I need more patience with people who have just run across unfamiliar ideas relating to liberty.
Yes, I may have been explaining it for a decade.
Others may have been explaining it for millennia.
I may not feel like explaining it again, in detail, for the hundredth time.
But the new guy doesn't know this. It's brand new to him. He hasn't been along for the ride, but just now noticed the saddled horse waiting for him to hop on. And he's suspicious.
It's something hard to keep in mind, especially when the new guy comes at me with a hostile self-righteous attitude, and the assurance that no one has ever heard anything like his objections before.
I do try to explain. I try to be patient even though I've probably blogged about his precise point before. Maybe more than once. I can explain again, suited to his individual argument, punctuated by links that will help the explanation. Which he will studiously ignore.
When I provide explanatory links rather than typing the whole thing out again, it would be nice if he took the time to read them, instead of wanting it all spelled out and spoon-fed to him. But I've learned that's not how it works. He wants to be spoon-fed, and he wants it pre-digested. No effort.
And that gets old.
But maybe that's what I need to do anyway. If, that is, there is any point in trying to help people have better lives. And that is debatable.
Kent, I 100% understand what you are saying and offer this humble advice... Some people arent worth the trouble or time.... Dont beat yourself up over it (not that I think you are) I would only worry or take time to explain things to those I met in person, NOT ones online, As far as the ones online, If they have actually taken the time to read links you offer them, THEN and ONLY then have they proven themselves worthy of any further time from you. Yes, I have a verse from the Bible to support this because that is very much part of who I am.... “Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs; otherwise they will trample them under their feet, then turn and rip you to shreds.
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You are right.
DeleteI just can't believe the number of words a person is sometimes willing to write, and yet remain unwilling to read a few short links (you know I try to keep my blog posts short).
I completely resonate to your frustration. Even when people DO get a germ of a new idea from reading columns such as yours, you'll probably never have the satisfaction of hearing that it has happened. On the other hand, that's cause for comfort: I'm sure people ARE influenced by your writings on the philosophy of liberty, though they may seldom acknowledge it. Keep up the great work, Kent!
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