The amount of unnecessary tribulation we experience as a species is astounding. Especially considering the majority of our turbulence has its roots in conflicting ideas of morality. Worse, after millennia of recorded history, we still can't come to a clear consensus of our morals. Which, given the insightful tools we have at our disposal, is as ridiculous as it is shameful. How is it possible, with all our advancements in technology and communication, with our education and access to each other's cultures and histories, that we are still not living amongst one another with ease, grace, respect, and peace?
Universally, at a certain point we land on an inevitable realization of the importance of balance. That "black and white" (though, for fear some people might try to connect these colours as representing pigment rather than the Absorption and Reflection1 of light i'll be referring to this way of thinking as Purple and Yellow), either/ or thinking is dangerous. Contrary to that, while we must acknowledge that we live in a world of grey area, we must simultaneously take care not to lose ourselves in its abyss, and recognize that within every grey scale are absolutes of black(yellow) and white(purple). It simply must be so.
So how did we reach this point? And how do we ascend out of it? The truth is with time, care, and by holding ourselves, our flaws, and our anger accountable. Finding balance with our own thoughts, morality, and giving freedom for opposing ideas, and opinions, so long as we can land on a few fundamental principles. A core moral code.
To begin, let’s start with the fringes of our scale, and name our extremes, the Purple(White), and Yellow(Black) of our colour spectrum that gives us our greys. We'll have to use words such as Good and Evil, Chaos and Order, as well as define them. Now let's make some assumptive statements, either, as a global society, we are all good intentioned, striving for harmonious order but in doing so, with conflicting opinions of what that means, cause chaos and commit evil. Or, we are in some form of spiritual battle where some of us are good, and some are malevolent- be it individuals, extremist groups, or heads of state, that wish for the suffering of others2.
Regardless, there should be some universal laws that all see fit. Surely we can all agree that harming others, outside of self defence, is wrong. Especially innocents/those that are weaker than us. That we need to evolve the "Golden Rule"3 from Treat Others how You Expect to be Treated to: Do Not Transfer Your Suffering Unto Others. Were you hurt? Unnecessarily? Now that burden is yours to undo. Not to be returned, not to be shifted to someone else. Hopefully with aid from the one whom wronged you, be it as simple as an apology. You had a bad day? You have to do your best to eat it before taking it out on your friends and family, or a shopkeeper, or whatever comes across your path. Are we perfect? No, but we can at least try to protect others from ourselves. We can try to stop cycles of sorrow from perpetuating amongst each other by breaking them within ourselves.
Aside from unintentional consequences4 intent is a major consideration in western law5. For the most part, outside of accidents, it takes an active choice to inflict suffering on others. That choice is always our own. Presumably we all have the same benevolent aspirations, the safety, and prosperity of our families, our greater communities, and ourselves. Sometimes, we are placed in situations where we are forced to hurt others (ie: Russian frontlines during WW2 where citizens were forcibly drafted into conflict, and shot if they retreated6). But even in those extreme cases we can choose to face death, and surrender. Admittedly that is a terrifying choice but please follow that thread.
Let's suppose that you, the reader, and i, the writer, were both placed in this very extreme scenario. Both forced into the same circumstance, on opposing sides, sent to kill each other. If we both upheld the same moral conviction, not wishing harm on another being, no one could stop us from not shooting. If we can agree that the only ones that would pull a trigger outside of self defence are evil, in this example, the wrong doers would be people of our own side, slaughtering us for "cowardice." Now that is a curious realization. We can choose to go against authority, even if that means sacrificing our own well being. We do not have to sacrifice our integrity at the expense of an innocent7.
Are there examples when not reacting defensively is the wrong thing to do? Of course, if you're being invaded, or physically harmed, it is imperative that you react. Though, if we can, we must make efforts to provide an avenue for deserters, for those unwillingly forced to battle, for safety in surrender. Again, it’s a matter of not transferring suffering. There is a difference in validity of fear of the "enemy" when one is holding a rifle and one is waving a white flag. Gandhi had very profound ideas of non-violence. It is very important that pursuing these principles, doesn't exclude the use of force from protecting your life and the life of others. If someone is physically trying to harm you, or someone else, it should be incumbent to stop them8. This is where we find ourselves in the greys of life. If that means striking them, it means striking them. A spot of Yang within the Ying and so forth. A balance of order is a dash of chaos, a touch of "bad" within the "good." It is simply preposterous to believe that there is any morality in not harming the perpetrator that is, let's say, assaulting a child, in the attempt to stop them. It is beyond naive to believe that every single scenario of life can be quelled with diplomacy (though the absolute majority can), we have to recognize that different beings are living within different mental states, that not every situation can be rationalized with rationality. That said, for rational minds, and people that consider themselves moral, there are but few circumstances that require you need to make the first move. Striking before your struck holds little weight until you’ve exhausted dialogue.
In some ways we can look towards the animal kingdom for guidance9. Herbivores (giraffes, elephants, etc.) as precise examples for how we could all behave. Unprovoked they are peaceful, gentle, unobtrusive. Yet enormous forces of strength to be reckoned with to those that prey on them and their children10.
In the last two decades the internet has had a bevy of viral videos of animals living in harmony11. It seems conclusive that with basic needs met, (as well as a lack of irritants, captivity, antagonizing tourists) shelter, water, food, and freedom, that most animals live in harmony12. The more adoration, and care, the more we see personality, and the truth of each being. The characteristics of dogs and cats seem common place, and obvious to us now after ages of domestication. The more kindness we treat other animals, the more insight we’re given their characters, be it cubs, racoons, cows, or tigers. When we watch safe, content, creatures their true colours shine. Innocence, curiosity, joy. Be it at a scratching post or toy, the simple pleasures bring forth the sweetest characteristics. Trust built from feeding stations, slow acclimation from birds and feeders. Once the threat has been removed we see friendships and confidence built. Does that mean everything is perfect? No, but things self regulate with the absence of fear. It may take a few generations to remove the most primal survival instincts out of predators, but not too long.
In some cases the things that once terrorized us, gave face to the monsters of myth, with time, understanding, curiosity, and care have become favourites. Tigers, lions, bears, not tormented in captivity, but nurtured in sanctuaries, have become adored13. Even in the wild, by taking the time to communicate with their nature, we avoid conflict.
It is the same with most predators, by tending to their needs, not antagonizing them, we can create significant bonds, and relish each other's company. They're not always villains. It’s difficult to accept that some creatures are carnivores. That's ok. It helps with harmony, death is inevitable, and they are necessary to the tides of life. Under scarcity they can become more ruthless, under abundance they calm. And we need them, they balance our beloved herbivores from devastating the plant world. These alleged monsters help thin herds, they claim the sick and elderly. Yes, there was a history of strife. Yes, in our ignorance we wiped out too many of them, from fear. But now, now that we know, and understand these magnificent creatures, we have begun to live in welcomed proximity. We know not to stand between them and their cubs. We know that if we wear bear bells and make noise as we trek to avoid startling them we move safely. Could relations still improve? Without question. There are enormous distances to cross in our harmony, in our peace, but the path is clear. The fear of the being is gone. We know them. We can work with them. More than that we can aid by by contributing, and maintaining habitats, help make efforts to keep our rivers abundant, our environments clean and pure. Sure, at times there is the occasional bout of conflict which needs to be dealt with, but by and large, life flourishes.
Which is why, in this current age it is inconceivable that we still have such strife between each other. There are no monsters, no evil masses of people (perhaps an individual but not entire states). Metaphorically speaking, all of the lights are on. There are no clouds of darkness obscuring us from one another. We can (and must) see the humanity within each culture, each community. It is there. It is obvious. We have access to each other's artistic endeavours, our poetry, our stories. Unanimously we are the same. We love, we experience heartbreak. We dream. We care. We age, we suffer. We were all born of a mother and father. We all will face the pain of losing each of them (if it hasn’t happened already, in one capacity or other). Yes, there are some communities with very antiquated ways of living, where they don't even see each other as equals (rather through arbitrary hierarchies defined by finances, sexuality, or sex), but this is because of leadership, not the people. We've seen too many films, read too many books14, to not know that behind the veils we are the same. Some of these illusions cover thick, seem ingrained, but once they’re abandoned, there's nothing but humanity.
Revolution is scary, it's a rotation, it accomplishes nothing. Evolution is growth. Refinement. Sometimes that comes with growing pains. It's slow. Measured over generations.
Like a lantern in the dark, one man shines through modern history more than most. Mandela. Flawed. Wise. Rife with lessons.
It's easy to point fingers at the blemishes and imperfections of our cultural, and historical heroes15. No one was perfect16. Everyone has skeletons. And great! We should make our efforts to keep those realizations as mirrors to aid ourselves in our own growth, not weights to drag the lessons down. It’s possible to look at the accomplishments with even more admiration considering they came from broken sources17. We have to find the beauty, and not throw away the good away with the bad. Mandela taught us this. He led by example.
Truth and Reconciliation18.
A radical, inspiring, in some ways heartbreaking, approach to evolving our societies. It's a tough pill to swallow. For the medicine to work, for the community to heal, the victims must choose love, they must forgive. Not with blind, naive, reckless forgiveness, but faith. Faith in people’s word when they admit to their misdeeds, and their commitment to any efforts they can provide that will help with the healing. A balance. A tremendous undertaking which exemplifies the very best of humanity.
This is the only way to break a cycle. Ownership, telling the truth, no matter how vulnerable or how ugly it may be. It's our only step forward. Now some things may have a cost. You can't keep wolves amongst the sheep, it doesn't work that way, and not all crimes are forgivable. At a certain point we have to accept that there are some deranged and harmful beings out there, the extreme end of the grey scale. It could be paired with illness, be it mental, or spiritual, but like some diseases, sometimes the only solution is surgical. We must have the courage to amputate in circumstances that call for it and live with the consequences of unideal, unfair sacrifice.
Bar the most extreme crimes, we need to find avenues for both forgiveness and rehabilitation. Sometimes things take time, and that's ok. But things need to move forward from both sides of the table, punishment generally spins the wheel, and cycles continue. In the vast majority of conflicts there are more contributing factors than a simple, vile perpetrator, and if we want peace, we need to uphold our end. That means creating a forgiving landing pad to receive those working towards forgiveness. As well as remedying factors that led to the transgression’s instigation.
Most offences happen from lack of education, meaning, fear, and resources. Is it the crime of the shoplifter solely or does society have some things to take ownership over? We have an abundance of food, so much so that the majority goes to waste, while people are left starving or feeding themselves nutrient less composites. Why?
The idea that this late in our history we are stuck between capitalism and communism is absurd. We have the capacity, and the wisdom of learned experience to cherry pick the best parts of these philosophies. We can be socially conscious and caring, equalize opportunities, and privileges as well as reward those who work the hardest, are the most innovative, and drive our communities forward. The fact that we haven’t done this amongst our greatest failures19.
Not all thieves come from circumstance, there are others that steal out of ignorance. The majority of people don't understand the ripple effects their transgressions have on others. People do care. Others are hurt. For example, let's say a young man decides to steal a magazine. He thinks it's a victimless crime, it's from a major corporation that has insurance, the majority of unsold merchandise gets destroyed, no one is physically hurt. The truth is, in some ways, we are all hurt.
Let's start at the top, thinking that his actions have no effect afflicts him first, exposing his nihilistic feelings of his own self worth. "My actions, good or bad, have no impact on the world around me because i don't matter ." You'd have to believe that to some degree to commit those actions. Even if he walked in with an inflated ego, thought he owned the place, thought he deserved the magazine, and in his mind, villainized the store, the employees, and owner to such an extent that he thought he was righteous. He still is committing an action that speaks to his self worth. That he himself, nor his actions, could really have an effect on others- good or bad. Thats a failure of society. Thats a failure of education. How can we ignore such a tragic lens of existence and not feel called to educate. You do matter. We all do.
Let's look at those who use intravenous narcotics in public. Some may argue that we should live and let live. That we should not encroach people's freedom of choice. At what point do we recognize from the last half century of literature, art, and biographies of those that choose this life path, that rarely (though not never) are these choices made from a happy, healthy place, and, even less often, do they result in a good destination. To watch people spiral, to lose themselves to inevitable self harm, again, is a failure. It's difficult. It's not victimless. The tragedy affects us all, the user and the community. Each of our suffering, is all of our suffering.
Certainly there is an enormous undertaking that needs to be done. In the broadest sense of education we need to teach/remind each other of our intrinsic worth. There are not “useless eaters”20, that each life has value, especially yours. This is where the importance of manners comes in. It may seem trivial but this is the most basic level of respect, patience. It’s reminding each other that we are seen, that we have value. Civil niceties won't fix everything but they can carry us a great distance.
How is it possible with all our media, with all our stories that we can't see the supreme humanity within each person? That each set of eyes is a mirror? How have we not at least come to the conclusion of clean water for all? It's easy to say, less easy to do, allegedly. Yet somehow we can get smartphones around the world. We speak of working towards a clean environment for all, yet stand on the backs of those less fortunate to achieve it.
A rising tide lifts all boats. The more we have, shelter, security, opportunity, the less is needed to take. Yet we build bombs instead of wells and hospitals. Even in the West, Australia, Canada, the United States, there are countless communities that live in abject poverty, while these countries harbour the most colossal, and capable combined militaries in all of history, and sit on the sideline.
Today the world hosts more slave markets than centuries before21. And we do nothing. Our militaries are used for coups instead of helping. Did that not used to be the dream? Enlist and die to save lives? Sure, it's not so simple, we must be absolutely certain that we are freeing people rather than harming them further. It's imperative that we are fighting against specific oppressors rather than unwinnable ideologies (communism, drugs, terror). It's pretty straight forward, diplomatically speaking. Policies of no harm to others, no genocides, no slavery. No abuse from any leaders upon their citizens. It shouldn't be controversial to say that every person has a right to live freely (including women, i can't believe i have to type that, but still parts of the world, my god, the shame).
Many hands make little work. How hard would it be to systematically find the basics for all our countrymen and women? And from there to aid in the rest of the global nations rise. Simply the basics. Why do we let corporations play us like marionettes? With all our advancements it is criminal not to cry out, not just to the injustices, but the lack of thinking.
We know there are atrocities being committed. We do nothing. Some of us are ignorant, some never ask why, or how this is made. It is imperative that you do. Educate yourself. Learn. Lead by example.
Our biggest enemy is ourselves. It boils down to you. How do you manoeuvre? How do you help? What misguided ideas do you perpetuate? That doesn't mean you're not doing a good job if you live somewhere where frankly there's not much aid to be done. That does not mean you need to change your diet, join the peace corps, donate all your things or you're a bad person. It does mean that you need to be kind. Open your eyes, tend to those when you can, pay attention, feed people, tell the truth, and continue a path of learning.
Yes, we all feel anger, we all feel a need, a gravity that pulls us to vengeance through perceived righteousness, and yet, a man named Mandela spent twenty-seven long years in prison22, hating the guards, feeling unjust and stepped through the flames of anger, of vengeance and came to a place of peace. A peace he brought to others. A peace that continues to inspire, and perpetuate today. It’s in these words, it’s growing within us. Mandela consumed the suffering thrown over him, arguably some of the worst imaginable, and produced the most profound perspectives. He walked free from his cell with forgiveness in his heart. The greatest kindness he could give to The All. He lived by example. His journey started as a revolution, and ended with the first steps of our greatest evolution.
We are all in this together. There's no easy answers, but the least we can do is find the truth, and the truth is life is hard. We are all the same. We all suffer. Don't transfer your suffering to another. It’s all we can ask for.
Thank you for reading this long winded, and not entirely thorough exploration of some very complex circumstances. There'll be more essays, they’ll be more ideas to expand on and changes to come.
Be excellent to each other.
-Mr. Write
Or, we're all just morons. Total possibility, not even a far-fetched one.
Golden Rule: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule
Which outside of gross negligence and recklessness, we have to have some sympathies for.
As it should be.
The “No Step Back” Policy https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/stalin-issues-order-no-227outlawing-cowards
Nothing is forcing us to inflict pain on others. Even in the infamous Milgram Shock Experiment (subjects were ordered to inflict electric volts to another person by an authoritative figure. The results were fascinating, if you’re unaware of this experiment it’s worth researching https://www.simplypsychology.org/milgram.html ), 35% of participants refused. We always have a choice, we can always decline.
“I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.... But I believe that non-violence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. Forgiveness adorns a soldier. But abstinence is forgiveness only when there is the power to punish; it is meaningless when it pretend to proceed from a helpless creature.” -Gandhi. Read more here: https://www.gandhiashramsevagram.org/voice-of-truth/gandhiji-on-nonviolence-and-cowardice.php “Far better than cowardice would be meeting one’s death fighting.”
Brutal, honest harmony. Not necessarily without suffering, but at least devoid of sadistic intentions.
Sweet Victories
Adorable!
Of course this is over simplified. You can not take these creatures from the wild, place them in unnatural scenarios, and expect them to just get along. There has to be trust, and understanding built over time, in many cases, generations.
As well as many once feared creatures, sharks, lions, tigers, wolves. They’ve become our cartoons, they’ve become pets, they’ve become children’s comforting plush toys.
So many examples, the easiest would be, Romeo and Juliet, love between two rivals, sworn enemies, which inevitably brings the families together with the shared lose of their beloved children.
JFK’s infidelities: https://people.com/politics/jackie-kennedy-knew-about-jfk-infidelity-book-claims/
Martin Luther King Jr. was also a cheater: https://www.ibtimes.com/martin-luther-king-cheated-his-wife-other-lesser-known-facts-about-civil-rights-1028976
Gandhi, some gorgeous ideas, some appalling https://www.npr.org/2019/10/02/766083651/gandhi-is-deeply-revered-but-his-attitudes-on-race-and-sex-are-under-scrutiny
Our heroes are not without their flaws, some appalling, it is important not to put people on pedestals as well as not throw away tremendous lessons or achievements.
i certainly am not
This is why it is paramount that we separate the art from the artists (with the balance of not directly supporting someone blindly, be it through praise or finances that enables them to continue harming others).
Mandela’s methods: https://tpy.nelsonmandela.org/pages/part-iv-transformation/11-reconciliation/the-aim-the-methods
Truth and Reconciliation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_commission
i would be reminisce if i didn’t acknowledge that we are slowly but surely making progress in our social realms. Free health care, for example, is abundant globally. As is public education. There are steps being made, though we don’t have an agreed upon target.
Terrifying opinions pushed by WEF Leaders, Yuval Noah Harari specifically
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/yuval-hararis-warning-davos-speech-future-predications/
Horrific examples by the multitude:
Global examples: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-still-have-slavery
Specific: Libya: https://time.com/5042560/libya-slave-trade/
China: https://www.endslaverynow.org/act/action-library/learn-about-forced-labor-in-china#:~:text=The%20Uighurs%20(pronounced%20Wee%2Dgoors,the%20spread%20of%20religious%20fanaticism.
Mandela’s time in prison: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#Imprisonment
Not trying to pass judgement, the man is a hero. It is important to understand events https://time.com/5338569/nelson-mandela-terror-list/