Action (passive & direct)

action - the natural or determined mental or physical response to something sensed

direct action - an action which not only acknowledges something sensed but is also determined to do something about it; an action fueled by determination, understanding, motivation and energy, an action which makes something less susceptible to external influence, force or control.

passive action - an action which acknowledges something but is determined to do nothing about it; an action lacking determination, understanding, motivation or energy; an action which makes something more susceptible to external influence, force or control.


I wrote these definitions a number of years ago in an attempt to understand an act of bullying I observed with a group of adults. There were in this group a few individuals whose responses were direct and a significant group of others who were passive.

definitions derived from a number of sources  currently unknown.