The Gift of Insults
Posted April 8th, 2008 by astearn
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There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.
Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"
"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"
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my favorite insul is....
when some one says. "GOOD DAY SIR!!"
Obviously the old master was not McCain
because he kept his temper.
Then again, it wasn't me either. I'm the guy the insult guy at the RenFaire runs away from when he sees me, because he tried it on me once and got totally humiliated.
management training
There was a smart old gal who taught a class in "Handling Disgruntled Employees" (back when it meant "unhappy" rather than "armed and dangerous") and what to do when they come in all fired up about something that is wrong, not about work, unable to be changed, what have you... She had us all practice three looks: Interested, concerned, and a subtle "are you crazy?" She said you have to use the first two until they finally say something absolutely absurd. Once they have been able to "vent" to an apprently sympathetic person, they feel like an idiot when that kind person finally raises an eyebrow or asks them to repeat something ridiculous that just crossed their lips!
Thanks for posting
sometimes it takes more courage to remain silent than to speak.
The Master Warrior
should have invited the young warrior in for dinner, because obviously the young warrior was hurting inside, and needed guidance.
But he was brave enough to stand up against the Master Warrior, so he
was definintely worthy of respect, and therefore a better friend than foe.
This is an excellent
example on how to deal with trolls ; )
"the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed."
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent" Thomas Jefferson
I'm glad you made that
I'm glad you made that point. I remember in a college persuasion class, we were studying the KKK and how people will come out to jeer and hurl insults at the klansmen, usually inciting violence and media coverage, which is exactly what the klansmen are seeking. I will never forget the ire of my classmates when I simply suggested that if people want the Klan to "go away", they need only stay home on march days and ignore them.
Things are only impossible until they are not.
-- Jean Luc Picard
I agree with that
Ignore them and deny them of their supposed "power". Their power only comes from us. If we don't feed them, then what happens to them? They fade off. I think it's a kind of poetic justice.
A shorter version
Never argue with a fool,
for you are left with two fools.
I'm as sharp as an arrow.
Usually.. I don't completely get it now though. Maybe I'm overthinking it?
someoen want to spell it out for me?
p.s I haven't been too sleep for 36 hrs. Had an assingment to do.
ummm....
Don't feel bad Conza...I had to think this thru for a bit...
I'm thinking it's like this....the Master didn't give the younger man any thing...no weakness to expose, no comments to tear apart...he just stood his ground patiently. The younger man spewed attacks and wore himself out and wound up looking the fool...there by losing to the Master.
Atleast that's what I took away from it =)
And I'm pretty sure Dr. Paul would be the Master in this story ;)
Reminds me of Ghouliani,
Reminds me of Ghouliani, McStain and others up there laughing at Ron Paul and making snide remarks...Ron Paul would just sit there and grin...'Laugh it up Buddy'...and they would look the fool :D
======================================================
Federal Reserve to the American People:
"Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam."
:)
Yea I got all that.
Just the end comment:
"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"
But, the guy didn't come baring a gift.. obviously, so it wasn't able to be delivered - so the guy left..
But, it, it, it... lol i dunno, i've got 700 quotes of the best at thinkexist.com, and.. this one just doesn't do it for me.. ?
Title explains
the "gift" was insults but the old warrior did not take it and the young one was left with holding the shame of his insults.( gift)
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent" Thomas Jefferson
Ah- HA!
Thanks, it clicked! :D
hehe.
Another Arrow in My Quiver
I'll stash this gem in my rhetorical arsenal right next to the one about which wolf to feed and "How Delicious This Is."
Thank you for your assistance.
Viva Agora!
Professor Bernardo de la Paz
www.citizenduquesne.org
Sounds like another wise guy...
Bless those who persecute you, do good to those who spitefully use you, because by this you behave as your Father in Heaven. (I know this is not the exact quote, but the gist of it is there.
Libera me, let the truth break, what my fears make--Leslie Phillips
I am sorry you were offended
and I am not a "wise guy". I thought that the story was more inspirational than negative. If I was wrong, I am sorry.
I was not offended--I actually thought it was great!
It was a great story about the revealing of two men's characters.
I apologize for the bad phrasing- wise guy was not the best way to say this- wise man would have been a much better phrase...
Libera me, let the truth break, what my fears make--Leslie Phillips
I made a mistake
When I read your response I took it the wrong way. I really did not want to cause a problem with anyone. Thank you for your reply, I really do appreciate it (and feel better now).
So do I
Libera me, let the truth break, what my fears make--Leslie Phillips
Everyone needs to read this
Thank you for posting this. It has a very good message. Everyone needs to read this.