Take on 'the Burden'

摘要

"WHEN THE SANE ARE DEALING with the insane, the burden is on the sane." That was one of my father's favorite axioms, especially after some family argument (or a few drinks). The rest of the family used the idea frequently to calm our angry discussions with one another or with our friends and adversaries. We usually shortened the old man's maxim to "the burden is on the sane," as we simultaneously disdained and made peace with those who confronted us. As I grew older, I understood that the adage provided good guidance for human interactions but was better left unsaid during arguments or disputes.