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![]() The Evil of Gossip
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Home > Writings > Here![]() In "The Four Agreements ", a book by Don Miguel Ruiz that I have recently read, gossip is compared to black magic. Although the author goes into a rather lengthy explanation of how it is black magic in the sense of the Toltec, I would hold that it fits the more European culture's definition of "black magic" just fine. Consider the historical view of what black magic is. It is practiced by some rather unsavory characters, usually in secret, intended to affect how people interact or to force a desired outcome. There is typically very little that the target of black magic can do to rid themselves of it. It is quite like drowning in quick sand. The more you struggle, the more energy you expend trying to avoid it, the quicker you fall victim. In our more mundane settings, this definition of black magic holds for gossip rather well.
Think back to the last time you were the target of gossip, good or bad. Each person who participates in the perpetuation of this black magic has their opinion of you changed, typically without any proof (sometimes without KNOWING that their opinion was changed), and suspicion and hate are the only by products. Being the target of this evil, you have little or no way to defend yourself, even if you know who started the gossip. Therefore, it is a pain that must simply be bourn. Who needs more pain in their lives? All of this exemplifies my original position. Gossip is evil. Within any group, some gossiping occurs. I realize that. However, what one does with that gossip matters a great deal. As one of the evils that we can all live without, I would ask that each and every reader considers what you are doing the next time you hear some "juicy" gossip and choose what you do and or say. I would hope that you simply and politely suggest to the teller that such things are not appreciated and suggest they go elsewhere with their poison. Alternatively, you might just listen and then forget (as best you can) whatever was said. Let the rumors and gossip die. That way, others may know of your inner character and ethics. Let this form of evil in the world END. Written May, 2001.
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