Quote:
Originally Posted by JimOfferman  It is not the fox's responsibility to keep the fish from harm. All the fox can do is offer advice that is to the best of her insights and then allow the fish to decide what to do with the advice. |
Nobody asked the fox for his advice, so the least he should do if he is going to stick his nose in others' personal pain and misfortune, even if that person deserves it for having brought it on himself, is ensure that he is giving advice which is suitable for the one who is vulnerable and whose life is at stake, the one who is going to die if he sets foot out of the water. If the fox is asked for his advice, it's different. Even in this case, however, if the fox is genuinely concerned for the well-being of the fish, he will be sure of what sort of animal he is dealing with and where that animal is so that his advice will help instead of hurt or instead of do nothing.
Understanding another person, which requires listening to them, with the desire of sincerly helping them, even when you know perfectly well they have no understanding of you or even a care for your life and probably never will, is an expression of love, as I experience love.
If you consider that the answer to every misery a person ever had or has is that it is their fault and they have to take responsibility, there is not even a need for advice or a reply, and if the person already knows this and still is lost, it just adds insult to injury.
And I agree with what Yossarian said.