(no subject)

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Is it better to be feared?

Comments

[rattle-thecages.livejournal.com]

As opposed to what? Fearing?

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

I suppose the cliché response would be to say as opposed to respected, but I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't above everything else.

[rattle-thecages.livejournal.com]

To be feared is linked with the feeling of power. Many enjoy that feeling of power.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Any regard people have for you can be twisted for power if you are so inclined. Any allowance can be taken advantage of. What makes fear worse than any others?

[rattle-thecages.livejournal.com]

Fear, if you allow it to override you, can be a great weakness.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Everything's a weakness these days, isn't it? Of course, I'd say the greatest weakness of all is comfort.

[rattle-thecages.livejournal.com]

I'd actually have to agree. Once you feel too comfortable, it can be easy to slip up. You start feeling safe, you let your guard down.

[somanyteeth.livejournal.com]

No. It's better to be entertained.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Oh, I like that.

[somanyteeth.livejournal.com]

Arguably, they could be one and the same. Assuming you had that sort of sense of humor, of course.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Sir, I do believe I like the way you think.

[somanyteeth.livejournal.com]

Why thank you, madam. And here we haven't even been introduced.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

For shame. We haven't, have we.

Emuishere Kyle. I'm positively charmed.

[genevieveteague.livejournal.com]

Always.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Speaking from experience or observation?

[genevieveteague.livejournal.com]

Both, but mostly close experience.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

And it's all it's cracked up to be, then?

[genevieveteague.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is. There's a price to be paid, but it's well worth it.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

What makes you so certain you're done paying it?

[walkthefire.livejournal.com]

Who says it can't be both?

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Ideally it would be, but if it could only be one or the other, I can't help but wonder if being feared wouldn't be more useful in the long run.

[walkthefire.livejournal.com]

I've learned sometimes there's nothing you can do to earn respect. There's plenty you can do to be feared.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

I suppose that's true, to some degree. Although I suspect there has to be some measure of respect for something you allow yourself to be afraid of.

[walkthefire.livejournal.com]

There are plenty of people I respect and fear at the same time.

[appropriate-act.livejournal.com]

Which would you say inspires the greater reaction out of you?