I ran across this quote recently, and quite liked it, especially in light of some recent conversations about Aikido. At first it seemed in line with the fairly mean-spirited “Stupidity Should Be Painful” sticker on my guitar case. But on further reflection it’s much more compassionate – about expecting the best of those around you.
Most people accept stupidity and incompetence in every form they come across because they would rather be seen as easy-going and friendly than to get what they pay for and want. But the really easy-going and friendly people are found where _competence_ is rewarded, stupidity is an accident to be ignored, and incompetence has a cause worth fixing. If you _actually_ care for the people around you, you don’t allow them to be stupid, and if you _respect_ people, you are not afraid to have zero respect or tolerance for (some of) their actions.
Erik Naggum (RIP)