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Writer's pictureKurt Bell

STOIC POETRY | Not upsetting a frightened old woman

Updated: Sep 4, 2021



“For whilst anger is the foe of reason, it nevertheless does not arise in any place where reason cannot dwell.” -Seneca

Today I unnecessarily upset it an old woman who was simply trying to get through her day. At the supermarket we were in line together and she wanted to keep some social distance due to the current circumstances. I was happy to maintain my distance, but I forgot this good practice when I decided to take it upon myself to correct the intrusion of another woman in our line. The other woman had appeared to cut in front of us. I decided that I would confront her, and I raced forward getting too close in the process to the old woman who is afraid. I then told the other woman that we had a line forming, and the old woman got upset with me indicating that “she’s in line!” I took this to mean that the other woman had been in line and had merely stepped away to pick something up and was just returning, and that I should mind my own business. Indeed, I should mind my own business. Indeed, I should measure my reactions against the true seriousness of the circumstance and not let my emotions dictate what I would do.

 

My name is Kurt Bell.


You can learn more about The Good Life in my book Going Alone.

Be safe... But not too safe.

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1 Comment


jony_meyer
Apr 18, 2020

I've and probably you've as well noticed due to following/attempting to follow, the "good emotional reaction" that we're not the only one struggling with this. Even still, how far of an excuse can you give especially with today's event going on for not following this rule? Though, maybe trying to look for / or having an excuse would set your mindset for a not so better path.

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