The Effect of Others

“Other people’s views and troubles can be contagious. Don’t sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.”

— Epictetus  

Persuasion is a big part of human manipulation. 

The news is one of the best examples of this. 

The news, whether from television or social media  – is owned by a small number of people who have agendas of their own – whom use their platforms to share a range of information. The information they share is sometimes true and sometimes false.  

Malcolm X said: “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” 

And this is what often happens. 

What people do not see are the owners and producers of the news stations who break laws to keep the people thinking whatever they want them to think – and to keep people not thinking for themselves. 

Anyway, believe what you will. And I will focus on having my own beliefs as well. 

I don’t force my beliefs or opinions onto others, and I don’t listen to any angry ignorant people who try forcing their beliefs and ideas onto me. 

Conformity, Persuasion, Words

“I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life. Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone!”

— Billy Joel

How are you living your life?

What do you believe in?

What sort of people do you listen to? And do you believe them?

Are you living your life based on how someone else told you to live?

Do you think others should have your beliefs?

Have you taken time to think about what you believe in? (And not just what you’ve been told to believe.)

“Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”

— Einstein

Live your life & don’t let any losers persuade you into being another crab in the bucket.