Perhaps the true opposite of expiation is not impunity, but self-mythology: the rewriting of one’s conduct until wrongdoing becomes virtue, cruelty becomes protection, and the injured person is made to stand accused. Some people make amends. Others manufacture a version of events in which amends are always owed to them.
Yes you see that happening yet I can't but hold onto the hope that after the moment when the story is warped to suit them they still carry the guilt and, maybe, just maybe some time in the future they'll make amends.
What a great essay. I quite often find myself reaching for small acts of kindness almost as though I'm trying to offset the guilt I feel at the awfulness of much of the world.
I feel the same, Steve, truly. It’s not as if we need any more awfulness, is it?! Small acts of kindness seem like something we can definitel build into our day-to-day lives.
Thanks for the word and the etymology but even more the commentary on it. I do all this but didn’t have the word for it, now I do. So much to read, learn and absorb. 👌🙏
Ah Neena I’m a bit blown over by your kind words. Thank you! Glad to hear that you both do this and have found the word for it. Indeed, there is always so much to learn, isn’t there? Which is a wonderful thing in and of itself.
Once again, Word Emporium, you deliver a timely word. Next week I conclude an 8 week course on restorative justice. Expiate beautifully sums up what I learned - or relearned: the value and importance of speaking and acting from a generous place. For me the application is how I show up in my small, rural community, especially around conflict whether it's neighbors disagreeing about road maintenance or displaying rainbow Pride flags in the school.
"How did I expiate today" is going on a sticky note on my desk.
Perhaps the true opposite of expiation is not impunity, but self-mythology: the rewriting of one’s conduct until wrongdoing becomes virtue, cruelty becomes protection, and the injured person is made to stand accused. Some people make amends. Others manufacture a version of events in which amends are always owed to them.
Yes you see that happening yet I can't but hold onto the hope that after the moment when the story is warped to suit them they still carry the guilt and, maybe, just maybe some time in the future they'll make amends.
we can but hope, Steve!
I've experienced this so many times, now I have a word for it. Thank you, loved this!
Thank you, Sirka. Yes, this word really spoke to me when I encountered it. I’m glad it chimes with your experiences too.
What a great essay. I quite often find myself reaching for small acts of kindness almost as though I'm trying to offset the guilt I feel at the awfulness of much of the world.
I feel the same, Steve, truly. It’s not as if we need any more awfulness, is it?! Small acts of kindness seem like something we can definitel build into our day-to-day lives.
Thanks for the word and the etymology but even more the commentary on it. I do all this but didn’t have the word for it, now I do. So much to read, learn and absorb. 👌🙏
Ah Neena I’m a bit blown over by your kind words. Thank you! Glad to hear that you both do this and have found the word for it. Indeed, there is always so much to learn, isn’t there? Which is a wonderful thing in and of itself.
Once again, Word Emporium, you deliver a timely word. Next week I conclude an 8 week course on restorative justice. Expiate beautifully sums up what I learned - or relearned: the value and importance of speaking and acting from a generous place. For me the application is how I show up in my small, rural community, especially around conflict whether it's neighbors disagreeing about road maintenance or displaying rainbow Pride flags in the school.
"How did I expiate today" is going on a sticky note on my desk.