The Rule of Partial Insanity
by John G. Agno
Published on this site: July 13th, 2005 - See
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With so much structural change happening within our world,
it is important to guard against the belief that our way is
the right way for everyone. For the first time in human history
every single one of our global problems is human-created.
Every one is a reflection of our choices and behavior. And
this means that the state of the world is a reflection of
the state of our minds.
Most people think they know how the world works and this
"knowing" prevents their perceptions from evolving.
A very few understand that their perceptions are only their
truth not other people's truth. Perhaps, Mark Twain said it
best when he talked about the Rule of Partial Insanity helping
us express civility and charity between those who differ in
their religious and political perspectives:
"Let us consider that we are all partially insane. It
will explain us to each other, it will unriddle many riddles,
it will make clear and simple many things which are involved
in haunting and harassing difficulties and obscurities now.
That is a simple rule, and easy to remember. When I, a thoughtful
and unbiased Presbyterian, examine the Koran, I know that
beyond any question every Mohammedan is insane; not in all
things, but in religious matters. When a thoughtful and unbiased
Mohammedan examines the Westminster Catechism, he knows that
beyond any question I am spiritually insane. I cannot prove
to him that he is insane, because you never can prove anything
to a lunatic for that is a part of his insanity and the evidence
of it. He cannot prove to me that I am insane, for my mind
has the same defect that afflicts his. All democrats are insane,
but not one of them knows it; none but the republicans and
mugwumps know it. All the republicans are insane, but only
the democrats and mugwumps can perceive it. The rule is perfect;
in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.
When I look around me I am often troubled to see how many
people are mad. This should move us to be charitable toward
one another's lunacies."
John G. Agno, certified executive & business coach
Signature, Inc., PO Box 2086, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Telephone:
734.426.2000 (US Eastern Time Zone) Email: mailto:[email protected]
The most critical knowledge is self-knowledge. http://www.MentoringandCoaching.com
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