Re: Semantics and considerate usage

[Joyce Flaherty <flahertj -at- SMTPGW -dot- LIEBERT -dot- COM>]

     If you enjoyed Arlen's message, consider the book:

     *The Sky is the Limit"  Dr Wayne Dyer
     paperback, still in print, $6.95

     The good doctor maintains that it is not what happens to
     you that makes you what you are, but rather how you deal with
     what happens to you.

     and

     You cannot control what people do or say to you, but you can
     control how you react to what people do or say to you.

     and

     The one thing you can absolutely control is your own mind.

     and so forth.

     The book is a self-help book from a time when such books
     were very popular.  The doctor has a gift with words.

     enjoy (if this is your thing), joyce


     =========================================================

     Arlen Walker, 6/7/95

     <BIG SNIP>


We can't control what other people do or say. There will be nasty people trying
to stop us from being happy forever. It's part of life. We can't control them.
But we *can* control our reaction to them. And only by doing that will we ever
achieve progress. Progress is never made by restraining others, but only by
advancing ourselves.

<stepping off soapbox, and folding portable pulpit>

To relate this back to the list. Yes, by all means, try not to offend people in
your writing. But don't be surprised if they take offense anyway; as sure as the
sun rises, some will. You can't control their reaction, only your own. Weigh the
claim of offense for yourself. They could be right. But they might not be.
Examine it, look at it, and yourself, closely. Some claims will be reasonable.
Correct yourself when they are. But don't be afraid to refuse the unreasonable
claims.

Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 124

Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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