Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Sometimes the Dude Abides...

A close associate I know, a fabulous, wonderful person and shining soul claimed to be quite cynical:

"having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic: such as a: contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives and b: based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest"

Not so surprising. If you've been around the block a few times it's easy to come to the conclusion that Human Beings are basically selfish shits.  And,  it isn't surprising that many of us are distrustful of others. Probably because we are also distrustful of ourselves. And, of course, it's hard not to be self-interested. We are embedded in our bodies, and we spend most of our time with ourselves. 

I guess it is probably worth pointing out that often people can and do act in a self-less manner.  There is  that wonderful concept called altruism: "the principle and practice of concern for the welfare and/or happiness of other humans or animals."  I do believe it's a common thing. Not a hopeless mirage.

Often Human Beings seem to be good-intentioned. There is often, unaccountably a bold, uncommon, life-affirming, grace, kindness and a healthy self-awareness to be found in the Human Heart & Head. 

So yes, we are all a decidedly mixed-bag. Human Beings are complicated & tricky. And sometimes they will surprise. Often, we will often even surprise ourselves.  Some of us have come to the realization that we aren't the Center of the Universe, and it's not all about us, and it's a good thing, and we can try our best to live that way.

Best to keep an open mind and heart. Sure, Human Beings will probably disappoint. But sometimes...  (quoting from the Big Lebowski), well...  sometimes... The Dude (or the Dude-ette),  Abides...