Alphabetterment (2 of 7)
Values D, E and F
Diligence or Delusion
Contemporary sensemaking is like having a second job. With the pace and perpetuity of the information cycle, it takes a lot of work to uncover the truth — if and when that possibility exists. Sometimes this means slogging through all manner of media sources, even manipulative ones, to explore viewpoints that contradict my own. Much as I might dislike shattering my belief systems, it’s better to lean into that discomfort than to guide my actions with convenient falsehoods.
Like everyone else, my worldview comes from a mix of experience and conditioning, flavored by trust and faith. Since thinking I’m right doesn’t make it so, it’s my responsibility — and by extension, that of every human alive — to consider other perspectives. Even when a story sounds credible, my biases may be why I think favorably about it. If my exploration of spiritual and religious traditions has taught me anything, it’s that I must question everything, including myself and my teachers.
Efficiency or Excess
We live in a time of unprecedented convenience. With a little cash and few clicks or taps, I can bring almost anything in the world to my doorstep. I can eat a Michelin-starred meal, chat one-one-one with deadmau5 or act as my own bank — all from the comfort of a couch.
Many of these digitally-aided conveniences are groundbreaking. Apps that foster community and fund passion projects are emerging with remarkable speed. But for the material conveniences, it’s worth taking a second look at our purchase behaviors. What do I truly need to survive and thrive, and is it worth the cost to the environment and its inhabitants? Maybe someday all products and services will integrate an impact fact sheet, like the nutrition labels on packaged foods, so we can all be more aware. Until then, the lens of efficiency helps me evaluate whether or not I’m overdoing it.
Forgiveness or Fury
Aren’t we tired of the shame-and-blame game? It’s exhausting. Much as I filter out excessive mad-media, it’s tough to avoid all the bombastic headlines and their trails of acerbic and aggressive commentary. Branded as “engagement,” these angry dialogues are a troublesome trend that continue to divide us and betray our instinct for compassion.
Like sensemaking, gracemaking can feel like work. It’s much easier to get infuriated than to investigate the context of a supposedly offensive event. I’m not saying that forgiveness is easy, or even that all behaviors are forgivable. But we all live in glass houses. Each of us makes mistakes and does upsetting things — so it’s not for us to scrutinize others without first looking at our own moral microscope. Let’s cultivate more empathy. We’ve eaten too much from the antipathy buffet.
