Don’t Let Your Tongue Get Your Teeth Knocked Out

It’s obvious to most people that you wouldn't sit down at this table uninvited and rudely share your opinions, political views, medical advice, or preferences for Tesla over Harley.

I even politely asked for permission to take this picture and the guy on the right wanted to cancel me. After some calm introductions and smiles, we all implicitly agreed to be friends.

This doesn’t happen on the Internet though. Instead, most people commenting and tweeting approach others like they're hogtied in public square before a throng of angry rockthrowers. Let me insult you whilst my friends stone you to death. This might get you likes, followers, and support from a partisan tribe, but it never changes anything.

If you spend any amount of time on Twitter, you’ll notice that most of the political pundits and rubes that have amassed at least ten thousand disciples have done so by stoning people to death. They throw and their followers start looking for rocks. It’s circular, endless, and pointless. Really. I can’t think of a worse way to waste life.

Insulting statements that attract likes and followers are truly antithetical to building a foundation of genuine power that can affect change. There’s nothing less powerful than a flock of bleating sheep. Imagine spending two years becoming a political shepherd, posting fresh veg to your base, firing up the troops, and bathing in dopamine only to realize you're not an influencer, you're a mook. History will show that it’s all so pointless.

Go back to the picnic table (see photo). If you can’t find some common ground, don’t let your tongue get your teeth knocked out. Just shut up. Please. You’re undeniably part of the problem.

The one thing we all have in common is our humanity. True power resides in those that contribute to the forward and upward graph of evolution. Small kind things, family and friends, dedication to a noble mission, and the pursuit of sustainable innovations are stuff to spend time and energy on. Building a mook army on social media...well, you’re just pulling the graph down.

The same could be said for spending time on the consumption of this stuff. At least I tell myself that I’m better off reading a book or walking deviceless in the woods. With every moment spent on political bullshit there is something positive we should have done instead.

I realize this post is a contradiction of sorts. I’m throwing rocks at political twitter and producing negative energy. However, I see it as a noble mission. Moreover, I’m saving myself.

I’ll just conclude by saying: in person, on the Internet, with friends, or amongst strangers...keep your teeth.