Consideration.

I saw a boxing-related meme today. I am neither a boxer, nor a doctor. I am not a scientist. I am not an ethicist. I do have opinions on the general principles of fair and unfair competition, of risk tolerance, of the boundaries of social sanction for combat and combat sports. I admittedly had feelings when I saw the clip.

However, part of being ethical is to go beyond feelings and initial reactions, consider the facts and the specific rules at play, and to draw a conclusion from that process only if one is persuaded. It is also possible, and often wise, to say that we also need to learn more about a field of study writ large before we opine. Foundation matters. Truth matters. Consideration and cowardice are not twins. In times when I have jumped the gun, I have never failed to have to pay for it.

We also have the option to focus on other things we deem more important to us. Marching to the beat of a drum other than the news cycle is no sin.

I do not know whether this technology is changing us, if this change is our chosen reaction to technology's bounties and drawbacks, or results from some combination of these. I have watched people, including myself, become so convinced of our own moral superiority that we occasionally deny our very real bonds to those who hold opinions that we despise. Although, if we ask enough questions in a spirit of contempt, that list of enemies will come to include everyone we love and hate, everyone we know.

We have faster access to data, and we look up fewer facts.

We have incredible access to each other, but we don't ask people WHY they think the way they do.

We react viscerally, even to our own detriment.

We are safe at home but generate artificial conflict that provides not a shred of material assistance or invitation to conversation.

We have the luxury of waiting before drawing conclusions, and we feel the need to react immediately to situations we are removed from and lack sufficient facts. We are becoming allergic to the phrase, "I don't know."

Let me say this: the world doesn't need our immediate reactions to events. It needs us to be of service, to be productive for our families and each other, and to be learners and seekers our whole lives through. If, after careful consideration of the ideas AND the facts, you come to a conclusion that you believe in, bring it with conviction and might. Be right. Be wrong. But be honest. Answer people's questions honestly and with precision. Be both bold and gentle, and expect others to surprise you with both their venom and their warmth. Expect the worst. But continue to serve people. Continue to presume the best of each person. Because we are all both so flawed and so wonderfully made.

And please stop and think before drawing conclusions and putting them out. I'll try too.