Yes, that’s it. People are free to say exactly what they want, but it would be prudent for them to have an eye on the chain of consequences that will proceed from that.
So, before you speak (but also act) always consider two questions — “Is this the hill I’m willing to die on?”, and, “Would I say or do, what I’m going to say or do, also to myself?”
Your two questions seem a bit strict and living by them might well hinder regular social interaction.
Language is a bit of a game. Things are said to cause a particular effect, to flag up a certain allegiance, to exchange information, to facilitate a connection and to amuse and entertain.
It is a fluid and inexact science. What was acceptable speech yesterday may be unacceptable tomorrow.
I am a quiet soul and tend to be quite considered when I speak so I am not too far from your ideal. But would also hate to find myself tied to defending an idea.
I warm to Castaneda’s idea of ‘controlled folly’. Play the game knowingly rather than be buffeted around at its mercy. Of course, when speaking to the few people in my life that i am an open book to, there is no need for any games; speech is of the moment, unguarded and from the heart.
The lucky, are those with a small audience, for they can still enjoy some freedom.
This is just my proclivity, being an unassuming soul. I like to tread lightly and observe. I realise that if everyone was like me, there would be no human drama to observe. As groups get larger a new dynamic seems to appear though. Factions, power struggles and politics.
As I say, ideas and notions that resonate do not need to be shouted from the rooftops. They have power of their own and need no protection. I warm to Don Juan when he says that he has no point to defend.
The great and the good bellow, ‘Have a backbone, stand up and be counted, man.’
I like to choose my battles. I hate to feel pressed into a word or deed due to the outside pressure to conform.
Looking at your previous posts Dharma, it looks as though ‘freedom of speech’ was not always a given where you live. Like with anything that is ubiquitous, i probably take it a bit for granted. Is English your second language? I wouldn’t have assumed it, from your excellent command of its peculiar form!
