Page 44 - The Religion Of The Ignorant

THE RELIGION OF THE IGNORANT

Thoughtless Speech
In the Religion of the Ignorant, thoughtlessness frequently
manifests itself in conversation. Continuing speaking, unaware that
the subject under discussion is of no interest for the listeners, forget-
ting what one has said and repeating it all over again, describing
things that everyone knows as if they were terribly original, and
prolonging matters even though everyone's time is limited are the
most obvious examples of such thoughtlessness. Inappropriate and
unfunny witticisms also reveal speech that's even more lacking in
wisdom.
Tactlessness is one form of thoughtless speech. Uttering words
that can easily be misunderstood, failing to grasp their implication
and committing gaffes as one talks all fall into this category.
Although there may generally be no deliberate intention to belittle
or mock, offending others by words thoughtlessly uttered is a form
of behavior peculiar to Ignorantism. Needlessly bringing up various
material or physical flaws of people present, or failing to bear these
deficiencies or handicaps in mind, may well offend those individu-
als. For example, bringing up such inappropriate matters as bald-
ness, short stature, or lack of financial means in the presence of
people suffering these afflictions, or making humiliating jokes about
them, typify the thoughtlessness particular to the Religion of the
Ignorant.

Disrespectful and Mocking Speech
Adopting a stubbornly insistent, argumentative style is another
hallmark of Ignorantism. Raising one's voice is a method employed
to dominate others and impose one's views on them.
Refusing to address people present, employing such terms as
"him over there," addressing a person without looking at him, and

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