Reaction and Response

I'm reading the most excellent book right now on intelligence ("Intelligence" by Osho), which strongly encourages individuals to think for themselves. How refreshing. Instead of regurgitating rote "intellectual" knowledge or even what the "experts" say, consider what is the intelligent choice for you and your life. I love this particular quote, because it sums up what I observe and feel alot lately, both in my personal and professional life. It is always easier to encourage others to do this or that, but quite another to heed your own words/philosophy. Still, this is something I'm currently working on mastering/practicing....striving to respond rather than react.

"Reaction is from the thoughts and response is understanding. Reaction comes from the past; response is always in the present. But ordinarily we react--we have everything already inside. Somebody is doing something and we react as if a button has been pushed. Somebody insults you and you become angry---that has happened before, and it has been happening the same way all the while. It has become almost like a button: Someone pushes it, you become angry. There is not a single moment of waiting, not a single moment where you look at the situation to see if it may be different. The person who is insulting you may be right. He may have simply revealed a truth to you and that's why you feel insulted. Or he may be absolutely wrong, or he may be just a nasty person. But you have to look into the person--if he is right, you have to thank him because he has shown something to you. He has shown compassion toward you, he has been friendly by bringing a truth to your heart. Maybe it hurts, but that is not his fault."