Just some observations occasioned by reading the thread tonight:
In one sense, everything counts. Any injustice must should be redressed, any vulgarity deplored; we should show gratitude for every favor, and reward every feat, at least with praise. However, as a practical matter, not everything can be resolved, either because it cannot be finally adjudicated, because there are not the resources to ensure fulfillment, or because to pursue it would conflict with other goods. Arguing about trivial matters can sometimes be fun, a way of relaxing, or of getting at more important matters indirectly. But we must always have a sense of what is petty, or time- wasting, or just plain silly. That is the reason that serious people are usually thick- skinned. Although they can be wounded, even to anger, and although there is nothing wrong with a regard for one's reputation, they have more important things on their minds than taking notice of every slight, or pursuing every grievance, and will let a lot pass...... |
