Aligning Intention with Impact

There is no way to live on this earth and never harm anyone. Our intentions don’t always align with what we say or do, and this can impact how others receive what we say or do. 0

When it comes to intention and impact, keep in mind that these are two independent topics. Using intent to justify impact might make the individual who has been harmed or hurt feel invisible or unheard.

Our intention may be motivated by a desire to assist, to be useful, to alleviate pain and suffering, but there are numerous scenarios in which our efforts to be helpful may annoy someone else, potentially escalating their suffering. The majority of us have been on the receiving end of this, for example, when friends and family members offer us unsolicited advice with the best of intentions.

As it turns out, being a “good” human being according to our standards is insufficient. Prioritizing intent over impact is far too reductionist in our interdependent and increasingly complex and entropic world.