small immunities

hndrk:

1. There are no guilty pleasures. There is only “guilt” and “pleasure” and you really never should conflict the two.

2. Before you commit to saying you hate something that brings joy to people (and doesn’t hurt others), think long and hard about your reasons for doing so. If in doubt, enthusiasm beats cynicism.

3. There is no authenticity, only sincerity.

4. It is more important to be nice than it is to be right.

5. Like what you like and encourage others to do the same. If you do that and keep an open mind, you’re cool. (No one can tell you how you ought to feel.)

6. The concept of “celebrity” is the curse of the modern age, don’t fuel its fire.

7. Quality of writing doesn’t result from other people agreeing or not, it comes from being well-argued and beautifully put.

8. If pressed for instant opinions, try honesty rather than handing down pre-conceived notions.

9. Never imply that a certain kind of fanbase (especially: teenage girls) has any effect whatsoever on artistic merit or credibility.

10. Tread carefully when dealing with matters of myth and legacy. There is nothing romantic about wasting your life; sympathize but don’t glamorize. (Life’s too short to busy yourself with wanting to live forever.)

11. Only a fool calls himself an expert. Do not feel inadequate or intimidated by other people’s knowledge. 

12. It’s okay to disregard your own advice every now and then.

Look, I’m never going to agree 100% with anything like this (which is maybe my way of saying that #12 is verrrrrry important), but there’s some really great stuff here; I’m particularly fond of #7.