Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: Thirty True Things You Need to Know Now

by Gordon Livingston

Often I ask people in conflict to withhold criticism of those around them to see if this changes the atmosphere. It is amazing how radical this suggestion seems to many people. The thought seems to be, “If I give up criticizing and directing those around me, chaos will ensue. Chores will not be done, dishes will pile up, rooms will not be cleaned, the house will fall down, homework will be ignored, school failure will ensue, followed by drug abuse, pregnancy, and a life of crime. I can’t let that happen!” This is called “awfulizing,” the idea that any relaxation in standards or vigilance is the first step toward failure, degradation, and the collapse of civilization as we know it.