sixwordstories | (no subject)

I do not seek advice. I give it.

From whom can one seek advice when one has outlived all those who might understand?

There still might be someone older... how old are you?

Hmm...I did not count after the fourth millennium. I recall ice for a time, but the deep past is but a blur to me.

Nothing much of interest occurred then. Snails do not have fascinating Destinies, and they do not listen.

I wasn't able to keep track where I was, but it's more than four thousand years, I think. I would still say I'm younger than you.

What kind of advice do you give?

I guide my charges towards their Destinies. My current pair are antagonistic, and the one I converse with has no sense of the import of my words.

The nature of Destiny is to be mysterious, and reveal only fleeting glimpses of the truth, and the very young will not take time to comprehend this.

I tell them only the truth, but they do not want to hear it.

I hate it when people act like that.

I don't understand 'destiny' very well.

It is indeed trying.

Destiny shows me the right way, that which should be and will be if all is well. Yet there are important events and people that could derail this right course if not dealt with in a fitting manner, which would lead to a bleak and dark future.

It is my Duty to prevent their interference through my charges.

How do you see the future?

That would be a nice thing to do.

Only if I've asked for it.

Do you usually ask for it?

Usually? No.

...and does it annoy you if you still get it?

That depends on the giver's approach. I'm not a child who needs to be led
down the "right" path; I do find it disrespectful when people try. Offering opinions isn't the same thing as expecting me to follow their suggestions, or pressuring me to agree with them.

It's hard to resist when you see people doing... harmful things to themselves.

[Headshake.]
By their standards, or yours?

By anyone's.

If everyone had the same standards of good, bad, desirable or harmful, somehow I don't think we'd be having this conversation.
There's a point at which advice becomes controlling, if one can't step away and let people decide for themselves without repeated 'persuasion'.
I'd find it hard to keep trusting someone who acted that way.

No, but I'm sure we would agree on some things.

Why?

Why not?

You expect people to agree with you? Or to have a similar general outlook on things? was what I asked "why" to.

Yes. Some things everyone would agree on, I hope.

Such as?

I don't know. Basic things.

See, that's where you lose me. "Basics" could cover a lot of variations, different viewpoints.

Tries an example. Do you believe that it's wrong to hurt someone
temporarily to. possibly, benefit them later?

It depends on what kind of 'hurting' you mean... usually, I don't think it would be wrong.

What if they don't agree to it? They understand what your intentions are, and still say "No" for their own reasons?

...I don't usually take it that far. Even if I should.

Answers like that differ. And I'm not going to agree that you "should" make decisions that override other people's free will, "for their own good."

If they are going to kill someone else, obviously you should. I think.

In that example, perhaps yes. Perhaps. What are their reasons?

It was only an example. No one is doing that.

Theoretically, I can think of valid reasons to do either.
Prevent, or allow. The devil's in the details.

Not purposely kill someone else. Accidentally, by doing silly things.

No.

Why not?

Because I'm a stubborn arsch. *shrug* I don't like people telling me what to do...I guess that just...carries over.

It's suggestions, not orders. Most people are only trying to help.

I did not say it make sense. *Shrugs again.* People try to help too much, sometimes.

What is 'too much'?