Today’s expression: “Leave the door ajar.”

*places a jar next to the door and whispers, “I’m leaving this for you.”

Explanation: You could leave a door ajar by leaving it open, or you could leave a door a jar by giving it a wide-mouthed cylindrical container made of glass or pottery and typically having a lid.

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Holding the door (HTD) theory

Is it nice to hold the door for someone?

Is it not rude to hold the door for someone?

Is it both?

Is it not nice to not hold the door for someone?

Is it rude to not hold the door for someone?

Is it both?

My HTD theory is not as simple as it may seem. I would argue that “nice” does not necessarily equal “not rude.” In fact, I believe they’re quite different. I would also argue that “not nice” is just as different from “rude” as “nice” is from “rude.” To question whether an action is simultaneously “nice” and “not rude” is a new question altogether. How then do we approach these six questions?

You may have gone down the list and answered “Yes” to each question. I prefer to initially respond with “It depends.” There are far too many internal morality biases depending upon intentionality and societal variables to consider. And that’s as far as I’ve gotten with my theory.

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Brain teaser:

You need to measure out exactly four liters of water, but all you’ve got is two jars and a water hose. One jar holds exactly three liters, the other exactly five. There are no markings on the jars. How do you do it?

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A+