We’ve all said it, we’ve all heard it.  At it’s worst it is done with malice, and even at it’s best, laziness.  There is always something better to say.  If you think someone is misguided, suggest what their priority should be.  If you’ve had enough of the conversation, find another way to excuse yourself.  If you want to make someone feel bad and stupid, don’t.

Be kinder.  Be more patient.  Be more effective.  Just two little words can violate all the commandments below.

False Authority – You are not the one to determine what is important to other people

Improper Assumption – Clearly somebody cares enough to talk about it.  Just because you don’t care do not assume no one else does

Indecent Regard for Others – It is belittling

Deflection – Often used as a gaslighting technique, especially when the other person is making ground on their point

Inconsistent – You cared enough to engage in the topic or cared enough to interject your BS

Unresourceful – As stated above, there is almost certainly a better way

“It’s not what you say it’s how you say it”.  As cliche as this phrase is, it’s certainty cannot be overstated.  Too often it is believed that as long what you say is correct then it cannot be BS.  However, if whatever you communicate is done aggressively, chances are the tone of your voice is more destructive to the well being of the world than their “misbelief.”  It doesn’t matter how much more “truthful” your view is than the opposition, yelling or exploding is a violation of several BS Commandments shown below.

It is an attack which is always BS – (Commandment X – Indecent Regard to Others)

Often times the relevance of whatever you’re cursing about is an exaggeration, and does not warrant shouting – (Commandment V – Misrepresentation)

It is rarely the best solution, definitely not long term, and hardly even short.   Not only is it ineffective, often times it is counter-productive and worsens the situation – (Commandment 4 – Unresourceful)

The fact you believe it is effective, makes you ignorant – (Commandment 2 – Ignorant)

Yelling and lashing out are common tools to perpetuate toxic environments and cave into personal demons.  If that is what your goal is, you’re definitely in the wrong place.

Studies have shown that in a debate the confident are more persuasive than the timid.  While this should be a surprise to no one, what is shocking that it still holds true even if the confident person is wrong and the timid person is right.  Seemingly, whoever believes their own BS usually wins the argument.  Too often this empowers ignorance, and even more unfortunately disempowers the righteous.

Empower yourself against this common power trick.  Certainty, in the form of conviction, is hardly certain at all – especially in these days of misinformation, polarization, and extreme views.  Absolutes, the ultimate form of conviction, or anything within the vicinity should be taken with a grain of salt.

Know your stuff and just know someone assuming false authority with confidence may just be a ploy.  Confidence is perhaps too powerful for its own good.  It is a double-edged sword and can be used for both good and evil