Understanding in an Adversarial Age.

Even a quick run through of masonic ritual is enough to remind us learning to turn the other cheek is not a simple act. Matthew 5:39. But beneath the surface is one of the most interesting and effective ways to earn respect. Put it out there and it comes back to you in spades. It is next to impossible to find a comment from another person that does not contain at least a sliver that is agreeable- if you take the time to look for it. Continuing to listen and agreeing in part, when feeling provoked is not that difficult if a person is generally honest. When you were imagining the experience of enlightened thought, didn't you once imagine lodges would be like this? Didn't you imagine your thinking would be valued, that judgement would be in an atmosphere dominated by patience and understanding? You're not likely to feel comfortable showing that side of your character if you are not sensing the trust. Neither is the majority of brethren around you, who like you, have a notion of what they want to do but lack the mechanics.  They will pour out their hearts to a stranger but be unable to do the same with their life partner at home. It's made bartending a much respected, enduring craft. Every day men are being bombarded with messaging that weighs on their guilt and distress, so it is understandable they would be guarded around strangers because they need to keep their guard up to avoid being completely overwhelmed with the psychology of guilt and blame. It became much worse when charities discovered the psychology of giving. It's easy for a plea on behalf of an innocent victim of circumstance to be unrelenting as bully tactics are applied.  A few simple statistics at the right time, all it takes to have people reach for their wallet to make it go away.  Or you could do the arithmetic of understanding laid out in front of you in masonic ritual.  It's a helluva lot safer to learn life-skills that have been validated.