14 Comments
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Allyn Lamb's avatar

I was in Finland recently and asked about the happiness rating. I was told that Finns also have a high divorce rate and high suicide rate. The unhappy married people get divorced, then kill themselves. The ones remaining are happy.

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dj l's avatar

oh gosh, don't know if that's true, but it made me chuckle

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Chris Rewey's avatar

There’s another 3 question rule I’ve sought to practice since first learning of it in the early ‘70’s:

Is it kind?

Is it necessary?

Is it true?

Over time, this rule has rewired my thinking. I speak less and listen more, mostly thanks to the first rule.

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Chris Stowers's avatar

If you've ever been to a Rotary Club meeting, chances are they began or ended with "The Four Way Test," which has been part of Rotary since 1932.

"Of the things I think, do, and say:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

Our world could use to consider this more often....

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Darrell's avatar

Chris R. & Chris S. are spot on with “is it true,” which is really the master lever. Sometimes the truth supersedes “is it kind” if it is delivered in a compassionate manner. Sometimes the truth can hurt but is necessary.

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dj l's avatar

I've "attended" Rotary Club mtgs - once as a presenter, & now our volunteer agency goes to help serve their wonderful lunches, so I hear this. Perfect.

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Darrell's avatar

Wait…what?

“At an unusual meeting of generals and admirals, President Trump voiced a familiar litany of culture-war talking points and said the U.S. “should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military.”

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SPW's avatar

And the Kegsbreath said, “Move Out and draw fire because WE are the War Department”; direct quote. Move out and draw fire? Does that mean what I think it means?

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Melissa's avatar

The comment by the pilot doesn't surprise me. Like doctors, many of them think they are gods, to be placed above us mere mortals. Still not the brightest bulb in the fixture.

What happens when the government shuts down? will Trump just bring in the National Guard to run things. One of the least presidential people in my lifetime, makes me glad my ancestors settled on the north side of the border, not that we much better.

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Darrell's avatar

If it wasn’t for the weather I would move there!!!! Lived in cold climates for too long and like to ride my bike and hike too much, plus 4 hours from the beach.

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Melissa's avatar

We live on Vancouver Island. I am a five minute walk from a beach and the ocean, have several other beaches within an 30 minute drive, and our temperature seldomly gets below freezing. Snowfall shuts the whole area down. But it’s a pretty expensive place to live.

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William Carl Thomas's avatar

The three question rule and my Yellow Pad Discipline have much in common (listening is key!) https://wct.coach/balcony-perspective/yellow-pad-discipline/

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Lee Eide's avatar

The quate's implications are enormous for Trump and nearly all of members of his administration: Don't say anything..Take a vow of silence..But it's too late. We already know how stupid and idiotic they are so I guess it doesn't matter for them. But for the rest of us, it's a fantastic philosophy.

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Lee Eide's avatar

Related quote: Never argue with an idiot. People may not be able to tell the difference.

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