Jesse Steele

Turn the other cheek and don’t back down. That’s the idea Jesus gave us. Standing your ground includes opening yourself to unfair violence. If violent, cruel, uncaring people take advantage of your intentional weakness, it may be the last thing they do.

The public doesn’t like bullies, no matter what their politics, usually.

Next time a friend doesn’t act like one, keep your ideas and opinions. Say what you normally say, maybe more. Just make sure you include that old wisdom of returning good for the evil dealt you by others. If you give goodness, you must be good yourself.  · · · →

Sometimes, people just don’t listen. Maybe that should be rephrased—sometimes, people listen. Better yet, people rarely listen.

When we talk nice, we get ignored. For some reason, people only listen to loud voices. Forget all about the fact that the person talking started talking quietly. Forget all about the rudeness of ignoring someone or continuing to do something one shouldn’t be doing in the first place. Once the person talking talks loud enough to get overdue attention, the “ignorers” complain about the loud voice.

It’s their choice. Voices ignored become voices raised. It’s a forced hand—or forced voice.  · · · →

Talent and technology enhance each other, but they can’t replace each other. Skill and hard work can improve technology and technology, in turn, can empower our skills and diligence so that we can make better and better stuff, more by the day.

The temptation is to rely on technology to replace our skill. Good stories don’t result from algorithms or automated production processes. Machines can’t invent wit or charm—only well-timed playbacks of real human wit at best.

Don’t let tech become your crutch. Put away your GPS and learn the lay of your land. That’s how trend-setters get found.  · · · →