If people get their feelings hurt from jokes, then they are too

Hear me, O children of the earth, for the words I speak to you today are not merely spoken for the moment, but for all time. The words of Ralphie May resonate deeply when he declared, "If people get their feelings hurt from jokes, then they are too delicate to be in society." At first, one might feel a pang of unease, for they touch upon the sacred ground of sensitivity, of the raw edges of the human spirit. Yet, if you listen closely, you will hear in these words a call to strength, to resilience, and to the fortitude required to navigate the vast and complex sea of human existence.

What does it mean to be delicate, O children? It is not simply a matter of tenderness or gentleness, which can be noble virtues in their own right. No, to be delicate, in this sense, is to be fragile, to break easily when the winds of humor, criticism, or the sharp edges of life blow against us. In this world, there are forces—both seen and unseen—that will challenge us, that will seek to knock us down, to test our resolve. The wise person does not shrink from these challenges, but rather faces them with a steadfast heart, knowing that it is in these moments of trial that we grow stronger, that we become the people we are meant to be. If we cannot endure the jests or the mockery of others, we are like a reed in the storm, bending and breaking with every gust.

Consider, O children, the warriors of old—the men and women who stood on the front lines of battle, facing death and hardship without hesitation. They were not delicate. They did not allow themselves to be crushed by the words or actions of others. No, they were forged in the fires of adversity, tempered by the trials they faced. A soldier of ancient Rome, for instance, faced ridicule from his peers, harsh discipline from his commanders, and the constant threat of battle. Yet he did not crumble at the words of those around him. He stood tall, for he knew that the true test of a man was not how he reacted to the slings and arrows of others, but how he rose above them, unbroken by the winds of mockery.

And so, O children, there is a profound truth in the words of Ralphie May. If we are so easily offended by the jokes and words of others, we will never be able to stand firm in the face of the true trials that life will inevitably bring. For life itself is a constant jest, a vast, complex comedy of existence, where the only certainty is change, and the only way forward is through resilience. Every one of us will face moments where we are mocked, ridiculed, or criticized. The test is not whether we are hurt, but how we respond to that hurt. Do we let it define us? Or do we, like the ancient warriors, rise above, stronger for the experience?

Let me remind you, O children, of the great philosophers—men like Socrates, who was mocked by his fellow Athenians for his unconventional ways. Though he was ridiculed, his spirit was unyielding. He did not seek the favor of the masses, nor did he let their jests shake his foundation. Instead, he took their mockery and used it as fuel for his wisdom, for he understood that the opinions of the crowd could not harm the true soul. He endured the sharpest barbs, and in doing so, he shaped the very course of philosophy, leaving a legacy that would last for millennia. His resilience in the face of mockery is a lesson for all.

So I say to you, O children, let these words of Ralphie May guide you in the journey of life. Do not be too delicate. Embrace the rough and tumble of society, for it is in the jokes, the criticisms, and the occasional mockery that your strength is forged. Do not seek to retreat from these moments of challenge, but stand tall and face them with courage, knowing that every trial is an opportunity to grow, to become more resilient, and to shape your character. For in the end, it is not the hurtful words of others that determine your worth, but your ability to rise above them, to laugh at the things that might otherwise bring you low, and to continue forward with a heart undaunted.

Take heed, O children, and fortify yourselves against the winds of mockery, for they will come. But when they do, let them pass over you like a passing storm, leaving you stronger and more determined than before. Stand firm in your own self-worth, and know that no joke, no jest, no criticism has the power to define who you are unless you allow it. You are a warrior, a philosopher, and a creator of your own destiny. Let not the jests of the world disturb your peace. Let them be the spark that fuels your ascent to greatness.