Beech: The Critical Eye

Beech sees the fault first. Sometimes the fault is real. Always the seeing has a cost.

The weather

Traditional interpretations say intolerance, irritation at the ways of others, the critic. A society needs critics. A dinner table needs fewer. Beech weather is the eye that cannot enjoy because enjoyment would feel like lowering a standard.

Beside the profile

Beech already lives in this house as a profile: “The critical eye.” Intolerance, irritation at how others do it, a hardness of judgment. Standards and contempt are different weathers. Bach filed it under Over-care for the welfare of others — for those who over-care for the welfare of others. The profile is the door. This essay is a longer walk around the same weather. Neither is a diagnosis, a product, or a treatment plan.

Discernment is a craft. Contempt is a snack.

A takeaway

Praise one imperfect thing today without a caveat. If that feels like lying, your standard may be a hiding place. Crab Apple wages war on the self; Beech on the world. Related campaigns.

Readers exploring this theme may also find neighbouring rooms interesting. Similar weather across traditions is not proof that one system explains another.