Notice what? th world is a shithole? people are assholes what notice what?

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Hispaniola viva

It is both a tragedy and a blessing that we are unable to know which actions of ours make a genuine, and sometimes discernible, impact.

First, the blessing. I suspect the knowledge of our ability to impact others would paralyze us. For the smallest of acts often leaves the most indelible marks. Think back to the adult who had the most positive of influences on you when you were a child. If you were so inclined, and able, to talk to this person today you'd probably find they don't even recall the events that are most profound and influential in your memory.

If we could see how profoundly the smallest acts can influence another person, it would be understandable to avoid all contact with children or family members. The fear of inadvertently, yet permanently, damaging someone with the smallest of words or actions could impinge upon our ability to live a contented life.

Second, the tragedy. Because we never know which small act impacts another person, it is easy to believe that we have never had an impact. We recognize the role of a grandparent, a teacher, a neighbour, or even a parent in our own life, but are unwilling to grant ourselves the same status in the life of another.

Our society is often derided (sometimes deservedly) for its emphasis on self esteem. American Idol, the classroom and daily interactions continually demonstrate that many of us have an unwarranted and humorously high opinion of ourselves. It is sadly ironic, then, that when we finally make a difference in someone's life - and deserve praise and recognition for a genuinely good act - we can't, and don't, know it.

Most of us will never leave a mark on the world that will be recorded by either our contemporary society or posterity. Yet it would be a mistake to believe our actions have consequently had no real significance or meaning. It may seem a hollow and meaningless accomplishment, but each of us at one point in our lives has impacted someone's life in a positive way.

The difficult part in acknowledging this influence is to accept our inability to know how, or for whom, we have played this role.

So, e.g. - I can't argue with your characterizations of local governments, school boards and bureaucracies. Likewise, I can't argue with your opinions of many teachers' and parents' worth.

Yet I will take issue with your implied conclusion. For I was left with the sad realization that you appear to consider your time spent teaching as wasted. I fear the frustrations of this difficult profession have convinced you that no difference has been made by your sincere, genuine and commendable efforts.

You're wrong. I hope you can accept your inability to recognize the children you have touched and impacted. If, at the moment, you can't - please take my word for it. Regardless, you have blessed some of their lives.

Appreciatively,

Beardo

no noticing is not enough we need to act. otherwise we are just a bunch of fence sitting assholes.

i agree with this there are way too many lazy fucks who talk lots and do nothing

lets take that thought deeper. How can I morally justify spending money on luxuries while others lack necessities? Many reputable charities offer ways to save or vastly improve the lives of people in extreme poverty for small donations. What type of person am I if I spend $10 on a movie ticket, for example, that could be spent on mosquito netting to protect a poor child from malaria or to vaccinate dozens of children against measles? I don't see how giving a fixed percentage of my income, such as tithing, absolves me of further moral responsibility. If I see a woman being robbed but fail to act was it enough that I noticed?

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So what are you doing?

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I am reading this and laughing.

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from my pain to your brain