Would you like to save the world from the degradation and destruction it seems destined for? Then step away from shallow mass movements and quietly go to work on your own self-awareness. If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.
Lao Tzu, 4th-6th century BCE
Seems we were not being very good guardians of the world even back then. However his solution is quite simple: work on our own self-awareness, offering the greatest gift we have.
2 Comments
Mark
While I understand the intentions – I do wonder (a lot) of the reality of such a feat. The people that awaken themselves perhaps deal better with the lack of such around them. But I can’t escape the feeling that humans are perhaps just inherently destructive in nature – or perhaps it is a function of the society we’ve created – that is difficult to escape from. I mean it is hard to live in a modern society without causing some type of destruction somewhere. I guess you could live in a cave in the woods, live by foraging – but even my human selfishness doesn’t want to do that.
Monte Stevens
Well said, Mark. I’m leaning towards the assumption that our destructive nature is something we learn, and as you say “difficult to escape from.” I am also aware of how much of a negative impact I make on our world. I question my almost daily trips to the coffee shop and its impact on the environment. There is a tug inside of me that knows I can do something to reduce my impact on the environment. I must ask myself the question and then live the answer to the best of my abilities: how do I coexist with nature without causing damage? I’ve acquired habits that I question. I’m not even sure where my stance is on all of it. I feel inside there is a constant change going on with me. Just the impact your last post has had on me is an example. I know so little. If I want to know more, then one of my best teachers is this natural world and the knowledge of those who are already studying it. Thankful, I am still asking the questions.