Monday, November 24, 2008
Reflections
Lessons from PH1101E
1. You can only feel the existence of the 'in' group you're in, only after the presence of the contrasting 'out' group. In a way, the 'out' group actually helps to solidify the bonds within the 'in' group. Like how can you ever feel very strongly for your country if there are no other countries?
2. You can ONLY be completely sure of your stand after all possible challenges to it have been exhausted. The challenges actually let you know your stand better, as they pit your stand against many plausible alternatives. As such, challenges to your stand are good, as it helps you consolidate the belief towards the original stand. Without knowing the plausible alternatives, how can one be ever sure the current stand is the best one? (Much like the existence of the 'out' group consolidating the 'in' group)
From an emotional point of view, alternatives are irritating. They often leave one frustrated, as the challenging of one's status quo is often hard to accept. Agreements lead to on-the-surface happiness, but it leads to nothing learnt.
That's kinda what Obama meant when he said, "Even if you didn't vote for me, I hear your voice.". Agreeing to disagree, the beauty of liberalism.
Haha what's the point? I think this post has a similiar vein to my previous post entitled 'Respect'.
lowtide blogged @
3:13 am
