We see best on an equal plane, and communicate most spontaneously as equals. We are likely to throw our capacity to evaluate out of focus when we put on airs of superiority, or imagine ourselves to be vastly inferior to others.
When we put ourselves “above” others by imagining ourselves to be more successful, more intelligent, more powerful, or better—we are in for suffering. Our perceptions may be distorted. The progress we make toward the illusive goals of exclusiveness and eminence may isolate us from people. We may lose the “common touch.” If we care about those we leave behind, we suffer because they are so far behind us. If we do not care about them, we suffer because of our incapacity to sympathize with them.
It is also a mistake to imagine that we are inferior to others, as that makes it difficult for us to see them as they are and ourselves as we are.
One person can be superior to another in one respect but not in other respects. For example, one may be “superior” in education, but “inferior” in accomplishment. One may be superior as young and energetic, but inferior as inexperienced. One may be wise but in poor health, etc. What is a superiority from one point of view might be regarded as an inferiority from another. It is good to be accurate in our thinking because accurate thought stimulates careful observation. It may save us from the pitfalls of overgeneralizing. When we are thinking in general terms, exclusive of vivid details, our thinking is likely to be blurred.
We can postulate the ideas that we are social equals, and put our superior abilities at the service of others. We realize that individuals are not equally endowed in strength, beauty, ability, or in any other respect. Each individual is unique.
It is indeed difficult at times to be fair-minded, congenial, industrious, considerate of others, and able to radiate cheer. It is difficult to find purposes worthy of great effort and enthusiasm. It is not easy to display self-control in tense and trying situations or to listen patiently and understandingly [to what others say.
These are the rarer virtues. Perhaps they are to be highly valued for that reason. They may, however, be consciously developed. We can train ourselves to behave as though we were not whipped by environment. We can develop a sense of humor.
The product of education is the character of the individual. We can not only ask, “How much does he know?” but, “Is he a good sport? Can he play a good game and be fair-minded to members of the other team?”
It is good to be aware of the things that bother us, the things we should be doing, and the things that other people really need. This awareness should motivate us to do something to bring about better conditions.
When people are together, they tend to talk about things that are wrong. They express their attitudes in the way they appraise the situation. The practical person may suggest something specific to be done to improve conditions. The pessimist says, “Isn’t it terrible? Things have gone so far that nothing can be done about it.” The guilty person says, “Well, don’t blame me.” The self-righteous person finds someone to blame and accuse. (When people are together they sometimes act out in their interpersonal relationships a spontaneous tragedy.)