Boots With The Fur. Reeboks With the Straps.
Clothes don't make the man. But, arguably, the shoes do. Our shoes give us the strength to tread through our daily lives (both literally and figuratively). Never to be hidden by a coat or stuffed in a pocket, an individual's shoes have more than just a moment in the spotlight. Unless you're my "I have a separate suitcase for my shoes" housemate, your shoes make more than one appearance a week. Can't say the same about a shirt (well, not mine at least). It follows that the purchase of a pair of shoes (as with any piece of permanent clothing or accessory i.e. glasses, coat, watch) is a monumental and, dare I say it, life-changing decision. An investment.
I suppose it makes sense then, that we, as shoe-investors, are so hesitant to step into the shoes of others. Why would we voluntarily slip into that which is inherently someone else when we could just peacefully continue strolling (jogging?...not I) down the street in our tailored-to-fit shoes?
I truly believe that the ability to cast away one's own biases, opinions, and preconceived notions to see the world through the eyes of another is an art. And not in the "I'm going to paint this canvas yellow and call it art" sort of way. I'm talking about something with a little more detail and perspective. But the art is dying. Considering we have evolved in a way that encourages selfish behavior, only the rare super-human takes on the arduous task of being empathetic.
Hurts more than the infamous new-shoe blister but no, no. It's not only about you.
But for us mere humans, there is a way we can maintain our selfishness while putting ourselves in these metaphorical shoes. (Nothing like a loophole!) Personal benefits: You learn to look at situations from different points of view. You find a better way in which to deal with the situation. You are prepared for a future time in which you have a similar experience. And in the process, you help someone else. No big deal.
My germaphobia keeps me from sticking my foot into just anyone's shoes. But once in a while, if I know where the foot has been and if the shoe fits, I'll slide my foot in and hell, even wiggle my toes around.
I suppose it makes sense then, that we, as shoe-investors, are so hesitant to step into the shoes of others. Why would we voluntarily slip into that which is inherently someone else when we could just peacefully continue strolling (jogging?...not I) down the street in our tailored-to-fit shoes?
I truly believe that the ability to cast away one's own biases, opinions, and preconceived notions to see the world through the eyes of another is an art. And not in the "I'm going to paint this canvas yellow and call it art" sort of way. I'm talking about something with a little more detail and perspective. But the art is dying. Considering we have evolved in a way that encourages selfish behavior, only the rare super-human takes on the arduous task of being empathetic.
Hurts more than the infamous new-shoe blister but no, no. It's not only about you.
But for us mere humans, there is a way we can maintain our selfishness while putting ourselves in these metaphorical shoes. (Nothing like a loophole!) Personal benefits: You learn to look at situations from different points of view. You find a better way in which to deal with the situation. You are prepared for a future time in which you have a similar experience. And in the process, you help someone else. No big deal.
My germaphobia keeps me from sticking my foot into just anyone's shoes. But once in a while, if I know where the foot has been and if the shoe fits, I'll slide my foot in and hell, even wiggle my toes around.
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