From: "Dubin, Elisabeth" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 15:55:30 -0500
This is all predicated on the idea that there's one real truth, and that if we all talk about it rationally with each other, we all might arrive at it. Sort of center in on it, like triangulate all the opinions and get the truth. But what if truth is not absolute? What if we'll never agree? How sad. I'm an engineer, a professional problem solver. I don't think that there's one best solution for everyone. I think every solution will benefit some people more than others, and hurt some people more than others. But, it's better to really understand the problem, from as many perspectives as possible, and really understand the hopes and fears of people looking at it from all different sides, before deciding what solution to go with. And then do it in humility, knowing that you are being unfair, and knowing that some people are being hurt, and knowing that you may be screwing up big time, with other people's lives are on the line. I've learned from personal experience that people will forgive you more readily if you really listen to them before making a decision. It's usually better to say, "Yes, I understood how this decision was going to hurt you, but I thought it was the best decision for these reasons." than to say, "You're not really being hurt" or "Ooops, I didn't realize that you would be hurt" or "I don't care if you think you are being hurt." It's best if the decision is made with everyone's participation. Sometimes, people will make personal sacrifices if they see all the options and agree that the alternatives are worse for the community as a whole. --- Chip (Sometimes the best solution is "do nothing"; sometimes not. Sometimes the best solution is "the greatest good for the greatest number", sometimes not.) ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
