While it's a good idea and a very valid, positive philosophy, it is worth recognizing the reality-shifting power of public perception. At the right (or wrong, depending on your stance) concentrations, public perception overpowers fact in formation of 'perceived truth.'

A person accused of a crime in such a way that the relevant public believes it will be perceived socially as guilty regardless of whether they factually are guilty or not and regardless of whether a jury of their peers convicts them or not.

For example, OJ Simpson was exonerated by a jury of his peers for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. And while that verdict was based largely on failure by the state to sufficiently meet the burden of proof, the fact remains in the eyes of the law he did not commit these crimes.

But bring the topic up in a crowded room and watch the battle lines form. Everyone is absolutely certain he either did or did not. It's not actually relevant now, the fact of the matter is he was acquitted and it's been settled, but public perception of the events still shapes what we believe to be true.

So while it's important to live and think and act for yourself it is folly to believe that what other people think has no power on its own to shape the collective perception of reality, and many people are loathe to give up and change a position once they occupy one.

That is a very good idea. Most of the time they aren't thinking what you believe they are thinking, if they are thinking about you at all.

Who cares what they say..hope your lilacs blooms heavily next spring..

I've already buried "Think of the children!" under my oak tree.....your lilacs should be fine ....it's the same sort of shit.

It should help your plants grow, since it is a big load of manure,