in response to...
this is a comment i made on Spicy Cauldron's blog in response to this post...
it is, and has for a long time, been my belief that our main challenge in life is to be able to exceed the limit you so accurately described. first individually, then as a whole, if we could feel the same worry and concern for a faceless stranger we've never even seen as we can for a sibling, feel the same compasion and caring, could we possibly be so carelessly cruel to each other? even the most ruthless of dictators had compasion for those who were closely loved. if that love could be felt universally and not just for those whom we hold dear, could *any* person strike out at another for mere power?
it is far easier to not care though. in not caring so deeply, the tragedies of the unknown can be easily ignored. it is far easier to send money and supplies and feel like you've done something than to actually go and do the work. don't get me wrong, those supplies and finances are desperately needed, but it isn't the same as going in person.
at times i am truly envious of those who actually *go* to the sites of these disasters and help out with their own hands. they have never met or even seen the people they go to help, yet they go just the same. they weep for the loss of those they can't help. they are willing to die to try to save people whose names they will often never know... to my perception at least, they have, to some degree, exceeded the human limitations you so well described.
as of yet, i have not... i continue to strive toward exceeding my limits, but have not yet reached this point.
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you and your brother have my prayers, and i am glad to hear that he is out of the hospital. i had a mild case of pneumonia once, and i wouldn't wish that on anyone...
--- The Dancer in the Shadows
it is, and has for a long time, been my belief that our main challenge in life is to be able to exceed the limit you so accurately described. first individually, then as a whole, if we could feel the same worry and concern for a faceless stranger we've never even seen as we can for a sibling, feel the same compasion and caring, could we possibly be so carelessly cruel to each other? even the most ruthless of dictators had compasion for those who were closely loved. if that love could be felt universally and not just for those whom we hold dear, could *any* person strike out at another for mere power?
it is far easier to not care though. in not caring so deeply, the tragedies of the unknown can be easily ignored. it is far easier to send money and supplies and feel like you've done something than to actually go and do the work. don't get me wrong, those supplies and finances are desperately needed, but it isn't the same as going in person.
at times i am truly envious of those who actually *go* to the sites of these disasters and help out with their own hands. they have never met or even seen the people they go to help, yet they go just the same. they weep for the loss of those they can't help. they are willing to die to try to save people whose names they will often never know... to my perception at least, they have, to some degree, exceeded the human limitations you so well described.
as of yet, i have not... i continue to strive toward exceeding my limits, but have not yet reached this point.
---
you and your brother have my prayers, and i am glad to hear that he is out of the hospital. i had a mild case of pneumonia once, and i wouldn't wish that on anyone...
--- The Dancer in the Shadows