An Apology

Before you get snarky, be aware that I am aware of the superficial contradiction of posting an apology on a blog about life without apology. The word apology has come to be ambiguous in meaning. When I say that I seek to live unapologetically, I mean that I’m trying to live without disclaimer. I hate disclaimers, as they are by nature long-winded excuses, and I hate excuses as I hate hell and all Montagues. Here, I am using apology as Socrates used the word. When Socrates made his public apology to the Greek people for being such a nuisance, he did not stand in front of the proverbial classroom and hang his head as he told everyone how sorry he was. He explained himself fully in the hope that the illumination of his motivation might move his audience toward understanding and away from the loathing they felt currently. My situation is not nearly so serious, but I like everyone to know where we stand.

First let me say that I do not lie. I’m not saying that I’m perfect and that I’ve never lied, but that I despise liars and therefore I must not lie lest I despise myself. (I don’t know anyone who loves a hypocrite.) That said, I sincerely advise that no one read this blog as the Bible. Or maybe to read it the way one should read the Bible: with a little bit of interpretation. I would not intentionally mislead, but I do still joke and have a love of playing with words. Exaggeration, sarcasm to the point of absurdity and, I flatter myself, satire are all devices which occasionally come within my employ. I have faith that my readers still know how to engage satire when they see it.

However, by the nature of giving my opinion I open myself to what may appear to be contradiction. But let’s examine this for a second. I speak the truth as I see it at the time I say it. I’m not talking about “your truth” and “my truth” or any other perversion of Truth, I’m saying that my perspective will change. I take it as given that as I age and accrue experience, my thought will evolve as well.

If at any time I am unclear or offensive, I depend on you to call me on it. However, bear in mind that although everyone has the right to defend what they believe, no one has the right to never be offended.