“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.” Mark Twain
“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” Mark Twain
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.” Mark Twain
“”It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those 3 unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.” Mark Twain
I was listening to the news, and began laughing at the seriousness of one person’s perception, of the correct thing to do. He was confident in his thinking, and positive about his righteousness in the matter. Of course he believed others who differed with him, to be without care and evil. My first thought was he must not reflect very much about anything. For sure I would not enjoy judging the good or evil of anyone.
We all have our causes or ways for doing things. Mothers-in-law and Daughters-in-law confront each other all the time, regarding new ways and thoughts and old ways and ideas. It is only when we lose sight, of how our defense of issues impacts us as individuals,, that we begin to understand each other. If we are never open to change or evolution, then we lose the insight and delegate ourselves as gurus of some kind. Those who need to change, for the sake of change, are just as lost.I guess that is how I felt, when listening to the words of the individual on TV. His steadfast attitude held no passion, only stubbornness, like a drowning person clinging to a life-preserver, while people are throwing ropes from a boat. I think we tend to make things more complex than they are, because we really are trying to profess to be so politically correct. Somehow by becoming politically sure of our views, we believe we add to our power and reputation. I think it feels like we are some kind of a hero for the people. In these cases we have lost the simplicity of life.
For instance, if someone is down on the ground we help them up. In certain instances maybe we question if they are ill and contagious, crazy and carrying a gun, planning to sue us for medical malpractice, or a variety of other thoughts. We debate over and over whether we should ignore our running thoughts, or go to the aid of the person. We are ready to make a law, pertaining to similar situations. Sides are taken, issues discussed. Those in authority contemplate the issues of both sides. It likely takes years to come to a decision. The simplicity of it is, to assist the person to their feet. The rest is conjured up problems. Of course some people do sue others, but to base a humanity crisis on that, places us in chains, with no free will.
We don’t use our minds to think, or our hearts to feel. The law is drawn up to alleviate us of decision making. we spend so much time in debate concerned with what is currently a problem, that we actually discuss concerns without really discussing the profoundness of anything. It is a surface kind of discussion of who can appear to be thinking more about the people or environment. It is not sincere, or long-term, just in the moment type of ego boost.
I know this is my own thought, but I see some matters as simple to solve. It might mean changing our ideas, regarding sense of self, others and the world at large. Nobody likes to change themselves or their ways of doing things. So that is why in my opinion, things remain complicated. If kids are failing school, and hurting, we re-teach teachers, rather than check out home environments, because that would disrupt too many people. To fix addictions, we send youths to jail, without rehabilitating them. They are released in a worse condition, than when they entered the facility. Of course the majority ends up getting arrested again. Spending money for longer, and more one on one help, might be better. It actually may use up less money, and create more jobs. Instead we sink money into a failing system, and ask for more money.
Welfare is an awesome help for kids and families in need. It was never meant to be a way of life. It is a dead-end street. We encourage its existence by rewarding those on it. Perhaps if we offered better jobs, or pay, for those out working, being employed would appear better than receiving welfare. None of the ideas are necessarily bad, or good, It is how people abuse the system, that makes it go sour. It is our own choices.
Using honesty and integrity instead of fancy words, would be a welcome change to most of us. Simplicity is easy. If someone hurts help them. If someone is in need, come to their assistance. If someone is erring, teach them to do better. if someone is without, share some of your resources. Never should we be forced to do good, but when we live in peace, kindness is the result of living with mindfulness. Now thought begins.
Thought brings about reflection, which fosters integrity. Honor manifests kindness in helping others. All these virtues promote thankfulness and happiness which permeates peace. Do we really need to be told to feed the child? Pick up the hurting teenager? Do we need a debate, or have a committee, or even a law, to demand we behave or eat what we are told? To me all the debates are just lawful fighting without any resolutions.
I can’t believe we have reached the point of blank minds. That means others can imprint on us, anything they choose, which might be good or evil, helpful or detrimental. Getting back to the basics may be all we need. Many say it is complicated. It isn’t. It is easy to live with purpose. You can own anything you want, but never let anything own you. Live without judgement, and have faith in humanity. Embrace the beauty and pleasures within reach.
“Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”Lao Tzu
If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.” Lao Tzu
