When I was in 8th grade an older woman who had taught english her whole life taught me a real insight. by Mark Vogl
(conservative)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Many years ago an old woman, who happened to be an English teacher, made a statement which made little sense to me at the time. But, as I moved through life it became more and more important. Mrs. Bush laid out a very important rule which became a guide in so many ways.
Mrs Bush taught us to write. And one of her most important rules was, "If you can't write it down, you don't know what you think!"
This rule seems simple enough. But if you will apply it to your life, and to those who you read and listen to you may find those who you thought were knowledgeable are not.
Remember when we were in the school yard, and you got into a disagreement with someone. Remember how some kids tended to call you names, and make fun of you. Remember how they really didn't know what they were talking about, so they substituted ridiculing you personally. Happened all the time in the school yard, and that tactic has carried itself forward to today. Try discussing an issue. You lay your case out. You use no names of anyone else. You use no foul language. You make no assertions about how another thinks. Instead you just lay out your case.
The response?. Well if you touched a nerve the likelihood is that the response will be filled with insults, sarcasm, and half complete facts and assertions. Most likely the response will not be a statement which lays out their own case so the neutral reader can make comparisons.
In American politics this happensall the time, and on both sides. But, maybe because I am conservative, I tend to see this tactic of personal attack made more often by those who can't quit deal with facts, real life, and the strength of their opponent's point of view.
There's nothing that can be done about. There isn't a way to end it. But as a reader, as someone thinking about issues I would ask that you be aware of the school yard tactics of some writers. Its entertaining, and if you happen to be on the side of the person casting the insults...maybe you cheer. But, at the same time you surrender your ability to learn, surrender your ability to see the faults in your own position.
Mrs. Bush's rule "If you can't write it down, you don't know what you think." is a crucial test for your own beliefs. If you attempt to write things down and find voids and alot of holes, maybe, just maybe, you don't know what you think.
Merry Christmas...
Did you like this article? If you did, Thumb It! 3
thumbs so far
The views expressed
in this article are those of Mark Vogl only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Mark Vogl is solely responsible for the contents
of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated
with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
