I know the feeling all too well -- it can be pretty powerful as self-editing in the face of social uncertainty! I'm sure it never happened to any of us -- but I can picture children hissing in panic -- "don't DO THAT Dad".
I really like "...embarrassment is closer to the stomach."
Fascinating musing on embarrassment, David! I especially like this paragraph: “In the modern world, to be embarrassed is akin to being dishonored, but dishonor is a more serious business. It’s a moral failing. Embarrassment is something else. It’s a feeling of exposure. If dishonor is closer to the bone, embarrassment is closer to the stomach.” Captures feelings I think we’ve all had.
So, did you do the thing you thought you’d be embarrassed about if it turned out to be stupid?
I appreciate your deep layers of reflection. I can empathize, too. Right off the top of my head, I can think of two choices (both based in a perceived lack of safety) I made with a verbalized connection to embarrassment if I was killed from either! “Local teacher died from….” 🤣
I know the feeling all too well -- it can be pretty powerful as self-editing in the face of social uncertainty! I'm sure it never happened to any of us -- but I can picture children hissing in panic -- "don't DO THAT Dad".
I really like "...embarrassment is closer to the stomach."
Great story of Colter's run too!
Fascinating musing on embarrassment, David! I especially like this paragraph: “In the modern world, to be embarrassed is akin to being dishonored, but dishonor is a more serious business. It’s a moral failing. Embarrassment is something else. It’s a feeling of exposure. If dishonor is closer to the bone, embarrassment is closer to the stomach.” Captures feelings I think we’ve all had.
So, did you do the thing you thought you’d be embarrassed about if it turned out to be stupid?
You know, I can’t remember, but I will say that I’ve done some stupid things that had that potential…
Haha I know the feeling!
I appreciate your deep layers of reflection. I can empathize, too. Right off the top of my head, I can think of two choices (both based in a perceived lack of safety) I made with a verbalized connection to embarrassment if I was killed from either! “Local teacher died from….” 🤣
Thought provoking as always!