On Being A Busybody

I am often amazed at the wisdom and insight of older writers and critics. The writers of the Bible and other ancient observers of human nature are able to give modern readers a new view of life in the fast lane. I ran across a very useful site hosted by Bill Thayer which gives some beautiful pictures of Italy and volumes of translations of Latin literature. I found "On Being A Busybody" by Plutarch among the many he offers.

In the text I found beautiful metaphors describing the unhealthy atmosphere of a house without light and clean air compared to  "unhealthy and injurious states of mind which allow winter and darkness to enter the soul."  Plutarch advises that we should rid ourselves of these attitudes, but if a thorough mind-cleaning is not convenient, then at least disrupt the comfortable arrangement.

Plutarch describes curiosity as the "first malady" to inhabit the mind in this way, but not the only one. He defines curiosity as "a desire to learn the troubles of others" and it is allied with malice and envy. 

Why do you look so sharp on others' ills,

Malignant man, yet overlook your own?

Plutarch points out that if we are so interested in the ills of the soul, we would do well to examine our own, not our neighbors'. It reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 7 verse 5(NIV) You hypocrite, first take the plank out of  your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Plutarch offers advise to help us remove this negative behavior from our present life and I am suggesting that in the early part of a new year is an appropriate time to proclaim this the year of freedom from the busybody existence. It is a process and may take a while.

First, Plutarch returns to the house metaphor. A homeowner separates belongings into groups-kitchen utensils, weapons, gardening tools, etc. then, Plutarch says to identify your shortcomings that flow out of the busybody attitude-the malice, the envy, the jealousy-so that you can attack them one at a time. Next, he says to "block the windows" so you can't see your neighbors' property and must focus on your own. Now you see your meddlesome ways as the evil they are and you ask yourself these questions-

Where did I err? And what deed have I done?

What duty neglected?

This is the beginning of freedom from your habit. 

Read the full text of Plutarch's essay.