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Why do people need to push their views on others?
The problem seems to be getting worse
Today is J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday. I love the LOTR books, which I first read in high school. I even read the Silmarillion.
One Tolkien quote I recently found: “The most improper job of any man…is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.”
Nowadays, it seems more and more people seem to be taking on this improper job.
For example, a few months ago, I saw strangers chastise a pregnant woman in a liquor store. OK, we all know that it’s not good for the baby to drink alcohol, but does that give you the right to harass a stranger? You don’t know her or her situation. Maybe she’s shopping for a gift, maybe she’s just browsing, maybe she is buying a non-alcoholic mixer… or, she might have an OK from her doctor for some reason. The thing is — you’re not a part of her life, so how would you know what is going on?
What about if you’re close to someone? Should you interfere in their lives?
I think if you’re worried about someone — sure, you can ask them if you can express your concerns once. If they give you permission, tell them what you think. Then, drop it. Repeat to yourself — you are not the boss of them.
