other, hardly bothering to listen to anybody else but their own voices.
It seems to me that a particularly unwise action, one that has already resulted in so far only minor violence, is the appearance of anti-Trump demonstrators at his speeches. What purpose is served by these counter-demonstrations at the time of the event? There are strong emotions on both sides which are bound to flare up into violence given some small and probably trivial incident. Is this what both sides want?
Some may argue that these demonstrations are necessary to show the strength of the feelings against Donald Trump. Is this really necessary? That the Republican Party itself is split for and against him, it's own presumptive nominee for president, should surely tell anybody that he is a controversial individual even in his own party. Those feelings are strong enough for some to come out and directly oppose him, while others temporize by saying there are serious issues to be resolved. In addition, there are those who have said that they will not attend the Republican nominating convention this summer. Is it really necessary to engage in a direct confrontation at this time?
Any thoughts?
nice analysis, and one i totally agree with; the old saying, "give him enough rope to hang himself with" has a lot of truth. all my life, well at least for quite a few years, i've told those with seemingly unsurmountable problems that most problems, given time, will either solve themselves, or make the solution self-evident... the excerpt from Gracian expresses it in a very clear, easily comprehensible manner; hopefully many will benefit from his outlook and your post. many thanks...
ReplyDeleteMudpuddle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the flattering comment. Yes, very frequently, waiting a bit is invaluable, especially when it's not clear what actions would be best. The political issues of the day are being clarified and soon it will be clear what our choices will be. Reading and listening and studying will be the best courses to take to resolve our decision--not physical confrontations with those whom we disagree with.
R.T.,
ReplyDeleteNo argument there--think before acting.
Are you going to give us the address of your new blog sometime?
R.T.,
DeleteGot it.
I do, in general, agree with this philosophy in most thing, Fred. "...it takes little to muddy a spring, nor does it clear by being stirred, but by being left alone: there is no better remedy for turmoil, than to let it take its course, for so it comes to rest of itself."
ReplyDeleteAs for demonstrators showing up at Trump events to cause trouble - it would not surprise me if they weren't hired by Trump's people in order to get news time, not to mention, try and drum up some sort or backlash sympathy for Trump. Too far-fetched? Yeah, probably. But I put nothing past that dangerous buffoon. And here I am calling him names.
I try not to post too many anti-Trump things on my Facebook page, but do like to post something about every couple of days. Not to overdo, but just to keep my hand in, stirring up the waters which is something Gracian says should not be done. But I seem to do it anyway. However, I won't get into a shouting match with anyone and I don't zing any friend who posts Republican nonsense. Life is too short. But I still shudder with dread over the state of the coming election.
In the end, I hope the Trump phenomena will sink of his own weight.
Yvette,
DeleteI too hope that the Trump phenomena self-destruct and that the Republican party regain its sanity.
I hadn't considered the possibility that Trump engineered the disturbances. I wouldn't put it past him.
There's very little I can do, so I've decided I'm not going to be part of the problem and do a lot of stirring of my own. I'll express my opinion when asked and do it quietly. There's enough turmoil out there.
"hoist by his own petard" - one i forgot to include in the above comment, from Hamlet...
ReplyDeleteMudpuddle,
DeleteI hope that's a particularly apt quotation when election time rolls around. His supporters aren't listening to anybody else, so it won't affect them, but I hope the independents are alert to his nonsense, contradictions, and bullying.
Perhaps the value of anti Trump demonstrators at his rally is to expose the very ugly side of his appeal and person. We learned he would encourage violence and offer to pay the legal fees of those who attacked demonstrators. The very ugly side of American society that has brought candidates like trump and Sarah palin to prominence needs to be made to show their true nature.
ReplyDeleteMel u,
DeleteThat's an interesting point. The point has been made, I think. Perhaps now it's time to let things cool off.
I still think, though, that violence really doesn't solve anything and that Trump must be beaten soundly at the ballot box.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
R.T.,
ReplyDeleteWell, his campaign chairman? has already said that Trump was creating an image for the primaries and now that's over, he will be working on a new image--a more presidential one.
Will the real Donald Trump please stand up (if there is a real one)?
On the other hand, maybe we don't want to see the "real" Trump.
I think some of the "real trump" comes out in his treatment of women. I think he needs to be angered by demonstrators and harsh personal attacks to get the beast to show his face. In his life no one ever has really said no to him and he cannot stand any opposition.
ReplyDeleteMel u,
DeleteYes, who says "No" or you're wrong to a billionaire, especially when he's a bully to begin with? Perhaps the primaries have taught him a few things, but so far, I haven't seen any signs of change, except in that he has already changed his mind on several issues, mostly abandaoning his earlier conservative posture for a more liberal one. However, no interviewer seems to have the courage now to call him on it.
Well, so far, he hasn't apologized for the insults he's directed at several women, although in one case he "explained" what he really meant.
There's still six months (almost) to election day, so it will be interesting to watch the evolution of the "new and improved" Trump.
I think vastly more negative things will come out on trump, he will be infuriated by Hilary and media attacks on him. The democrats should assign a team designed to infuriate him, drag him into the mud as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteMel u,
DeleteI guess we will find out quite a bit about him before election day rolls around, but I don't think setting out to infuriate him will help. That may backfire and create a sympathy vote. I think this election period has already generated enough heat to keep us warm for at least one winter, if not two.
Who knows? The democrats may have already done what you suggest.