The giveaway is the word 'just.' If they say they 'just' want anything, they're selling something. Usually it means they are (a) willing to be the arbiter of what is best for everyone, and (b) willing to apportion whatever compromise will be required to approach that mean. Usually by assigning it to you, with the next phrase: "Be reasonable."
On the other hand, who has ever heard the phrase without the 'just'? "I want what's best for everyone." Sounds a bit grandiose. Sounds impossible. Sounds obvious. The 'just' tones it down. If you 'just' want that, your motives are good! You're a good person.
On the other, other hand, who has ever heard, "I just want what's best for Nicole -- I really don't care what happens to Ashley"? Or: "I just want what's best for the team -- I really don't care what happens to me."
We have heard this of course. And it's quite refreshing. Now we're getting somewhere. We have an idea where you stand. That you do have a stand.
Where everything is given an equal gloss of impossibly easy goodness, it's harder to find truth.
Then again, maybe I misunderstood the question. :-)
7 comments:
No.
The giveaway is the word 'just.' If they say they 'just' want anything, they're selling something. Usually it means they are (a) willing to be the arbiter of what is best for everyone, and (b) willing to apportion whatever compromise will be required to approach that mean. Usually by assigning it to you, with the next phrase: "Be reasonable."
On the other hand, who has ever heard the phrase without the 'just'? "I want what's best for everyone." Sounds a bit grandiose. Sounds impossible. Sounds obvious. The 'just' tones it down. If you 'just' want that, your motives are good! You're a good person.
On the other, other hand, who has ever heard, "I just want what's best for Nicole -- I really don't care what happens to Ashley"? Or: "I just want what's best for the team -- I really don't care what happens to me."
We have heard this of course. And it's quite refreshing. Now we're getting somewhere. We have an idea where you stand. That you do have a stand.
Where everything is given an equal gloss of impossibly easy goodness, it's harder to find truth.
Then again, maybe I misunderstood the question. :-)
Um, no. You already knew that.
HOW DARE YOU DELETE MY COMMENT
I saved the link and then deleted the post, silly girl. What, this is your private/public messaging forum? Sheesh.
oh I see.
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