2997
Mar 6 2011: Dear Superman: If you keep rescuing Lois Lane, she's going to keep getting into trouble. [view in context] 2998
Mar 6 2011: If someone knows you will rescue them, they will be less inclined to protect themselves. They could even become addicted to rescue! 2999
Mar 6 2011: The gratitude of those rescued becomes less with each rescue, until it is seen as an entitlement. 3000
Mar 6 2011: The challenge of superheroism is to help others without enabling dependence or dysfunction. 3001
Mar 6 2011: We all have superpowers—the ability to help those in need. And we all face the same dilemma as superheros: who to help and when to let go. 3002
Mar 6 2011: Every rescue creates a liability: the risk that you end up making things worse rather than better. You are then responsible for the results. 3003
Mar 6 2011: The pain of a superhero is that even with his superpowers he must refuse most calls for help, because there are too many. 3004
Mar 6 2011: Ultimately, each person must save themselves. 3005
Mar 6 2011: Some secrecy is essential for superheroes. You must closely hold your powers and intentions or everyone will demand rescue. Hence the mask. 3006
Mar 6 2011: Low-level rescues should be replaced whenever possible with higher level systemic changes encouraging self-sufficiency. 3007
Mar 6 2011: Rescues must be limited in scope, with no implied promise of future rescue. Ideally, the victim should pay for his own rescue in some way. 3008
Mar 6 2011: In a world of infinite need, the decision to help some people must be balanced by a firm and conscious refusal to help others. 3009
Mar 6 2011: Sooner or later, Lois Lane will have to suffer the consequences of her own actions. 3010
Mar 6 2011: #### End. This has been a one-hour essay from the Bad Dalai Lama: "Advice for Superheroes" [view in context]
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