Compos Mentis

More than Once a Month!!

It always seems to amaze me how some people seem to lack empathy for others. They don't seem to understand basic emotions that are universal. Yet, they expect others to be there for them during their emotional troubles. This is a very easy trap to fall into, and yet it is one of the most common reasons for strife within a group. This is what I have been dealing with for the past two or three weeks, ever since I have come back to Gonzaga.
I think it is fantastic timing that the Honors Program here is sent off on study abroad during their third year, usually with half in Fall and half in Spring. Such a closely knit group spending two years together nearly constantly falls into strife. On Tuesdays, our class is put together for six hours in three classes. After this, we often spend time studying together, hanging out together, doing errands together. The stress can become incredible.
This is where the empathy comes in. In order to really get along with others you have to understand what they are up to, what makes them tick. Some people seem to have missed the knack for it or fail to understand its importance. As such, these people are always creating friction within the group.
Anyway, enough about my strife. By the time I get back from Oxford, my frustrations will have passed.
My history class this semester is going to be really boring. Oh, wait, that's more of my strife.
Coming back from vacation, I'm getting back into reading awesome books. That's good. I have more time right now, since I am still looking for a job and only have 20 credits- say nothing- I have some marginal spare time in which to get to all the books in Hopkins house I have missed so far. Example: Umberto Eco's exposition on Thomas Aquinas' theory of art. Two of my heroes, together in one book! And it's semiotics, and it's Aesthetics, and it's just completely awesome!
Yeah. Life goes on.

posted by Emmett @ 21:13