You can’t help those who don’t want help

I know that many people have said that over the centuries, even myself on occasion. Still, I have to remind myself of it from time to time. A lot of the work I do involves introducing people to new ideas, new technology, new cultures, new things. Such introductions are filled with fear. Fear of change. Fear of the unknown, Fear of the price. Fear of others. Even fear that they will find themselves lacking in some way. Not up to the battle to be fought.

I try to make it easy for people. I always assume they CAN do it, even when they, and others, don’t think they can. I try to be gentle. Leading them though the forest one step at at time, blazing a path through the undergrowth. I don’t talk down to them. I don’t treat men and women or races differently.

Still, there are often many people who shun my advances. They turn away from technology, even though it could make a big difference in their lives. They actively strive to remain ignorant and carry their ignorance around like a shield or even a banner of courage. To these people I can’t even give my information, my knowledge and my skills away for free. For some the psychological cost of acknowledging that the world has changed is simply too much.

So, in my own life, and I recommend it in yours as well, you need to seek out the people who are hungry for new ways of coping with the world. People looking for new knowledge, new skills, new ways of understanding the changing world around them. This is where you can have the most effect, and where you will find the most fulfillment .

Just a thought for those times when the going gets tough. The tough do indeed get going — moving on to people who not only need your help, but also know they need your help.