Deception

Ahh, memories.

 

As I was taking this class, auditing a course so I could learn without going into debt, an acquaintance scoffed when I told him what I was doing. I was so proud to continue learning, through a prestigious university, with one of the best professors. Whether I'd paid hundreds or thousands to take the class, or audited for money’s sake, I learned. I would've learned either way. 

 

Acquaintance's hubris caused loss of focus for him. Brilliant, or so he told me, (I've no reason not to believe), yet very human, pride kicked his tush that day. He was busted, out loud, in deceptive practices. Exploiting (what he thought) was weakness in me. There's nothing like holding one’s thoughts and tongue until time is right. I was hurt because I was belittled, but more painful was the deceit he was too arrogant to realize was clearly displayed. 

 

I really should've pushed him out the door. Repeatedly true colors flashed loud and clear, warnings often presented. My sixth sense knew this. My common sense knew this. Most every time a weakness was exploited, I unfortunately knew.

 

This is the problem with those in positions of authority. Often becoming wise in their own eyes, they risk every positive trait with which our Creator endowed them. When a brilliant, wise person scoffs, belittles, loses humility, well, great is the fall of that person. 

 

We see it today on multiple levels around the world. 

 

Great is the fall. 

 

Stay humble, especially you brilliant, privileged individuals. Your gifts are great, admirable, I wish I possessed even a few of them. 

 

In an instant every gift can be taken. Use your gifts wisely. 

 

Foolish things of the world can confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. Loosely paraphrased, I Corinthians 1:27.

 

Check your pride O wise one.

 

November 1, 2020

 

This week, auditing my communications course, of all things, I learned fundamental truths concerning deception. 

 

For real.

 

Here are a few talking points, truths:

 

Deception exploits trust. 

 

Deception is hardwired. 

 

Deception often succeeds. 

 

Deception is not always bad deception: Developmental milestone in children, for example, is a sign of weird growth. No, I didn't eat the cookie. (Do you KNOW I ate the cookie, or are you simply suggesting I, rather than my sibling, or the dog, ate the cookie? (Demonstrates Theory of Mind, the recognition that you might not know what I know. Ha!!!)

 

Deception is chronic.

 

I tell ya what, everything I learn is linked with life. Perhaps politicians reverted to childhood, you the public might not know what I know. 

 

Interesting, right?