It says something about our species that we have eradicated smallpox and invented vaccines and antibiotics for yellow fever and the Black Death, but war continues to plague us; that in the past century — this supposed pinnacle of enlightened modernity — war has claimed or maimed more of our children’s lives than any virus or bacterium. It says something about both our immense imagination and our immense blind spots: Our species’ failure to eradicate war is a failure of the imagination, a failure to imagine what it is like to be anybody else, without which there can be no empathy and compassion — those vital molecules of harmony, the other name for which is peace.
Maria Popova
Maria’s quote is spot on. Could it be that much of our world is unable to imagine what it is like to be anybody else, find our similarities, because we are trying hard to be somebody we aren’t rather than accepting who we are. I love her idea that molecules of harmony, empathy and compassion, will bring peace.
About a month ago I posted a quote by Vincent Van Gogh which I liked. Just after I posted that quote they put up this new mural at Starry Night coffee shop. I had to have a photo the moment I saw the mural and quote. It’s interesting that as a photographer we can draw people’s attention to things they have not yet seen while sitting right next to them. You can see how the one woman turned to see what the silly photographer was pointing his camera at. Happens all the time! I’m off to meet Mark for breakfast and conversation.
May you have a wonderful day and may what you do in love today be done well!!
7 Comments
Faye White
An awesome mural and wise words from Vincent. Considering that many wars are fought in the name of religion, I don’t hold much hope for true peace across the planet. Silly, isn’t it?
Monte Stevens
Seems much of the world does not have much hope. Once I began to embrace hope, live life with hope, and that through my actions I could make a difference in some part of the world. It doesn’t take much hope.
Mark
I like her use of the phrase “immense blind spot.” So very true. But I also don’t know the solution either. It seems programmed into our species even if in defense. But then that spurs a vicious cycle.
We were recently watching the new series on Netflix about life on this planet and the mass extinction cycles. Two prehistoric birds of the same species were fighting for the same territory. We’ve evolved, but in other ways remain the same.
Monte Stevens
We have proven over the years that even in defense we only stir the pot more. Seems very few times is nature seen killing one another out of hatred but far more often it is for survival. Yes, we have evolved and do remain the same. What I hope to do is to see my blind spots, confront them and then live a life that treats all of creation as sacred. That’s all I can hope for. A change in me may cause the change in one other person.
Earl
Great quote!
Eradication of diseases usually occurs through the cooperation of the masses. Disease is the great equalizer. War is often due to the greed or hatred of groups that have a level of power or control.
I think we as humans are conditioned to see and judge differences, whether it be race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, etc. The significance we place on these categories tends to make one group think they are different or better than another. Heck, we value it as our individualism or superiority, leading to a perceived “need” to control and subdue, leading to war. Add power and money into that, and “Boom!” I know that’s a very simplified view.
Sadly, I doubt there is a solution unless our species evolves much more and we see ourselves as humankind first, all the same. Good luck with that!
Monte Stevens
Seems there would be a positive transformation if we look for our similarities rather than our differences. Looking for differences always places us in a judgmental state, comparing, looking for any differences that “only seems” to make us better than another. Yes, we are not conditioned to see others as equals, as interconnected, part of the whole, therefore our vital molecules form disharmony, rather than harmony. I am placing my hope that humankind sees all of creation as sacred, because we all share the same essence at our very core. I know I am unable to change the world but I can work on myself.
Wow! I have learned a lot from your comments and cherish them! So grateful for your shares!
Earl
And your posts and replies make me examine my thoughts and perceptions, which is a welcomed process and often reveals my needed improvement areas. I’m thankful for that!