The Non Aggression Principle

The Non Aggression Principle is very simple: don’t coerce. Aggression and coercion are ways of those that have ill will towards others and covets what others have, be it money, property, even life. Do not allow the Non Aggression Principle to be confused with pacifism as Non Aggressionists will protect what is rightfully theirs. So basically, if you try to attack, steal from or kill a Non Aggressionist then you get will it right back. Mal, Captain of the Firefly class ship, Serenity, would appear to be someone that adheres to this idea. He tells Saffron in one episode (before realizing she was a cold, hard killer and thief and not the sweet, innocent lil’ thing that Jayne was willing to trade his beloved ‘Vera’ for) that if someone were to try and kill her, then she should try and kill them right back.

I wanted to clarify that after a troll on Twitter tried to get my goat. I wouldn’t fall for her attempt at smearing someone that I like and apparently blocked me and deleted the conversation – good riddance I say. But seriously, why do people automatically go into this aggressive mode and expect to win people over to their side of the argument? It’s not going to work. An honest and open dialogue is how people can get their view across. It doesn’t mean others will see eye to eye but it’s the type of environment that creates the atmosphere that would encourage active listening and it’s a voluntary arrangement where anyone can join in if they wish, and leave if they wish. It’s a complicated, but yet still very simple dance – a beautiful dance when done properly.

At any rate, I just felt the need to clarify that. Please do not come at me aggressively. It turns people off and no one will want to listen. If one wishes to truly try and get others to see their point of view, they need to keep the Non Aggression Principle in the back of their mind. And if that is too complicated for them, the old adage “you can attract more flies with honey than vinegar” comes to mind.