We live in a world that is seemingly inundated with violence, both personal and societal. Most history books attest to the carnage of the First World War (1914-1918), for example, a war that eviscerated thousands of young soldiers on both sides: their remains yet to be unearthed. Individual scholars point to this conflict as normalizing our acceptance of murder and carnage. (1) I often ask my students who would they like to hit or abuse. The answer is invariably one of shock and disbelief. No one it seems wants to strike anyone. Who then is committing its most extreme state: killing? We all are guilty by accepting violence and murder as normal, and the way that human beings express frustration, ennui and pure uncontrolled anger. We must begin to turn to Gandhi’s Satyagraha philosophy for guidance. This was far beyond “passive resistance” and lent its power to non-violent methods. In his words: “Truth (Satya) implies love and firmness (Agraha) engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement Satyagraha, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence, and I gave up the use of the phrase ‘passive resistance,’ in connection with it.” What Gandhi is saying is that we must speak with our family, friends and associates when we hear of violence and eschew its central tenet that “might is right.” The president of the NRA (1) was quoted recently as suggesting that the American government put a policeman in every school. This kind of sickness will do nothing to advance the concept of world peace.
My own experience with violence is two-fold. I once sat in a pub, after work, with a young woman, Stephanie, and our chef, the erstwhile Joe Parrot. Joe was having a bad day, having overcooked several meals during the course of the evening. One particular patron, nicknamed “the Mountain” (You can fill in the blanks), was sitting at the bar. He made several derogatory comments in the direction of M. Parrot. Joe jumped up to defend his honor, which produced the obligatory confrontation. Stephanie, believing in peace and calm, tried to reduce the tension. The Mountain then turned his venomous comments upon this poor girl. Regardless, the situation was diffused and an uncomfortable peace descended on the establishment. This was not right. You should not be able to insult another human being in this way. In a moment of total thoughtlessness, I approached this giant man. I tapped him on the back. He spun around and I found myself looking at his navel: yes, the extended belly that held his umbilicus. “Mountain, excuse me. You shouldn’t speak to Stephanie in this way.” “What are you going to do about it?” was his riposte. I immediately thought of my teeth and skull: how long would I remain in a coma and what would be the cost for new teeth? Somehow the mind became bigger than my thoughts, “Mountain, there is nothing that I can do; you are three times my size. I am asking you as a gentleman to be more deferential to a sweet young woman.” I paused, waiting for that sharp blow that signifies disagreement. Several long, long seconds later, I miraculously heard the words: “Leon, you are correct, I apologize.” He then came to our table and offered an apology. From this very terrifying experience, I have come to believe in Osho’s (1931-1990) words: “The only difference between a coward and a hero is action.”
My second experience is somewhat more amusing. I was out for one of my late-night walks to contemplate the meaning of life. I found myself in the vicinity of the aforementioned pub. Suddenly, the front door was thrust open followed by shouting, vicious voices. A large man emerged followed by a noticeably smaller man. These were the combatants. Soon they were followed by a boisterous crowd of supporters. It was hard to discern who supported whom. The larger individual was wearing a bulky coat. As he proceeded to remove it, he inadvertently pinned both arms behind his back. The gnome struck: hitting the man several substantial blows in the face. The man fell backwards, unconscious. The battle over, the crowd quickly dispersed leaving the poor loser remaining on the ground. The conclusion is obvious, size, including the size and resources of a country, does not win a war: think of America’s war in Iraq and Afghanistan – virtual stalemates. We can only pray with the coming New Year that the world will slowly begin to realize the pure pointlessness of violence. The great inventor, businessman and humanist, Thomas Edison (1847-1931) leaves us with a thought: Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. (First published on January 17th, 2014)
A closing thought: Is violence innate? I think that it is not. The BBC has published a thought-provoking article to this end. (3) When I say, “I love you,” I am easily understood. When, however, I say, “I hate you,” my statement is met with confusion and incomprehension. “How do you hate me: in which way?” I do not think that my position is one of naiveté. All wars are claimed to eventually result in peace and improvement, even if the resulting political or religious situation is bizarre. This is my hope for the coming year. From regalenglish.com and DBAWageslave.com, may we wish you and your families a bountiful and prosperous 2017.
A small joke: Bill and George worked together in large office. Bill was hard working and ambitious. George, conversely, was indolent and lazy. And, as with most lazy people, he didn’t recognize that he was lackadaisical. For whatever reason, Bill liked George and often “covered” for him. Their relationship was sorely tested one day, nonetheless, when George looked out the office window for a very long time and finally said to Bill. “Bill, you know, I have been watching that construction worker for the last half an hour and he has done absolutely nothing: he has not even lifted a finger!”
This week, please enjoy your passion for life and joy. The excitement of a new year begins.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: With the beginning of the New Year, we have a chance to rewrite the errors of the past and embark on a new exciting path. All that is required is a little effort and a minor quotient of luck. Remember: we make our own luck
Footnotes:
1) World War I: The War That Changed Everything
2) The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is an American organization that promotes the protection of the Second Amendment (which is the legal right to own a gun), and the promotion of firearm ownership, marksmanship, safety, hunting, and self-defense in the United States.