Reply #35: Humans: Reason and Compassion [View All]

[Az]

We argue our points based on reason as we see it. Often our arguments clash because we base our reason on differing premises. But if we were lead by reason alone our species would have long ago dissolved into warring individuals with no desire to come together on any issue.

Compassion seldom makes the cutting edge of our arguments. But it is always present in our actions. For it is finding ways to make our community a stronger one that drives us. Sometimes we have to put reason and arguments to the side and raise compassion above the arguments and differences.

When people are grieving they are in an emotional state. They are more focused on finding compassion from their fellow people. Reason has far lower impact on them at this time. Their mind is trying to heal. It is trying to deal with the overwhelming sense of loss. To assail them at this juncture gains us nothing. It only alienates them further and destroys any trust we may have established while discussing matters of reason.

I disagree with the Catholic position on many issues. But today I have a shoulder my fellow DUers... no my fellow humans can lean on. I can stand the weight for the time. I fear what happens when we can no longer stop to lend each other such a shoulder when others are suffering.