If there is one thing I learned growing up the child of ‘branding professionals’ it’s that words can’t be trusted because clever people are willing to twist their meaning to meet their client’s demands. I believe this simple fact is responsible for much confusion throughout human history.
There is a defense against the manipulation of meaning and it’s simply to stop trusting words and start trusting people. This is a defense the Eastern masters have been practicing for thousands of years.
Before discounting this approach to life as impractical, ask yourself this question: how can people lie without using words? All people can do is act. Your only task is interpreting that action. This becomes easier as you develop preferences.
I prefer people with the following qualities:
- Honest – Openness – Transparency: Are you willing to teach me what you do best?
- Dignity – Integrity – Localism: Are you acting voluntarily and with authenticity?
- Passion – Energy – Love: Do you feel like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be?
A person or brand can use whatever lovely language they like, but if their actions aren’t embodying these qualities, they’re wasting my time and their own.
Life is too short to be afraid of yourself.
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