Wednesday, February 17, 2010

corner view - wisdom from an elder


when i was around eight or nine years old i walked through the living room where my dad was watching a political debate in the television. the discussion was a bit heated and i asked my dad who was right. he said he didn't know, but that they all believed they were right. i asked again, but who is really right? and he said again, that he didn't know, only what he himself thought would be right, but that still didn't mean that it was, in fact, right; that most of the time there is no such thing as really being right. i remember feeling frustrated, as if he was keeping the truth from me, that he knew it, because, well, dads know what is right and what is wrong. right?

for some reason it stuck with me. he might just have been trying to avoid my question, but nevertheless, now that i look back, i realize it taught me a lesson. about respecting other people's opinion, to listen and see it from their side; that we must try to compromise between what is right for you and what is right for me. and to not impose your own opinion on others, but trust that they will, sooner or later, make up their own mind and stand up for what they believe. (and oh, how i wish, that this little piece of great wisdom would be practiced more. especially around these parts of the world).

jane of spain daily has a lot more wisdom ready for you.

ps: yes, i posted this family photo before, and dad, if you read this: i don't really consider you to be an elder ;)

19 comments:

  1. p.s. i love this shot! and how wise you are my dear. kisses!

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  2. Those words are o so true.
    The picture is great and i love the scarve of your mom!

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  3. we have simulair and totaly diffrent post today...!

    happy day trinsch

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  4. what a beautiful picture. such nostalgia...
    and i enjoyed reading your words. they came at the right time.
    last night i ended up (instead of going to bed mega early, which was the plan..) watching documentaries about the conflict here. why oh why. i felt suicidal afterwards. which doesn't help anyone of course. oh.

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  5. What an important lesson. Beautifully told.

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  6. this is such a beautiful corner view!
    this is such a nice picture!
    You know, I’ll be an elder one day, or maybe you already are one…

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  7. mmm! some politicians should read your blog and learn to respect each other.
    another thing you get from your childhood: making lovely family photos.

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  8. So... very true my friend. I too listen about other's opinions, but make my own choice to make it part of my opinion.
    While my one nephew was visiting we had a discussion on opinions, I said usually with two sides with strong opinions no side wins, because each side thinks their opinion is the right one. It took him awhile to see what I was trying to share with him. Hugs... xo

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  9. What a great story about respect. And that picture =D . First time here, love youre bears.

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  10. I love the picture, and you are an extremely good writer!

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  11. such a wise dad, intentional or otherwise. i love it when people cane say "i don't know."
    nicola
    http://whichname.blogspot.com

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  12. I really like how your dad did not impose his opinion - that must be the hardest thing to do as a parent. Though I would find it very difficult as I am not so much out spoken, but very opinionated politically - let's just say I have zero tolerance for the other party.

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  13. what a great lesson not only for a person but a person who is a parent - such wise words.
    beautiful family photo.

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  14. Your dad sound so much like my dad, very diplomatic and patient ;-)

    Love your p.s., I have a similar one ;-)

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  15. I'm sure you must be a terrific mom having inherited his wisdom too:)
    LOVE the photo and that great 70's style.

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  16. wonderful post and thoughts.

    and you know i love this photo, 'cause i said it before... ;)

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  17. Great photo, like all the photos from the 70´s:) And your father is right, we must always respect other people's opinion or try, at least!

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