Trigger Question #132:
If something makes little sense, do you immediately assume it is nonsense? If so, don’t.
Stop. Think. And ask, “Why?”
Why? Because nonsense is bound to make sense to someone somewhere.
I understood the nature of nonsense in a flash. Almost a blinding flash, because it happened under the hot, bright African sun. Out in the bush. I saw lots of dung (nonsense) and lots of active dung beetles (making sense).
Clearly, what was dung to me was doing it for these beetles. What I try to side-step, they actively seek. That’s when I first meditated on the nature of dung.
Today, I don’t assume that nonsense is simply nonsense. I always wonder why it exists. And, specifically, I wonder who might benefit from what might befoul me.
I suggest you do the same. Don’t assume nonsense. Stop. Ask why it’s there. And then consider who might benefit.
Don’t forget, you cannot say “nonsense” without saying “sense” as well.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
. . .