Only A Sith Deals In Absolutes

"Only a sith deals in absolutes."

Wise words from a wise Jedi (see Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Episode III). If we can forget, for a moment, that this statement is, in itself, an absolute statement, it seems like pretty sage advice. Nothing is ever really ALWAYS true. Most everything lives in shades of grey and even the most obvious truths tend to have their exceptions.

My least favorite improv teacher (who shall remain nameless) was always giving notes in very rigid terms. He would say to "always" do this and "never" do that. I hated it. He had an idea of what improv SHOULD be in his head and taught as if there was no other way. It was just plain stupid. No scene is ever the same and, therefore, should be treated individually. I've seen guys walk into a scene and tank and then, for no apparent reason whatsoever, someone else will try the same thing and the crowd will erupt in laughter. Improv is about what works for YOU and what choice works in the moment. Nothing in improv is ALWAYS true.

On the other hand...

"If you would be a man, speak what you think today in words as hard as cannon balls, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it may contradict everything you said today."

More wise words from Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson. There is something that I find very appealing about being a man of conviction. A man that speaks in words as hard as cannon balls. I think it's honorable to believe something and stand behind it. I hesitate to say it, but I admire the 9/11 terrorists. Not because of what they did. Obviously that was a horrible, abhorrent act. But I admire someone who believes in something so firmly that they are willing to die for it. Man, those guys were committed! I admire our soldiers. I admire our police force. I admire anyone who readily stands in danger's way to further a cause that they believe in. I don't admire terrorist's cause, but I do admire their conviction. Kass is going to hate that I said that, but it's true.

Anyway, these are two of my favorite quotes. And they also happen to be two ideas that conflict with me almost every day. I REALLY like to argue. And I argue hard and fast and I'm looking for blood with words as hard as cannon balls. To me, it's a sport. Afterwards, I am always "happy go lucky", but during an argument I tend to forget that there are rarely absolute truths and the argument is NEVER worth hurting the feelings of someone I love.

Last night, Josh and I got into a huge debate over improv theory. I spoke really strongly and so did he. I believed that it is never wrong to make quick, decisive moves in improv. He believed that sometimes it is wrong to "set a scenario" if you know that your scene partner has an idea in mind. He believed that it is often better to "sit back" and give your scene partner time to make clear their idea. And, while I'm proud that I argued what I believe, I now realize that the simple fact that I said something was "always right" made me exactly what I hate. Last night, I was a sith of improv. And also, I say this to Mr. Emerson: "If you would be a man, speak today what you think today in words as hard as cannon balls, but never at the expense of your friends." A real man, in my opinion, takes care of his loved ones first and foremost.

At the end of the night, Josh and I laughed about it all and had some McDonalds. Here's what we learned:

Some of the best improvisers we know (Brenden Jennings) play hard and fast, making decisions EVERY chance they get. Still, some of our favorite improvisers (TJ) often play less aggressively, waiting for their scene partner to explain their idea. Nothing is ever ALWAYS correct. And arguing is fun, but not when you're being mean. I like to argue my ideals and I'm proud to be someone who stands up for what I believe. But, I'd like to get better at considering my friend's feelings, even if it means that I have to give up an argument.

I'll leave you with one more of my favorite quotes, again courtesy of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

-Brett