> The next time you meet some person who is utterly captivated by some undertaking that completely mystifies you, give him the benefit of the doubt.
Why not try to understand him? Everyone (and I truly mean this) would be much happier if we threw out our ridiculous preconceptions and actually tried to understand people.
There have been a few times where I've been in the perfect frame of mind where I'm 100% focused on a person and on my interaction with that person, with absolutely no distractions. It's almost crazy how easy it is to understand someone's way of thinking. Even complete strangers can't help but be intrigued by someone who seems completely consumed by them, even if only for a moment.
So don't file it away to try to figure out on your own later; that makes no sense. Talk to him right now, really listen, and share a part of the human experience that you previously had no knowledge of.
Agreed. I think part of the venomous nature of the remark that the author is getting at is that it automatically assumes you've understood him completely: "I have looked on your works, and the only worthwhile conclusion is that your passions are stupid". Seeing something different and declaring "that's just stupid" feels like you've summed it all up and are ready to move on (and that anyone who disagrees should expect a similar appraisal).
My dad was always fond of saying "Knowing is a barrier which prevents learning". I'm sure he stole it from somewhere...
Why not try to understand him? Everyone (and I truly mean this) would be much happier if we threw out our ridiculous preconceptions and actually tried to understand people.
There have been a few times where I've been in the perfect frame of mind where I'm 100% focused on a person and on my interaction with that person, with absolutely no distractions. It's almost crazy how easy it is to understand someone's way of thinking. Even complete strangers can't help but be intrigued by someone who seems completely consumed by them, even if only for a moment.
So don't file it away to try to figure out on your own later; that makes no sense. Talk to him right now, really listen, and share a part of the human experience that you previously had no knowledge of.