Thread:JPhil2.0/@comment-3538016-20140201042538/@comment-3538016-20140201045636

Sorry I got disconnected again. I don't have much time, so I'm just dropping this here so that you can read it.

You said on chat that as a forum moderator, you had the right to speak uncivilly towards others for the sake of doing what needs to be done. I dispute that, strongly. This is not to say that I am some kind of saint, that I've never said anything uncivil. In fact, I don't think I'd feel so strongly about this if I hadn't seen the ruinous consequences of my own behavior in the past.

We humans are animals, and we'll gladly act the part given half a chance. Posting rude or condescending messages is our way of asserting dominance, the same as baboons baring their fangs or hindquarters. These animal-like behaviors will manifest themselves no matter what we do, but there's a special danger in trying to justify them. People think it's logical that our leaders can behave any way they please for the good of the group, but it's not really logical at all. We've just convinced ourselves that it is because we want so desperately to behave like animals.

So none of us should ever, ever feel superior. Superiority is for baboons. The only person worthy of being considered superior is someone who deeply believes that he is inferior to all other human beings. Who else would treat others with such respect? Not me, nor any other human.

I hope you don't consider this to be some sort of grand speech. It's not. I just want this wiki to be a safe and happy place, and I've seen the first signs of trouble brewing in your attitudes towards others. Everyone here, myself especially included, are in a constant struggle against our animal-natures. I just want everyone to be aware that a struggle does exist, and we should all be wary of it.

I'll be off now. Please don't dismiss this post with a "Plz" or something similar. Take the time to read it, and tell me if you spot any logical errors.