Things We Need To Learn

Due to recent events, I thought it was high time to publish something like this. Call it an eye-opener of sorts, for all of us.

1. We need to learn how to READ. And by read I mean PROPERLY READ - thoroughly and intelligently. Not just on the internet but in real life, too. It just bothers me that people spend time creating posts with clear instructions yet people still ask questions that can be answered just by reading these said instructions. I think it has to do with our generation acquiring information easily, what with the internet and the creation of Google. I think we've gotten accustomed to the idea that information is readily handed to us, that we don't need to put effort into knowing stuff. After all, why waste hours in the library when you can just go online and type in key words on Google, right?
   
   That point being made, let's not get overwhelmed from a bunch of words and take time to read the post through. Trust me, it's less time consuming than reading it quickly and sending the author a question (which he/she may or may not answer) when something is unclear.
   
2. We need to learn how to LISTEN. People barely listen these days. They claim they do and maybe they are but only half-heartedly because they're too busy twiddling their thumbs on their phones. I'm guilty of this one and I'm trying to change my ways because it's downright rude to the person talking to you. I've learned that we should all get off our phones and converse like normal people would. You probably don't realize it but it's refreshing and you might just learn that you need the break from technology, too.
   
   It doesn't end with putting away your phones during a conversation though. You'd have to actively listen to the person you're talking to. Try not to interject while he/she is talking, let them talk it out before responding with your thoughts. It also gives you time to ponder on what has been said. I believe active listening is the term I'm looking for here.
   
   Last and certainly not the least,
   
3. We need to learn how to RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE. And I mean this in it's most general sense. Respect the person, their words and opinions, your differences and similarities, their personal space, and basically, just everything. We demand to be respected and yet we don't respect other people. Like most things in life, this isn't a one way street - you get what you give out.
   
   I believe the most relevant at this time is respect for other people and their opinion. Yes, you have the right to say anything you want, anytime you want but that doesn't mean you can just blurt out stuff that would hurt other people. Sending hate will not get anyone anywhere. Be considerate of your words. Think before you push that little button that would publish your thoughts to the world.

I'll probably add more when I think of them or when a certain need calls for it but for the most part, those three seem the most important to me right now.