(07-01-2013, 09:32 AM)Eva Wrote: Alex's words - and I cannot agree with them more - are as follows: Â "It's just as easy to be nice as it is to be nasty, and the rewards are far greater."
It is a good sentiment and I would agree, however knowing human nature, my first reaction to it was, "Weeeellll....sometimes."
In my experience, it is easy to launch out criticism and not frame or think about it. Constructive criticism is good, but it also is the way one presents it. Basically, one "keeps one in check" or their speech. You don't want to "hurt" a person.
For some people, it is not so easy; they have to think before they say anything. Let's look at an example: I don't like "Family Guy" and I can pick apart the faults of it all day long if I need to, however, there ARE people who DO like that show and sometimes it is as simple as, "I like it."
Now if they enjoy it, who am I to point and say, "This is wrong!" ? If I stop a moment and see them laugh and smile, why not let them continue? And really, maybe I have a different view on things. The crux is, I am "cursed" with self-realization and while the majority may not have this "curse", it is not out of their reach to comprehend at times. But enlightenment sometimes can't be forced and is best when someone realizes it on their own after a period of reflection.
That requires patience and I would "argue" that that would be the "nice" thing to do...and not everyone is patient or understanding. Again, from my experience with people, I see it is easier to criticize than compliment in most any situation (and heck, read ArmachiA's posts to see an example of this).
Being "nice" takes some extra effort. Any two-year old can throw a tantrum but to think and empathize is a mark of society in general IMHO.
