Comments:"Stop Sharing Quotes. You're Not Better Than Anyone."
I'm tired of bullshit quotes. My facebook/twitter feed is riddled with them.
Everyone knows that person who shares a set of desultory quotes, none of which they wrote, most of which they probably don't understand the full context of, and all of which they lazily copied and pasted in an attempt to come off as wise themselves, or if I'm being more generous, as a way of therapy, revealing their own insecurities or hopes for the world.
I have nothing against the notion of passing wisdom along in short aphorisms. In fact, there's something elegant about being able to distil complex ideas in under 140 characters. What I'm revolting against is laziness.
Oh you shared a quote from Lao-Tzu or Hindu scripture? Well did you actually read the Tao te Ching or the Baghavid Gita? Of course you didn't. You were so moved by some quote someone else shared that it gave you the strength and motivation to share it yourself and somehow feel good about that. Congratulations.
This epidemic, if you allow me to be hyperbolic, is getting so bad that we don't even seem to care if quotes are real anymore. Recognize the photo above? I've seen it shared a handful of times. The only problem is the Dalai Llama never said that. Someone just made that entire story up and started sharing it. Google that quote and see how many times it comes up on blogs, twitter accounts, and other websites. I actually found this copy on Temple University's website.
If a quote really moved you, one would think you'd want to learn more about its source, let alone integrate the lessons underlying it into your life.
None of this is making us better off. Changing behaviors and attitudes is incredibly difficult. Rewiring the brain like that takes tremendous effort, focus, and practice. Feeling spiritually fulfilled from reading a single quote by the Dalai Llama is not making us better off - at least not on its own. We are placating our need for fulfillment with empty, effervescent platitudes just long enough to keep us going before the next one comes along.
Like a quote? Stop trying to come off as better than others for it. No one cares. Read more about it, if you like it so much. After that, if and only if you're truly moved, share it, and maybe also share your thoughts on the original text.
Who am I kidding. No one will do any of this. So instead, here's a quote to share
"Wisdom is more easily tweeted than internalized" -me