Too Much & Too Little

The Roots of Violence:

Wealth without work,
Pleasure without conscience,
Knowledge without character,
Commerce without morality,
Science without humanity,
Worship without sacrifice,
Politics without principles.

~ Ghandi

I came across this quote a while back and it caught my attention.  No, really it was more than that.

It stuck in my conscience and would not let go.  It caused me to examine my own motives and actions — my life.

In just 21 words, Ghandi provides a spot-on summarization of why we find ourselves living in such a tumultuous society.

We have a case of the “withouts.”

We strive for the latest and greatest, and as Dave Ramsey says, “we spend money we don’t have for things we don’t need to impress people we don’t know.” And we wind up with garages and closets full of stuff, while — as human beings — we are bankrupt in the areas of humanity, morality, principles, sacrifice and conscience.

No wonder we find ourselves in such a confusing time — we have too much and too little all at the same time.

If we want to exterminate violence and live peaceful lives, perhaps we should heed the words of Robert Fulghum (author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten):

Peace is not something you wish for;
It’s something you make.
Something you do.
Something you are.
Something you give away.

Ending violence requires a paradigm shift. A new set of rules. New ideals for which to strive. Instead of chasing things like power and wealth, knowledge and pleasure, we will need to pursue the higher callings of sacrifice and morality, character and principles.

Not easy, not always enjoyable, but worth every ounce of effort. The condition of our society (and our lives) is the product of our choices. We have no one to blame but ourselves.

Whatever you are, make the choice to be the peace you wish to see in the world!

Deanna

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