I used to find it hard to find compassion for idiocy and anti-social behaviour, that being, behaviour and choices conducted by those whose entire existence feels like a pointless waste of resources.

You’re not better than them, but if you find yourself feeling superior to anyone (based on their choices) it’s because you’re measuring their life against your experience and values… This is a mistake.

When you consider that around 50% of human DNA is genetically identical to that of a banana, you start to feel more compassionate towards your fellow man.

It’s sometimes true that what you consider to be ‘bad’ people or those that make bad choices, just don’t have the capacity for making good choices.

“The most terrifying statistic… You can’t induct anyone into the US Armed Forces if they have an IQ less than 83… That’s 1 in 10 people.” — Jordan Peterson

Re-establish your line of tolerance by accepting that those who don’t do as you do, are doing what they’re capable of.

Perhaps then, your criticism will dissipate.

Published by 1 Minute Wonders. A publication for shorter stories on bigger questions.

Written by

Geraint Clarke