We learn a lot. We learn an enormous amount about science, math, English and social studies. We also learn discipline, respect, patience, and the rewards of listening and hard work. But what does all of that mean without teachings of love, kindness, hope, and passion? In other words, why do we learn all of this? This is a question that burns in the mind of every student at at least one point. There seems to be something missing, and a lot of it is translated into familiar phrases like “this is stupid” or “whats the point”? But there is a point. It’s in the idea of education and learning – it stirs somewhere in the subconscious of all those dry, robotic education days and teachings. It is an attempt, a failed attempt, at creating and stirring passion in the minds of children.
But something other then drilling kids with facts, rules, memorization, and challenges is needed in order to instill upon people the desire to learn, grow, and at some point, become independent and help others to learn and grow. That thing, that incomprehensibly vast and important thing, is the presence of love. Knowledge and work are completely vein without love. Why don’t we have spiritual teachers like, for instance, the amazing monk Thich Nhat Hanh, come to schools (or even better, teach at schools) and instill upon youth a desire to help others and a passion for being successful that revolves not around greed or self absorption, but the prospect of helping other people and the earth with the wisdom obtained through listening and learning?
Fear and Hatred are the things that need the most love in this world. Misconceptions are not relieved by ridicule, satire, hatred, senseless arguing, or violence. In this beautiful, love-filled and vulnerable world, we have been entrusted to do two things: listen to our hearts, and listen to what others have to say without judgment or ego. I truly believe that it is possible in some time from now – with the above education system that actually instills upon children not just knowledge but the wisdom to love and to want to help others – that a political system completely supported by charity, and not by taxes, is possible.
I also believe that the tyranical world leaders that people call “evil monsters” are only the result of the hatred that has been shown to them, and the fear and rage that they have developed. Why would you ever argue to not “negotiate with terrorists” when in fact it is this very philosophy of a lack of communication and lack of compassion that leads to the development of these tyrants in the first place? The people who are in power that create so much evil and hatred and fear in their people are not to be hated, but to be shown the most love. Force against force only leads to destruction. An eye for an eye only makes one blind. Water yields to everything, but will eventually wear down all solid rock, and is never destroyed. To destroy someone for revenge, satisfaction of ego, or pure hatred is only putting upon a pedestal all of the things you detest about them. The wind does not caress the hair of a tyrant any less lovingly then someone from the Peace Corps. Be like the wind. If we imitated the peaceful Native American tribes, who sat in circles to discuss issues and problems, we would be able to solve issues between countries without war and without loss of sacred life. We would not have one side grudgingly lose, we would have both sides feeling wiser and more enlightened from the experience.
People would argue that it is human nature to be evil. War and suffering have existed in every society recorded by history. However, there are those small groups, throughout history, that have found peace through enlightenment, wisdom and love. They were persecuted, sure, but they were a tiny beacon of hope that has also lasted throughout time along with the violence. If those small groups of people were to gradually be allowed to enlighten others (via the education system and advising politicians and any other means you can think of), then eventually misguided war mongrels and people full of hatred would become the minority.
I will not deny that it may be impossible to erase all hatred and misunderstanding in the world, but isn’t it logical to at least try, to not succumb to the feeling of doom that evil instills? Why not hope, and trust, and try, and go for it? Why do we have to bow our heads and walk the plank, accepting that evil and war and violence is always destined to rule? I do not think this is true. I feel that if we work to try and understand one another, and work to instill feelings of hope and love in each other, even if it fails, will we blame ourselves for trying? I’ve never agreed with not getting ones hopes up for something. If you wait online for a ticket to a concert, and you constantly think “I’m not going to get in” and feel miserable the whole time, and get in, doesn’t it seem silly to have felt miserable that whole time? The same applies the other way. You can think “I’m going to get in!” confidently, never letting yourself get down, and not get in. Now are you going to feel bad for being happy that whole time? What I’m trying to say is that, it’s worth a try! So be a realist, and explore something new. Don’t be a cynical realist, and only see what those who have been educated by the dry, lifeless, and not-loved-filled system want you to in order to feel important.
All suffering in this world comes from lack of awareness.
Everyone does the best that they can in every moment.
All life is sacred, and everyone has the ability to change and learn from their actions.
Stephen,
the insight you’ve provided here connects with me on a very profound level. In the absence of love, even the greatest constructions will crumble to their foundations. Nothing has real meaning without it.
“The wind does not caress the hair of a tyrant any less lovingly then someone from the Peace Corps. Be like the wind.”
This essay was so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you so much for posting it. I’m excited to read more from you! Keep being positive and spreading your love.