The Donkey and the Tiger

We all know some of these people

Do yourselves a favour and Google "The Donkey and the Tiger" - it's a very short read. Apparently the author is unknown. Skip to the end because that is our subject today: "When ignorance screams, intelligence shuts up. Your peace and tranquility are worth more."

As you will have seen if you researched this there are very appropriate interpretations for you to consider. The objective here is to inspire you to create your own. Think of all the people you know. Everybody has met and has to tolerate someone like this.

Are you one? I suspect to some degree that I am - especially after reading and pondering this little gem. These people really annoy me and probably you too. Now have a close look in the mirror. Is Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Righty staring back?

The most notorious person I can think of that fits this characterization is of course Donald J. Trump. The most notorious group would be his MAGA followers. But let's drop down a level to our own social spheres.

I can think of 2-3 right now. They must always have the last word and won't stop even when you try to be diplomatic. Some are used to getting their own way by virtue of being high up in a structured organization. Others like teachers, cops, and military people are used to subordinates having to listen and obey. I remember teachers who were like that but my favorites were the opposite. They had the knack of making you feel just a little more relevant. If you were totally wrong they had a tactful way of letting you know but welcomed the engagement. Some parents lack the skill - the poorer ones.

On the other hand can you remember your school experiences - primary, secondary, college in which you were socializing face to face? Who were the natural "leaders" you wanted to hang with? I remember some who just stood out and NONE of them had to be right all the time. When a group of you walked down the street, these were almost always in the centre with wannabes on either side. The girls or guys were attracted to members of the opposite sex with this charisma like a magnet. This was before other gender groups were even recognized.

These people took an interest in you and others around them. They listened when you spoke and commented on your contributions to the conversation. They laughed at your jokes even if they really were not funny. Today they might even manage to tolerate the subjects of this blog.

In terms of celebrities a few that come to mind are: Johnny Carson; Jay Leno; Dolly Parton; Diane Sawyer; and maybe Joe Biden. With celebs you never know what they are like off camera but I suspect these would still be very likeable people. My current fav above all is CNN's #Alisyn Camerota. Her personality just grows on you.

So back to the beginning. Don't waste time on these people. They will never change. They probably lack confidence and have nothing else with which to impress you. Don't sweat the small stuff - and these are the small stuff. Be the intelligent one - just let them have their petty victory.

One thing to give you solace - there isn't one person like this who isn't already held in disregard by others. There is no need to point it out.

So one more time: "When ignorance screams, intelligence shuts up. Your peace and tranquility are worth more." I'm going to try to be more "intelligent" from now on. I have learned in many ways that I am indeed often critical of what others say and do.

Maybe it's not too late.

#thebrewsterblock