Sure. It's a decent enough reason. But it seems born from an overly cynical thesis.
How about a better reason? Care because you want to. Make a conscious effort to give every stranger you encounter the benefit of the doubt. Some will prove you wrong, naturally. But until they do, they're presumed innocent.
It's actually pretty remarkable how much of a difference this approach can make in your daily life. People on HN like to talk about "expanding their luck surface area," and other terms of that nature. Well, being genuinely interested in other people is one of the better ways to do it.
Our lives are stressful. Our patience is thin. Our guard is up. All of that seems to come with the territory of modern life. But resolving to push that crap down, and treat other people respectfully, takes an enormous amount of strength. And it's a mark of good character.
Have something you stand for in life. Have a code. Make being a good, friendly person part of that code. This isn't corny. This is strong. This is badass. James Bond lives by a code. Batman lives by a code. See if you can rise to the challenge, and do the same.
I guess it is part tone or intent, I'll reply often "I'm good, how are you today (or doing, etc.) and get, "I'm ok (or I'm good, or "you know") and many times, "thanks for asking" in a sincere tone.
A sarcastic tone would throw off the cashier, or, if (my personal example) I am stressed or thinking of something else, of course my intent will be interpreted as "not caring," as, I probably don't.
It doesn't take that Much willpower just to be nice to people, and many times, you will catch the "auto response must say hi how are you" verbists off guard in a good way.
It's also mentally exhausting and drains your willpower. While it may be a sign of good character, being like that 24/7 (even when you don't feel like it) is a good recipe for driving you insane eventually.
Making a "code" is like building a habit. Maintaining the code might be tiring at first, but consistently caring about others, just like consistently brushing your teeth, will inevitably get easier. If you truly are feeling exhausted/insane after treating people well for a day, its unlikely you think people are worth treating well to begin with.
I think most humans are kind by nature, since we're social beings. In a setting like a tribe or a small community, it's relatively easy since we depend and know everyone else. It's when we have to be like that to everyone, including strangers.. that's tough.
Sure. It's a decent enough reason. But it seems born from an overly cynical thesis.
How about a better reason? Care because you want to. Make a conscious effort to give every stranger you encounter the benefit of the doubt. Some will prove you wrong, naturally. But until they do, they're presumed innocent.
It's actually pretty remarkable how much of a difference this approach can make in your daily life. People on HN like to talk about "expanding their luck surface area," and other terms of that nature. Well, being genuinely interested in other people is one of the better ways to do it.
Our lives are stressful. Our patience is thin. Our guard is up. All of that seems to come with the territory of modern life. But resolving to push that crap down, and treat other people respectfully, takes an enormous amount of strength. And it's a mark of good character.
Have something you stand for in life. Have a code. Make being a good, friendly person part of that code. This isn't corny. This is strong. This is badass. James Bond lives by a code. Batman lives by a code. See if you can rise to the challenge, and do the same.