Debating with Donkeys: When to Spot the Ass and Walk Away
This morning, as I walked my dogs, what’s usually a time of serenity and peace turned into a profound moment of reflection. This daily routine, where I joyfully wave and smile to those I pass and contemplate the mysteries of this world, was interrupted in a way that reminded me of an age-old story. Let me share it with you.
A peculiar argument occurred between a Donkey and a Lion in a vast meadow under the shade of a single acacia tree.
“Look at this grass, Lion! It’s blue!” proclaimed Donkey, chewing on a tuft of grass, her voice confident.
Raising an eyebrow, Lion replied, “Donkey, the grass has always been green. Why would you say it’s blue?”
Donkey stomped her hooves and retorted, “Because, to me, it looks blue! And if I say it’s blue, then it’s blue!”
Despite his better judgment, Lion was drawn into the argument, each retort growing louder and more animated. As their voices rose, they attracted the attention of King Solomon, the wise and just ruler over the animal kingdom.
Annoyed by the commotion, King Solomon summoned both animals. “What’s the meaning of this incessant bickering?”
With feigned innocence, Donkey said, “Your Majesty, I simply stated that the grass is blue, but Lion here refuses to accept it.”
Lion tried to reason, “Your Highness, the grass is clearly green. I was only trying to show Donkey the truth.”
After a moment’s reflection, King Solomon declared, “Lion, for being so foolish as to waste your time and energy arguing with a donkey, you will spend a day in the quiet cave, reflecting on your choices. And Donkey, continue believing whatever you wish, but keep your beliefs to yourself.”
Lion was stunned but realized the wisdom in the king’s words. Some arguments—especially with those who refuse to see reason—are simply not worth it.
This crisp morning, I found myself in a situation that made their tale more relatable than ever. My neighbor, red in the face and practically spitting fire, unleashed a torrent of accusations at me, utilizing a vocabulary rich in expletives and devoid of reason.
Why? Because I had called the authorities after her dogs had attacked my own for the third time. Each attack left my dog with painful wounds, resulting in distressing visits to the vet. Not to mention the trauma we both felt every time we walked past her house, silently praying her dogs wouldn’t get out again. Yet, in her eyes, there was no room for debate. I was unequivocally the villain in her narrative. As her voice escalated, I felt cornered and overwhelmed, unable to squeeze in a word, let alone a counter-argument. My own voice seemed stifled, drowned out by the magnitude of her unwarranted rage.
At this precise moment, my eyes landed on her Donkey, standing merely twenty feet away from our heated exchange. Instantly, the Donkey and the Lion story flashed before my eyes. The parallels were uncanny.
Both scenarios featured an adamant individual (or animal, in the meadow’s case) absolutely committed to their version of the truth, regardless of how divergent it was from actual facts or collective understanding. Arguing with someone who has already made up their mind, facts be damned, is an exercise in futility. It’s like trying to convince a donkey that the grass is green when she has convinced herself, for whatever reason, that it’s blue.
So, in that charged moment, I made a conscious choice—peace over confrontation. I let her finish her tirade, nodded in a non-committal way, and silently walked away, my dignity intact. Because sometimes, the strongest form of defense is a strategic retreat, especially when facing an opponent who isn’t interested in a fair or logical fight.
You see, the world is populated with green-grass and blue-grass thinkers. Recognizing the difference between the two is more than a skill; it’s a survival tactic that saves not just time but emotional energy and sanity. So the next time you find yourself on the verge of a futile argument, ask yourself—is this a green-grass conversation, or am I talking to a blue-grass thinker? Your answer may just be the ticket to preserving your peace of mind.
