satismagic

Or: Why I like the “Daily Compass”.

The classic philosophy question asks what happens when an immovable object meets an irresistible force? The evidence of rock and water suggests that the irresistible force will win, but not on any time scale that you can comprehend. Sheer determination may lose in the end, but it should hold you for a couple of million years.

What are you determined to stick out, even if you will lose in the end?

So what is the hill I’m willing to die on?

I think like with many things in life you’ll only figure this answer out when you’re already on that hill and it’s clear the cavalry won’t be coming.

For myself, I do hope one of my hills would be human rights as laid down in the basic law that is the German constitution. One of my professors at law school said: “And if it should come to that (that those human rights are in peril), I will hang, and I hope, ladies and gentlemen, that you will be at my side.”

(He died in a drunk driving accident a few years later – being the drunk driver, unfortunately. But I still remember him as one of the most remarkable figures I came across at university.)

In terms of living the life of the silent, immovable object I’ve had sadly way too much experience since Trump and Brexit. When I realise an argument and a discussion won’t help, I simply say things like “I disagree.” or “I don’t share these views at all.” and variations thereof. Sometimes that has led to really fruitful conversations. At other times I could at least sleep better because I knew I hadn’t agreed.