Theos-Talk Archives (January 2001 Message tt00068)

Dear Eldon,

Yes. Yes. Thankyou. We in Theosophy are one human family of love
incarnate. When we tease each other let it be clear that it is with love.
My Dad once told me that people never tease people they don't like. Let's
tease, never taunt. We all see ourselves in others. We all have shadow
sides(except me, perfect me). And oh how I remember the end-all of all
arguments, out on the playground at elementary school!

"Oh Yeah! Well It Takes One To Know One."

I see myself in all of you and since I know I'm the greatest since sliced
bread . . . . .

Love,
Gene


----- Original Message -----
From: "Eldon B Tucker" <eldon@theosophy.com>
To: <theos-talk@egroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 8:42 PM
Subject: Theos-World getting along in discussion lists


> I just posted this on another list, but think it might
> be worth thinking about here too.
>
> -- Eldon Tucker
>
> ----
>
> There are simple ground rules for a cordial exchange of ideas. The
> rules work even when people hold wildly different opinions. First
> is to never assume someone else's motives. Ask them what they are
> trying to do, and give them the benefit of the doubt. Even if they
> seem to claim better motives now than they appeared to have had,
> let them be the better person they want to be.
>
> The second rule is to let people explain themselves when their
> writings seem unclear. Don't lock them into one's own interpretation.
> This is not a court where the exact words used are legally binding.
> It is a forum for the discussion of ideas, where we do someone a
> favor when asking them to express themselves in different words, as
> they practice making their writing clearer.
>
> The third rule is to acknowledge that other people hold different
> worldviews. Others may not be operating with the same assumptions
> about life, about the way the universe works, and about what is
> true knowledge and experience. Let others have their say from their
> own standpoint, without having to cut them down and humble them,
> forcing them to accept themselves as our system of thought might
> see them. The universe is different to them; let them live in it
> without sending an imperial army of ideas to invade it, with the
> object of conquest.
>
> Lastly, practice the noble virtues in the exchange. The virtues
> aren't just for theorizing about life. Laugh at oneself and others
> in a light and friendly manner -- the opposite of ridicule and
> mockery. Love them in a brotherly manner -- the opposite of hating
> them as enemies. Respect them as fellow seekers -- the opposite of
> deploring them with bitter contempt. In other words: have a good
> time with friends rather than trying to kill everyone in sight!!!
>
> -- Eldon
>
>
>
>
>