from Verse Fifty-FiveIf you mention people's flaws, they resent it; if they see their own ugliness in the mirror, they think it's alright.~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~
This same message is related in a somewhat similar fashion in the Christian Bible. In Matthew 7:3, it is written, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
The message is straightforward: Each of us tends to spot and identity faults in others, while rationalizing that our faults are not so bad because of mitigating circumstances!! In other words, most of us live under two standards.
The first standard -- one that is very broad and lenient -- applies specifically to ourselves, our family, our community or those who are like "us". We're always willing to give ourselves or our kind the benefit of the doubt.
The second standard -- one that is very narrow and strict -- applies to anyone that is not "our kind". Such individuals or groups receive no benefit of the doubt and are assumed guilty the moment an allegation is proffered. It typically doesn't matter how ridiculous the allegation is; if it's lodged, then "they" obviously are guilty of it and more.
Of course, these differing standards are derived from our egos and each seeks to satisfy particular desires. As the Way is impartial and no distinctions are drawn, there can be no differing standards.
What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!
This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.
The message is straightforward: Each of us tends to spot and identity faults in others, while rationalizing that our faults are not so bad because of mitigating circumstances!! In other words, most of us live under two standards.
The first standard -- one that is very broad and lenient -- applies specifically to ourselves, our family, our community or those who are like "us". We're always willing to give ourselves or our kind the benefit of the doubt.
The second standard -- one that is very narrow and strict -- applies to anyone that is not "our kind". Such individuals or groups receive no benefit of the doubt and are assumed guilty the moment an allegation is proffered. It typically doesn't matter how ridiculous the allegation is; if it's lodged, then "they" obviously are guilty of it and more.
Of course, these differing standards are derived from our egos and each seeks to satisfy particular desires. As the Way is impartial and no distinctions are drawn, there can be no differing standards.
What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!
This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.
Many people point to flaws in others, that exist in themselves, even when those faults do not manifest in those they point to.
ReplyDeleteThis has long puzzled me.