French

"To understand is to forgive" - French judge during the revolution

We are all basically nice to each other, right? We've got our circles of friends and family that we'd make up with no matter what they say or do... within reason. Then that circle gets a little wider with the acquaintances and familiar faces; we'll talk to them if they introduce the topic but if they offend you, you'll ignore them and move on. Then there's the total stranger you see passing by you on the street. He or she doesn't exist longer than the Timespan you see them for. If they get in your face, you get right back in their face and feel good about standing up for yourself. If you're being held up in line at a cafe - yell at the barista! You'll get service faster that way, doesn't really matter if you've added to their bad day or not. Or if you're a soldier. Shoot the enemy because he's been designated the enemy. By who? It doesn't matter, just shoot. Okay. Then you see that they have spouses, children, entire communities dependent on them sometimes. Is that justice? Is that moral?

Is it okay to blame a teacher or a family member on your shortcomings? Do most of us do it, or is it just me?

Is it acceptable to claim that you're fair and balanced, then point out how biased the other person is? Is it just me that does this?

Is it okay to be selfish in day-to-day life, then claim selflessness when you donate a few dollars to charity? Is It just me that does this?

Is it okay to blame celebrities, athletes, and politicians for doing what their human, sometimes hedonistic, sides tell them to do? Falling into drugs, greed, performance-enhancing dope and extramarital affairs when we ourselves would do the same things in their position? "Oh, I would NEVER do that, for I would know better and could keep my life on track." Bullshit.

We cannot blame others for being fat, lazy, greedy, self-righteous, or any other trait we find undesirable, because the truth is, someone out there looks at YOU and judges you with the same level of criticism.

So don't do it. Accept them for who they are and enjoy their good qualities. Forgive the bad ones. Otherwise no one's going to forgive you for yours.

And If you have the ability and motivation for self-improvement; do it. Encourage others to join you if it's appropriate.

Never stop growing.