Talking with my Shadow

Since it is close to year end which calls for new resolutions I shall carry on to discuss about engaging my shadows.

Though I have a natural love for all children I can hardly say it's the same for all people in general. I can be quite condescending especially towards people whom I regard as trivial and narrow in outlook.  I am always reminded by Plato's quote "an unexamined life is not worth living" and yet am constantly frustrated with my own inability to achieve a real breakthrough in the search for deeper meaning. Hence the delight that 'simple' people get from basic enjoyment and simple engagement probably upset me because it casts doubt on Plato's statement and proves these people have the simple answer which I can not comprehend or experience.

Going by psychological wisdom, the people whom you dislike most have characteristics that you actually possess and find hard to accept within yourself thus projecting onto others. That being the case can it be my own 'narrowness' I am unable to tolerate?

To help me accept more of others and myself I could again rely on Bernanke's words of encouragement for people who are endowed and lucky in so many ways to "contribute to the betterment of the world and to share their luck with others". Included in his list of "luckiest in health, family support, educational and career opportunities" is also the "luckiest in genetic endowment".

Thus if a person is superficial or trivial or petty much has to do with his or her upbringing, education and genetics. Even if I deem myself relatively less of being such than someone whom I look upon disdainfully I must remind myself of being more lucky (if what I deemed is indeed true). Bernanke quoted the Gospel of Luke in the Bible: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded".

If I can't contribute to these people's betterment I can at least be less condescending. It doesn't 'require' that much does it?