Love is the Way for Humanity to Move Forward
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 | Ty
In today’s globalized world, the serious problems of our society (oppression, injustice, violence, war, poverty, exploitation, etc.) are only permitted to exist by the collective apathy of priveledged peoples like ourselves. We are extremely fortunate to be inheritors of such a high quality of life, compared to billions around the world who are not so fortunate, yet we do very little to help those in need. We justify our actions (or lack-of) with our understanding of morality, that since we are not ourselves responsible for the suffering of others, we are not obligated to put forth a serious effort to help others. This mentality is appropriately applied to law and government, for we should not be compelled by force to act in any such way, as that would be an infringement of our freedom. But our actions must be compelled by something else, and that something is Love. It is just as, for example, the teachings of Jesus Christ seem to have commanded. That it is not enough to simply refrain from harming others, but that one must actively feel compassion for their neighbors on Planet Earth, that one must even love their enemies, for that is the only way to end conflict peacefully and productively. And that genuine love compells action, not just emotion. Most who call themselves Christians seem to believe it is most important to have “faith” in a theological Christ, but I believe the value of Jesus is in his teachings about Love. I say these things not as a Christian observing his savior, but as a student observing Jesus’ philosophy. And Jesus was certainly not the only philosopher who promoted these kinds of ideas, but he is one that is prominent in Western culture, so that’s why I use his example. But he very clearly emphasised love for all people as being more important than anything else, and even proclaimed that it was equal to love for God. And when it is said in the Bible that “God is Love,” it can be interpreted to mean that God is that which is present in every loving action, in every loving moment, in every gesture of compassion. And that when one loves their neighbor, the very gesture of love is itself an expression of love for God. But anyways, this lifesyle of love is self-rewarding, and I believe all who are raised and educated to embrace compassion as a lifestyle choice will find that they’d choose it over any other kind of life. And this loving lifestyle simultaneously compells individuals to yearn for the betterment of the world, and for solutions to all of its tragic problems. And it compells action. Thus, for every reason I can think of, the way forward for humanity is to popularize this idea that Love is all-powerful, all-important, and all-saving. Love is our salvation. Love is our religion. It must be a global movement. And one day, we can live in a perfect world, not characterized by the structuring of it’s society, but by the compassion of it’s people. (just a little thought I had) |
 | Kyle
@tymr, I agree with much of what you are saying, if not all. Love is very powerful, and it is Fear, the fear that putting oneself forward, or extending help, or giving of what one has, and losing it or being taken for granted, that holds us back. I don’t fear, and thus I don’t want to amass wealth, I don’t want to just have my ‘things’, and I surely don’t want to sit around as people suffer, and while there is a sense of moderation to consider (overextending yourself will leave you spent and unable to help yourself or others further), there is always at least some room for helping out. Look at the native american philosophy: you didnt have anything, your belongings burnt to the ground? everyone would pitch in and help you get back on your feet. They knew that while an individual was strong, the collective was indomitable. What you say about Love reminds me of a leathery old artist in the desert called Leonard Knight. He had a revelation, before coming into faith, that ‘God is Love’ and it all made sense to him suddenly. He seems like an awesome character and I’d really love to make it out to Slab City to see him and his Salvation Mountain sometime. I feel that very concept is the true point of christianity as far as how you should act and treat others. This is coming from one who used to be a christian, but understands and respect the religion for what it most likely was at it’s start. |
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| Ty
I feel it, but I think I mean Love as more of a revolutionary movement, where people are inspired to action by the necessity to help others. Being loving towards those around you is of course important, but I’m talking about having love for the people around the world who are suffering, who we don’t even know. Obviously every person can find their own unique niche for helping others, but as a collective, I think love should be part of a global movement for change. Even a political movement. We are the most powerful country on Earth, I think we can afford to be a Humanitarian Superpower (or a Compassionate Super Power) rather than a Military Super Power. But of course, it starts with us as individuals, embracing love and being mindful of it. Because I think if you are truly compassionate towards those who suffer around the world, you will commit yourself to truly saving them from suffering, by any means necessary. And that commitment is what can start a movement. |
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