Think like a Viking: Part sixty one

This week's Viking quote

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What is done shall be told all the same.

_{- Grettir's Saga -}

People talk, that's a given, I guess these days though, it's not just verbal talk; the rise of social media has given people a voice that can reach millions around the globe in seconds.

Looking at it objectively, one would think the potential harm that may come of such rapid dissemination of information would lead people to be more cautious with their behaviours but it doesn't seem to be the case. People are people and they'll act as they see fit, good or bad, no matter what and despite the potential damage that could arise from those actions being observed and disseminated.

Of course, that same rapid dissemination of information could just as easily spread news of a person's good deeds and it's often the case, fortunately.

This Viking quote suggests that people will speak of what they see and perceive in others, especially the bad aspects, and that leans me to assume the Vikings were alluding to the importance of doing good, acting with honour and integrity and being humble, kind and generous with the benefit of not having to worry about being disparaged by others. Basically, living as best as one can without hurting or harming others, especially when they do not deserve it.

People will react commensurate to what they observe in others, how it makes them feel and inline with their own beliefs, code, concept of integrity, honour, concept of right and wrong or even their prejudice or lack of understanding. What's generally constant is that they will usually react in some way to bad behaviour and that often means they will talk and spread that perception. Reputation is often hard-won, but is easily lost, so it makes sense to work towards doing the right things so one's reputation has less chance of becoming tarnished by other people's perceptions.

I think this is a good lesson to remember in life but also when it comes to Hive where there are many who act poorly with the view to gain rewards for it.

These bad actors come along and plagiarise text or photos, spam post and self-vote, form circle-jerks, steal identities or simple post super-low quality and single-image content with the thought to gain a reward. Some get away with it for a time but someone is always watching they talk behind the scenes. Eventually the bad actor is addressed.

The funny thing is, their responses are often very predictable. They act surprised, try to defend themselves with poor excuses, become irate and abusive, rage-quit, then come back and get irate and abusive again and generally act like fucktards. It's a predictable cycle and that abusivness from the bad actor never seems to sway the other users' opinion of them, indeed, that behaviour simply reinforces the opinion formed in the first place.

Occasionally someone takes ownership though, seeks direction, takes advice and moves forward in better ways, but that's rare.

I believe it's important for a person to shape their own life in the way they wish to perceive it however I don't believe it can be done with impunity; we live in a community (the planet) and here on Hive also and bad behaviour will always have an effect on others, usually a negative effect. Again, referring back to how difficult it is to build a good relationship offline or here on Hive, and how easy it is to ruin it, I believe it's prudent to put some thought into how one is perceived, and act in a manner that presents oneself in the best possible way...because people will talk...and others will listen.

That's it for this week, a thousand year-old Viking quote about being a better person, acting in ways that cause people to speak well and positively of them rather than poorly.

Please feel free to disagree with my interpretation and add your own in the comments below.

Skol.

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