Truth and Meaning: The Way

Truth and Meaning: The Way

To some of you, I am a fresh voice preaching a simple message of hope and compassion. To others, I am a bearded anarchist tossing bombs at sacred institutions. Perhaps I am both.

Many of you may be thinking, “I like what he says, but it’s just not realistic. It isn't human nature to be the way he suggests.” To you, I respond, “Who says so?” Babies are not born violent, or sinful, or racist, or homophobic, or misogynistic. We teach them these things. We teach them to love guns, to lie and cheat, to covet money, and to hate people different from themselves. We teach our boys that rape is OK if the girl provokes it. We teach our girls that they are innately less worthy, less intelligent, less capable.

Some of you may be thinking, “I like what he says, but it’s just not practical. We can’t change the world to be that way.” To you, I respond, “Why not?” We teach our children that the world is the way it is because it is the product of centuries of progress and civilization. We teach our children that great people led us down this path and that we must not stray. And I ask, what if those people were wrong, or misguided, or misinformed? What if those people made the world the way it is today because it was to their advantage to do so?

A few of you may be thinking, “But, there is no way out. The system is too big, the changes required are too massive, the people with money and power will never let change happen.” To you, I respond, “What can you do?” If you could teach just one child something you were not taught, what would you teach? Would you teach them confidence in themselves? Would you teach them that they are beautiful just as they are? Would you teach them that every person has inherent worth and dignity?

The Way to a better world really is quite easy. Who can follow it? You can. Why should you follow it? Because the way of love is the only right way. What should you do? Whatever you can.

Will it be enough? Who can say? Look at the impact of people who listen to their own inner voice and simply live lives of love. In the end, the world will change. All the guns in the world cannot kill love. All the hate in the world cannot engulf love. All the rules and dogma and intimidation in the world cannot prevent love. Teach love and it will spread.