Rising above it

I tend to sink below an insult.

Interesting question! I'll have a ponder... ~PEPS~ “You do not truly know someone until you fight them.”

My thoughts are thus… “Rising Above It” (henceforth to be referred to as Rai, as it sounds kind of spiritually-Buddhisty) is a “state of mind,” which may or may not give “rise” to action. It is a mental attitude pertaining to the approach of raising one’s soul above (and beyond) pettiness, triviality and negativity. It is not about “not defending one’s honour,” it is about not being drawn on verbal or perhaps even physical attacks whose sole or primary intention is to damage, rile or confuse. Considered and well-intentioned criticism (of opinions or character) may be defended – in fact, should be defended (where possible), not only as a defence of one’s “honour,” but by way of a demonstration of respect for the critic and the considered and well-intentioned nature of their criticism. Barbarous, vicious, cruel, vindictive and in any other way intentionally hurtful or negative criticism should be met by an infallible wall of Rai. And so sayeth The Peps… ~PEPS~ “You do not truly know someone until you fight them.”

I'd be more inclined to defend a friend than myself, but if the purpose was to simply get under my skin, I'd probably ignore the whole thing.

Thank you, Span/Hannah (Spannah?)... Of course, to Rai (or, as I like to call it, to achieve a divine state of Rai) is an ideal, equivalent to achieving perfect oneness with Tao. Being human, it is an ideal most of us will only ever aspire to... ***gently bows and sups green tea*** ~PEPS~ “You do not truly know someone until you fight them.”

It's very likely that your reaction won't be rational, if it's something important to you. People tend to instinctively brush things over or have it out. If you're determined to stop and think, and make a moral decision, then I guess it comes down to context. I'd say that if the assailant in question is, in every way, a total tosser, and no one listens to what they say anyway, or if they just made a one-off faux pas, it's probably better to leave it. If they're a repeat offender, influential, or what they say has definite effects (ie. others follow their lead, or someone takes their insults to heart,) then I think they need to be confronted.

It would all depend on the circumstances, if it's an on the moment situation I'd ignore it. If it's likely to effect your life from that point on I'd knock the perpertrator out, It's often all these people understand.

It's not an arrogant concept in the least, but very often takes an iron will to let it pass. Needless to say, my iron will is rusty!

I spose we all have personal sense of injustice and I always judge mine by that funny feeling I get in my tummy. Once that begins to froth and gurgle I know I'm justified in rising up, speaking up and sticking to my guns until the bad feeling subsides. Whether it alters anything IS important but I'm not going to fool myself into believing that my reasons are selfless.