"do you think of others? like yourself?"

in regard to the title of this entry: i wrote as ambiguously as i often speak to allow for a certain plurality in my message. it's asking a few different questions; the one to which you respond says a little about your perspective.

first, almost directly, it asks, if you consider other people (in your thoughts and actions). then, it asks if you like yourself. i hope the answer to each is a thoughtless "yes." reading the message this way reveals a more objective perspective/mindset.

a little more subjectively, it asks if you think of others like you - be that in terms of vocation, ethnicity, mentality, or whathaveyou. basically, do you consider the like-minded, and what connects you - makes you and your type what you are? a quintessential question for anyone passionate about a skill/trade/art, especially considering drive, muse, and what precedents have been set in your area of practice. consider the other; revolutionize your field, especially by inspiring those not quite as developed as you.

lastly, it suggests a side-by-side analysis of how you see. it does this by asking if you consider others as you would yourself. do you acknowledge the existence of a situational/external locus of control for others, as you would yourself? for example, when you are late, you can blame the weather, traffic, roommate issues, a faulty alarm clock, or a previous class on the other side of campus consistently releasing you late. however, when you see that classmate come in late all the time, do you blame the student for being lazy, or do you ponder why before pointing an accusatory finger? similarly, can you be as hard on yourself as you are on others? can you admit that you should have just studied more, tried harder, or actually cared?

the last two perspectives remind me of a quote i once read: "When you come across a superior person, think of being equal to him. When you come across an inferior person, turn inwards and examine yourself." consider those like you and inspire them to consider you. and when you look at others, utilize the variety of vantage points your mind and experiences provide. i feel, if we all do these things, there'll be a lot more understanding and a lot less hatred.

think. consider the other. like yourself.

and to quote one whom i believe will be a great future parent, "hey - quit fuckin up! "

*edit* watch this: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8m5d0_everything-is-amazing-and-nobody-is_fun

pretty much another way to look at the concept of just thinking for a moment and considering another vantage point. think little. makes a big difference.