There is a lot of violence in the world; has been for a very very long time. Whether it is in the psyche, in the mind, as self belittling internal dialogue, in the home as domestic violence, in the country as fights, shootings, rape and murder, or in the world as war….it is a symptom of impoverished competence and skill, a depletion of ideas and ideals. As Isaac Asimov, the popular science fiction writer is noted to have said:
“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. ”
Although there is a tendency to point fingers at others as the culprits, it’s wise to remember the passage popularized by Walt Kelly:
“We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
And if we are reminded of the new testament passage to love our enemies, which is ourselves, and the wise advice from Sun-Tzu in The Art of War to keep our friends close, and our enemies closer…
What would happen if we can came to see a part of ourselves as enemy-like, and yet love that part, keeping it close?
