Elizabeth Scalia on Being Grown-up in the Public Square

“Almost a year ago, I announced that I was going to make a full-hearted effort to pull back from the temptation to ideological excess, and I completely meant it. I was tired of being angry, more than a little convinced that my anger suited the purposes of others, beyond my ken, and fed up with consenting to being bitter — which was not only exhausting but took me nowhere I wanted to go.

“Here’s what I’ve learned, so far: It’s not always easy. Absent a grace-filled miracle, one can’t can’t just say ‘I want to love again’ and suddenly — poof! — you’re a lover, not a fighter; by making a conscious commitment to change the rotation of one’s heart, however, things slowly do become different, better; more productive.

“The first bad habit that needs to be broken is the one where labels are easily flung about, creating a world of ‘theys’ and ‘thems’, which instantly negates human beings; renders their ideas ignorable.”

In a recent commentary, writer Elizabeth Scalia reflected on establishing conversational boundaries that respect one’s opponent while also respecting one’s self.

To access Ms. Scalia’s complete post, please visit:

The Anchoress: Crouched Behind our Ideologies; Blocked from Salvation (29 NOV 13)