Hannah Cann tells us why she loves political correctness.
Do you have swine flu? No. Do you know anybody who does have swine flu? Probably not. So what's all the fuss about?
Can't afford ethical clothing but can afford a night out at Ziggy's? Jennifer Heyes discusses where students' priorities should really lie.
Three of The Yorker's blogs team have had a hard think about what general rules they live their lives by and written them down in the form of their own Personal Philosophies.
Except we didn’t stick to them. And now we’re in a mid-winter lull, still smoking/drinking/eating excessively. How very disappointing.
So, in order to get over this annual self-loathing, I suggest we forget the idea of specific, one-liner rules to live our lives by for the year and adopt a more holistic approach. General, more relaxed codes to live our lives by are the way forward. Our own Personal Philosophies, if you will.
I suggest we forget the idea of specific, one-liner rules to live our lives by.
I asked a few of my friends if they already had their own Personal Philosophies, and this is what they came up with.
Always take a step back. I like to think of everything I do, be it embarrassing, scary or illegal, as something which will make me laugh in the future. Having this as a philosophy lets me enjoy the things that other people might not do because of their apprehension. You will always get over something, no matter how serious, so I think taking a step back and realising this in the present is an important thing to be able to do.
1. I have an external moral compass - if my closest friends can't match my latest most disgraceful story then I know I'm in trouble.
2. Sundays are only good if you spend hours in bed or hours in a good café.
3. Whatever seems terrible now will seem better in two weeks.
4. If you want a situation to change, you have to actually do something.
5. And if all else fails, as long as you can laugh at yourself it'll one day make a really good anecdote.
1. Some people get all excited about nothing, and then they marry him/her. Save yourself the hassle.
2. Spend more time listening than talking.
3. The rules are made for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men. That’s something my father taught me, who’s a retired policeman.
1. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. As close as I get to a moral code, it also allows plenty of leeway for episodes of bitchiness, unless everyone around you happens to be a saint.
2. Gin is often the answer. On occasions where it is not (before midday, usually at work and definitely in cases of potential weeping) walking quickly on a cold clear day and hugging your tea mug can be appropriate substitutes.
3. Always give up your seat on the bus for someone who needs it. Instant inner glow without a scented candle or yoga mat in sight.
You must log in to submit a comment.
