I love carefully explaining things to people (without condescension) using my gift of clarity, but every once in a while I have a "F**k me, why did I ever come to Planet Of The Morons?" moment.
Today's example: I wrote an article using an analogy of forced broccoli purchase as a parody for TV Licensing in the UK. At the end I used a literary flourish to say I might tolerate a punitive tax on Brussels sprouts. One person writes to me, taking this literally, to say I sunk my argument in the closing paragraph by opening the door again to unlimited taxation. Didn't get that this was a tongue in cheek quip for amusement only.
I just want to give up, score some dope, and mong out for a week. Humans are hopeless. Abandon the rescue attempt of this species — let's go do dogs, horses, and dolphins. They are smarter.
This is exactly why I no longer strive to teach, But I strive to lead. In order to affect change, we must not place any judgement upon that which we wish to change, which is (almost ) impossible to do, so now I just lead people to good sources, and let them them either accept or reject what is being presented. It is not my responsibility to change any ones beliefs, but it is my responsibility to show them the path to wisdom, as the Hermit does.
