A friend taught me how to say that in Mandarin at a long-ago university frat party. It was not a philosophical discussion; we were learning something other than obscenities and blasphemies in each others’ mother tongues. However, that phrase comes to me every time someone is droning on about their viewpoint, where I do not believe there can be a right or wrong answer to their dilemma.
Why force-feed ducks? It is poultry abuse to some but a farming practice for others. Animal rights activists anthropomorphize poultry, poultry farmers consider it a food source. That is the truth of it. Is either viewpoint right or wrong? Not if you understand why the practice of force-feeding ducks even exists. Animals can suffer physically, but are they aware mentally? Does a grain farmer have angst when he harvests because he is cutting plants off at their knees? It is a stalemate for me – neither is right nor wrong; simply different perceptions of the same reality.
While there are scientific explanations for most phenomena that occur in the natural world, human beings require social constructs such as right and wrong to function as a unified society. Often our observations are impeded by what we cannot see. For example, if you are shown a glass on a table half full of water, is it just a half-full glass or a half-empty glass? Neither actually. It is a full glass, half filled with water and half filled with air. But is saying the glass is half empty or half full right or wrong? Does it matter? Probably not unless you are thirsty or want to put that empty glass in the dishwasher.
As I read posts and commentaries on social media, I lament the demise of the art of conversation and the integrity of the English language with all the truncated text messaging. I am startled by the vehemence with which many people defend their opinions and pontificate like they are authorities on the subject matter, which they most often are not. When my nonpartisan sensibilities are truly offended, I start thinking about ducks.
Perhaps we should stop being concerned with being right or wrong and pay more attention to how we gather and interpret information. How about you? Would you be willing to listen to the other side?
