Thought for Monday on sarcasm (read in Eng,Sp,Fr,Ger,It)
"Rough humor is meant to shock and embarrass, but integrates into the minds of others easily because of the heightened energy of laughter. This is intended to hurt others, either actively or in a passive aggressive manner, but it also hurts the joker. This is a harm identified and described by Buddhist teachings of the ten non-virtues called divisive speech and slander. Divisive speech is prevalent among intelligent people and sadly, has almost become a sign of intelligence by manipulating words and toying with the emotions of others to show off. We should use more skillful methods instead, because sarcasm and slander damages the mind of the speaker as well as causing the listeners to become complicit in the intent to harm others. They also become co dependent conspirators by allowing the harmer to believe that they are clever and correct. This is among the many damages caused by non-virtue. Some develop unskillful habits, such as divisive speech, which is slander, as a favorite m...