Is attack the best form of defense?

Do we actually achieve more if we attack in defense? We always go back to this question, whether we talk about the current debate on the curfew in Univiertel or about everyday problems, which reveal our own weaknesses.       

Attacking and blaming someone is very often how we react in attempt to prove our point right and fair. We search the ones to blame and they are always informed of how wrong their opinion actually was.

But does this lead us towards our goal? What is the goal at all? Is it more important to find the one to blame or is the ultimate goal to get out of the situation unharmed?

In the past couple of years I’ve learned that asking „Why?“ can resolve many conflicts and lead to many conversations. However, we often don’t wonder „why“, we simply don’t accept the other’s opinion from the start.

Being an organizer within my dance school has confronted me with an unpleasant task of replying to various emails written by people who criticize different aspects of our work. This is surely not an enjoyable and a simple duty, that’s quite understandable, but I got the opportunity to learn a lot about life.

Despite the fact that I find any kind of feedback very useful, it’s quite interesting that no one ever asks about the reasons. Specific occasions and conditions are criticized, threats are made and wishes are expressed. Very few are interested in “the whys”. I am a person who always wonders why something happens. I am interested in why somebody thinks, feels or lives the way he does. Since I started questioning the reasons consciously I am able to understand people and things better. It’s much easier to reach a compromise, to respect other opinions and to ask questions about myself too.

Of course that it’s much easier to blame somebody else for my faults. However, nothing good can come from that. Questioning your own conditions and emotions often reveals more and gives better solutions than simply attacking in defense.

In this sense I wish us all more curiosity and more interest in other people and their opinions in order to share a more peaceful, comfortable and cheerful life with each other.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday…

(Translated by Martina Pranjić - Thank you)