Intro
Hey everyone, it's Eren Jaeger here. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something that I've been thinking about lately – the idea of seeing beyond black and white and discovering shades of gray in this world we live in. As someone who has always had a tendency to view things from a simplistic perspective, I realized that there is so much more complexity to people and situations than meets the eye. So, join me as we delve into this journey of self-discovery.
The Tempestuous Temper
One thing about myself that I can't deny is my temper. It's like an uncontrollable force within me, often leading me down paths of recklessness fueled by anger. But what good does that do? Sure, it may feel satisfying at the moment when directed towards individuals who deny others their freedom or oppress innocent lives but acting solely out of rage isn't always productive.
Taking Things at Face Value
I have come to acknowledge my habit of taking things at face value without delving deeper into them unless someone else points out different perspectives or nuances for me. This limited approach prevents true understanding and hinders personal growth.
Questioning Black and White Thinking
A World Beyond Worthless Scum
In my younger days, viewing individuals as either "worthless scum" or not seemed appropriate given the circumstances surrounding us all – Titans devouring humanity left and right while those within Wall Sina lived oblivious lives full of luxury behind its towering walls.
But life isn't just divided between heroes fighting for justice against monsters; rather it consists mostly grey areas where even those deemed villains might possess motivations derived from their own experiences.
Compassion vs Empathy: Recognizing the Difference
Compassion was something ingrained within me from an early age - feeling deeply for others' suffering drove many choices throughout my life thus far. However empathy eluded me until recently -- truly putting myself in someone else's shoes wasn't something I did naturally. My perspective held more weight than anything, and that was my downfall.
The Complexity of Freedom
Freedom, a word that holds great significance to me. It is what we fought for against the Titans; it is what drives us forward as humans. But even freedom isn't simply black and white. There are those who see freedom as an opportunity to exploit others or seek personal gain at the expense of innocent lives. And then there are those whose actions may seem oppressive but stem from a desire to protect their loved ones or maintain order within society.
Embracing Shades of Gray
A Shift in Perspective
Recently, through conversations with friends like Armin and Mikasa, I've started to question my own rigid mindset – realizing that true understanding lies beyond simple dichotomies. Shifting away from black and white thinking has allowed me to explore shades of gray within individuals' motivations - acknowledging complexities previously overlooked.
Understanding Through Dialogue
Engaging in meaningful dialogue with people who hold different viewpoints has been eye-opening for me. Listening without immediately dismissing opinions based on preconceived notions has opened up new possibilities for growth both intellectually and emotionally.
Finding Common Ground
We often focus on our differences rather than finding commonalities among ourselves - shared experiences can help bridge gaps between opposing beliefs. Recognizing that everyone carries their own burdens allows us room for empathy instead of judgment.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Humanity's Spectrum
In conclusion, seeing beyond black and white thinking requires effort but it leads to a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By embracing shades of gray, we become more attuned not only to the complexity inherent in human nature but also how these nuances shape our interactions with one another.
So here's my challenge – let's all strive towards expanding our perspectives by recognizing various shades within humanity’s spectrum because only then can we truly evolve as individuals and as a society.