In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act – is purportedly said by George Orwell, but as with many quotes, the author might not be who we think it was, and I slowly think my childhood was a lie with all these misattributed quotes.
Regardless of who said it, lies are still front and centre in our lives. Misinformation is another way to say lies. This turn of phrase echoes what Orwell did write about in his novel, 1984.
The Ministry of Truth was a place where lies were created. Its sole purpose was to rewrite what was historical fact and have all knowledge point where the powers that be wanted it to go. Power controlling others.
Meanness
As well as many lies, we live in a time of constant meanness. Power, gotten by whatever means is respected. It seems to be accepted that there is virtue in dominating people. Pushing people down. Standing over them.
The reason why certain politicians, CEOs, and film execs of the world stay in power is that everyone turns a blind eye because they want a chance to get the light shone upon them.
If everyone said that behaviour is ridiculous, those people would stop having power. However, not everyone holds the line and as soon as someone breaks the line everyone else suffers.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” was meant to be said by Edmund Burke but this is also untrue. I don’t trust anything anymore.
Unfortunately, we live in a moment where exerting power on those who can’t defend themselves is seen as a noble act and something to be admired
The irony is that all that supposed strength is coming from a position of fear. It is scarcity. They fear letting go of anything because they are scared it will never return.
Kindness
So what can you do to deal with meanness, it is simple. Kindness.
It is that simple. It takes real strength to be kind because you have to be thinking about someone other than you.
Life is tough, every day your team is going through any number of things and even though their job is important, it might not be their top priority today.
Showing kindness requires courage and faith. It doesn’t mean getting walked over. You set boundaries and expectations but engage with the people around you with optimism and hope.
Kindness comes from a place of hope, of strength, of plenty.
Kindness in Action
Scottish singer and songwriter Lewis Capaldi has been very open about this diagnosis of Tourette’s.
In a recent concert in Glastonbury, you can see him struggle with this condition and it causes him challenges when singing. It must be a horrible thing to be going through.
The crowd saw the difficulty that Lewis was going through and said don’t worry, we got you.
In a world full of meanness, choose kindness.
Luke McMeeken-Ruscoe 